March 2009		www.tehcc.org

For an explanation of the ratings, see  Schedule

Tennessee Eastman Hiking and Canoeing Club
Spring Dinner Meeting
Friday April 17, 2009

Spring time is almost here, Spring fever is in the air and it is time for our annual TEHCC Spring Dinner meeting. We would like to extend an invitation for you to join us for good drinks, good food and good times.  The guest speaker will be Diana Niland.  She will speak about her 2008 thru hike of the Appalachian Trail.  She will also provide the photo slide show during Happy "Trails" Hour.  Diana is the women's soccer coach at Virginia Intermont College and the faculty advisor of VIC's newly formed Outdoor Club.

Once again the meal will be catered by the Troutdale Dining Room - one of the finest restaurants in the Tri-Cities.  The dinner meeting will be held at the Eastman Lodge.

There is no charge for attending the program only, but if you would like to eat, please submit your reservation by April 13, 2009.

Click here to open printable reservation form. Fill out the form and send it with a check made out to Jake Mitchell via plant mail, Building 284 or to:

Jake Mitchell
183 Eastern Star Rd
Kingsport, TN 37663

Carl Fritz Named National Appalachian Trail Volunteer of the Month!

TEHCC’s Appalachian Trail maintenance has always been blessed by extraordinary efforts by a few individuals. Names like Frank Oglesby, Stan Murray, Ray Hunt, Hugh Thompson, Collins Chew, Frank Williams, Darrol Nickels, Ed Oliver, Ted Malone, Bruce & Mary Cunningham, Bill Stowell, and Bob Peoples stand out among our great contributors. Over the last several years no one has done more for our Trail maintenance efforts than our Maintenance Coordinator, Carl Fritz.

Carl has been an active maintainer for many years but retirement provided some extra opportunities, and fortunately for us Carl has taken advantage of them. He led our Club in volunteer hours in 2008 for at least the third consecutive year, with 2373 hours over those three years. His career total of 5377 hours puts Carl third on our all-time list. He was named Frank Oglesby Maintainer of the Year in 2004 and received our Stan Murray Award in 2006. Among Carl’s national recognition was becoming the first volunteer on federal lands of any type to qualify for a free pass to federal recreation areas. This was achieved by being the first person to reach the required 500 hour threshold after the program was announced.

Hours tell very little of the story though. Carl organizes the trips, plans the work and communicates those plans, recruits volunteers, maintains a special project list with our various helping crews like HardCore and student groups, and submits grant applications for tools and supplies. Under his leadership our regular Tuesday maintainers accomplish a tremendous amount and frequently have so many volunteers they can tackle multiple projects. Carl does all this while also being very active in Sertoma with much service to the Mountain Empire Speech and Hearing Center, and is very involved with his church and family. Congratulations to Carl, and let’s all be thankful to have such a great contributor to TEHCC and the AT!

TEHCC Identification Cards Coming

TEHCC affiliate members and retirees will now have identification cards to provide proof of club membership in order to be eligible for club discounts available from local outfitters (current Eastman employees can use their Eastman Recreation Club card). Valid ID cards will be given an adhesive sticker to be placed on the back of the card that indicates the current year’s association. The cards may be obtained at the upcoming Spring Dinner Meeting, Maintainer’s Dinner Meeting or upon special request from the Steering Committee.

2009 Appalachian Trail Conservancy Biennial Conference and Hiking Extravaganza
Castleton State College – Rutland, Vermont
July 17-25, 2009

In mid-July, the Green Mountain Club will be hosting the 2009 ATC Biennial Conference in Rutland, Vermont at Castleton State College. Several TEHCC members are planning to make the trek to Vermont in a 15 passenger van. So far, 5 have confirmed with room for 3 more. The current plan is to leave Kingsport early Friday, July 17th and return on either Friday, the 24th or Saturday, the 25th. The conference activities are on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. The TEHCC group will depart Rutland on Monday for the hiking extravaganza. There will be two hiking groups – one for easy going good times and one for covering mileage (of course this is Jake). Hiking will last until either Thursday or Friday. Depending on the group’s preferences, tourist stops can and probably will be made on the way home (breweries and other locations of note). Cost of this trip will be minimal (includes splitting gas, food, conference registration and campus dorms for first 3 nights). For more information, go to vermont2009.org. Registration opens on March 1st so don’t doddle. If you can no longer contain your excitement about going, contact Jake Mitchell, 423-963-8654.

