Cumberland Trail Trip

“We'll be climbing down from the shelter to Tank Spring on Sunday morning, right? I'm trying to see it on the map, not enough detail on it though. I'm looking for another map.

the map posted above looks like much of the trail is on the ridge top.
last edited: 12/10/07 6:41:34 PM”

“If the terrain is that rough I wont be able to make it. I ruptured 3 disc in my back about 5 months ago and I really dont want to agravate them just before the hollidays. Is there a safer alternative? If not I cant risk it. I am glad that you two reconed this trip. I would have been laying there wanting to die.LOL. I will still like to meet up with ya all Friday night atleast. My back is just starting to feel good and I dont want to risk it on rock climbing, ya know.”

“www.cumberlandtrail.org/cumberland.html

This takes you to a trail description.”

“I have a small folding saw around here somewhere, I'll try to find it.

I think I'm gonna make some mulled wine Saturday night. Hopefully some of you folks will help me consume it.

1.5L Red wine (I use a Chilean Cab/Merlot blend)
1 cup Tawny Port
Orange Peel of 2 oranges
8 cinnamon sticks
16 whole cloves
4 chunks crystallized ginger
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup water

Put spices and orange peel in a pot with water and bring to a boil over medium heat. Let it boil for a couple of minutes. Turn heat to low and add wine, port, and brown sugar. Stir occassionally and heat til the mulled wine is steaming. Don't allow it to boil.

Guaranteed to warm you up!

If I have time I'll make some boiled custard for Friday night.
last edited: 12/10/07 7:21:54 PM”

“Never had it but it sounds good!”

“Are the rocks that bad?
What about if they are wet? It looks like we are going to have rain on Saturday. Are there other choices to get around the rocks if we need to?
I'm with chitown in that I don't want to spend the holidays laid up.
last edited: 12/11/07 4:05:03 AM”

“Chili / NGB, do you have a group site reserved at Cove Lake? Do they even have group sites (their website doesn't give much detail)?

This must be the BBQ place you mentioned, NGB http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2007/jul/13/hit-the-road-then-cue-up-for-some-scrumptious/

It sounds good, then you read the first response which is polar opposite. Have you guys eaten there?

stomper, I made a test batch of mulled wine last night, and IMO, it's pretty good. Every year the family gets together for Christmas and I'm always tasked with making the boiled custard. This year more folks are gathering and it's turned into an all day affair so I'm bringing the mulled wine (to go with appetizers) and the boiled custard (to go with dessert). You folks will be my guinea pigs. Muahahahaha!”

“Sounds good!”

“The wine sounds good, I might even drink that. We have never eaten at the BBQ place, it is suppossed to be good. But I have no idea. As far as the terrain. If you are concerned, probably better to skip it. I don't know what the front side is like, but it will be 10 miles on Saturday to get to the shelter. It's about 2 miles of up and down over rocky terrain. Its called the Devils Racetrack. I am pretty sure it will be like the hike out on Sunday. Very rocky, steep, lots of places where, if you fall, you will be going a long way. The rocks are slippery if wet, not to mention all the leaves that get slick as ice when wet. Going downhill on a leaf covered trail is not fun. When we were talking to the ranger he was describing the hike we did Saturday, the one we will do on Sunday this weekend, he mentioned "mountain goating it", I didnt get what he meant until we were a good bit up.

Stomper, we will be going from the shelter down and out at Tank Spring on Sunday. It is a 2.8 mile hike.

We have not reserved a site. There are 4 sites by the lake. One will be taken by a long term camper. We would like to try to get one of the other 3. the ranger said we shouldn't have a problem getting one on Friday. I will check with Chili and see if he is planning to call and reserve one.
last edited: 12/11/07 5:29:05 AM”

“Is this an example of the trail?

http://www.easttennesseewildflowers.com/gallery/view_photo.php?set_albumName=Cumberland-Trail&id=CT_rocks1”

“We didn't go over anything quite like that on Saturday. But that may be more like the other end. But I know the part we did, alot of it was hands and feet and grabbing onto trees to pull your self up or over. It is my understanding that only about 2 miles of it is rough. the rest is along the ridge line.”

“I may bow out. It sounds like a good trail to challenge myself on but I don't know that I'm up to the challenge in the rain.
Is there another trail close by that you know of? I'm not asking you to change the trip, but if there is another trail close by, I can still meet yall on Friday and again on Sunday.”

