Tired Old Farts on the AT in October

“Those dates sound good to me.”

“i've been meaning to tell you that for quite some time now. all this talk about a 27 nighter. rub, rub, rub, is that all you do?
jk, you know im just jealous.”

“this thread was doing so good staying on topic. won't happen again. i apologize.”

“I knew a response would come sometime. Of course I'm gloating. But more so, August 6th to November 5th should be enough bag nights to place 2nd this year. But since I would be doing it anyway, I'm really not counting nor competing, just gloating.

rub, rub, rub


But really, I like life, I like people and I enjoy meeting other TTers. So if opportunity knocks, ... .”

“Those dates are still good for me..I'll have to get in and out of Atlanta..maybe Gojo will be around for a long weekend.

Anyone else coming up from the Hotlanta area?

Please keep me posted -

Tex”

“. "So if opportunity knocks, ... ."
dont open it,
it may be a TTr.


LOL sorry couldnt resist”

“I am seriously considering this trip. I'd love to hike a few days on the AT. If I go I will more than likely be flying into Atlanta and could team up on a shuttle or something. Are you bringin' another case of Snickers?”

“Everybody who wants to be on the secret email list email me at the address in my profile. I'll add you and you'll get all the, uh, updates.”

“How about adding the trip dates to Phil's page?
I'm pumped right now, just dropped 10 pounds from my waistline, and got my total pack weight down to 17 pounds for my four day trip from Davenport to Newfound Gap on the AT with my nephews next week!
The little smarta$$es (15 & 16)have been making snide comments about how they are going to have to carry poor old uncle out of the mountains.
Maybe we should rename this thread to Tough Old Coots on the AT in Oct.”

“I can do that. I need to send out an email update, since it seems like everybody's okay with the change in dates to Oct. 21-25.”

“I read on another board that the huts on this AT section were in deplorable shape, with many people not cleaning up after themselves. Lots of trash etc.

Is this true?”

“I have a friend who lives close to the AT. I can write and ask her.

If that's the case, then perhaps we can get a little cleaning in too...”

“I read the same thing.
Sounded like a one scout group had bad leadership and left a lot of trash upon leaving. Another scout troop was a day or so behind them and cleaned up the mess.
The adult leadership makes all the difference.”

“I just sent an email to my friend. Hopefully she'll reply quickly, but in any case, it looks like the problem has been taken care of.

Personally, if I'm up to it, I go around the area that I've camped in and pick up any trash that I find and pack it out. I was a Scout, and I still adhere to "Leave a place better than you found it."”

“Here is part of the reply from my friend:

Right now it is especially crazy to hike alone as the bears are everywhere and most dangerous with lone hikers. They are even coming out during the day and very hungry. The big problem is kids from a Last Chance program who have leaders that do not know anything about outdoor stuff so they never bearbag. They took over 5 shelters last time we hiked there and it has caused so much trouble. Right now there remains a real problem bear in Low Gap. Rangers are trying to remove him, along with others but no luck catching them yet. So sad as these poor bears will likely loose their lives because of these problem kids.

She also says that Blue Mtn. shelter, which is the one we'd stay at the last night, was in bad shape, but has since been cleaned up. She adds that since Blue Mtn. is close to a road (about 2 miles IIRC) that sometimes the local kids use them for partying, and you can never be sure what the condition will be when you arrive.

I know that there was a problem with a bear at Low Gap last year, and that they closed the shelter at Low Gap for a while until bearbag hangers were installed. Everyone who is going to go on this trip needs to carefully follow bear country food storage rules.”

“TOFOTAT

or.........

TOFAT

the first edition”

“http://www.mdshiker.com/atsec3.htm

I was at Low Gap Shelter last December and admired the cable system. There were bear tracks nearby and also at a campsite where I wanted to stop. I ended up hiking on to another campsite near Blue Mtn Shelter.

The hike from "the road" to Blue Mtn Shelter is uphill and rocky, so those party animals must really want to party if they hike to that shelter. It does have a great view of the mtns in the winter though.

Bit, you guys planning on staying at the shelters??”

“Except for one night on Wolf Laurel, yes, I've done my planning around shelters. But I'm easy. If people wanted to go longer one day and stealth camp in the woods, that's cool.”

“OK, I should send this out in an email, but I'm at work and the "secret email list" is at home. So those of you who are on that list (and you know who you are) will be receiving pretty much this same info tonight.

