Supporting hiking and canoeing in the North East Tennessee area
Collins Chew reporting
Event Date, April 13th
We had a beautiful day with pleasant temperatures for our annual trillium hike over Max Patch. The veterans all think we saw more trillium this year than ever before, with at least four varieties/colors. There were a number of other flowers with a carpet of trout lily in one place. Hikers were Gary Bailey, Lee Bockman, Kathy and Jerry Case, Andy Gilbert, Ryan Sheeley, Jane Whitson, Laura Ward, and Collins Chew.
The return of The Week Ahead!
We got a hike at Bays Mountain to the antennas this weekend on Sunday. See the original posting for more information.
Reporting: Ed “Happy Hour Coordinator” Montgomery
Our trip leader just called and informed me that our upcoming Bluestone River trip will be postponed due to the Mountain Creek Lodge being closed because the tram is down. The tram is Swiss made and they are getting a part from across the pond. The trip has been moved to June 15-17, 2012. All lodging reservations have been moved. If you cannot attend at this time, please call the Pipestem lodge and cancel your room. Please respond to this note and let us know your status. This delay is going to put more pressure on us to have an even bigger HAPPY HOUR event. Stay tuned for details.
Note: If the Bluestone is running low, Terry will evaluate the New River (Class 2) and Greenbrier (Class 2) as alternatives.
Leader: Barry Griggs (423-239-5676)
Rating: Easy 4-5 mile hike with ~400 ft elevation change
You’ve seen them from Kingsport – the antennas up on Bays Mountain. Now imagine the view of looking back down into the city. It’s leader’s choice of which trails to take based on the group. Possible routes could involve Bays Mountain Road, Azalea Trail, Lake Road, and/or the new Chestnut Trail. Meet at 1:30 PM in Bays Mountain Park ($4 entrance fee) near the front entrance to the Nature Center. We should be done by 4:30 PM, leaving time for further park enjoyment before the park closes at 8:00 PM. For more information, check the club’s trail wiki or call the hike leader.
On May 26, 2012 ATC will be hosting a training workshop for environmental monitoring efforts on the A.T. The workshop will be held at Chestoa, near Erwin, and will commence at 9 am. The morning session will provide an overview of ATC’s efforts to monitor the seasonal life or phenological cycles of common plants including leaf-out, flowering, fruiting, and leaf-drop in the fall. The workshop will provide instruction on how to collect and report observations from established sites in the A.T. corridor. Phenology monitoring is a very intuitive exercise that does not require technical experience or botanical skills. People of all ages are encouraged to participate. The afternoon will be spent discussing rare plant monitoring. The workshop will serve as an introduction for new monitors and a refresher for past and current rare plant monitors. Participants will discuss how to locate monitoring sites using GPS technology, how to collect monitoring data, and how to report findings. For those interested in monitoring this field season, there will be a brief discussion of site assignments. There is no cost for the workshop and ATC will provide handouts and other training materials. Equipment will be provided by ATC staff, but participants are encouraged to bring their own GPS, binoculars, compass, or other equipment which may be used in the field. Participants are also asked to provide their own lunch and water, wear long-pants, boots, and layer appropriately for variable weather. To register for the workshop or get more information, please contact ATC’s Resource Management Coordinator John Odell, telephone (828) 254-3708, jodell@appalachiantrail.org.
Date to be determined, sometime Friday-Sunday in late July, Tri-Cities, TN Area (Near or on Nolichucky River)
The Swiftwater Rescue Course teaches recognition and avoidance of common river hazards, execution of self-rescue techniques, and rescue techniques for paddlers in distress. Emphasis is placed both on personal safety and on simple, commonly used skills. Techniques for dealing with hazards that carry greater risks for both victim and rescuer, such as strainers, rescue vest applications, entrapments, and pins, also are practiced. Scenarios will provide an opportunity for participants to practice their skills both individually and within a team/group context. The course is being taught by American Canoe Association certified advanced swiftwater rescue instructors. Based on the 2011 course, cost will be $85 for TEHCC members plus two nights camping at $10 each paid to the campground. The TEHCC Steering Committee has approved a $40 refund for club members upon successful completion of the safety training. Further details will be provided in the June newsletter or contact Scott Fisher tfisher1@its.jnj.com.
Collins Chew reporting
Event Date: April 6th
We had a beautiful day with early clouds for our annual 7-mile wildflower hike on Laurel River, NC. The night’s rain had dropped the flowers in the morning, but they recovered well during the day. Lunch was at the abandoned site of Runion as usual. The river flow was heavy and we spent a fair amount of time watching kayakers and rafters going through the very impressive rapids. Hikers were: Kathy Case, Carol and Dave Dunham, Jerry Jones, Jan Mather, Susie Seiler, Shirley and Lowell Toof and Collins Chew.
Ryan Sheely reporting
Sunday April 1st I completed my first decent of the Watauga Gorge with success. I was accompanied by Wes Bradley, Doug K., and Josh R. Wes was my lead for the most of the lines, but I got to solo my first Class V ever- “Hydro” with success! I have to say there are lots of rocks to get caught up and turned around on but plenty of Boofs to send your boat flying. On this run you are surrounded by the beautiful gorge and its HUGE boulders. The geology of this gorge is amazing; I really don’t think I have ever seen so many rocks on any river I have paddled before -Make them your friends should you find yourself on this river. We proceeded to stomp every rapid and drop we were challenged with. I would have to say that “Anaconda” was my favorite rapid of the run and it was BIG. We scouted “Stateline” and scoped the lines to set it up; I almost botched the line 20 ft from the drop when I was pushed against the rock up from the drop, but I was determined to recover. Josh R. came out of nowhere and grabbed my stern handle to help free me away and I setup and stomped the line, but traded paint with his boat at the bottom. Fun times! I was thankful for his assist! I found this run quite challenging and a rewarding experience! This run will make you step up your skills and experience as a boater. Paddle aggressively, focus your eyes on the next line and go for it!
You know you want to. You’ve been thinking about it, how fun it might be. You see the occasional car with boats on top or pass by one of the many great rivers in the area and think to yourself “I think I could dig the whole kayaking thing.” Well, now’s your chance!! The 40th annual “Whitewater School”, sponsored by the Appalachian Paddling Enthusiasts (APEs) and the Tennessee Eastman Hiking and Canoeing Club, will be held July 14th and 15th in the Tri-Cities area. The clinic is designed for anyone wanting to learn the fundamentals of whitewater kayaking—fundamentals that will ensure a fun and safe time on the river. No previous experience is necessary. Instruction will consist of one day on flat water and one day on the river. As in the past, there will continue to be a strong emphasis on safety. Participants will be responsible for providing their own gear and transportation, although loaner gear is available on a first come basis. For more information, contact Scott Fisher tfisher1@its.jnj.com.