“I have no idea Stomper. I know Cumberland Gap is only about 30 min up the road. There are lots of trails in there. Email Chili and maybe he can suggest something.
Hopefully the weather will not be too bad.”

“Chili you've got e-mail!
Stomper and I have been talking this morning and after hearing the trail description, we are thinking that we are not going to do it. However; we would still like to come and hike this weekend. With that in mind, do you know of any other trails that are close that we could look at?

Chitown - would you be interested in doing a different trail near this area?
last edited: 12/11/07 6:26:59 AM”

“Hey Girls!!
The only rough parts are the climbs!!! I am sure you can do it!!! Ya don't want to live forever do ya?????? LOL That's a joke. We did all kinds of stuff like that on the Black Forest Trail and it had snow and ice all over it. Ya never know until you try!!!
See ya later.
Randall”

“Ya never know until you try!!!
How true. From the description, I'm not so sure I can haul my fat a$$ up. (the true hurts,lol) Stomper isn't thrilled about the "much of this hike was about a 2’ wide section of trail then sheer drop off on both sides."
We still want to come, but will be looking at other possibilites. Don't count me out yet. I might still be crazy enough to try it.”

“Stomper, I am not thrilled with that part either. Its going up the rocks that gets me. Trust me, there were a few spots last weekend that I thought I was going to have to sit down and wait for Chili to get back. But I made it. We will stick together and we will get to the end. So if thats all you are worried about, pack your stuff and come on.”

“Should we bring something orange so that hunters can see us? Is it still hunting season?”

“Not sure Windigirl. I will check with Chili. I know last weekend, there seemed to be alot of hunters in the area...or atleast their vehicles were parked all over the place. It is a Wildlife management area.”

“I don't think there is a single thing about this that anyone signed up for this can't handle. It is not, however, a flat walk. There are some rock crossings that I would not want to make in snow or sleet. There is one tough place to get up the rock on the section between the shelter and Tank Springs.

NGB and I blazed a bushwhack path around that rock.

I really don't know what to say other than I don't think it is a walk in the park, but on the other hand, I don't think it is insurmountable.

I know this. At one point, we cross a gravel road before we get to the shelter. If anyone is unable to make it, I will get the GPS coordinates for that crossing, hike out to get the Jeep and drive back up for you.

If the rocks are too much for anyone, we will know that in the first mile and can abort there.”

“Sounds like a plan. I always like having an out, just in case. If I can bushwhack, walk through creeks for miles, climb rocks, etc, that I did when I went to RRG with meangreen, this can't be too bad. lol.”

“That's the spirit. If this is too much, we can readily modify the trip enroute.”

“We might have to carry Stomper's pack for her when we cross the 2' with drop off area.
Does the shelter have a table?
last edited: 12/11/07 12:53:29 PM”

“No table. Just like one of the old style AT shelters without the bear cage.

Also, on the hunting season, most of this trail follows the south edge of the WMA. It wouldn't hurt to wear orange, but I wouldn't expect anyone to be hunting up on that mountain. However, better safe than sorry.”

“Friday
Dec 14 Mostly Cloudy
Hi: 50° Lo: 35°
Partly cloudy skies. High 50F and low 35F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph.
15%
Saturday
Dec 15 Sprinkles
Hi: 39° Lo: 23°
Chance of light rain showers. High 39F and low 23F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph.
50%
Sunday
Dec 16 Flurries
Hi: 38° Lo: 22°
Chance of light snow showers. High 38F and low 22F.
35%”

“Have you done this trail before?”

“Randall is right. You only live once. What the hell...count me in. Rain or shine I'll be there. Chilli: do we need ropes,walking sticks,or a Machette (over look spelling please) Yes it is HUNTING SEASON...archery and mussel load only. We dont have to worry about high power rifles.Also there is no hunting in state parks,but there is available hunting area's surrounding were we will be hiking. We dont have to worry about being shot by mistake, because we will be well out of range of arrows and mussel load. They both only travel about 50 - 125 yards. Unless you want to dress up like Bambi.LOL.I'll see ya all on Friday night.”