P.S. This will be the last chance in the next several years to use the ATC Conference as an excuse for a far away hiking trip. The 2011 Conference will be held at Emory and Henry College in Emory, VA (only about 50 miles away) and the 2013 Conference is slated for the deep south.

Tennessee Appalachian Trail License Plate Update

We continue to work with other Tennessee Trail volunteers and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy to establish a specialty license plate for the Appalachian Trail in Tennessee, and want to keep TEHCC members apprised of our efforts. The economic downturn has made an already challenging goal even more so. As of February 20, a total of 358 plates have been sold. We would need to have sold over 670 plates by that time to be on track to sell 1000 within a year of passage on the enabling legislation. We are seeking a one year extension which would give us until June 20, 2010 to sell 1000 plates. While all indications to date are optimistic about such an extension, we’ll still need to work hard to reach 1000 plate sales.

Some of our newer marketing activities include:

•  Attending outdoor-oriented events, many of which are scheduled through the spring. There are more of these than there are volunteers to staff them, and we can use your help especially between now and early June.
• Placing “tearoff sheets” with a tab showing the ATC website and telephone contact information at businesses. These are eye-catching and have prompted some good comments. If you know of a business or other location which might be willing to post such a display and has a clientele which might be receptive, please contact Joe, Ed Montgomery, or Jake Mitchell.
• Jake and Morgan Sommerville from ATC were recently interviewed on WJHL-TV.

Northeast Tennessee has led the state in license plate sales, with many TEHCC members and friends on the roster. We greatly appreciate those of you who have signed up for a plate, and hope that others will. The registration form with frequently asked questions are available on the TEHCC website here.   Ed, Jake, or Joe will also be happy to mail you one upon request.

Rental Equipment Inspection – Lunchtime Edition
Thursday, April 2, 2008, 11am-1pm
Eastman Recreation Center, Room 115

I'm trying a different approach this year. The equipment inspection will be during a long lunch to hopefully allow more Steering Committee and club members to participate. We’ll set up as many tents as we can and look over all of the other rental equipment to ensure that it is in good condition. Please come help us out if you would like to see the club’s rental camping equipment actually set up. Pizza and drinks are provided for all volunteers. Let Vic know beforehand if you have preference on pizza and soft drinks/water (contact info above), or else just show up.

Even if you cannot take advantage of this opportunity, please look at the equipment links being set up on the TEHCC rental equipment webpage, tehcc.org/rentals. Any feedback is welcomed so that this continuing effort benefits the club membership.

TEHCC Welcomes New Members

Kevin Todd Barham

Tom Webster

Terry Dougherty

Scheduled Events

For an explanation of the ratings, see  Schedule

Wilderness First Aid Course, March 14, 2009

A wilderness first aid course is being taught by Tom Cook on March 14th.  Tom  is a retired combat medic who spent 25 years in the military, 15 of them working with soldiers who had experienced some kind of trauma.   He also has 15 years as a street EMT with 12 of those years as an EMT instructor.

The course is offered through the Emergency Care and Safety Institute and it was developed by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and the Wilderness Medical Society.  The course offered in a basic Level course and it is 8 hours of learning. Cost is $75.00 if 10 people or more and $85 if less than 10 people participate.

For additional info interested participants can call:
Tom Cook
T.L.C. Health & Safety Training
423-791-1485

Saturday Maintenance Opportunities

Here are some Saturday opportunities coming up over next two months.

• March 21 - ETSU students on relocation at Cherry Gap
• April 18 - ASU Trail Crew on relocation south of Yellow Mt Gap
• April 25 - ETSU students on relocation at Cherry Gap

We are likely to have some thru hikers out on these days also. Plan to join the fun.  Car pooling from Kingsport and Johnson City will be arranged if necessary. Contact Carl Fritz if interested.

