November 2008		www.tehcc.org

For an explanation of the ratings, see Schedule

Tennessee Eastman Hiking and Canoeing Club
Fall Dinner Meeting
Saturday November 15^th, 2008

Fall has descended upon us, all too quickly for most. It’s time to reflect back on a very busy season and for the truly adventurous begin plans for the winter and next year. We would like to extend an invitation to our club members and affiliates and their friends and family to join us at this special meeting. We will again have music and a slideshow during our Happy “Trails” Hour. This will be followed by our meal which will be again catered by the Troutdale Dining Room – one of the finest restaurants in the Tri-Cities. We will conclude with an update on club activities, awards, and a special program.

Our special program will feature photos, video, and reflections on the 16 day, 225 mile  Colorado River trip through the Grand Canyon that Stuart & Tonya Everett completed this past July (along with 14 other Colorado River rookies).  This remote stretch of the Colorado is not only home to some of the best whitewater in the US but also boasts an amazing array of side-hikes that are virtually inaccessible except by water or helicopter.  In addition to recounting the highlights of the trip from the whitewater and hiking perspective, Stuart will also touch on the challenges and rewards of multi-day trip planning and large group dynamics in the wilderness.

There is no charge for attending the program only, but if you would like to eat, please submit your reservation for the Troutdale dinner by 11/11/08.

Click here to open a printable reservation form.

TEHCC Member June Donaldson Completes the AT

June Donaldson has always been athletic. She has enjoyed biking, swimming and square dancing for many years. In September 2003 a new passion developed when she was invited by Kent and Nancy Wilson to spend a week hiking the AT in Vermont. To prepare for this new venture, she became a regular with the Friday hikers and the more she hiked, the more she loved it. Friends of the Wilson's connected her with Rose Lavinder, a.k.a., "Purple Rose" and she and June, a.k.a., "Zig Zag" spent many wonderful weeks hiking the AT. On September 28, 2008 they completed the 2175 mile AT in Harper's Ferry, WV. During the five years, June experienced interruptions and left the trail silent three different summers as she experienced a broken sternum in an auto accident, a broken back in a mower accident and the illness and death of her mother. June has great inner strength and determination and she persevered when many would have given up. Our congratulations go out to her on a job well done.

Rose and June finish the AT on September 28, 2008

“For A Limited Time, a Free Set of Ginsu Knives”

We have got a deal that you cannot pass up! You can now do something GREAT for the Tennessee Eastman Hiking & Canoeing Club, something SUPER for the Appalachian Trail and be part of an elite group by acting on the information below NOW. We are unable to throw in a free set of Ginsu knives at this time since they are in high demand on the QVC channel, but once the required 1000 plate sales are reached the Appalachian Trail Conservancy will throw in a free one year ATC membership (value $35) for all applicants who are not current ATC members. Current ATC members who purchase the plate may designate a gift membership.

Here’s the deal:

• Purchase a COOL Tennessee Appalachian Trail Specialty License Plate via the form below

• The cost of the TN AT specialty license plate ($35) is tax deductible

• Once the required 1000 plates are sold, applicants who are not current ATC members will receive a free, one-time annual membership to the ATC, a $35 value. Current ATC members may designate this as a gift membership for others.

• Wait until you receive notice and go down to the DMV and pick up your new plate

• Put it on your ride and feel good about contributing to a GREAT cause

Seriously, we need 1000 paid applicants before our TN AT license plate is approved and produced. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy will receive $15.56 annually for each AT plate purchased. Please act now! We need you! Everyone can make a difference!

Click here to access an application for the Tennessee license plate: Application-TennPlate.pdf 

TEHCC Rental Equipment Auction at the Fall Dinner Meeting

TEHCC needs to retire several backpacks that have served the club long and well in order to clear space, so will be holding a silent auction at the November 15th Fall Dinner Meeting. A few other older packs from Troop 48 will also be offered. The packs will be on display at the dinner meeting. Bids will be shown on a sheet of paper there or can be accepted beforehand by e-mail if you cannot attend. Payment by the winning bids is expected at the end of the evening.

