Nov 1996 Newsletter

1996 CELEBRATING TENNESSEE EASTMAN HIKING & CANOEING CLUBS 50th ANNIVERSARY
November, 1996
THE TENNESSEE EASTMAN

NEXT TWO MONTHS
Nov 2	Fall Dinner Meeting	Fun	C. Moorehouse
Nov 9	Smokies Day Hike	M	K. Edgar
Nov 16	Third Saturday Maintenance	Worthwhile	T. Malone
Dec 7 - 8	Beyond 6000, Tricorner Knob Area in Smokies	Difficult	G. Luttrell
Dec 21	Third Saturday Maintenance	Worthwhile	T. Malone

CONGRATULATIONS TO LUANN MACK-DRINKARD AND DEE DRINKARD: On August 28, 1996, after 10 years of section hikes, Luann and Dee completed the A.T.!

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WEB MASTER, Steve Banks. The TEHCC Web Site was voted by the Nashville Tennessean newspaper as one of the top 50 web sites in the state. Check out our award winning Web site: the address is:

Notice: Retires and non-Eastman people who receive the newsletter at home. Please send in your payment to remain on the mailing list for 1997. The newsletter subscription runs from January to December, regardless of when you sign up for the newsletter. If you do not renew before the end of the current year, your name will not be carried over to the January mailing list. To receive the monthly newsletter, please send the following information along with your postage fee ($5.00); Name, Address, Phone #, and let us know if you are a retiree (please add payroll #) to:
ERC Hiking Club
Eastman Road, B-89
Kingsport, Tennessee 37662
Make check payable to "ERC"

MURDERS ON UNAKA MOUNTAIN: It was reported on the radio and in local papers that the murders on Unaka Mountain, that occurred on Wednesday, occurred on Beauty Spot. It was later reported that the murders occurred at Stamping Ground and that the suspect knew the victims and where they would be.

A.T. HIKE #12, HUGHES GAP TO IRON MOUNTAIN GAP
Saturday, September 14, 1996
Kevin Edgar reporting
Six of us gathered to brave the deadly UV radiation on a blissfully cool and sunny morning in the parking lot. By the time we reached Hughes Gap it had become clear that the only clouds in the eastern U.S. that day had gathered over our hike route; however, the day got sunnier as it went, and the views from Little Rock Knob were spectacular as advertised. The temperature was perfect for hiking, and there were great numbers of various species of wildflowers (identified by the leader with his usual impeccable skill as "yellow", "purple", etc.) all along the section. We spotted tracks of the wily deer, the malodorous ATV, and the hoofed horse. Steve Perri gave a remarkable demonstration of the capabilities of his little Sierra saw on several blowdowns, everyone got involved in clearing the trail, and the guidebook even got updated; this club works even when it plays! Unseated by all of this, Richard Colberg had us drop him off at Carvers Gap to do the Carvers to Hughes anniversary section late Saturday afternoon. A thoroughly enjoyable day was shared by Steve and Jill Wilson, Richard Colberg, Kathleen Kitzmiller, Steve Perri, and Kevin Edgar.

A.T. HIKE #13, IRON MOUNTAIN GAP TO INDIAN GRAVE GAP
Saturday, 28 September, 1996
Cris Moorehouse reporting
Even with the forecast for rain, five hardy souls decided to hike this section. After dropping a car off at Indian Grave Gap we started our hike. This section is maintained by the "Old Timers Hiking Club" from Johnson City and it shows. Except for a few new blowdowns, the trail was in excellent condition. After we had stopped for lunch and were about 6 miles into our hike, it began to rain, sideways in the open areas. A few places on the trail are becoming quite worn and may require some relocations. We finished our hike at 4 PM. This completes the Anniversary hikes for Theona and I. Joining us in our last section hike were Lois Mansfield, Kathleen Kitzmiller and Steve Perri.

A.T. HIKE #13, IRON MOUNTAIN GAP TO INDIAN GRAVE GAP
September 29, 1996
Steve Wilson reporting
This was an enjoyable 10.8 mile hike across Unaka Mountain. We had a beautiful day with clear skies, and good views from Beauty Spot. The trees were starting to turn the fall colors of yellow and orange. Making the hike were Jill and Steve Wilson.

A.T. HIKE #14, INDIAN GRAVE GAP TO NOLICHUCKY RIVER
October 6, 1996
Steve Wilson reporting
This was a pleasant 8.4 mile hike down the mountain to the river. Once again the skies were clear with good weather. With approximately one third of the leaves turning to their fall colors, we had a great day on the trail. The trail was mostly down hill, so we were able to complete the hike in less than four hours. Making the hike were Jill and Steve Wilson.