AT: Devil's Fork Gap to Hot Springs, March 20-22, 2009

Jake will be leading a backpacking trip on the AT from Devil's Fork Gap to Hot Springs on March 20-22. Since March 20th is the first day of Spring, we will celebrate on the trail. The plan is to leave out Friday morning from Kingsport and drive to Hot Springs. Jake will arrange a shuttle for transport back to Devils Fork Gap where we will start hiking the AT south. We will plan our night time stops on as the group sees fit. We will need all 3 days to complete this section as it is about 38 miles. Highlights of this section include the Rich Mountain fire tower, Big Butt and Bald Mountain. Contact Jake Mitchell if you are interested.

South Holston Lake Kayak Paddle, March 28, 2009

This will be an exploring trip to determine current, water depth and paddling opportunities. The put in will be right off the South Holston Lake area at the dam. This is just below the Bristol Caverns. The river we will be paddling is called South Fork Holston and it travels through Cherokee National Forest. A back up plan if this river is not good for paddling will be to paddle in the finger areas of the South Holston Lake. (as long as it is not a windy day). Meet Place at McDonalds on 11W in Kingsport (4300 Stone Dr.) at 9:30 am.  For additional info, contact .

SB6K: Plott Balsams, April 10, 2009

Jake Mitchell will be leading a South Beyond 6000 hike to the Plott Balsams of western NC. The Plott Balsams are located about 45 minutes west of Asheville along the Blue Ridge Parkway. There are four 6000 footers in this area - Yellow Face, Waterrock Knob, Lyn Lowry and Plott Balsalm. This hike requires some bushwhacking so pants and sleeves would be a good idea. Total hiking is 8 miles and starts from the Waterrrock Knob parking area on the Blue Ridge Parkway. We will go out to Plott Balsalm and back, eat lunch at the parking area and then cross the road to do Yellow Face. Plan is to leave Kingsport at 8am and car pool since only one car is necessary. Contact Jake Mitchell if you are interested.

TEHCC Two-fer Tuesdays, April 14, 2009

This is the first of an informal after-work monthly get-together at Kingsport Grocery which will take place on the second Tuesday of each month.  All TEHCC Members, Affiliates and friends are invited to attend and get to know other members of the club, learn about their favorite (or secret) hike/paddle, swap trail stories, learn about upcoming activities and generally enjoy the company of like-minded hikers and paddlers. We will meet around  5 pm on the second floor of Kingsport Grocery. (Kingsport Grocery offers $2 drafts on Tuesday).  This would also be a great opportunity to recruit new members and increase existing member participation in upcoming outings and events. For details or information contact Marc Schurger or .

Family hike: Ponies at Grayson Highlands, April 18, 2009

The next installment of my bimonthly family/beginner hikes will be to see the ponies at Grayson Highlands State Park in Virginia. I'm hoping to see more baby ponies like I did this time of year last year. We'll hike out to see the ponies and keep hiking until the kids wear out. We’ll also have an outdoor picnic at some point if it's warm enough. There will be toddlers so I'm anticipating a 1 to 4 mile hike if we have kids on foot or more if they all can get into backpacks and the carriers don't mind. We will leave around 9am and return by 5pm. Contact Tim Schaefer for details and to arrange transportation and meeting times.

North Fork Holston River, April 18, 2009

This trip will be from Carter's Valley to 11W on the north fork of the Holston. The rating is class 1. Contact the leader if you are interested.

30th Anniversary Bluestone River Trip, May 15-17, 2009

The longest running river trip in the Tennessee Eastman Hiking and Canoe Club’s history will celebrate its 30th year on May 15-17, 2009 and it promises to be a special fun event. Our fearless leader has reserved rooms at the unique Pipestem River Lodge for May 15 and May 16. Please contact Terry ASAP @ 423-323-2647 to sign-up for the trip.  Family camping is also available in the park.  The term “family” normally indicates close kin folk, but Dave Ingram, Rick Culbertson and Kurt “Coach” Koffman expanded the definition to include “birds of a feather” associates.  See the local Park Rangers for the rest of the story.