Click on an image to enlarge

	HB-10 is a Camp Trails Astral external frame pack. Its 4000 cubic inch capacity with many pockets is a good size for weekend trips on area trails. Weighs 4 lb, 7 oz. Fits torso sizes from 15-23 inches. The pack itself is in excellent condition, but needs new shoulder straps and waist belt due to wear. These replacement items can be purchased on-line or at outdoor equipment suppliers.
	HB-15 is a Diamond Belay day pack which has hung on the wall in Building 310 for the past five to six years – never been rented during my term as coordinator, so in excellent condition. Weighs 20 oz and holds 1200 cubic inches.
	HB-17 is a Camp Trails New Horizon external frame pack. 3900 cubic inch capacity weighing 5 lb, 2 oz. The reason it is being sold is that a zipper on a side pocket is separating from the pack. Someone with a sturdy needle and durable thread could hand sew this zipper back into place.
	Basic youth external frame pack was probably purchased at Sears back in the 1970’s. It is has two main pouches with four side pockets and a map slot in the cover. The waist belt is not padded. This pack would be suitable for kids using around the neighborhood.
	This Aspenlite pack from Troop 48 was probably used around early 1980’s as there is a 50th anniversary patch for the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. From the patches, it also may have gone to Hawaii. It is a well worn basic external frame pack with four external pockets, bed roll shelf, and wide hip belts which characterized the improvements Aspenlite brought to the market.
	This youth Camp Trails backpack from Troop 48 is worn, but in usable conditions. Classic external frame design with four outside plus map pockets.
	This youth “High Adventure” backpack from Troop 48 is the smallest offering, but suitable for an elementary school packer just starting out.
	The open frame from Troop 48 has a pair of shoulder straps. Could be used to carry equipment needed at a trail location.

TEHCC Welcomes New Members

Scheduled Hiking, Paddling, and Trail Maintenance Opportunities

For an explanation of the ratings, see Schedule

Smokies Dayhike (S900M): Maddron Bald / Albright Cove November 8, 2008

This hike will be out of Cosby campground, and will be about 12.5 miles along the Snake Den Ridge and Maddron Bald Trails with a side trip through Albright Grove. We will leave from the parking lot between the Colonial Heights McDonalds and State of Franklin Bank at 7:30 AM. Contact Kent or Nancy Wilson at 423-239-7554 for more information.

Doe River Gorge, November 8, 2008

This is an easy 4 - 5 mile hike, following an old railroad which will take us through two railroad tunnels. You will have views of towering cliffs and the stream along with the fall foliage. This is on private property and we have been approved for the hike. Contact Jamie for more info.  Meet at 9am at Colonial Heights meeting spot between McDonald's and State of Franklin Bank. We'll car pool from there.

Maintenance at Cherry Gap with students from ETSU, November, 15, 2008

We will be digging a trail relocation at Cherry Gap with students from ETSU. The meeting times and locations are Carl's house near Eastern Star Rd at 8 AM, Parkway Discount Wine and Liquor in south JC at 8:20 AM. To help with planning please let Ed Oliver know at 423-349-6668 if you plan to come or contact Carl Fritz TEHCC - AT Maintenance Coordinator at 423-477-4669.

Bays Mountain to Laurel Run, November 15, 2008

Ed Montgomery will be leading a Fall Dinner Meeting prep hike from Bays Mountain Park to Laurel Park in Church Hill. Contact Ed if you are interested.