Parties involved

stumprider
TxWoodswoman
katibug
Ewker
OPIE (possible weekender)
Big Coop
StoveStomper
luise
bitpusher
nowslimmer (may show up if his schedule allows)

The Plan

Meet on the morning of Oct. 21 (or evening of the 20th) at Unicoi Gap, GA Hwy. 75, then shuttle to Woody Gap on the morning of the 21st. From there:

October AT Trip

Day	Start	End	Mileage
Oct. 21	Woody Gap	Woods Hole	7.1
Oct. 22	Woods Hole	Wolf Laurel	7.8
Oct. 23	Wolf Laurel	Low Gap	7.2
Oct. 24	Low Gap	Blue Mtn.	7.2
Oct. 25	Blue Mtn.	Unicoi Gap	2.2

All of the stop points for the evening are at shelters, except for Wolf Laurel Top, at which we'll be tenting or tarping. Hopefully, at least that evening, it won't rain. The shelters along this route are mostly large enough to accommodate our entire party, but we shouldn't count on them being available. Everyone should either bring a shelter, or team with someone who will have one.

What's needed

A large vehicle to shuttle people with. I believe that StoveStomper said he had a large van which could be used for this purpose. I also have a minivan which I can bring, although it would only carry 4 people and their gear.

A volunteer to shuttle the shuttle drivers back to their vehicles at Woody Gap. Obviously, this person must have left their vehicle at Unicoi Gap. If there's only one shuttle driver (and if it's not me), I'll fill this role.

Points of interest on this hike

Blood Mountain, the highest point on the AT in Georgia.

Walasi-Yi, the only place where the AT goes through a building.

Chattahoochee Gap, where a small spring marks the headwaters of the Chattahoochee River.


Extra gear you might not normally bring or worry about

Something to bag and hang all your food and trash is a must on this trip. Low Gap shelter has a cable system, everywhere else you'll need a bag and some line. Review food-hanging procedures. The bears are very active in this area right now.

You might want to consider bear spray if it would make you feel more secure. Usually, black bears can be scared off though.

A noisemaker of some kind might be effective as well.


Extra things you might consider bringing

Extra trash bags would be a good idea. I believe in leaving a campsite or shelter better than I found it, so I always spend a couple of minutes cleaning up in the morning. Plus, cleaning up after less careful hikers will help solve the bear problems in this area.

A camera, the colors will hopefully be spectacular.

A relaxed attitude. Tired Old Farts hikes are intended to be enjoyable. Even though everything looks planned out, deviation from the plan for enjoyment's sake is expected and encouraged. Low-mileage days mean you can take it slow to enjoy that vista, or go on a side trail to see something cool.


That's all I can think of right now. My email tonight will also include (for you map freaks) the USGS quads which we'll be traversing.”

“Sounds like a great trip!

Chattahoochee Gap:

The spring is located down a STEEP trail off to the right of the AT. Go ahead and make the trip down to the spring and get some good cold water! If my memory serves me, the trail to Brasstown Bald also intersects at this gap. AND I saw lots of bear tracks there last Fall.

Sounds like a nice hike and the weather should be great!”

“MDS, how long is that hike to the top of Brasstown Bald?

Brasstown Bald (for those who don't know) is the highest point in Georgia, and would make a good side trip if it's not too far.”

“LOL!

About 5-7 miles if I remember correctly!”

“So much for that idea. Might be cool for the last day, though. It's a short mileage day, and a Friday, to boot.”

“You mention Opie as a possible weekender and the dates shown are Monday to Friday...are you and Miss Opie planning something while he is looking for us on the weekend
or have you put in the wrong dates. Last time we talked I thought it was a Thursday to Monday trip.”

“Sorry Ewker, but I did change the dates to Oct. 21-25. I never changed OPIE's annotation. It was originally a Thursday to Monday trip, but people mentioned that we'll have an easier time getting shelter space during the week.”

“bummer, not sure if I can go now. I will see what I can do.”

“Interestingly, my 5 year work anniversary (when I go from 2 to 3 weeks of vacation) is October 20th. Just need to get comfortable (and get the rest of the family comfortable) with immediately using that extra week the very next day!

Personally, I can't think of a better way to spend it.

C'mon Ewker!”

“I wish it was going to be during the weekend! I would have loved to have gone.”

“I'm sorry that the change in dates has been a problem for people. Did you already ask for the earlier time off, Ewker?”

“Are you working yet, Miss Opie? If not, you can still go, I'll take you.


