Tremont to Cades Cove Trip

“We bounced this around last month and it didn't fly. But NGB and I decided to go ahead and book it.

Short notice and it is possible to move it to the 22nd if we have to.”

“Do this the weekend of March 15 and I(we) can come....”

“We were thinking about doing the LakeShore Trail in March. How many days can go get away??”

“I am not sure if it matters or not, but Fontana Dam is closed to foot/vehicle traffic until later this spring so it may very well still be closed in March. I guess you could continue on to Twentymile.”

“????”

“Thanks, mocs. We will look at options.”

“From what I understand they are doing some repairwork and are rerouting all hikers to the hwy 28 bridge and back to the AT.”

“I would expect the Fontana Marina to provide a shuttle to/from the other side of the dam.”

“That would be one option, NS.”

“Hey Chili!!
Me and Guitargal are heading to Townend from 3/24-3/28. We decided to rent a Cabin from the Tiptons for the four nights. Gutargal will do some day hiking when were down there, but that leaves some other time to fill up, anyway that’s the plan so far.
See ya later.
Randall”

“I'll be around. I have 5 days from last year I need to burn up in vacation before May 1, so if you guys want to go over to Cataloochee, let me know. We can pack the Jeep and cut through Cosby and over Davenport. Also, I can either lead you up, or give you directions to White Oak Sinks...the wildflowers should be in bloom then.”

“Hey Chili!!
That’s sounds cool, never been there that I know of!!
Email me your phone number when ya get a chance and I’ll give ya a call.
See ya later.
Randall”

“Randall,

I sent the email, however, I won't be able to replicate until I get home and get on my DSL. For some reason, Outlook won't replicate off the server at work.”

“Well, I am pretty sure I know who catdog is, but who is gator1?”

“arclite's alter-ego?”

“I probably won't be able to make this trip because I am planning on going to Mt Rogers that weekend, but if something happens (i.e. temps at Mt Rogers are below 0) I may slide over.

If you are planning a Lakeshore Trail trip in March, does that mean the Foothills Trail trip is off? I am just asking because if we are not going to do the Foothills Trail, I may try and put something together for March. I just did the Lakeshore Trail in November and although it was a good trip, I don’t want to do it again so soon.”

“Mocs, I am debating the March/April calendar. I have three trips I am trying to get scheduled; a North/South Trail Thruhike at LBL; the foothills Trail; the Lakeshore Trail.

I have to do all of them between now and May 1 (work calendar will encroach on time I can take off).

So, I guess I will have to force fit these soon. Without having any experience on the Foothills trail, I just don't know what effect weather can have. With the LBL, I am not over concerned with temps, but rain can be an issue (I will probably do this one on short notice). With Lakeshore, I am trying to find out when Stokely can do this as it is one she specifically wanted to hike.”

“Chili!!
I would really like to do the North/South trail in the LBL. Did you have a tentative date in mind?
See ya later.
Randall”

“I am pretty much open on when we go, randall.

I can be ready as soon as two weeks.”

“Early forecast looks good for next weekend.”

“I got an early email from gator1, but haven't heard anything since. I knew catdog was not driving up here for this. So, it looks like a two person trip. Hopefully, the weather will cooperate.”

“Ok, it's 54 degrees, hazy, and it looks like the rain might hold off another day.

NGB and I are going to hit the trail in a couple hours.”