Bone Valley - GSMNP

“can we use our water wing pillows stovestomper made for us all?

I've got an inflatable alligator we could use!”

“Perfect. The backpack should fit right on that.”

“lol.. perfect.. can't wait to see TD ride that wave. :D :D :D”

“I am also guessing there is a built in holder for your beer on that float.”

“Oh crap, there is a hole in that float, let me plug it up!”

““I am also guessing there is a built in holder for your beer on that float.”
chili36

maybe even a couple..


“Oh crap, there is a hole in that float, let me plug it up!” lol”

“Have room for another hiker?

I've been wanting to do the canoe approach for a while and this sounds like the perfect trip for it. I have a two man canoe that can hold three persons' gear. So if you still have room on the trip for a newcomer to the group then I can offer a free ride over and back. I live off of 129 (near Kyker Bottoms) so someone could just meet at my house or park at one of the boat ramps on 129.”

“Called GSMNP this morning and was able to secure CS#83 (Bone Valley) for EIGHT people for Saturday night, September 5.

If you are are going to be part of this trip, please feel free to add yourself to my reservation. If you need the number, email me and I will give it to you.



sleahcim -- come on and join us. We will make room.”

“chili, what was the final word on the shuttle per person?”

“Just got word that Karo has locked down CS#83 for the weekend. I put in for eight, and he was able to secure eight for FRI/SAT and SUN.

So feel free to come and go as needed. TrailTalk owns that section of the park on Labor Day weekend.

OPIE -- I've talked to the marina several times. $25 per trip per person, one way. So a roundtrip is $50. The shuttle typically runs every two hours.

However, with the way that canoes seem to be shaping up, we might be able to get you across for free?”

“I just called the park and reserved Friday the 4th, Saturday the 5th and Sunday the 6th for anyone who wants to come in via Fontana Lake and Hazel Ck trail. Call me at 615 419-8598 for the reservation # if you decide to take this route. We should alm ost fill up that site. Only room for 4 more with horses.”

“Thanks TownDawg, I'm in. Whomever wants to secure a spot on the canoe let me know. If someone is foolhardy enough to take up the other offer on the inflatable canoe I'll be happy to take your gear across.

This'll be my first TrailTalk outing. I'm looking forward to it.”

“Good deal, "sleahcim." heh.. what kind of Trail Name is that?.. ;)

Good to have you along. October 08? Where you been hiding all this time.”

“Let me do a little roll call and housekeeping.

I’m a definite yes, and I assume karo and sleahcim.

chili36, OPIE, humanpackmule, offtrack have all been fairly vocal, so I should be able to add them also.

My daughter seems to think she is 90%, and thinks her boyfriend will come along if he doesn’t have to work.

That’s eight people (and maybe nine) so far.

Longlosthiker, crash bang, Ewker and Mocs123 have all been quiet lately.. but I know that Mocs123 (and possibly the others) could very well show up.

That only leaves Hard, black panther, and prosecutor unaccounted for. Roll call. Do you have any idea if the three of you are in or out?.. or still just a bonfide “maybe.” Just wondering.
last edited: 8/06/09 7:48:50 AM”

“I have a maybe on one more TD. He will paddle across with me and we'll stay the 3 days at #83. BTW the group size and reservation max is for 8 people, so be sure to call or e-mail Dawg or me to save your spot.”

“Michelle said i'm confirmed and Opie is good for launch!”

“I will probably do another trip over Labor Day,(I may do a loop in that area though, I'll keep you posted) so by all means let someone else take my spot. You could also have a group at CS#84 as it is practically right beside CS#83.

And for those of you who don't want to paddle across the lake, CS#83 is only 15.8 miles from Fontana Dam. And it is as easy of miles as you will get in the park.”

“MOcs, I was thinking that also.”

“holly molly we gots options out the wazoo.. let's see what CB says, if anything.

great job karo/td.

i may take you up on one of those options, karo although the canoing/kayaking sounds like an excellent option. we shall see.”

“.

"Looks like I may be able to get out of here around the last week of August. Would be cool to make this trip."