“Oh man!!
LMAO!!!!!!!!!!
That is soo Kool!!
It's Muzzleloader and I will have mine, but only in the truck, lol
I'll use that back in Indiana later in the week.
I cannot tell you how special it would be to wake up to snow in the Cumberlands!!

I cannot think of any other place I would rather see like that!!
Think of the views and photo oportunitys!!!!
The whole trip would be just that much more special!!

The temps are almost perfect for climbing and we would even have a private cabin (Sort of) all to ourselves!!

I been in the woods with Windi in the snow!!
(not bringing the Lunar Solo this time)
See ya later.
Randall
last edited: 12/11/07 8:36:46 PM”

“Should I look for a certian vehicle or camp site? I will be driving a full size white Dodge work van. Seeing that I am comming straight from work.LOL.”

“Least I ferget!!
Good Attitude Chitown!!!!
Yeeeee Haw!!!!!
Good Question as well!!!
See ya later.
Randall
last edited: 12/11/07 8:46:56 PM”

“Yeah, I'm not the best speller. thanks for correcting me.”

“ been in the woods with Windi in the snow!!
(not bringing the Lunar Solo this time)
Just like old times, huh. Randall can start a fire in snow with his firestarter, so he says, lol.”

“I accept your challenge!!!
It will not be a problem, I been practicing!!!!! lol
See ya later.
Randall”

“OK. We do not have a site reserved but planning to get a tent site by the lake for Friday night. we will put up a glow stick at the site and if we are really smart, we will try to get a sign made. We will be in the jeep...black Wrangler with a power T on the backside, Smoky Mountain plates.

Who wants to get dinner in town or at the BBQ place?”

“I won't be there until later. Eat without me.”

“If you have crampons, you might bring them. I am just bringing my instep crampons.

Again, if it becomes too bad to get over or around the rock (and I can't believe we couldn't get at least around it), the group can backtrack to the road, I will slack pack down to the Jeep and ferry everyone out.

Woo Hoo! Maybe the second snow hike of the season for me.”

“hum...maybe I need to make a run to the gear store...gators and crampons...and rain pants...”

“We will figure it out tomorrow when we get the gear together. Santa may come early for you.”

“okie dokie..”

“Tell Santa to leave my crampon with you, size 8. lol. Do you think yaktrax will do or do you think we will really need crampons?
last edited: 12/12/07 10:57:52 AM”

“I am just going to have instep crampons. I really don't think we will have a problem, but if rains then freezes over, the downhill portion North of the shelter can be a little tricky.”

“Y'all are making this sound like K2. Should I bring my ice axe?

Chili mentioned fajitas on Friday night, NGB mentioned a BBQ place. Have you guys decided which one?

What about breakfast Saturday?
I'm bringing a couple lbs. of sausage. We can do breakfast burritos or I can run up to the Hardees in La Follette and grab some biscuits to go with it. Anybody bringin' eggs?”

“I'm going to go out on a limb here and say we will cook at camp friday night for who ever is there. Bring something to add if you want. I will see what Chili says about Saturday morn. We have 10 miles to go so we may not want to take alot of time to fix alot of food etc. We can get something good on Sunday for lunch in the Lafollette area...”

“Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 53. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph.

Friday Night: A 40 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 36.

Saturday: Showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 43. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Saturday Night: A chance of snow or rain showers. Cloudy, with a low around 27. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Sunday: A 40 percent chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 34.
last edited: 12/12/07 1:37:55 PM”

“Ok, command decision.

Fajitas friday night. If we get up early enough Saturday (and I will), we will whip up the eggs and sausage. I will make sure we have extra tortillas.”

“Oh, and as far as the crampons go, the descent to Tank Springs is steep. That is the only place they would be needed if we have snow or ice.”

“FWIW, I picked up some tortillas and a big jar of chipotle salsa tonight. I'll bring an onion as well. I'll wait till I get to Caryville / LaFollette to get chicken tenders and cheese.”

“Probably should stop at the Ingles on Emory Rd for chicken. You may not find it in Caryville and the next closest store would be Jacksboro.”

“Sorry guys, I'm out! I think I can do the trail but I'm not able to psych myself up to do it in the rain & freezing temps.

Have fun! I'll be thinking of you.

To Chili & Stacy: I'll meet Jake in Chattanooga on Monday instead of Knoxville. Thanks anyway!”

“Bummer.”