Panther Creek State Park, November 22, 2008

In looking around for a different hike, I used the new club website with the Google map for “Hiking: Local Trails” to see what was listed. A subsequent search of past club newsletters has discovered that an official hike has not been held in the Panther Creek State Park (or at least since 1993 for the newsletters archived electronically). The park trails are set up for biking, horse riding, and hiking, and are described at http://www.friendsofpanthercreek.org/trails.htm .  This hike will be group choice once we meet. The trails are in short segments, so we could wander to Point Lookout over Cherokee Lake and then follow the topo map and GPS receiver to loop back to the cars over several miles as folks desired. This trip appears to be appropriate for families with smaller hikers. Meet at the usual spot by McDonalds in Colonial Heights at 8:30 AM for carpooling the 60 mile/bit over an hour drive. Wear appropriate clothing for fall weather – this is the Saturday before Thanksgiving as the holiday is late in the month.  Bring a sack lunch and drinking water. We expect to be back by early afternoon for those with evening plans. Contact the leader with any questions.

Chimney Rock Hike and Shop, November 22, 2008

What are two things we all love to do? Hike and shop for hiking gear. Why not combine those into one event? REI is opening a new store in Asheville in October and Jake MUST hither. Join us on November 22nd for a trip to Chimney Rock Park and to the new REI in Asheville. Plans are to meet in Colonial Heights at 8am. We will try to arrive at Chimney Rock Park by 10am. We will spend a few hours hiking around the park including eating our brown bag lunches and reenacting scenes from Last of the Mohicans. After we are done hiking, we will drive to the new REI and blow our paychecks. If we have any money left, we may stop and eat on the way home. Contact the leader for more information.

Backpack AT: Elk Garden to Damascus, December 19-21, 2008

Jake Mitchell will be leading a pre-Christmas hike on the Appalachian Trail from Elk Garden, VA to Damascus, VA. The total distance is 24 miles. We will leave Kingsport mid-afternoon on Friday and return sometime on Sunday. Weather should be brisk so low degree sleeping bags will be a necessity. We will pass by two shelters and the Creeper Trail along with going over Whitetop Mountain. If you are interested, contact Jake.

For the Record, Activity and Trip Reports

Sand Cave and White Rock, September 27, 2008

Sand Cave in Cumberland Gap National Park was spectacular as always. Of the 10 who went, only the leader had been there before so there was a lot of oohing and aahing. It had the additional advantage of being a place to get out of the rain for lunch. We only had misty rain for about an hour before lunch and a little water blowing off the trees in the afternoon when there was an occasional breeze. Actually, it was a nice day for our 9 mile hike with most not ever putting on rain gear. White Rock was in a cloud so we didn't get views. The general comment was that it would give a good excuse for coming back. We had a nice lunch time, warm and dry under the huge roof but I did get a little sand in my sandwich. Someone spotted a little ginseng plant with its red berries. That made it a good wildflower day for me. There were many asters and snakeroot, of course, and something I called an orchid may be an orchid, lobelia, or mint. Hikers were: Sharon Burnette, Phyllis Cairnes, Collins Chew, Steve Kasten, Patrick Ledbetter, Kelly Moran, Dick Orr, Mary Ellen Ress, Rick Virost, and Rolla Wade.

Click on photo to enlarge

Photo courtesy of Marry Ellen Ress		Photo courtesy of Mary Ellen Ress
Photo courtesy of Kelley Moran		Photo courtesy of Mary Ellen Ress

Backpack 101:  Ladies night out, October 4-5, 2008

Many people expressed interest in this trip, but in the end only one brave soul decided to go on the adventure of a first time backpacking trip.  Sharon Burnette, Kim Peters and Sidney the dog set out on an in and out hike on the AT from Sam's Gap to Big Bald on a perfect fall Saturday.  We hiked slowly, enjoying the views and the weather and also stopping to learn how to properly adjust a pack.  We set up camp just short of Big Bald, saving that climb for Sunday.  Hammocks and tents were pitched and the trail food cooked over home-made alcohol stoves.  The next day we broke camp and stashed most of our gear, except lunch and water then climbed up to Big Bald to spend a relaxing few hours enjoying the sunshine and the 360° views.  Eventually our peace and quiet was disturbed by a group of the residents from Wolf Laurel gathering on top, so we picked up and headed back down the mountain to retrieve our gear and hike back out to the car.  It was a great trip with perfect weather.  Lessons were learned on the importance of a good fitting pack, good fitting footwear and the problems with overpacking.

