Category: Trip Reports

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Clinch River – Trip Report

Deb Reynolds reporting
Event Date: August 8th

I took advantage of one of the guided tours for the Highland Festivals to take a trip on the Clinch.  The trip was led by Clinch Valley Outfitters.  Although, I used my own kayak, I wish I had paid the extra $5 and used their equipment – less work getting there and getting out.  I was impressed with the selection and quality of their kayaks.  The river was high that day and very few rocks except at the put-in which was close to Fort Blackmore.  We stopped several times for Bill to talk about how the diversity of the eco-system or specific historical events with an opportunity to get out and walk a bit if needed. Bill was raised in Scott County and loves sharing his knowledge of the ecosystem and the history surrounding the Clinch Valley.  We saw several blue and green heron as well as the usual geese but not as many birds as I expected.  As usual, the end of the trip came too fast and we were soon climbing out of the kayaks for the trip back.  The trip out was quite a long haul up a mountain and probably required a 4-wheel or all-wheel drive, but we didn’t have to drive it!  We came out on Rt. 72 just a short distance from where we went down for the put-in with the Veterans Memorial in between.  I was very impressed with this outfitter and will keep them in mind for a future shuttle.

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Basic Swiftwater Rescue Course, Trip Report

Scott Fisher reporting
Event Date: July 27-29

We had an exceptional SWR class out at Big Rock!!  Congrats to the participants for doing the right thing by making the safety of their fellow paddlers and themselves a priority by taking this class.  Please join me in congratulating Jeremiah Tomlinson, Steve Hagood, Stacey Lowe, Pema Olivia Bhutia, Nicolas Machi, Ian Watson, Todd Emma, Nathan Vannoy, Josh Lawson, Kim Lawson Hayden Blake, Aaron Hillman and Ben Carr.   As always, the course was demanding, tiring and fun!

Big thanks go out to Wes Bradley, Dave Walters, Jeremy Gass and Jeff Vannoy for lending their time and expertise as assistant instructors!  Without their help these courses wouldn’t be possible.

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Relocation of Backbone Rock Trail with ASU

Carl Fritz reporting
Event Date: August 17th

The Watauga Global Community College of Appalachian State University (ASU) offers their incoming freshmen an optional orientation event to get acquainted with each other.  For the twelfth consecutive year they have partnered with Tennessee Eastman Hiking and Canoeing Club (TEHCC) to do a trail maintenance event!  Trail maintenance in groups provides many social opportunities in a work environment.  On this Friday August 17, we started the first relocation of the Backbone Rock Trail just south of Damascus.  Ninety seven students and five professors of Watauga College showed up in spite of a 70% prediction of rain (which did not materialize).  And very importantly we had 17 club members and friends who helped acquaint the students with trail digging. Continue reading “Relocation of Backbone Rock Trail with ASU”

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Beginner/Novice Whitewater Kayak Clinic, Trip Report

July 14-15, 2012
Scott Fisher reporting

We had a great group of new kayakers take the beginner class this past weekend.  The weather cooperated for the most part and we had a great time meeting new friends on the water.  We had three existing members and seven new APEs participate.  Please join me in congratulating Kelmara Kelly, Michelle Frazee, Todd Emma, Jeremiah Tomlinson, Penny Morgan, Marie Bradford, Haley Werth, Buck Mayzes, Mark Crass and Wade McKeehan.  All did a fantastic job and their progress throughout the weekend was obvious.  As is the APE way, let’s reach out to these folks to welcome them and include them in upcoming trips.

Special thanks to our AIs Steve Hagood, Stacey Lowe, Dave Walters, Donna Kestner and Sonia Millan for their time and expertise. Special thanks also to everyone who stepped up to loan our newcomers the gear they needed, especially Wes Bradley who year after year is there to provide boats and equipment for those who need them.

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Mt. LeConte Lodge, Trip Report


Vic Hasler Reporting

This year’s reservation was split into two hiking pairs.  Clark and Vic Hasler headed up Rainbow Falls Trail, while Steven Clark and Lindsey Renfro took the Alum Cave Trail up.  (Note:  The lodge register indicates that 90+% use this latter route.)  Clark Hasler had an up-close view of a bear which crossed the trail.  The clear and sunny day was 20oF cooler up on top, so a pleasant 50-70s versus the heat wave below.  Both groups arrived by early afternoon, thus time for naps and/or exploring.  After a rosy sunset, those in the office building were entertained by an informal bluegrass gig, playing in the light of kerosene lanterns, consisting of two guitars, a harmonica, and percussion using a plastic storage tub.  The morning had a crisp sunrise for any eyes that were open.  After breakfast, the two hiking pairs headed down with the Haslers taking the lesser used Bull Head Trail (only meeting two folks along the way).

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F/B: Laurel Fork Falls Hike, Trip Report

Sunday June 24th, 2012
Ian Powell reporting

Vic Hasler and I quickly carpooled from Colonial Heights to the Hampton trail entrance.  The day was a hot one in the 90s.  This route to the falls is an easy 2.4 miles.  Once there, we saw Bob Peoples and family.  Vic went up the rock stairs to the “High Water” trail to check on some geocaches while I hiked back the original route until we met at their intersection.  Overall, we saw several snakes and lizards, plus plenty of roadside fireworks stands on the way home.  The wiki for this trail (link) was updated with photos and map trace.

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Rock Creek Falls (Erwin), Trip Report

Vic Hasler Reporting
Event Date: June 17

A warm summer afternoon was enjoyed hiking up along the very shaded Rock Creek to view its two waterfalls.  Being dry for the past week, the four stream crossings were easy “rock hoppers.”  The trail was in very good condition.   White rhododendron blooms filled some areas.  The recreation area was very busy with Fathers’ Day gatherings with roughly a dozen folks of all ages hiking this “medium” difficulty trail.  On this Sunday trek were Aaron Kelly and Vic Hasler.

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F/B: Bays Mountain Park Antenna, Trip Report

Barry Griggs reporting
Event Date May 27

The warm sun filtered through the trees as our dedicated group of hikers made its way along this relatively easy 4.85-mile round-trip hike.  Our hike started at the Bays Mountain Nature Center and ended with an overview of Kingsport from the antennas atop the mountain.  We could identify places like Church Circle and Holston Valley Medical Center and of course, the Big “E.”  After a brief rest and snack on top, my five-year-old assistant hike leader, helped me lead the group back with a stopover at the animal pens.  Hikers were:  Serita Blankenbecler, Sharon Burnette and granddaughter Kayden, Beverly Griggs, Barry Griggs.