Hike came in at 8.55 miles, 2442 ft of elevation. Trail condition was good, a few thorn bush stalks crossing the trail towards the top of the trail. No access issues.
Attendees:
Jacob Lustik
TEHCC Hike Report: Rattlesnake Ridge 3/13/21
2nd Saturday, Hiking with Tools!
Hiking with Tools! It has been a long, cold winter. Recently there has been an increased interest to volunteer and ‘give back to the trail’. And there is no time like the present. The first adventure of the year will be on Saturday, March 13th. No experience necessary so come join us for a short hike and some light trail maintenance! For more info, including time and location, contact Tim Stewart at saturdaymaint@tehcc.org.
Bear Activity at Iron Mountain Shelter – July 2020
A hiker who stayed at the shelter on July 6th said a large black bear came
four times during the night. A temporary sign has been posted to say to not camp at Iron Mountain Shelter. This encounter has been reported to ATC.
Please take necessary precautions to limit risk of encountering a bear, Hikers should camp 200 feet away from where their food and “smellables” are stored for their own safety. For most adults, 200 feet is about 80 steps. Bear canisters should be sealed correctly and not stored in shelters. (Certified list) Proper use for Ursacks are to tie securely to the trunk of a tree. (Link to their How to Use page) For more information about bear safety, scroll down ATC’s safety page. Video for PCT Method for hanging your food.
High Water at Watauga Lake and Laurel Fork Gorge – February 2020
March 13 Update: Lake and river levels have returned to normal thus reroutes no longer required. Signs have been taken down.
Two sections of the Appalachian Trail have been temporarily rerouted due to the recent heavy rains.
First, Watauga Lake (TVA level info) is 1965′ on 2/14 morning which is above 1961′ trigger for rerouting. Trail bridges are flooded so the trail will temporarily follow the blue blaze path along US 321 and Oliver Hollow Road. If heading trail north on Shook Branch Road, cross US 321 and walk left or west along US 321 for about a quarter mile and then go right along Oliver Hollow Rd. Follow the road for a third of a mile and take the short woods path to the right back to the A.T. If lake level continues to rise, some sections of the trail north of Oliver Hollow Road will also be under water.
Second is for Laurel Fork Gorge as the ledge along the stream is fully under water, so the A.T. will follow the High Water Trail. Signs have been posted.
Ted Malone – 25 Year/Silver Anniversary as a Trail Maintainer
Ted Malone is being honored for having been an Appalachian Trail maintainer for more than 25 years. He was the club’s Hiker of the Year in 1990, and with the Stan Murray awardee in 1993. A review of the club’s records shows that the AT maintenance hours and number of volunteers increased significantly in the mid 1990’s due to his leadership as maintenance recruiter. The records also show that he has over 1,100 hours as a volunteer on the AT. We will honor Ted with a plaque to celebrate his 25 years at the next dinner meeting.
Dale Douthat “Navigator” is TEHCC’s latest 2000-Miler
Dale reports that he completed the Appalachian Trail on 9/10/2019 in Gorham, NC. More stories to be shared once he returns to Tennessee.
Overmountain Shelter closed until further notice due to structural concerns
US Forest Service announced (News Release) that for public safety, the Overmountain Shelter (aka Yellow Mountain barn) has been closed pending further evaluation of options for the structure and site management. Tent camping in the area is still allowed (and the privy remains open!).
No timeline has been set for the review and decision. The situation with the barn has been discussed and monitored for several years. Damage observed for a key support beam triggered the closure action.
TEHCC New Members – August 2019
| Arden Pletzer | Benjamin Pruett | Kristin Smith |
| James Saucier | Sarah Coulson | Kelsey Bailey |
| Jacob Reynolds | Lexi Kloeppel | Ian Kilcoyne |
| Tami Gentry | David Gyles | Terry Shaw |
Injury due to Lightning Strike on Roan Mountain
NC Appalachian Ranger District shared an injury report from mid-July with the club to bring attention to this severe weather hazard. Two couples, one with a small baby, walking across the open balds on the Appalachian Trail across the Roan Highlands were indirectly hit by lightning. The bolt was described as a fireball coming towards them through the water flooding the trail path during a heavy thundershower. The young mother apparently got the brunt of the lightning jolt which catapulted her two to four feet into air. The lightning strike numbed their feet temporarily with blood circulation gradually returning to their extremities. While all victims were able to subsequently walk, the mother also exhibited some signs of shock. The group was led back to the Carvers Gap parking lot but was scared by any further thunder in the distance.
The weather that day was scattered thundershowers. The group had hiked out onto the open balds during sunshine, but a passing front quickly changed the situation. Awareness of any forecast for thunderstorms should change your plans especially for trails in the elevated areas common in our region. If thunder is heard, immediately seek safe shelter which is likely your vehicle back at the trailhead, even if your weather is currently good since lightning can strike many miles away from the storm. Stay sheltered for at least 30 minutes after you heard the last clap of thunder. If unable to safely reach your vehicle, seek lower elevation away from tall and/or isolated trees. Being alert regarding the weather to take appropriate actions is the best safety approach.
Note: The August 17th hike on A.T. from Tanyard Gap to Rich Mountain Firetower was rescheduled from original June date due to prediction of thunderstorms. Who wants to be in a metal box raised high above a ridgeline in a lightning storm?