A.T. HIKE #14, INDIAN GRAVE GAP TO NOLICHUCKY RIVER
October 12, 1996
Ray Hunt reporting
Hiking distance 8.3 miles
Five of us went on this fine section of the A.T. on a beautiful day: Steve Perri, Neil Dotson, Lois Mansfield (from Charlottesville, Virginia), Richard Colberg, and Ray Hunt. The weather was cool and sunny, with fall colors doing well. The trail was in good condition, with only a few large blowdowns (recent, and soon to be removed). It was all downhill, almost, as promised. We met eight hikers.

INDIAN GRAVE TO CURLEY MAPLE GAP SHELTER
September 21, 1996
Ed Oliver reporting
Three people X 9 hours = 27 total hours
Participants: Frank Williams, Derrick Stowell, and Ed Oliver
We drove to Indian Grave Gap and walked trail south. We repaired problem sections of the Trail as we went. We rehabbed approximately 420 feet of trail. The last rehab that we did is located 1 to 1.5 miles trail south of Indian Grave Gap. Several more trips will be required to complete the rehab of the trail between Indian Grave Gap and Curley Maple Shelter.

A.T. MAINTENANCE: HUMP MOUNTAIN NORTH SIDE FENCE STYLE INSTALLATION
Saturday, October 5, 1996
Steve Perri reporting
Participants: Cris and Theona Moorehouse, Bill and Derrick Stowell, Frank Williams, and Steve Perri
Time: 6 X 7 hours = 42 Total Hours
Summary: The six of us drove over to Doll Flats and parked at the base of the road that goes up to Doll Flats. Cris attempted the road, but the eroded ditch was such that the 4th wheel of his truck could not get traction as it turned freely in the air... so we walked up. We installed the rails around the gate portion of the fence and the required braces. It was an extremely clear day, as we could see Elizabethton and Iron Mountain. There were two blowdowns that were not removed on this trip, but were cleared to make it more passable. They will still need to be removed by chainsaw. They are located between the bald and Doll Flats.

ISLE ROYALE
Sunday, 9/1/96 - Sunday, 9/15/96
G. S. Luttrell reporting
Joining me for this hike were Ted Cross and Dr. Arvell Luttrell. It took a lot of planning - logistics for ferries, food and equipment for 11 days of backpacking- but, it was worth it. We left early Sunday, 9/1, and drove to central Michigan. We chose the longer, more scenic route, and opted for avoiding major cities, such as Chicago. On the next day, Labor Day, we found out about longer, because it is the one day of the year that they allow people to walk across the Mackinac Bridge, and we were slowed to a snail's pace in reaching the upper peninsula. But, we finally arrived at Houghton, Michigan, spent the night, and on Tuesday boarded the Ranger III for the 6 1/2 hour ferry ride to Rock Harbor on Isle Royale. That night we stretched our legs on a short trail near Rock Harbor, and low-and-behold we came upon a bull moose, which allowed us to get close for some nice pictures. After the moose, we saw some fox, so we knew this was going to be a good trip. We spent two nights at Rock Harbor, hiking to Greenstone Ridge and Mt. Franklin; then, on Thursday, 9/5, we boarded another ferry, Voyager II, for a ride to Windigo, at the other end of the island. This would allow us 9 days to backpack back to Rock Harbor and board the last run of the season for the Ranger III. From Windigo, we did a huge "S" trail route to cover as much of the island as we could: Washington Creek, Feldtmann Lake, Siskiwit Bay, Lake Desor South, Todd Harbor, McCargoe Cove (2 days), Daisy Farm, and finally back to Rock Harbor. It was a unique place to visit, being an International Biosphere, and it was much different from the mountain trips we normally go on, but very similar to Maine, with the birch trees, ponds, marshes, and yes, mosquitoes. And, you really feel isolated, being 70 miles from the Upper Peninsula. We saw and photographed lots of wildlife, such as moose, fox, eagle, evidence of wolves, cormorants; saw the Northern Lights; and, the remains of some of the doomed ventures on the island such as copper mining. On the last few days we were on the island, it became windy and stormy to such an extent that they delayed the smaller ferry from Copper Harbor, stranding many for another day. Our larger ferry remained on schedule, but we did have a pretty rough ride back. Another good way to see the island, besides backpacking, is by canoe, and portaging from lake to lake. For a fee, canoes can be hauled on the ferries. For wildlife viewing and photography, this would give you access to even more remote areas, than by foot. If you haven't been there, Isle Royale is a must see place.

