Sipsey-Bankhead Bushwhack - Fall '08

“As of now there is no fire ban in the BankHead that I know of.”

“tnx”

“If, however, a ban should indeed be asplied during the time of the hike, we TTers will, as always, adhere to any such proclomation and abide by every such restriction. We do this in part so's to relieve the NFS of any needless excersion into our backcountry campsite while in search of any infractionors of fire ban regs, Heart of Dixie sodomy laws, leave no trace ethics, etc.”

“DIV.....I personally would not spray a water bag with such chemicals used to water proof garments. What Jerbear said about a plastic bag is solid advice. I currently know of no spray solution that would be food ie,... health aproved. If anyone knows of such spray, fill us in.

I have e mail McNett company about there floor saver seal iffin this could be used for food, water bags as well. Waiting for there answer.....
last edited: 11/02/08 6:54:43 AM”

“What time you getting there?”

“Quite possible Thursday night Toph”

“I’ve been meaning to go on one of these Sipsey trips with you guys. It just never works out with the job and family. I’ll be in the woods the next weekend, but I will probably be somewhere along the Pinhoti trail. Please tell HOI I said HI.”

“Hey Fridge, you feeding all of us...or was that just a rumor.”

“ok...I'll line it with a plastic bag until I get a new one...
I am leaving for my daughter's in N Al Thursday afternoon...and going to the camp Friday morning....
...I talked to my friend Wendy tonight & she is excited, as am I!!!!
...I am looking forward to seeing old friends and meeting new ones....”

“Are there any females going?
- besides me that is.
last edited: 11/02/08 5:44:53 PM”

“My wife will be there and it sounds div is bringing a Wendy so that's at least 4...”

“I will be ther to. That will make leventy gerls ther plus what never nother ones show up.”

“...and Om makes 5!!!!!
wow...quite a turn out!!!!


I will finish up packing tonight...I am trying to pack perfectly to impress Wendy so she will be comfortable & want to continue hiking!!!...I can't find my long undies!!!!...I get chilly in the eve....we went to the drap strip Sat eve & I wore jeans...I got cold!!!!...I need to remember..no cotton!!!
...a few more days to go.....wooohoooooo!!!!!!!”

“Leaves should be just about perfect this weekend. Here's a shot from my backyard in B'ham this morning:

”

“Very nice.”

“My wife (No Direction) will be there. I took her to the Sipsey rapids yesterday, to let her work on her navigational skills a little, and for both of us to get back accustomed to hiking. We found a nice sandy beach and the "actual Eye of the Needle" as I have been mistakenly calling another formation that. We came up on a fellow hiker who had his arm in a sling and he stated he thought he had broke his arm. I told him I was a paramedic and he gladly accepted me taking a look, which I confirmed that I thought it was broke. He had fell while camping the night before and could not leave due to the darkness. I can't imagine having to stay the entire night with a broke forearm, and still be as good spirited as he.

I did not mean to write a book, sorry, but I did want to ask the most important question I can think of concerning this trip...Can anyone make good coffee in the woods? I'll handle the rest. Unfortunately, we will only be able to stay until lunch time on Saturday but maybe we can get to meet most of you in that time.”

“Dang, where did he fall?”

“Somewhere near the Bee Branch.”

“Bring the coffee grounds of your choice and I'll fix you up...”

“Good deal, thanks.”

“Anyone in Georgia need a ride??? I'll be coming thru on Friday morning!”

“I live about a 90 minute drive from Sipsey. The trees are near their peak here and leafs are just starting to fall. It should be a great weekend to be outdoors.”

“Can't make this trip.

Dang it Spam, I'll meet you some time. I still owe ya.”

“What are the options for Saturday's hike?”

“Coal Mine Branch Falls...

http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/556444938GNIepH”

“My thought was to continue up Brushy on Saturday to Collier Creek and exploring that drainage. ToyBoy's suggestion for Coal Mine Branch is an option as well...very nice waterfall but probably pretty dry right now (as most will likely be).”

“..Wendy wants to bushwhack with ya'll Sat...I told her it would be fine....I on the other hand, am going to explore around the camp area....bushwhacking is outta my league!!!...getting old sucks...”

“hey broken - good to hear from you”

“How is the water source? Brushy Creeek running?yo bear!”

“Water should not be a concern...”

“Remember you will be in a dry county, and they take that chit seriously. I have been stopped multiple times entering and leaving the sipsey, and they have asked if i had any booze in the vehicle. They checked once. They took the trash i cleaned out of the parking lot as probable cause, there was an old beer can with it.


Also if your planning on imbiding (TT trip, yea right!!!) and you forget to bring any. It's an hour drive one way to find beer. Carbon Hill, Cullman, Decatur are about your closest bets.”

“Good post opie...thanks. You and the mrs in or out?”

“Looking like a decent chance of rain Friday followed by a temp drop into the low 30s on Saturday...”

“do we need to wear orange for the hunters eye?”

“Jerbear, the first gun day in that area (ZONE B) starts on Nov-22. Archery season is from Oct-15-Jan 31 I may tie an orange ribbon on my pack just to be on the safe side...”

“nah, we are out, my boss cancelled my day off, i have a birthday to attend, and a few too many pple”

“dang Opie....who is gonna tell old jokes & make me laugh???...Mr & Mrs....you will be missed!!!”

“weather forecast for Hartselle, AL



# Tomorrow night: Overcast with showers at times. Low 53F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.
# Friday: Showers, maybe a rumble of thunder. Highs in the mid 60s and lows in the low 40s.
# Saturday: Times of sun and clouds. Highs in the low 60s and lows in the mid 30s.
# Sunday: Plenty of sun. Highs in the low 60s and lows in the mid 30s.


Dress for colder temps than those...it is colder in the woods!!!
last edited: 11/05/08 2:29:07 AM”

“Updated the trip map to include the CR 63-3159 intersection, the proposed camp, nearby waterfalls and nearest medical attention.”

“Down Booties is sick and will not be attending :(

I will probably head up tomorrow after work now so I'll be there first thing Friday morning.”

“I'll be there about the same time as Fridge so I'll be looking for you toph”

“Where do ya'll plan to stay tomorrow night?”

“at the campsite”

“I had not necessarily planned to hike in until Friday morning...what time do you think you'll arrive tomorrow?
last edited: 11/05/08 9:35:43 AM”

“beats me - depends on whether we get sidetracked in Scottsboro - if we don't stop at Unclaimed Baggage I would guess around 3 PM but it could be as early as 1 or as late as 4”

“Ah ok...you'll beat me there by at least a couple of hours if not more. I'm looking at 5:30 at the earliest.”

“I'll be solo but I *may* try to hike on in tomorrow night as well to get settled before the rain sets in. If you don't see me by 9:00, send out SAR ;) j/k.

Do either of you have a 2 way radio?

Are you bringing your saw HOI?”

“Toph I do have a 2 way radio. 26 mile range.”

“k...I have a cheap 2-3 mile range unit but it should be sufficient for the purpose. Mind packing yours along as well and leaving it on, say channel 1, until I get to camp?”