We will be paddling the upper Bluestone (class II-III) on May 16 and the lower Bluestone (class I-II) on May 17. The lower run is suitable for kids, dogs and winos.  Speaking of wine, the Bluestone Happy Hour will be expanded this year to include a grill out and wine tasting on May 16 (weather permitting). Please plan to bring a food item or two to share, wine of choice and a good attitude for happy hour.  For questions, road conditions and happy hour input please contact Ed Montgomery @ 423-247-7795.

For those who have not attended this trip before, the Pipestem River Lodge is located on the scenic Bluestone River at the end of day one paddling and is the ultimate take-out. The lodge is only accessible by tram or hiking trail which adds to the uniqueness of the trip. We will start day two from here and take-out on the Bluestone Lake.  Of course, all paddling is dictated by water levels.  Terry will make the call based on his 29 years of experience (some good – some bad) with input from his much better half.

We are looking forward to seeing all the old timers, family members and new comers on this special 30th Anniversary Bluestone River Trip!

S900M - Smoky Mountain Backpack, May 22-25 2009

Kent and Nancy Wilson will lead a Smoky Mountain 900 miler hike Memorial Day weekend. We will be leaving Kingsport around 11:00 on Friday May 22 driving to the Kephardt Prong Tr. on Newfound Gap Road. We'll hike into Kephart shelter (2.0 mi), drop packs and do and out and back on Sweat Heifer Cr. Tr. (7.4 mi). Total Friday mileage is 9.4. If you can't leave early, you can still meet us for the night at the shelter.

On Sat., we will hike Grassy Branch Tr. (2.5 mi) to Dry Sluice Tr. for an out and back to the AT (2.6 mi), then Dry Sluice to Cabin Flats (2.9 mi), Cabin Flats to Bradley Fork (.5 mi), then Bradley Fork to Hughes Ridge Tr. (3.3 mi) and Hughes to Pecks Corner Shelter (2.0). Total Saturday mileage is 13.8 and can be shortened by avoiding the out and back on Dry Sluice.

On Sun., we will take Hughes Ridge Tr. to Enloe Creek T. (4.7 mi), then do an out and back on Enloe to campsite #47 (5.0 mi), then take Chasteen Creek Tr. to Bradley Fork, (4.4 mi), then Bradley Fork to Smokemont (1.2 mi). Total Sunday mileage is 15.3. It can be shortened by avoiding the out and back to campsite #47. We will camp at Smokemont.

On Mon., we will take Beech Gap Tr. II to Hyatt Ridge Tr. (2.8 mi), then Hyatt to campsite #44 (1.8), then Hyatt to Enloe Creek Tr. to campsite #47 (1.7 mi), then Enloe Creek to campsite #47 (2.0 mi), then Hyatt to Straight Fork Rd. (1.8 mi.). Total mileage is 10.1 mi. An optional out and back Beech Gap I to Balsam Mtn. trail (5.0 mi) can be added if desired.

Because of the busy weekend and the need to make reservations at the shelters, we need to know of your intentions early. We will be making reservations for the shelters on April 22. Please let us know before this date if you are interested in coming for all or part of the weekend. It will be a great time together and we will cover a lot of trails. Hope you can join us.

Mount LeConte Lodge (Smoky Mountains), July 11-12, 2009

For the past 30+ years the Hiking Club has organized a summer weekend trip to Mount LeConte Lodge in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This lodge (elevation 6593 ft) can only be reached by hiking trail. Supplies are brought in by llama train once a week. The hiking distance to the lodge is 5.5 to 7.8 miles one-way depending on the route. The package price this year is $121 per person which includes supper on Saturday, lodging for the night, and breakfast on Sunday. We have eight reservations in two five-person cabins (double bunk beds and a single!). If you are interested in one or more of these reservations please contact the hike leader for availability. You can find out more about Mount LeConte Lodge at leconte-lodge.com.

