The week ahead – November 2nd

The doldrums of winter are starting. Only one event reminder for this week.

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.

From the Chair – November 2015

Steve Ankabrandt reporting

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.

I’ll see you there! Steve

November Newsletter Posted

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
  • A new two person rental tent
  • …and more!

Hike: Warriors Path – Boneyard Nov 6th

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

Fall EXPO 2015

It’s coming, our FALL EXPO November 14th. A day of hiking, gear, chili, learning, and fellowship. Come for one thing, come for all. It’s your choice.

Reservations not required in advance, but appreciated for planning purposes. Paid reservations only required for those wishing to partake in the members’ provided chili and club provided desserts, tea, and sides. All others are welcome and encouraged to attend any and all other events of their liking at NO COST!
Continue reading “Fall EXPO 2015”

Persistent Bear Encountered at Double Springs Shelter

A bear was encountered at [[Shelter:Double Springs|Double Springs Shelter]]. While it showed no signs of aggression, when hikers arrived it did not immediately leave the area. As always, use common sense when you encounter a bear. Most importantly, just because you think you’re a safe distance away, it doesn’t mean that the bear agrees.

Pinnacle Mountain Fire Tower Hike Rain Delay

The [[Pinnacle Mountain Fire Tower]] hike originally scheduled for October 3rd, has been moved two weeks to the 17th on due to rain. This may suit the hike better giving the trees to probably be at peak color. If you’re interested in attending this hike contact hike leader Tim Schaefer, 423-302-0846.

ATC Family Hiking Day – Saturday, Sept 26, 2015

AT – Indian Grave Gap to Beauty Spot

Leader: Mike Watts, 423-963-1593
Rating: Moderate per TEHCC, Moderate-to-strenuous per ATC for 4.6 m round trip, 1000’ elevation gain

This Saturday event is planned to participate in the ATC’s Family Hiking Day.  Beauty Spot is a natural grassy bald (4,437’) with excellent views of the Roan and Black Mountains. The overlook was recently improved by the Cherokee National Forest Hotshots (June newsletter) who removed some of the trees which had grown up over the years. Let’s leave Colonial Heights, TN at 9am to meet at Indian Grave Gap around 10am. Bring plenty of water, comfortable footwear, appropriate clothing/sun protection, and lunch. The hike itself will take roughly three and half hours depending on how much lunch/sightseeing time is desired on the bald. For further information, check the trail wiki or call the hike leader.

F/B: Bays Mountain Park – Lake Road/Chinquapin Trail, Sunday, August 23, 2015

For Second Class rank, a Boy Scout is to use a map and compass to take a five mile hike. Bays Mtn Park offers a good location as the topo map can also be oriented with the lake and surrounding ridges. The needed distance is readily covered by following Lake Road with a side diversion on the Chinquapin Trail.  This hike is good for those who want to learn how to use a directional compass and interpret topological maps – and is open to club members or scouts from any troop. Departure time from Colonial Heights is 1:30PM from a different location of the Presbyterian Church or just meet at the park dam by 2PM.  Entrance fee for Bays Mtn Park is $4 per car, although the Scout Expo coupon is still good until the end of August. Bring plenty of water, comfortable footwear, appropriate clothing/sun protection, and your own compass, if desired. The hike will take around three hours depending on how much instruction time along the way. We’ll also be on the lookout for signs of different animals and observing native plants, which are other rank requirements. For further information, please call/e-mail the hike leader.

Contact: Vic Hasler (423-239-0388)