New TEHCC Rental Equipment: Therm-a-rest® Z-Lite™ Pad (HP-2)

Submitted by Vic Hasler, Rental Equipment Coordinator

In continuing to replace older equipment, the well-worn Ridgerest pad which did not roll up tightly is now a folding Z-Lite pad.  It is like HP-3 and HP-6 pads – although yet another color scheme of “coyote/grey.”  The same old storage bag continues to be used, but skip taking it on the trip to save a few ounces.  (Just return the pad to Bldg 310 in the bag.)   It can be purchased for $40 from Mahoney’s using the 10% discount for club members (show your Recreation card).

And to be consistent, the rental rate for HP-3 was cut to $2/weekend.  As these pads are used 3-6 times per year, the cost of replacement will be covered after five years.

Grants from Tennessee Appalachian Trail License Plate Revenue

Joe DeLoach reporting

A committee consisting of members of the Tennessee Eastman Hiking & Canoeing Club, the Smoky Mountain Hiking Club, and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) has been formed to advise the ATC on use of funds from the Tennessee Appalachian Trail license plate.  Funds from this program must be used to support management of the Appalachian Trail in Tennessee and along the North Carolina border.  Continue reading “Grants from Tennessee Appalachian Trail License Plate Revenue”

2012 Damascus Hard Core

Carl Fritz reporting

 

Hard Core participants enjoying Sunday dinner at Watauga Point Recreation Area
(photo courtesy of Steve Wilson)

The Damascus Hard Core event was Sunday, May 20th and Monday, May 21st.  This is the largest trail maintenance event involving hikers on the entire Appalachian Trail.  In spite of the obstacles, the hikers, club members and friends stepped up and volunteered in numerous ways to make this 12th annual outing a huge success. Continue reading “2012 Damascus Hard Core”

F/B Hike: Erwin Linear Trail, Sunday, July 8

Leader: Mary Fanslow (423-707-5004)
Rating: Easy

Enjoy a stroll along the paved Erwin greenbelt that borders Indian Creek.  While the total greenbelt length is 5 miles one way, we’ll tailor the length of our walk to participant interest.  We will meet in the parking lot between the Colonial Heights McDonald’s and the bank at 1pm.  Please let Mary know before 10pm Sat, July 7, if you plan to go on the walk.  Bring plenty of water.  Fishing is permitted for those 12 and under from a variety of venues from the trail.

From the Chair

Vic Hasler, Steering Committee Chair

Would you go hiking wearing a jacket and tie?  Back in 2010, Charles Maynard spoke at our Spring Dinner Meeting about some early 20th century hikers in the Smokies who traveled in such attire with wicker backpacks and a large box camera.  How about carrying a canvas tent and cotton sleeping bag?  Hauling water around in a large metal canteen?  The improvements in camping gear during the past decades have been amazing.  The club has been steadily replacing its rental gear too.  We now have a Big Agnes Seedhouse which is a two-pound, one-person tent.  Most of our other two-person tents also weigh less than six pounds.  Almost all our sleeping pads are roughly one pound.  With the other gear improvements, backpacks are smaller and lighter.  The club’s rental equipment program allows members to check out some newer gear to decide if it’s right for their style of backpacking/camping.  The Steering Committee also welcomes ideas for future purchases.  Have fun outside and overnight this summer…

From the Chair

Vic Hasler, Steering Committee Chair

With the weather heading into summer heat, consider joining the many club activities on the region’s rivers and lakes.  Hands-on training is available for those want to learn how to kayak at the “Whitewater School” and for the experienced with the “Swiftwater Rescue Course.”  Practice time is offered Tuesday nights at the Freedom Hall pool in Johnson City.  Ongoing events include paddling Boone Lake to a restaurant on Thursday evenings and on Watauga River many Saturdays.   Some overnight trips are in the works.  Do some good by cleaning up the Nolichucky – both on the river and from the shore.  Check out the rest of this newsletter for further details.  Have fun while staying safe!

The Week Ahead – 6/6

Were you busy last weekend? Want some outdoors fun this weekend?

  • Paddle to the Grill on Thursday
  • Konnarock Crew all weekend – AT Maintenance doing a relo on Beartown Mt
  • Class I/II white water on Saturday
  • [[Carver%27s Gap to US19E|Carver’s Gap]] to Grassy Ridge on Sunday

That’s a busy weekend! Check out the Schedule for the details.