December 7, 2002

“Charit Creek Lodge will be the site for the second annual backpackers challenge cookoff - Titanium Chef 2002.

There is no need to sleep on the ground. Through a special arrangement with Charit Creek Lodge, we can utilize the indoor camper rate of $14.00 plus tax
per person. We will pack in sleeping bags or bedrolls and prepare our own meals, but you want to use the kitchen, and may do so at no extra charge.

In addition, Charit Creek Lodge will also prepare meals at a nominal charge. Indoor camping space will go quickly, and all participants must pre-register
with Chris Fox (towndawg@hotmail.com, or 731.586.4744).”

“BBW?”

“heh.. Inquiring minds want to know. Will YOU be there, bacpac?”

“Bacpac will be there....incognito.”

“kewl beans!”

“TD, No”

“Im going to be there along with the family. Ive been thinking up a few meals for awhile.”

“Just talked to TD, I am in. I think TD is going to have a sanctioned chili cookoff in conjuction with this event.”

“Won't make it this year, have to work that weekend.”

“Place: Charit Lodge, Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area.

Escape to the mountains without the hassle surrounding the Smoky Mountains. Come to the new national park! The Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. Our location is easily accessible from several major interstates. No waiting in traffic to start enjoying the privacy of a new log cabin with the scenic beauty of an untamed wilderness at your back door.

We can't give you the whole world....just the best parts....

*Sunrise from a front porch swing

* A myriad of wildflowers blanketing a hilltop

* A blazing carpet of fall colors beneath a clear blue sky

* A relaxing train ride through the wondrous outdoors

* Stepping back in history to a simpler time

* Catching the "big one" that got away

* The gentle mist of a cascading waterfall cooling your face

* Sunlight dancing on a crystal stream”

“is this just a oneday thing or a couple of days”

“This is really going too far!
Leave off!”

“good i could go kayakin there after words!”

“the competition is on SATURDAY.. but mmost folks will spend the entire weekend.. the $14 rate includes all weekend.

Its a GREAT place.. lots of hiking there too.. some INCREDIBLE hikes. I have done most of them.”

“Don't forget really cool Indian caves!”

“yes there are. :)”

“Sounds like a car camper's dream come true! Just think, the cooks won't even have to hike in with their ice chests this time!!”

“The second annual backpackers challenge cookoff (Titanium Chef 2002) will be held the first Saturday (12/7/02) in December, here in Tennessee, not far from Knoxville. Last year (the first time ever) we had 46 people compete, and it was such a success we knew we had to do another this year. Last year, we had people driving in to compete from TN, NC, GA, IL, KY, AL, MS, OH, and MA. We have no doubt we will see even a larger response this year.

What makes our competition different (and extremely fun) is that you can cook anything (we make a joke that someone will enter roadkill) you choose to enter into the event, but the location of the event is two miles from any road. (Yes, that's why we call it a backpackers challenge cookoff.) We will have categories that will include everything from appetizers to desserts. You can use any method, any skill, any equipment, but it must all be carried in using whatever cleverness you can devise.

The location of the event is a place called the Big South Fork National River and Recreational Area. Its a huge place in Tennessee, right between Jamestown and Oneida. There is a great campground there, but we don't plan to use it. The location of the event will be Charit Creek Lodge. (http://www.charitcreek.com/home.html)

There is no need to sleep on the ground. Through a special arrangement with Charit Creek Lodge, we can utilize the indoor camper rate of $14.00 plus tax per person. We will pack in sleeping bags or bedrolls and prepare our own meals, but you want to use the kitchen, and may do so at no extra charge. In addition, Charit Creek Lodge will also prepare meals (if needed) at a nominal charge.

Escape to the mountains without the hassle surrounding the Smoky Mountains. Come to the new national park! The Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. Our location is easily accessible from several major interstates. No waiting in traffic to start enjoying the privacy of a new log cabin with the scenic beauty of an untamed wilderness at your back door. We can't give you the whole world....just the best parts....

· Sunrise from a front porch swing
· A myriad of wildflowers blanketing a hilltop
· A blazing carpet of fall colors beneath a clear blue sky
· A relaxing train ride through the wondrous outdoors
· Stepping back in history to a simpler time
· Catching the "big one" that got away
· The gentle mist of a cascading waterfall cooling your face
· Sunlight dancing on a crystal stream.