We can even share a tent....lol, j/k.....”

“OPIE might get jealous bitpusher :)

I'm not working yet, but hopefully by October I'll have a job. My parents will kill me if I dont! Besides I'm ready to start making money so I can buy me a new Spyder Eclipse!”

“Good luck on the job hunt!

Ewker, email me and let's see if we can work something out. After I posted the possible date change, you posted a message that said those dates looked good to you, and I mistakenly thought the new dates were good. We can still work something out, I'm sure.”

“the shelters through that section are big enough and never seem to be filled (except in the mid-march AT hike rush). actually, they are usually empty or only have one or two folks in them.”

“hey bit, I thought the dates were still for the weekend trip. I never even looked at the calender because of the conversations we had about this being a end of week thru first of week trip and that Opie might join us on the weekend. What got my attention was when you said Friday was a short day, that made look over the thread again and check the calender. Luckily it is far enough out that I should be able to take off. I haven't had my one week vacation yet, yeah one week is all I get but we do close before Christmas to after New Years Day which is considered a vacation.”

“Ouch Ewker. Sorry about that. Usually it's easier for everyone involved if there's a weekend bookending the trip. And somehow I got in my head that it would be the same about of vacation, but no, it's not, is it?

If you wanted to just take three days, you could meet up with us Wednesday at Hogpen Gap, I guess we'd be there no later than noon.”

“Weighted myself naked early this morning after a steam bath at my physical fitness center: 206.75 pounds

My goal is 178 or lower when I return in November. We shall see.”

“How tall are you, NS? Just curious, I'm 5'11" and weighed 224 this morning.”

“Weather Forecast? What are the temps like in October in NW Georgia? I want to make sure this Florida boy keeps warm.

I'm assuming plan for the lowest lows to be in the 30F?”

“I'll check, but that's probably about right.”

“Gone hiking, that is. I'm finally on the way. GSMNP, should arrive there about 11:30 P.M. tonight.

bitpusher - I used to be 6'.”

“Have a good trip NS!”

“Someone has asked about the safety of parking their car at Unicoi and Woody Gaps for this trip. I've parked my car at Woody Gap with no problems for a long weekend, but not having been to Unicoi Gap, I emailed my friend who lives in the area. She said that the parking lot at Unicoi Gap is right next to a heavily travelled highway, and that she's never heard of any problems there. So it would seem to be pretty safe.”

“My friend and I parked one at Unicoi and one at Hogpen when we hiked this section - we had no problems.”

“OK - What's the final date on this hike? The mid week thing isn't a big deal, but if it starts mid week that's less vacation I'd have to take (preferable)

Hey Big Coop - What do you think of Hotlanta as a rendevous?? (No tent sharing, though..lol) That's where I would fly into and I can probably arrange for a shuttle somehow. There have been several mentioned on the Women's hiker list I belong to. And Yes, Snicker's do fly very well on the planes these days..lol

Was it you that had the candles for me or was it HPM?? Sorry, I'm having a C.V.A.

Tex”

“I left my truck at Unicoi Gap for 3 days last December. Didn't have any problems. That parking lot gets a lot of activity from hikers and horse riders. It is a large gravel parking lot at the crest of a hill. Yes, there is a lot of traffic on that stretch of the highway.”

“Unless everyone preferred the midweek start date, I am going on the assumption that the dates are now Oct. 21-25. Tx, did you receive my email on this a couple of weeks ago?”

“Hey Tex,

Yes - I have the candles for you. I am finalizing "approval" for this trip and would be flying into Hotlanta and would love to hook up with you there to shuttle. I should know this weekend if I am definite and will e-mail with contact info.

No tent sharing! I'm sure that little REI jobber of yours can fit one extra person. Maybe I'll just hang out in the vestibule.”

“Big Coop -

If you hang out in my vestibule, people will talk..lmbo!!

Actually, most of you will be hanging outside since my vestibule is so small compared to you!!

Bit - I don't think I saw your email - let me look again. That may have been after a trip when I was inudated with emails. I'll let ya know!”

“Regrettfully, I will not be able to join the gang on this hike.

A number of work and family factors have tilted the scale toward postponing a weeklong backpacking trip for now.

I hope you have a great hike. The mountains will look amazing this time of year.

Tex - Sorry I'm not gonna catch up with you here.”

“OK Big Coop. Sorry you can't join us. But family, et. al., must come first.”