April has several opportunities for the club (with more information provided later in the newsletter). Our dinner meeting is on April 19th with a program about the Roan Mountains. The Gear Swap is the following morning (April 20th) in the employee center parking lot on South Wilcox Drive; so clean out the garage/basement/attic/closet of idle outdoor equipment to sell or trade. Several day hikes are appearing on the calendar which support a partnership with Eastman Wellness. Regular trail maintenance outings are getting the path ready for increased use. And finally the APEs group is cross-listing some activities for paddling and backpacking. Hopefully, you can find something of interest to enjoy during this spring month.
Steele Creek Park, Bristol, TN – Trinkle Hollow Trails, September 23
Leader: Barry Griggs
Let’s combine several park trails in the Trinkle Hollow area to enjoy a total distance of 4-5 miles. These trails are on the south side of the lake behind the Nature Center and are rated intermediate with lots of shade. The leaves may even be starting to change colors by the hike date. We’ll meet between [[Meeting locations for TEHCC hikes|McDonald’s and State of Franklin Bank in Colonial Heights]] at 1:00pm expecting to finish up by 4:00pm. Please call the hike leader to let him know you are coming or to arrange an alternate meeting location, such as at the park at a different time.
F/B: Persimmon Ridge Park, Sunday September 9
Leader: Vic Hasler
Let’s explore the trails in the Jonesborough city park. There are three routes which were constructed as Eagle Scout projects. There is no record in the club newsletters of TEHCC having hiked here, so a Sunday afternoon expedition is in order. The distance will be 3-4 miles depending on group preferences which is suitable for family/beginners – and dogs on leashes. There are a half dozen easy geocaches to find if interested. Hikers can either meet at 1PM in the parking lot below McDonalds in Colonial Heights to carpool – or at the park entrance by 1:30PM. Bring water, snack, and comfortable footwear. We should finish up by late afternoon. Please call or e-mail the hike leader to know of your interest and where you want to meet.
AT: Hughes Gap to Little Rock Knob, Sunday August 26, 2012
This hike is along the [[Iron Mountain Gap to Carver’s Gap|Appalachian Trail]] through hardwood forest to great views at Little Rock Knob (elevation 4918′). The round trip distance is 4.6 to 5 miles with 900’ rise (similar climb to Bays Mountain Firetower trail but over 3-4 times the distance). Let’s leave promptly at 1pm from the parking lot below [[Meeting locations for TEHCC hikes|McDonalds in Colonial Heights]] for the hour (45-mile) drive. Bring water, snack, comfortable footwear, rain gear, bug spray, and trekking poles. Expected return is by 7pm depending on our hiking speed and desire to tarry at the overlook. Please call/e-mail the hike leader for headcount to arrange transportation.
F/B Hike: Erwin Linear Trail, Sunday – August 19
Leader: Mary Fanslow, 423-707-5004
Enjoy an easy stroll along the paved Erwin greenbelt which borders Indian Creek. While the greenbelt length is 5 miles one way, we’ll tailor the length of our walk to participant interest. We’ll meet in the parking lot between the Colonial Heights McDonald’s and the bank at 1 pm, or alternative meeting locations can be arranged. Please let Mary know before 10 pm Saturday, August 18, if you plan to go on the walk. Bring plenty of water.
Details on Recurring Events
Most Tuesdays: Weekly AT Trail Maintenance
Join a group of maintainers who work somewhere on our 135-mile section each week, usually on Tuesdays. Contact Carl Fritz (atvolunteer@tehcc.org) for dates and meeting places.
Tuesdays Evenings: Johnson City Roll Practice
Come join the Jackson Action Wagon (J.A.W.), APEs, and other paddlers from around our region at the Freedom Hall Pool in Johnson City, TN from 7:10 to 9:10 pm every Tuesday for tips and tricks about basic kayaking and to learn how to roll. Have you already mastered the basics and have a bomb proof roll? There is still a lot of fun to be had at our pool session by practicing your flat-water freestyle moves and fellowshipping with other paddlers in a nice warm-water environment. Admission to the pool is $2; rolling advice is free! Contact the pool office (423- 461-4872) for session confirmation or questions regarding the facility. Please note: The J.A.W. provides the current fleet of boats for demo at the pool session, but neither the pool nor the J.A.W. provides paddling equipment (paddle, spray skirt, etc.). If you do not have your own equipment, please post a message on the APEs yahoo group site or send Wesley an email asking other members to bring extra equipment. We will try our best to get you outfitted for the night!
Thursday Evenings: Paddle to the Grill
Bring your recreation or touring kayak/canoe to meet with The Appalachian Paddling Enthusiasts and TEHCC. The launch is at 6:30 pm at Davis Dock located in Blountville. We will paddle to Boone Docks Restaurant located at Boone Lake Marina in Piney Flats for dinner and a social hour, then paddle back. As we may be paddling back during low or no light, please have a stern light for your boat; PFDs are mandatory. Contact Debbie Briscoe, 423-534-3636 for more details.
3rd Saturday Maintenance – Hiking with Tools!
Contact: Kim Peters, atmaint@tehcc.org, 423-538-7665
Come out for a day hike somewhere on our beautiful section of trail on the 3rd Saturday of each month and help out on some routine maintenance needs, such as cutting annual growth, cleaning out waterbars and painting blazes. All tools will be furnished and no prior experience is required! Contact Kim for details and meeting time and place.
Bi-Weekly on Saturdays starting June 2: Watauga River Class I-II
We will launch at 3pm unless there is water elsewhere. Call first to check and see if it’s on and where! Contact: Debbie Briscoe, 423-534-3636
Bi-Weekly on Saturdays starting June 9: Class I-II Trips
Jerry Griffin will hope to lead beginner trips bi-weekly where there is water, opposite of Debbie’s bi-weekly Watauga trips. This will offer a wide range of rivers to those wanting to work on their skills or just to join us to have fun! Contact: Jerry Griffin.
2012 Damascus Hard Core
Carl Fritz reporting
(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.
July Recurring Events Reminder
Read on for the list of recurring events that occur this month!