If you have any interest whatsoever, please contact me -- email, phone, smoke signals. Thanks in advance for your consideration.
Titanium Chef 2002
c/o Chris Fox
300 Cary Drive Bruceton, TN 38317
towndawg@hotmail.com
731.586.4744
888.866.7667”

“I have a ton of interest but just not in the LODGE thing!!

If its a Back Country Cook Off, (many may agree) then it should be held in the back country no where near a cabin or so!!!!!

Im most likely going but rather be in the TRUE back country!!

As for me I will just spend my $14 bucks on some fuel or some thing and sleep inthe woods!”

“I would think that everyone would prefer this to be a backcountry thing but c'mon people. Exactly how many backcountry campsites in the eastern US have you ever seen that can handle 100 people? If you have seen a site that could handle that size crowd exactly how many of the authorities that manage those sites would allow it?

If you do know of someplace that fits that bill then let TD know about it so he can plan for next year.”

“I tried to explain before. This place is not a place you can DRIVE up to. I needed a spot thatwas hugre, and I neded a place that would accomodate variety of people.

Some folks will want the cabins, other will want the tent. We have BOTH. If I don't secure the CABINs then we will have to share this site with whoever else might show up. Personally, (knowing us?) I figured we wanted to whole place to ourself.”

“This place is two miles from any road. It is plenty of backcountry. It is safe, secure and will allow us to have a huge event that will include live music, good food, and plenty of 'extra' entertainment.”

“You have to remember that some folks will just come to watch. Those folks can sleep in the cabins if they want. Some folks will prefer the ;woodstock' style of the meadow. Either way, we have an incredible spot to have this event.

PLUS, depending on how you chose to get there, there are 20 miles of trail easily that pass no roads, and will meet no people for apprach.

PLUS, for those who want to backpack and dayhike FRI/SAT/SUN, we can accomodate that as well.

PLUS, for those who want to fish, kayak, canoe, swim, skinny dip.. Big South Fork National River And Recreation area is one of the south's BEST.”

“I'm there!!”

“Next year we can have it at Yasgurs Farm, ok?

*smiles warmly*”

“We put up with snow, ice, rain, cold, heat, chiggers, nettles, and smell every weekend of the year. Why is it so inconceivable that we have an event like this.

Are we so primitive, so backward, so unable to interact with the human race that we find this idea so repulsive?

heh. I doubt it. Folks are already saying yes. Why don't you. Those that went last year. Please pass the word. Don't let me me a one man cheering section.”

“I came upon a child of god, he was walking along the road and I asked him where he was going, this he told me. Well I'm going down to Yasgur's Farm going to join in a rock and roll band, gonna get back to the land and set my soul free.
We are stardust
We are golden
And we've got to get ourselves back to the Garden.
-Joni Mitchell”

“Exactly. This could be the backpackers woodstock.”

“GIVE ME AN "F"!!!!!!!”

“lol.. they do NOT remember country joe and the fish, dunadan.

:)”

“Hey folks, I think you are getting the wrong picture here! Charit Lodge isn't, well...exactly a lodge. Part of it is an old cabin that dates to the early 1800s, it houses the dining room and a couple of bunk rooms. There is bathrooms, but they are really just a glorified outhouse. The only thing modern here is the kitchen (seperate from the rest) and semi modern showers. There is no road to drive there, no electricity, and it is in the middle of nowhere! It is beautiful. If you want a more "back country" feeling, hike 1/4 mile down the trail and you can't see charit creek. Great job, Towndawg for getting one of the lovliest spots around for the cookoff.

The trial leading from Charit is one of my favorite hikes, if you've got an extra night or two, I highly recommend it. You can make a loop of it.

I won't be able to attend this year because of work, but will miss it. Last year was full of good food, good times, and major laughs!”

“Wow, that's the longest post I've ever written! LOL”

“Thank you, bpbaby!!! I owe you HUGE hugz!

See?.. This is the BEST place. You guys will love it. All I am asking is that you help me support the idea. We are getting use of the entire lodge at a STEAL!!.. I just dont have $500 right now guys.

Please. You know what to do. You won't even miss the donation.”

