Okay... So I have taken on a mission this summer of trying to get more people outside more often. The first installment is a canoe trip/hiking/fishing trip I'm planning for next weekend. I've sent out mass mails, talked to people, passed the word on. In case I missed anyone who wanted to go, here is the itinerary. Also, if you want me to add you to my email list of outdoor activities, send me a message with your email address and I'll add you to my listserv.
May 31-June 1 (the last Saturday-Sunday before school gets out)
canoe from fontana marina to campsite 86 at the headwaters of Hazel Creek and the starting point of Hazel Creek trail. haul the canoes/kayaks up to the campsite (not far), set up camp, load up pack with lunch and water, and hit the trail. I'm envisioning hiking the hazel creek trail to the junction with cold spring gap, hiking back and taking a detour to the bone valley trail, coming back to hazel creek and back to 86 to spend the night. Get up, eat breakfast, and paddle back. If you want, you can paddle in and, instead of the 17 mile hike, hang around camp and explore the historical sites in the area, fish, swim, lay in a hammock, whatever.
Total mileage:
Day 1: Leave town around 6:30-8ish, 5 mile paddle in, set up camp, hike 8.5 miles uphill, hike 8.5 miles downhill, camp
Day 2: 5 mile paddle out. Back to town by 1-4ish.
The campsite is right on the lake, and there is a historical cabin (the calhoun house/hazel creek hilton) with running well water on the other side of the river. Neat house, basement, main level, and attic. For some details and pics of the area we're going to, go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hazel_Creek_(Great_Smoky_Mountains)
Supplies to bring: If enough people go, I'll plan a group menu and bring group cooking equipment. If not, it will be individual or buddy system food. Shelter will probably be a tent or two (depending on number & gender of people going) or a tarp. I have enough tents and tarps to outfit a small 3rd world country, so if you want to go but don't have a tent, don't let that hold you back. Sleeping bag or blanket. Personal grooming. Water bottle. I'll send out a more detailed list of suggested supplies once I know how many are going.
Currently, there are 5 people going (myself and 4 others). We have 4 kayaks and 2 canoes, so there's room for at least 5 more people. I can probably lay my hands on up to 6 more canoes if necessary.
No comments:
Post a Comment