Just got word that my friend "Georgia John" (http://www.thebackpacker.com/trailtalk/thread/52159,-1.php) should be back in the US by the 28th, and plans to join us as well.
last edited: 8/07/09 8:55:13 AM”

“Cool, I'm assuming he's military?”

““I just called the park and reserved Friday the 4th, Saturday the 5th and Sunday the 6th for anyone who wants to come in via Fontana Lake and Hazel Ck trail. Call me at 615 419-8598 for the reservation # if you decide to take this route. We should alm ost fill up that site. Only room for 4 more with horses.”
karo
BTW, that reservation is for #83 Bone Valley campground.”

“"That only leaves Hard, black panther, and prosecutor unaccounted for. Roll call. Do you have any idea if the three of you are in or out?.. or still just a bonfide “maybe.” Just wondering"

I was out backpacking for a week on Isle Royale. Sorry for the delay. I am still following the trip, watching it morph. I am changing my status to Maybe, and will continue to follow this thread. If your final plans work out with me, I will change back to a For-Sure if there is room left on the trip. You got a great group going.”

“i think there is plenty of room on this trip. no maybe about it,”

“Prosecutor is a maybe?.. good.. maybe he wont come, and I'll be the best backcountry cook there.

;) just kidding boss.”

“I'm a little confused.

So now we have #83 reserved for Fri, Sat and Sun nights on different permits and folks are coming in by whatever trail and/or method they choose.

Is that correct?”

“As usual, I have sabotaged Towndawg's trip. He is planning on a 3 day hike from Clingmans Dome to the mouth of Bone Valley Ck. at #83. I wanted to re-enact a trip I did 2 years ago, flyfishing Hazel Ck and its tributaries. 8 (total)can join his trip and 8 (total) can go with me. I have no desire to hike that far, but still want to join in and fish as much as possible. I really can't believe we got that many spaces, but the early bird gets the worm.”

“lol
Ok, I think I've got it.
Thanks.”

“-- and to help explain a little further.. my original plan was to start and end at Clingmans Dome (a 34 miler) using the Hazel Creek, and Welch Ridge Trail, connecting using the Cold Spring trail. It's still entirely possible that I will /still/ do that route.

What changed EVERYTHING was a sudden remark from my daughter that indicated that she has never made a backpacking trip with me, and would like to go sometime. As much as I'd like to take her for a /real/ journey (the original plan), I think I have to realize that unless she is as crazy as me, it would be her first (and last) trip.

Let's face it, only fools love crossing waist-deep rivers... and trudging mile after mile in the pursuit of "fun."

So Karo and I started discussing the possibility of an alternative in connection with others would wanted to see that Bone Valley area, but really didn't have a love for doing "crazy TD deathmarches."

So... you now have the option to join us any way, (and any part) of this trip that you so desire. Between Karo and I, we have locked up #83 for the weekend. so, if you plan to camp one night on us, just email or call and we will pass along the backcountry reservation numbers.

If Jordan (my daughter) comes along (and possibly her boyfriend as well) -- then we will chill out and make a graceful sojourn across Fontana Lake in an effort to make the weekend more to her expectations.

Right now, I am keeping both options open. I am also considering (if I go with the canoe/hike plan) to explore the depths of bone valley extensively, and possibly day-hike an "up and back" to high rocks.

No matter what the final plan turns out to be, it's a given that we will all have a great time, and hopefully eat some fresh trout out of the deal.
last edited: 8/12/09 5:50:39 AM”

“Dawg, that sounds awesome. I had to call the reservation office yesterday because someone threw away the number I was given. I asked if everyone needed that number and the volunteer at the office said no just the trip leader. We only have to fill out one ticket apiece and put that res. # on it and it will cover all 8 people. So no one has to do anything except Td and I. Another option TD is to stay at #84 Sugar Creek when you get to Fontana Dam and fill out your form. That is in case you do come in via Fontana lake side.”

“Everybody on the hike needs to fill out a permit. We can all use the same reservation number, but my understanding is that everyone needs to have a permit at all times.”

“That is probably a good idea since we will probably get there at different times. Just e-mail me and I'll give you my number.”