All photos courtesy of Sharon Burnette, click on an image to enlarge

	Sharon Burnette ready to start.			View from our lunch spot on Big Bald
	First view of Big Bald			Sharon on Big Bald
	Our campsite			Kim and Sidney on Big Bald

Rattlesnake Ridge Trail, October 11, 2008

We caught the fall colors pretty well for the climb up Rattlesnake Ridge to the Unaka Mountain Pleasant Gardens Overlook. This climb of around 2500’ in a little over 4 miles goes through all the Southern Appalachian forest zones, so we got to see gold sweetgums at the bottom, crimson sourwoods and oaks on the climb through drier sections, and yellow birch and witchhazel at the top, with red maples mixed in all the way. Some clouds prevented distant views, but the ridges leading up to Unaka Mountain were very nice. We found most of an old picnic table for lunch at the top and, other than the hike leader and the person following him blithely stepping over a small garter snake near the top on the descent, had an uneventful and pleasant hike. Our thanks go to Don Spooter (likely misspelled) from Asheville, who we saw maintaining this trail and has it in very good shape. Our hikers were Sharon and Doug Burnette, Kelley Moran, and Joe DeLoach.

Click on photo to enlarge.  All photos courtesy of Sharon Burnette

A.T. Section Maintenance and Special Project Reports (Past)

Reporting: Joe DeLoach
Date: September 27, 2008
Purpose: Inspect AT road crossings
Location: All of our section in Tennessee and North Carolina
People: Joe DeLoach
Summary: The Cherokee National Forest has offered to put up highway signs denoting the AT where it crosses roads and asked us to identify locations where we would like such signs installed. A rainy morning made a good time for a road trip. Along the state line in the Nolichuckey/Unaka and Appalachian Ranger Districts, there is only one sign for the AT, on the Tennessee approach to Spivey Gap. There are more signs in the Watauga Ranger District installed about 10 years ago. However, the only highway crossing with signs in both directions is on Highway 321 at Shook Branch Recreation Area. We will communicate our desire to have signs at the highway crossings at our upcoming partnership meeting.

Reporting: Joe DeLoach
Date: September 29, 2008
Purpose: AT Committee Meeting
Location: Eastman Employee Center, Kingsport
People: Collins Chew, Bruce Cunningham, Joe DeLoach, Jim Foster, Carl Fritz, Darrol Nickels, Ed Oliver, Steve Perri, Jeff Siirola
Summary: We finalized the agenda for our semiannual AT Partnership Meeting in October and reviewed major project plans to present at that meeting.  Flagging is needed from Hughes Gap north by early spring in time for approvals and for Konnarock Crew to begin work there in 2011. We still need to find reliable equipment to transport gravel up Round Bald to rehab the hardened section where the underlying geotextile and geoweb are showing. We will work with the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy to identify trees that should be protected during maintenance and restoration of the Round Bald open area and will supply chainsaw users for clearing as needed. The optimal location for the AT on the north side of Pond Mountain down to Watauga Lake will be revisited with the Forest Service and ATC. In response to the Forest Service's suggestion that they can budget for new signs, the AT Committee expressed a desire to have signs along the highways where they cross the AT.  We reviewed the cumulative maintenance hours of Club volunteers and hope to obtain and present awards from ATC at the Fall Dinner Meeting.  We updated the AT Committee on the status of the Tennessee AT license plate and distributed several applications.

Reporting: Paul Benfield
Date: September 29, 2008
Purpose: Maintain Trail
Location: Section 4b, Osborne Farm (between Double Springs Shelter and Tenn. 91)
People: Paul Benfield, Ted Mowery
Summary: We mowed and cut weeds using a string trimmer along the Trail passing through the Osborne Farm.