For the Record

Warriors Path, February 20, 2009

Jake Mitchell, Lee Reynolds and Kapunza Kinunda took advantage of a sunny, but brisk Friday afternoon to get some hiking in at Warriors Path State Park in Kingsport.  We met at the park office and did a 3 trail loop hike. First, we walked about 75 yards down Fall Creek Road to the trailhead beside the bridge.  The Riverbank Trail gave us a leisurely ½ mile stroll along the river until we reached the boat ramp.  The Lake Shore Trail started there and we followed it for about 1 mile.  The Lake Hollow Trail followed the river bank across from Duck Island for a mile until going up some steps to the trailhead at Hemlock Road.  We capped off the day by doing the monkey bars before walking down the road back to the park office. Total trip was 2 ½ miles and 1 hour long.

Lee and Kapunza are ready to go!

Lee getting some more exercise

Family hike to hopefully frozen waterfalls, February 21, 2009

We had no takers and my standard hiking friend with toddlers was busy at work so it was just the ‘Get Along Gang’. It’s the name I gave me, my 2.5 year old daughter, and dog when we get booted out of the house to give the wife a break.  We changed it up based on some input and recommendations and went to Elk River Falls and Laurel Falls with a stop at the Water Wheel Café on 19E in between for lunch and ice cream. The falls had some ice but weren’t really frozen.  I’ll have to change the plan to January for next year if I want to see them frozen.  Attending were Tim Schaefer, his daughter Jamie, and Scooba (the friendly Great Dane).

A.T. Maintenance Reports

Reporting: Daryel Anderson
Date: February 1, 2009
Purpose: Scout trail condition; remove limbs and trash
Location: Section 1, Damascus to Backbone Rock Trail
People: Anne Maio, John Stout, Daryel Anderson
Summary: Hiking south from Damascus, we removed two small trees and some limbs with a hand saw.  We noted the following down trees that were too large for our hand saw at 1.8, 2.7, 3.8, 4.0, 4.7 miles.  All of these are waist high or less step-overs.  Trash was picked up along the way.  We appreciated the recent relo work going up from Damascus.  This effort has really improved the hiking experience.

Reporting: Old Timers Hiking Club
Date: February 1, 2009
Purpose: Check out trail and perform needed maintenance
Location: Section 16b, Greasy Creek Gap to Iron Mountain Gap
People: Mike Hupko, Marsha Hupko, Howard Guinn, Faye Guinn
Summary: We cut six small trees and removed smaller branches from the trail.  Three larger trees were left for a later day when we have a chain saw. One tree previously reported (split, hollow, 20-inch tree, about 40 inches above the trail) was trimmed to allow easier passage around it until we can get it removed.  The trail is passable and generally in good shape.  The spring at the Apple Orchard was flowing well.  It was a beautiful day to be out on the trail.

Reporting: Carl Fritz
Date: February 7, 2009
Purpose: Dig Trail relocation
Location: Section 1, Trail south of Damascus
People: Paul Benfield, Ken Buchanan, Bruce Cunningham, Mary Cunningham, Craig DeLoach, Joe DeLoach, Jim Foster, Carl Fritz, Mike Hupko, Ed Oliver, Bob Peoples, Jeff Siirola, Tim Stewart, Gordon Sisk, Tim Conners, Daniel Yacykewych
Summary: We finished the relocations south of Damascus by building the last 360-foot section.  We also did some finalization of previously dug trail by cutting back the uphill slope.

Reporting: Randall Simpson
Date: February 7, 2009
Purpose: Check Trail condition
Location: Section 19, Chestoa to Curly Maple Gap
People: Randall Simpson
Summary: It was a great day weather-wise for trail maintenance.  I checked the condition of the trail, removed debris, and cut up 4 small blowdowns.  I will need to do a return trip soon to repaint blazes.  There was still a lot of snow on the ground in the valleys.

