Category: News

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 20^th 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…

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!