Reporting: Carl Fritz
Date: September 30, 2008
Purpose: Dig Trail relocation
Location: Section 17, Cherry Gap
People: Paul Benfield, Ken Buchanan, Bruce Cunningham, Dave Dunham, Bill Elderbrock, Carl Fritz, Mike Hupko, Benjamin Jack, Ed Oliver, Bob Peoples, Tim Stewart
Summary: We explored the remaining relocations at Cherry Gap in preparation for small student groups. We also dug 200 feet of some of the most difficult trail remaining.

Reporting: Joe DeLoach
Date: October 4, 2008
Purpose: ATC Deep South Regional Partnership Committee Meeting
Location: Asheville, NC
People: Bruce Cunningham, Joe DeLoach
Summary: This semiannual meeting is attended by two representatives of each Deep South AT maintaining club, ATC staff, and federal agencies. The 2011 biennial ATC conference will be held in Central/Southwest Virginia, and the 2013 conference will be held somewhere in North Carolina, Tennessee, or Georgia. We are checking out potential venues with the current frontrunners, Western Carolina University, UNC-Asheville, Maryville College, and North Georgia College.  ATC policies on climate change, geocaching, land protection, side trails, and approvals for management actions were discussed,.  ATC's volunteer database is nearly ready for use, for example, for clubs to post volunteer opportunities.  We proposed a revision to the Konnarock Selection Committee that was adopted, providing for a rotation among the five clubs.  The Committee reviewed a tool for evaluating management actions in the case of major damage to a shelter in Wilderness; we have two such shelters (Laurel Fork and Vandeventer). Along with the other clubs we've been asked to provide a report on club accomplishments during the calendar year.  We've been doing this, but now will broaden the distribution.

Reporting: Carl Fritz
Date: October 4, 2008
Purpose: Dig Trail relocation
Location: Section 1, South of Damascus
People: TEHCC: Paul Benfield, Ken Buchanan, Dave Clark, Mary Cunningham, Carol Dunham, Dave Dunham, Jim Foster, Carl Fritz, Mike Hupko, Ed Oliver, Bob Peoples, Tim Stewart; ASU Watauga College: David Huntley and many students
Summary: The number of students and Club members were down somewhat because of conflicts like Homecoming. But the weather was great and both the students and Club members worked hard using an unusual implement called a pulaski. We roughed in 1300 feet of trail and most of that only lacks some minor touch up. ASU fed us well with sack lunches. They also had a spaghetti dinner served at a church in Damascus. Thanks to everyone who came and contributed.

Reporting: Carl Fritz
Date: October 4, 2008
Purpose: Clean shelter
Location: Section 15, Roan High Knob Shelter
People: Ryan Connelly, Daniel Kanyaruhuru, Devin Kelley, Futsum Mebrahtu, Michael Crouch, Matt Rowell, Jessica Neville, Holly Annas, Scott Simmons
Summary: Queens University of Charlotte Cross Country Team took the initiative to clean the Roan High Knob Shelter and surrounding grounds. They also carried in two new brooms and a limited supply of firewood.

Reporting: Carl Fritz
Date: October 11, 2008
Purpose: Dig Trail relocation
Location: Section 17, Near Cherry Gap
People: Bruce Cunningham, Mary Cunningham, Carl Fritz, Ed Oliver, Kevin O'Donnell, LinLin Shao, Josh Stanley, Sean Bowen, Amanda Rosewall, Daniel Yacykewych, Loaena Mast, Elizabeth Mast, Isaiah Mast, Shena Fink
Summary: Kevin O'Donnell, six ETSU students and three children joined us to work on the relocation north of Cherry Gap. We were able to dig 250 feet of trail on this beautiful fall day. Probably two days work remain to complete all the relocations between Iron Mountain Gap and Unaka Mt.

Photos provided by Kevin O'Donnell...