“HPM, ive been to a National Rainbow Gathering and there were atleast 20k + in the National Forest! With in 10-20 miles!

Law has always tried to break it up can not, they are aloud to live "stay " in the forest for as long as 30 days before moving on to other spots!”

“Well, I guess Prowler is not going. (Or just wants to fight.)”

“Prowler, It's a backpacker challenge cookoff, not a back country cook off. What's with all the negative stuff? There are over 40 folks that went last year and each one had a great time! I don't seem to remember you being there, come on, try it! It may be a little different than what you are used to, but it is a great time and an opportunity to meet many backpackers both from this forum and otherwise. I understand if it's just not your thing, then don't go. I just don't understand the harsh words, not your typical style.”

“I'm gonna think about going. I find it rather difficult to understand why or how come my simple question, which was posted over 5 times was never answered.

Hey Prowler, I;ll hang with ya in the woods. We can have our own cook off...maybe some shrimp creol gumbo or Lobster newburg. We'll figure something out.”

“Stikmon, I'm confused, looked through the whole thread and failed to find your question! What was it? I'm not involved, but would be happy to answer if I know.”

“Count me in.”

“bpbaby! where did I get harsh???
I referd to it as Back Country Cookoff because thats what TD has spoken to me as it is!

HPM, ive been to a National Rainbow Gathering and there were atleast 20k + in the National Forest! With in 10-20 miles!

Law has always tried to break it up can not, they are aloud to live "stay " in the forest for as long as 30 days before moving on to other spots!"
prowler
08:54:16 PM
06/17/02

BPbaby! Where does this sound harsh!!! just explainingh the truth off the outdoor gatherings, than can exceed many #er's. So , in a nice way PLEASE dont be harsh!!

I don't seem to remember you being there, come on, try it! It may be a little different than what you are used to, but it is a great time and an opportunity to meet many backpackers both from this forum and otherwise.


THANK YOU!!!!!!!!”

“Sorry, must have just been my frame of mind when I read it. Please accept my apology for the misinterpretation.”

“My point is that TD is trying to make this into a big event with a lot of support. I would think that he would want to keep it legal. Guess who the authorities always go after when there is a large illegal gathering? Yep, the organizers (ei. TownDawg) not the participants.”

“Stikmon, I missed your question.

It's the title of the thread. Dec. 7th.”

“Me and Miss OPIE are in”

“but there have been other threads talking about this event. I have posted on those threads REQUESTING dates, and never received any response. I guess I'm not loved enough to warrant a response on those other threads. I just happened to hit upon this one, cause Im looking for a december hike and lo and behold, the answer to my question about the cook off.

Crimey...it was hard getting an answer, TD never responded, neither did anyone else. TD, you did have my email...once before...funny, I still have yours. I guess I'm not good enough to get on the secret email list. Maybe I'll just go to bacpac's and hang out for that weekend...or not.

As for sleeping under a roof with the rest of you degenerates.... Snooring, farting, burping, groping hands ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwww. I'll pitch my tent in the woods with Prowler and get a good nights sleep.

Count me in. Is this where you want the money sent and you want $14.00?, And if you skip town, I will hunt you down like the dawg you are and crap in your drivers side car seat and piss on the passenger side seat.

Titanium Chef 2002
c/o Chris Fox
300 Cary Drive
Bruceton, TN 38317”

“888.866.7667"
TownDawg
12:59:47 PM
06/17/02

wow, TD has a toll free number for this event...hmmm wonder what our money is really going for”

“"lol.. they do NOT remember country joe and the fish, dunadan.

:)"
TownDawg
08:37:28 PM
06/17/02


And it's one two three
What're we fighting for
Don't ask me I don't give a damn
Just send me to Vietnam
And it's one two three
Open up the pearly gates
Ain't no use to askin why
Whoopie we're all gonna die”

“Or something close to that!”

“Write a dang check for 20 bucks and send it in. I'm not sure I can go, but I can sure part with 20 bucks to make sure Y'all HAVE a place to party, just in case.

Y'all waste lots more than that on gear every year, so dig deep ya cheap chickens!!

Prowler - you sound like you have a leetle, teeny weeny 'TUDE going..

Maybe ya just need a good ol romp in the hay? Git yo missus and go at it..it'll improve your disposition for sure.

Tex”