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From the Chair

Vic Hasler, Steering Committee Chair

This month brings the 75th anniversary for the Appalachian Trail which was originally deemed “complete” on August 14, 1937 after 15 years of construction.  Since then, the trail has been an ongoing work-in-progress with major changes to the route (such as moving to cross the Roan Mountains) and path (elimination of PUDs*), and the addition of shelters in the 1960s.  A famous quote by Frank Oglesby was “I’m now relocating my relocations!”  This labor of love continues to improve the trail experience, with the assistance of the Konnarock Crew, Hardcore, and college groups.  In addition to the trail construction activities, volunteers are always needed to keep the trail open for the world to enjoy – by clipping back the growth, removing small blowdowns, and checking the shelters along the path.  Please consider joining one of the light maintenance trips… also known as “Hiking with Tools”!

*pointless ups and downs

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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.

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The July Trail Wiki Challenge

Tim Schaefer Reporting, webmaster@tehcc.org

Have you seen our Trail Wiki yet?  You should; it’s chock full of great information for whatever you need trail related in our area, whether it be a list of trails near waterfalls, hard trails, trails near Kingsport, the AT, or more.  Did you know it’s a wiki just like Wikipedia, meaning we all can contribute?  Well maybe it’s a little daunting, so I’m going to try a new installment called the Monthly Trail Wiki Challenge.  If you’re not comfortable adding it yourself, just send it to me and I’ll take care of it.  Each month I’ll ask for something we are missing from the Trail Wiki.  Maybe it’s a picture of azaleas in bloom or a frozen waterfall, or a detailed description of a trail, or a GPS log for a trail; anything that would be helpful to others trying to decide their next outing.

This month we’ll try [[Limestone Cove Trail]] just south of Johnson City near Unicoi.  Use the wiki to find out how to get there if you don’t know where it is.  This time I’m asking for some pictures and a GPS log.  If you have either already or this inspires you to check it out, please send them to me and I’ll get them incorporated.  If you’re interested in trying your hand at editing, we can work on that as well.  Good luck and thanks for helping our Trail Wiki!

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New TEHCC Rental Equipment: Therm-a-rest® Z-Lite™ Pad (HP-2)

Submitted by Vic Hasler, Rental Equipment Coordinator

In continuing to replace older equipment, the well-worn Ridgerest pad which did not roll up tightly is now a folding Z-Lite pad.  It is like HP-3 and HP-6 pads – although yet another color scheme of “coyote/grey.”  The same old storage bag continues to be used, but skip taking it on the trip to save a few ounces.  (Just return the pad to Bldg 310 in the bag.)   It can be purchased for $40 from Mahoney’s using the 10% discount for club members (show your Recreation card).

And to be consistent, the rental rate for HP-3 was cut to $2/weekend.  As these pads are used 3-6 times per year, the cost of replacement will be covered after five years.

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Grants from Tennessee Appalachian Trail License Plate Revenue

Joe DeLoach reporting

A committee consisting of members of the Tennessee Eastman Hiking & Canoeing Club, the Smoky Mountain Hiking Club, and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) has been formed to advise the ATC on use of funds from the Tennessee Appalachian Trail license plate.  Funds from this program must be used to support management of the Appalachian Trail in Tennessee and along the North Carolina border.  Continue reading “Grants from Tennessee Appalachian Trail License Plate Revenue”

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2012 Damascus Hard Core

Carl Fritz reporting

 

Hard Core participants enjoying Sunday dinner at Watauga Point Recreation Area
(photo courtesy of Steve Wilson)

The Damascus Hard Core event was Sunday, May 20th and Monday, May 21st.  This is the largest trail maintenance event involving hikers on the entire Appalachian Trail.  In spite of the obstacles, the hikers, club members and friends stepped up and volunteered in numerous ways to make this 12th annual outing a huge success. Continue reading “2012 Damascus Hard Core”

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F/B Hike: Erwin Linear Trail, Sunday, July 8

Leader: Mary Fanslow (423-707-5004)
Rating: Easy
Enjoy a stroll along the paved Erwin greenbelt that borders Indian Creek.  While the total greenbelt length is 5 miles one way, we’ll tailor the length of our walk to participant interest.  We will meet in the parking lot between the Colonial Heights McDonald’s and the bank at 1pm.  Please let Mary know before 10pm Sat, July 7, if you plan to go on the walk.  Bring plenty of water.  Fishing is permitted for those 12 and under from a variety of venues from the trail.