Reporting: Jim Foster
Date: February 9, 2009
Purpose: Flag relocation trail north from Hughes Gap
Location: Section 15, First mile trail-north of Hughes Gap
People: Ed Oliver, Jim Foster
Summary: Ed and I continued flagging the new relocation from Hughes Gap trail-north.  We finished all that we needed to do except for one section around Ash Gap.  We also worked on a large blowdown with the hand saw to make the Trail a little more passable.  One more trip and some tidying up and we should be through.

Reporting: Carl Fritz
Date: February 10, 2009
Purpose: Cut minor blowdowns, blaze, repair spring and shelter, cut vista
Location: US 421 to TN 91
People: Daryel Anderson, Paul Benfield, Ken Buchanan, Bruce Cunningham,
Bill Elderbrock, Carl Fritz, Rachel Lecture, Ann Maio, Diana Niland, Bob Peoples, Tim Stewart
Summary: We tackled a number of projects.  All blazes were painted on
Section 4b from Double Springs Shelter to TN 91.  We cleaned both springs at the shelter, installed pipes, and dug new holes and lined them with rocks. Minor blowdowns were removed between the roads, except for a blowdown just north of the shelter at the campsite.  There is no hurry to remove this one. About four bags of trash were picked up at the campsite and shelter.  We caulked the shelter roofing nails and cleared saplings from the small vista about 1.3 miles south of US 421.  We were glad to have a couple of folks from Virginia Intermont plus a Mount Rodgers Club member participate with us for the first time.

Reporting: Carl Fritz
Date: February 11 - 19, 2009
Purpose: Record blowdowns
Location: Erwin to Damascus
People: Kayak
Summary: Thru hiker, Kayak, recorded all the blowdowns across the AT from Erwin to Damascus

Reporting: Jim Foster
Date: February 12, 2009
Purpose: Finish flagging the relocation from Hughes Gap to Ash Gap
Location: Section 15, Hughes Gap to Trail just north of Ash Gap
People: Mark Peters, Bob Peoples, Ed Oliver, Jim Foster
Summary: It was a brisk and very windy day, but we were able to complete the flagging of the relocation from Hughes Gap to just north of Ash Gap.  We will now submit for approval.

Reporting: Daryel Anderson
Date: February 14, 2009
Purpose: Check trail for slope and check on condition of spring
Location: Section 1, Two miles south from Damascus
People: Bob Widner and Daryel Anderson
Summary: We made minor tread repairs and hiked down to check out a spring at 1.9 miles.  The spring is flowing moderately and needs further attention.  We plan to rehab the spring on our next work trip.

Reporting: Joe DeLoach
Date: February 15, 2009
Purpose: Repair bog bridges
Location: Section 5, Cross Mountain
People: Craig DeLoach, Joe DeLoach
Summary: Some of the wire mesh on the two southernmost bog bridges had come loose.  We nailed it back on; then walked out to Iron Mountain and cut a few small blowdowns and briars.

Reporting: Carl Fritz
Date: February 17, 2009
Purpose: Cut blowdowns and find picnic pavilion
Location: Shook Branch to Watauga Lake Shelter and Wilbur Dam Rd north
People: Paul Benfield, Bruce Cunningham
Summary: Paul and Bruce cut eight blowdowns from Shook Branch to Watauga Lake Shelter.  Only one closest to the shelter was a multi-branched obstacle.  There are two dead entangled locusts near Shook Branch that are leaning badly.  If cut, they may not fall, creating more of a hazard.  Some trash was removed from shelter, but there is more.  The shelter is missing the broom, rake and shovel.  The picnic table bench boards are no longer attached to the table.  They also investigated many potential picnic pavilions in the Watauga Lake and Elizabethton areas to have Sunday dinner with Hard Core.

Reporting: Carl Fritz
Date: February 17, 2009
Purpose: Rehab trail
Location: Section 10, near Laurel Falls
People: Daryel Anderson, Ken Buchanan, Carl Fritz, Brian Paley, Bob Peoples, Tim Stewart
Summary: With temperatures barely above freezing at Laurel Falls, we did rock work.  We rehabbed about 100 feet of the blue-blaze trail to the falls by reworking existing steps and installing about a dozen more.  This trail is now good from the AT to bottom.  We also fixed another 30 feet of AT in this level area.  A number of large rock falls were major trail obstacles and we cleared the worst.  Our eldest member insisted on moving a five-foot, 800-lb plus rock off the trail at almost 3 pm, after it wiggled. There is probably two more days work in this area.