Reporting: Waylon Jenkins
Date: October 11, 2008
Purpose: Paint blazes, cut back annual growth as needed
Location: Section 1, Damascus to Backbone Rock Trail
People: Waylon Jenkins, Carol Jenkins
Summary: We painted blazes going north to south, and touched up some of the blazes from south to north and the blazes going to the center of Damascus. We also did some lopping. In addition to the blowdown reported on our July trip, we discovered an additional blowdown a short distance (less than 0.5 mile) trail north of the Backbone Rock side trail. It was about 10" in diameter and a few inches above the trail, but was easy to step over. There was another blowdown on the ground across the trail a little further trail north. All of the blowdowns are easily stepped over and can wait until the spring blowdown removal. There was a small flow of water at the blue-blazed water source. It was a beautiful day with temperatures in the 70s, the leaves beginning to turn, and numerous acorns on the trail.

Reporting: Scott VanDam
Date: October 11-12, 2008
Purpose: Take out blowdowns high up on ridge
Location: Section 11a, Dennis Cove Road to Bitter End
People: Scott VanDam
Summary: I enjoyed fall colors while hiking carrying a handsaw to Kincora and back. I took out at least a dozen remote blowdowns. This section is in fairly good condition.

Reporting: Carl Fritz
Date: October 14, 2008
Purpose: Dig Trail relocation
Location: Section 14a, South of Yellow Mountain Gap
People: Paul Benfield, Ken Buchanan, Bruce Cunningham, Dave Dunham, Mike Hupko, Ed Oliver, Bob Peoples, Tim Stewart, Deb Tucker f, Charlie Tucker, David Johnston, Frank Wootten, Billy Goat, Bill Ristom, Diana Ristom
Summary: The Tuesday group, with some hikers from The Gathering, completed and opened relo of about 1900 total feet. We had worked on this relo on two previous days. Superb fall color and a beautiful day added to the enjoyment, as well as sampling the new soft-serve ice cream at Bob's Dairyland.  Some people got their names added to the apple pie list.

Reporting: Carl Fritz
Date: October 16, 2008
Purpose: Cut blowdowns
Location: Section 11a, Dennis Cove to about 1 mile south
People: Bob Peoples
Summary: Bob removed about six blowdowns that had been reported by Ben and Scott.

Reporting: Old Timers Hiking Club
Date: October 20, 2008
Purpose: Complete needed maintenance
Location: Section 16b, Iron Mountain north to rock outcrop
People: Mike Hupko, Marsha Hupko, Howard Guinn, Faye Guinn
Summary: We cut one tree across the trail and two smaller dead ones near the trail. We cleaned out several water bars and refurbished about ten feet of treadway.  The spring at apple orchard is flowing good.  We passed one south bound section hiker.

Reporting: Carl Fritz
Date: October 21, 2008
Purpose: Dig Trail relocation
Location: Section 1, South of Damascus
People: Paul Benfield, Ken Buchanan, Bruce Cunningham, Bill Elderbrock, Carl Fritz, Ed Oliver, Bob Peoples, Tim Stewart
Summary: We were able to complete the two primary relocations we started with Watauga College. This new 1400 feet of trail is open for hikers. There are still two other smaller relocations to be completed in this area. It was a great day and we became committed to opening both sections as we had blocked old trail where we crossed it. So we were pleasantly exhausted as we left.

Reporting: Carl Fritz
Date: October 25, 2008
Purpose: Dig Trail relocation
Location: Section 14a, One mile south of Yellow Mountain Gap
People: Paul Benfield, Bruce Cunningham, Mary Cunningham, Carl Fritz, Jake Mitchell, Ed Oliver, Bob Peoples, Tim Stewart
Summary: The rain did not lift as soon as we hoped; so we were in clouds and cool mist most of day. The sun did come out as we were leaving. ASU Trail Crew probably was encountering rain in Boone and decided not to come. However, we made a great start on this new relocation by digging 460 feet of trail.

Reporting: Joe DeLoach
Date: October 26, 2008
Purpose: Clear blowdowns
Location: Section 4a, Near Double Springs Shelter
People: Craig DeLoach and Joe DeLoach
Summary: We received a report of an obstructing blowdown just north of Double Springs Shelter. On our way to clear it from TN 91, we ran across another just south of the shelter. Both were removed.