Submitted by Vic Hasler based on website post by Terry Dougherty, Rental Equipment Coordinator (rental@tehcc.org)
The well-worn two-person REI Half Dome tent (probably from 1999) was replaced in May 2014 with a greatly updated Kelty TraiLogic TN2. Its novel feature is the “stargazing” fly which rolls back for unobstructed nighttime views, but deploys cover easily without exiting the shelter in case the weather changes. The new tent is about a pound lighter at 4 lb, 13 oz, and six inches narrower, but has two vestibules to stash gear under the fly. It packs into a tight 14” x 11” x 3” box shape. It was purchased for just under $240 from Mahoney’s.
We’re on the home stretch to our Fall Expo. All are welcome, members or prospective customers. The only charged event is the chili cook off with food, drinks, and desserts.
8:30a – two hikes to pick from, a Bays Mountain cross-park hike, and a Bays tour of the structures within
1pm – a paddling trip on the North Fork Holston River
3pm – Vendor displays and topic tables for discussion
The cold and rainy day prior turned into a beautiful autumn Sunday afternoon; however, I ended up hiking alone, although a dozen backpackers were seen proceeding north on the Trail and one south. The fall color was a few days before peak with some individual trees providing dazzling displays. The hike started as planned with the 0.8-mile crossing of the open farm pasture with views north up the valley. The cattle were ready to be let in from the middle field to be fed at the barn. The walk continued roughly another half hour into the woods, and then returned to the parking lot. I decided to check out the new trail relocation south of the Cross Mountain parking lot, so proceeded a mile south just past the bog bridges. The falling leaves allowed the tread to be less muddy. With the remaining afternoon, I visited two places at Shady Valley managed by The Nature Conservancy at Schoolyard Springs and Orchard Bog. The winding drive on US 421 was enjoyed in the fading daylight.
A day prior, we decided to do a last minute change up. Based on prior reports of the fire tower being popular for fall hikers we decided to look for a road less traveled. We settled on Rogers Ridge Horse Trail. See the wiki page or this month’s Feature of the Month for technical trail details, but it turned out to be a fantastic day of hiking. With our few side trips, the GPS logged us for a 15.5 mile day of hiking. It was also a very solitary hike. On a weekend when many should have been heading out to bald vistas like this, we saw absolutely no one except for a couple in a truck near the Tri-State Corner Knob of TN-VA-NC. Although we had decent glimpses of the surrounding ridges, we were truly rewarded at 5.33 miles when we entered the first bald clearing. We took a side trip to the left for some early views before resuming the ridge hike to the right. A vandalized cabin on the bald ridge peak of Stone Mountain, provided many topics of conversation. We completed the outbound hike with a view of the prior mentioned Tri-State Corner Knob. Some maps suggested that we could have returned by way of the doing Gentry Creek Falls in the reverse, but how was not clear. After hiking 8+mi at that point, we didn’t want to inadvertently add a few more by taking a wrong turn to only have to turn back. Overall the trail was fairly well marked for the specified trail, but none of the many well used connections were marked. Also, despite many signs at the trail head saying differently, the trail is obviously used routinely by Off-Road Vehicle riders. Joining me on this hike was Charlie Outlaw.
View of Whitetop Mountain and Mt. Rogers near Tri-State Corner KnobView from the baldsView of the survey marker at the junction of TN-VA-NC
I’ll also remind everyone that we’re less than two weeks away from our trial of “something different,” the Fall EXPO on Saturday November 14th. A day of hiking, paddling, gear, food, learning, and fellowship. Help make this day a success by letting us know if you like the idea. The most clear way is to show up and participate but if you can’t make it, send us a message.
Like the colder weather, our first EXPO event is coming quickly! The EXPO is replacing our Fall Dinner Meeting this year and has something of interest for everybody:
The cook-off is a great way to sample various chili recipes and compete for prizes donated by local outdoor vendors such as Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shop. If you are interested in competing, please let us know soon (reservation form below). Chili cooks also get free admission to the EXPO.
The gear swap provides a good opportunity to get out the gear that you no longer use and see if you can sell it or trade it for something you can use. You may find a good bargain on some gear you need!
Several hikes of various lengths/difficulties and a float trip are all scheduled for the morning and early afternoon (see article below for details and contacts).
A number of displays will be available on outdoor topics such as canoeing/kayaking, ultralight packing, etc.
Tennessee Eastman Hiking and Canoeing Club, Members, and Friends: The November TEHCC “Hiking and Paddling News” has been completed by our illustrious editors and posted to our website. If you don’t read this month’s newsletter, you’ll miss out on a lot of good information!
Two weeks from a “something different” Fall EXPO – a day of hiking, paddling, chili, gear talk, and more!
Updates on work for the Trail Wiki
Trail Wiki Feature of the Month – Rogers Ridge Horse Trail
Meet at the Warriors Path Mountain Bike Trail Head to hike this 3 mile trail. View trail wiki for trail head and information, [[Boneyard]]. This hike will include children and will move at a suitable pace for them. Contact hike leader Carrie Schaefer to let her know to look for you, carrie@tehcc.org
The well-worn two-person REI Half Dome tent (probably from 1999) was replaced in May 2014 with a greatly updated Kelty TraiLogic TN2. Its novel feature is the “stargazing” fly which rolls back for unobstructed nighttime views, but deploys cover easily without exiting the shelter in case the weather changes. The new tent is about a pound lighter at 4 lb, 13 oz, and six inches narrower, but has two vestibules to stash gear under the fly. It packs into a tight 14” x 11” x 3” box shape. It was purchased for just under $240 from Mahoney’s. 
day prior, we decided to do a last minute change up. Based on prior reports of the fire tower being popular for fall hikers we decided to look for a road less traveled. We settled on 
