Tennessee Eastman Hiking & Canoeing Club
Supporting hiking and canoeing in the North East Tennessee area
Were you busy last weekend? Want some outdoors fun this weekend?
That’s a busy weekend! Check out the Schedule for the details.
Hey, two weeks in a row. New record!
It’s mix up week! We have paddling on National Trails Day on Saturday and a hike at Warrior’s Path on Sunday. Get out and have fun!
See the Schedule for more details.
Leader: Ian Powell (423-217-8193)
Rating: Moderate – Four miles with steep climb up and over Lone Cedar Overlook
Enjoy a short local hike which provides views from overlooks, a stroll along a creek, and walk around open fields of a former farm. Anyone is welcome to attend. Meet at the north end of the Fall Creek Road bridge by the golf course in Warriors Path State Park at 1:00 PM. Dress appropriately for a summer hike and bring some drinking water for hydration. For further information, check the trail wiki or call the hike leader.
The return of The Week Ahead!
We got a hike at Bays Mountain to the antennas this weekend on Sunday. See the original posting for more information.
Reporting: Ed “Happy Hour Coordinator” Montgomery
Our trip leader just called and informed me that our upcoming Bluestone River trip will be postponed due to the Mountain Creek Lodge being closed because the tram is down. The tram is Swiss made and they are getting a part from across the pond. The trip has been moved to June 15-17, 2012. All lodging reservations have been moved. If you cannot attend at this time, please call the Pipestem lodge and cancel your room. Please respond to this note and let us know your status. This delay is going to put more pressure on us to have an even bigger HAPPY HOUR event. Stay tuned for details.
Note: If the Bluestone is running low, Terry will evaluate the New River (Class 2) and Greenbrier (Class 2) as alternatives.
Leader: Barry Griggs (423-239-5676)
Rating: Easy 4-5 mile hike with ~400 ft elevation change
You’ve seen them from Kingsport – the antennas up on Bays Mountain. Now imagine the view of looking back down into the city. It’s leader’s choice of which trails to take based on the group. Possible routes could involve Bays Mountain Road, Azalea Trail, Lake Road, and/or the new Chestnut Trail. Meet at 1:30 PM in Bays Mountain Park ($4 entrance fee) near the front entrance to the Nature Center. We should be done by 4:30 PM, leaving time for further park enjoyment before the park closes at 8:00 PM. For more information, check the club’s trail wiki or call the hike leader.
Date to be determined, sometime Friday-Sunday in late July, Tri-Cities, TN Area (Near or on Nolichucky River)
The Swiftwater Rescue Course teaches recognition and avoidance of common river hazards, execution of self-rescue techniques, and rescue techniques for paddlers in distress. Emphasis is placed both on personal safety and on simple, commonly used skills. Techniques for dealing with hazards that carry greater risks for both victim and rescuer, such as strainers, rescue vest applications, entrapments, and pins, also are practiced. Scenarios will provide an opportunity for participants to practice their skills both individually and within a team/group context. The course is being taught by American Canoe Association certified advanced swiftwater rescue instructors. Based on the 2011 course, cost will be $85 for TEHCC members plus two nights camping at $10 each paid to the campground. The TEHCC Steering Committee has approved a $40 refund for club members upon successful completion of the safety training. Further details will be provided in the June newsletter or contact Scott Fisher tfisher1@its.jnj.com.
You know you want to. You’ve been thinking about it, how fun it might be. You see the occasional car with boats on top or pass by one of the many great rivers in the area and think to yourself “I think I could dig the whole kayaking thing.” Well, now’s your chance!! The 40th annual “Whitewater School”, sponsored by the Appalachian Paddling Enthusiasts (APEs) and the Tennessee Eastman Hiking and Canoeing Club, will be held July 14th and 15th in the Tri-Cities area. The clinic is designed for anyone wanting to learn the fundamentals of whitewater kayaking—fundamentals that will ensure a fun and safe time on the river. No previous experience is necessary. Instruction will consist of one day on flat water and one day on the river. As in the past, there will continue to be a strong emphasis on safety. Participants will be responsible for providing their own gear and transportation, although loaner gear is available on a first come basis. For more information, contact Scott Fisher tfisher1@its.jnj.com.
Leader: Vic Hasler
Rating: Easy three and half mile in/out hike with less than 300 ft elevation change
Come for a nice walk in the forest along a firm gravel service road down to the lake. The gradually sloping path skirts along the southwest shore before ending at the spillway. Once we reach the lake, we’ll have a rock skipping contest (say, number of skips and distance). Let’s leave Colonial Heights promptly at 1 PM for 45 minute drive to near the South Holston Lake dam. We should be back by 5 PM. For more information, check the club’s trail wiki or call the hike leader.