Reporting: Steve Perri
Date: February 21, 2009
Purpose: Fabricate signage for maintainers
Location: Iron Mt Gap and Shelters
People: Steve Perri
Summary: I prepared new wooden routed sign for Iron Mt Gap after obtaining materials.  I cut and joined wood, stenciled, routed, painted letters, stained the background and polyurethaned an AT diamond and club patch.  I prepared new laminated sheets to be placed in shelters to describe nearby features, road crossings, and the next shelter.  These were given to maintainers at the maintainers dinner meeting.

Reporting: Daryel Anderson
Date: February 21, 2009
Purpose: Clean out the spring and improve the trail to the spring.
Location: Section 1, South from Damascus about 1.9 miles
People: Daryel Anderson, Carrie Holt, Anne Maio, John Stout, Richard Smith, Bob Widner
Summary: The blue-blaze trail from the AT to the spring was improved.  The spring was cleaned of leaves and mud.  We also placed some rock for protection of the water source.  The spring is in great shape.  A bit more work is needed on the trail.

Reporting: Bruce Cunningham
Date: February 24, 2009
Purpose: Multiple work assignments
Location: Sections 12c, 12d, and 8
People: Bruce Cunningham, Bill Elderbrock, Paul Benfield, Ted Mowery
Summary: (1) We cleared Section 12c; cutting 8 blowdowns and doing major clipping.  Ted almost fell into Elk River, so did major clipping along the river on side trail from Elk Park to AT.  More needs to be done on the next trip, but AT is in good shape.  (2) We picked up 13 bags of trash at Bear Branch Road.  The car was really loaded down!!  (3) We took in tools and book, repaired table and shelter, and cleaned water bars near Watauga Lake (Section 8).  (4) We picked up 5 bags of trash at the south end of Section 8.

Reporting: Collins Chew
Date: February 25, 2009
Purpose: Clear blowdowns
Location: Section 4a, US 421 to Double Springs Shelter
People: Larry Miller, Collins Chew
Summary: All blowdowns (one large, several small) were cleared and storm debris was removed from Trail.  A small amount of brush/greenbriar was clipped.  Some parts of the trail were snow covered with a few drifts up to two feet deep.

Reporting: Carl Fritz
Date: February 25, 2009
Purpose: Rehab trail
Location: Section 10, Trail south of Laurel Fork Falls
People: Adam Archaul, Ken Buchanan, Carl Fritz, Diana Niland, Bob Peoples, Tim Stewart
Summary: We continued the rehab just trail-south of Laurel Fork Falls. Above the most recent rock steps put in by Konnarock were two huge rocks to scramble over.  The upper one is now rubble with three natural steps to gain the height.  Thanks to Ken's leadership and Tim's perseverance, we actually were able to split off huge chunks of the rock with sledge hammers and wedges.  Three rock bars and about a seven-foot metal lever were required to move the huge rock chunks.  We need to do a little backfilling to finish these steps.  We also installed six rock steps another 100 feet farther south.  We hope to make another trip to make rubble of the second huge rock.

Reporting: Benjamin Trotter
Date: February 27, 2009
Purpose: Check on possible vandalism at Iron Mountain Shelter
Location: Section 5, Iron Mountain Shelter
People: Benjamin Trotter
Summary: I walked to Iron Mtn Shelter to check on reported vandalism.  The shelter seems to be in fine shape.  There was one cinder block with a corner chipped off.  For some reason, there is a Forest Service boundary marker at the shelter.  The spring will need a new pipe or two.  There were several pieces of shattered PVC pipe down the spring bed.  The only other concern was a small section of hillside that might need rehabbing or cribbing.  It’s on the small summit north of Grindstaff’s grave.  The ground is oversaturated and mucky, and is losing its stability, sliding downhill.  The blowdowns I encountered had already been reported.