TEHCC A.T. COMMITTEE MEETING
9/26/96
Number of Participants 11 x 2 = 22
Participants: Joe DeLoach, Kevin Edgar, Ray Hunt, Rick Lott, Garry Luttrell, Cris Moorehouse, Darrol Nickels, Steve Perri, Bill Stowell, Derrick Stowell, and Frank Williams.
The major topic was the Pisgah National Forest proposal to charge an entrance fee to access the top of Roan Mountain. The fee would be $3 per vehicle and would be assessed from Memorial Day to Labor Day, with a season pass available. Provisions could be made for maintenance access without having to pay the fee. It would not apply to Carvers Gap. Concerns were raised about generating ill will towards the Forest Service which could spill over to the Trail, that demand for parking at Carvers Gap would increase over already high levels, and that there would be pressure from visitors to develop the top of the mountain to justify their having to pay a fee. We decided to communicate to the Forest Service that this did not seem like a good idea to us and that better options to generate funds for maintenance of the existing facilities on Roan Mountain probably exist. This letter is being circulated to the A.T. Committee.

SCOPING MEETING FOR CHEROKEE FOREST PLAN REVISION
Joe DeLoach reporting
Participants: Bruce Cunningham, Cris Moorehouse, Steve Perri, Bill Stowell, and Derrick Stowell Number of Hours 6 x 3 = 18
Members of the interested public were informed of the process being used for the Forest Plan revision and were given the opportunity to discuss their concerns with revision team members. There was a very good turnout, estimated at 80 people, with probably at least half being ATV enthusiasts. All attendees were encouraged to stay involved in the revision process which will run through 1998. The following steps will be taken.
1) Scoping period for public comment - through Dec. 2
2) Analysis of scoping comments by the revision team
3) Development of management alternatives - mid-1997
4) Analysis of alternatives
5) Identification of the preferred alternative - John Ramey
6) Draft management plan - end of 1997-mid 1998
7) Comment period and adjustment
8) Final plan - end of 1998
A key point is that the Cherokee National Forest is being divided up into fifteen different areas in an attempt to implement "ecosystem management". These are geographical areas rather than classified by management activity as is currently the case. It's hard to say what the ramifications of this for the A.T. will be at this point, but we should take the opportunity to inquire during this scoping period. Our section of the A.T. falls into six such areas - 9 through 14. We picked up copies of several documents that I will circulate to the A.T. Committee. Anyone interested in seeing this information please contact Joe DeLoach.

ANNIVERSARY HIKE #9 & #10, CARVERS GAP TO U.S. 19E
Saturday - Sunday, October 19 - 20, 1996
Garry S. Luttrell
Moderate
This was originally listed as a two day backpack trip, but was done as a day hike on August 10. This time we'll start again at Carvers Gap, but will spend Saturday night in the Yellow Mountain Barn. Consider this a makeup hike for Sections 9 and 10, or just join us for the heck of it to enjoy the fall season. You will need to bring two lunches, one breakfast, and one dinner; clothes suitable for possible severe conditions at higher elevations, sleeping pad and bag, but, no tent will be needed. Contact me for details on meeting times and arrangements.

SMOKIES DAYHIKE, MOUNT CAMMERER
Saturday, November 9, 1996
Leader: Kevin Edgar
We will meet between Burger King and McDonalds in Colonial Heights at 7:45 am for departure at 8:00 am sharp. We will take the short (11 miles or so round-trip) but steep route up from Cosby Campground to the newly restored Mt. Cammerer firetower, following the Low Gap Trail to the A.T., to the short side trail to the firetower, and then retracing our steps. The views are said to be spectacular from the firetower, and the tower itself will be interesting to see. Come enjoy a late fall hike in the park with us. Sign up or get more info by sending an e-mail to the leader.

SOUTH BEYOND 6000 HIKE - TRICORNER KNOB AREA IN SMOKIES
Saturday and Sunday, December 7-8, 1996
Leader: G. S. Luttrell
Rating: Difficult
We'll spend the night in Tricorner Knob Shelter or Laurel Gap Shelter, and bag a couple of South Beyond 6000 peaks. Gear for severe low temperatures required. Contact the leader for arrangements.

To contribute an article to the TEHCC News, contact the
editor, Cris Moorehouse.