Though the trip is full for this year, there is a waiting list available. To be placed on the waiting list, please send requests to chair@tehcc.org.
The Week Ahead – June 13th
We have fun things for you to do this weekend. But, hey hikers! The paddlers are really showing you up, please help to get hike events on the schedule. Email chair@tehcc.org with any plans for events and we’ll get them on the calendar.
- Konnarock Crew continues their work on Hughes Gap to Cloudland
- Thursday evening “Paddle to the Grill” is in full swing
- NOC Canoe Club has a challenge for you
- Explore the Holston (flat water series)
- Watauga River Class I-II trip
Check out the schedule for all of the “deets”!
May Club Meeting – The new TEHCC Trail Wiki, May 18
Tim Schaefer reporting
May’s meeting was about the new Trail Wiki. We had several people show up very interested to see more of what has already been done (although we still have a long way to go). The discussion ranged from “what’s a wiki” to how to do some basic editing (it’s really not that hard); but probably most importantly, how to find useful information. Users of the site can search by interest, by difficulty, by area, alphabetically, by choosing from a map, or several other ways to find trails. Many people were interested to hear that they could help those editing the site by offering pictures and GPS logs of their hikes. As always, please check out the site, find a trail, get out there, and update the description of what there is to see. If you see something missing or that we got something wrong, do not hesitate to hit that edit button, make your changes, maybe hit preview to see if it will look like you expect, and then save it. We’ve got a few people who routinely watch the “[[Special:Recent Changes|Recent Changes]]” page and, if needed, will help you with any changes you’ve made.
Recurring Events Reminder
I hope the weekly notices about upcoming events helps everyone know what’s coming up. Here’s a note about the events that happen nearly every week. We’ve got trail maintenance, whitewater kayak instruction, flat water paddling, Colin’s Friday Hikers, and Cl I-III kayaking outings. Continue reading “Recurring Events Reminder”
Explore the Holston River (Flat-Water Series), June 18
Contact: Deb Reynolds
Several Saturday events are scheduled this summer to explore the local Holston River including the North and South Fork. Most of these events will require a car shuttle, so advance notice is required for planning purposes. The trip length will vary but will normally be between 2 and 4 hours. A lunch or snack will be desired. Fishing and bird watching are options as we will not be racing to see how quick we can get to the end. Bring a friend, a pole or camera, and an attitude for exploring. PFD’s are required. Email Deb Reynolds at dlreynolds@eastman.com
Chota Canoe & Kayak School, June 17-19
Contact: Gary Kilpatrick
Chota’s annual Canoe & Kayak School has been a great way to introduce our sport to new comers for many years. We offer beginner classes in whitewater kayak and canoe, as well as touring kayak and canoeing. For those who are already into paddling, but wish to advance in skill level, our school also offers advanced beginner and intermediate whitewater classes. Chota also provides the option of renting equipment from the club, depending on availability, or from area outfitters for this event. This way you can still come and learn even if you do not have your own gear.
Pick your class from this list: Whitewater Kayaking, Whitewater Canoeing, Kayak Touring, or Canoe Tripping
Class descriptions are available on the Chota Website, PaddleChota.org.
Konnarock Crew – Hughes Gap to Cloudland Relocations
Scheduled for June 3-5, June 17-19, July 8-10, and July 29-31, 2011
Leaders: Joe DeLoach (423-753-7263) and Carl Fritz (423-477-4669)
Last year, we began one of our most ambitious Appalachian Trail relocations ever, from Hughes Gap to Cloudland atop Roan Mountain. This formerly 2.6-mile section of Trail ascends 2200′, with a 0.4-mile slight descent along the way, making it possibly the steepest section of the A. T. in the South. We don’t always relocate a Trail section just because it’s steep, but steep trails that run on a ridgeline are very prone to erosion, with only the rockiness of parts of this section retarding that erosion. It is also a treacherous descent, especially in the icy or rainy conditions that are prevalent at those elevations. We’ve flagged numerous relocations to climb the mountain at a sustainable 10-12% side-hill grade, and built the first four with Hard Core, student groups, and Club outings in 2010. This year, we’ll tackle some sections higher on the mountain with all our resources, including the Konnarock Crew, which will work near the midpoint of the section. The Konnarock Crew, in its 29th year, is managed by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and works with the 12 southern clubs. We are fortunate to have them for five weeks this year, with plans to devote the first four weeks to these relocations and the final week of August 11-15 to putting more gravel on Round Bald. The Crew arrives on a Thursday afternoon, has three full days of work Friday-Sunday, and departs Monday afternoon. So the best days to work with them are Friday-Sunday. Volunteers who work at least 40 hours with the Crew receive a Konnarock T-shirt for their efforts. Please contact Joe DeLoach or Carl Fritz if you’re interested in helping.
The Week Ahead – June 1st
Holy Cow! Summer is here. Did you miss out on HardCore? Want to give back to the community this weekend? Well then we have lots of chances for you.
- Konnarock Crew is working a trail relocation on Roan Mountain
- Appalachian Paddling Enthusiasts will be hosting the Nolichucky River Cleanup
As always the Schedule has the details. Plus Saturday is National Trails Day so get out, give back, and have fun this weekend!
Nolichucky River Cleanup and Celebration, June 4
Contact: Debbie Briscoe
Participants will be assigned to Clean Teams, provided maps of clean-up locations, and given trash bags and gloves.
There are plenty of clean-up opportunities of key areas for non-boaters as well as areas designated for individuals with their own boats or rafts.
FREE FOOD AND ENTERTAINMENT!!!!! For cleanup participants, after the clean-up, Hickory Smoked Bar-B-Q and the all the fixings will be served-up by the APEs in the Pavilion while you enjoy one of the area’s finest bands.
Bring a lawn chair, kick back with a cold tasty beverage, and know that you did something good for the river we all enjoy so much!
WIN PRIZES FROM OUR SPONSORS!!!! During the entertainment we will be drawing tickets for fantastic prizes.
Helpful information: Showers and restrooms are on the premises. Be prepared with appropriate footwear, sunscreen, bug repellant, etc. Rafts, pickup trucks, and trailers will be helpful and appreciated. Consider bringing a packed lunch, boating equipment, rain gear, chairs, family, and friends.
For Camping Info: Bruce and Nancy Gantenbein, 423-753-5359, http://www.riverparkcampground.net/