“Not if you are in a group.
You only need one permit per group.

I agree that folks coming in by different means need to carry their own permit (or copy of one) in case a ranger asks to see their permit.

So....
Anyone want to come in via hiking down Hazel Creek from Clingmans Dome?

Also...
If I opt to take the ferry out do I need a reservation?”

“I would say if the group is well defined (like a boyscout outing) that would be correct. However, as loosly as this group is organized, I am not so sure.

My understanding of the whole permit system is not only for data purposes, but to know who is in the back country and where they are at (or supposed to be) at all times.”

“I agree.”

“Anyone wanting on the #83 permit for the 3 nights can e-mial me at:
karofisher@bellsouth.net
Put that on your permit (you can get one at Fontana Dam) and meet up there.”

“Rick brought me the Sevylor Inflatable Tahiti Classic Kayak today. It looks like the picture below.



Is it worth $50?

Typically it sells new for about $150, but you can find it for about $100. Here's one review..

"First of all realize that this does not handle like a hardbody kayak. Close, but not quite. It is just a pointy rubber raft, after all. It likes to go down the river sideways or backwards, depending upon where the heaviest bottom sits. But, it can be easily paddled by one or two persons to float just like the real thing.

About thirty years ago I used to have a fiberglass kayak and went down many rivers here in the western USA. I've worn wool long underwear under a wetsuit to stay warm and have almost lost camera gear and food in rollovers. I kinda know how to handle a kayak.

This Sevylor should not be taken through anything greater than a 4, depending upon the skill of the paddler. It rides like a typical rubber raft through crests and holes. It might be fun to play with solo in standing waves, but it would be hard to brace into because there are no foot/heel rests. There is no way to stay in it in a rollover. You'll just get dumped out.

On the practical side, it only weighs about 23 pounds, can be had for around $140, inflates easily and quickly with a plunger air pump (sold separately), is easily portaged around the rough water, has a very shallow draft, is made from some very tough PVC, is comfortable to sit in for several hours, is easy to dump water out of, cleans off quickly with just a hose, and deflates in a heartbeat to be folded back into the size of a medium suitcase. For us, it is perfect - affordable, handy in the waters we frequent, easy to inflate/deflate/store."

And I can still pick up the aluminum canoe too.. I will just have to invest in some tires for the trailer.
last edited: 8/12/09 9:47:02 AM”

“" .. in case you do come in via Fontana lake side."

karo
6:51:20 AM


You mean after I capsize my inflatable kayak in the middle of fontana Lake? ;)


"The Sevylor inflatable kayak was the first widely available inflatable kayak. It's been around since the 1960's. That's 15 to 20 years longer than most other inflatable kayak. It's been the butt of many jokes from hard boat paddlers and outfitters. Still, thousands of people have had a great time in them."

"Sevylor is the Rodney Dangerfield of inflatable kayaks. It doesn't get any respect."
last edited: 8/12/09 9:59:34 AM”

“depends if it has any keel or not.. if not, don't get it.. you'll spin for hours in the middle of the lake. could be fun.. lol

so there are multiple reservations for bc83.. cool.. did you guys file route plans? if so, what are they so we can consider all the options?

thanks”

“offtrack -- we have not filed any route plans, other than my discussion with the rangers regarding "special permission" to do something.

got your email by the way. :)”

“I would defifitely NOT take that inflatable across Fontana Lake! I is kinda dangerous as it is in a canoe if the wind picks up. You do have to cross tha main channel which isn't very far, but wide open to the wind and waves. After you get into the Hazel Ck. arm of the lake it does get a little better. We still had to stay on one bank even in a 17 foot canoe. Bring a sponge to bail with just in case.”

“And a pump. It would be mighty disappointing to return to that thing and it be plat as a pancake!”

“humanpackmule - The total cost per person is much less, if you all ship out together.

The shuttle used to be about $60 for the first person. It went up by about $5 per each additional person in the group.

All - I've worn out two Sevylor inflatable kayaks during my days. The first one was for one person, the second was for two people. I love them for water transportation and for play. I even used the one person kayak for setting, checking and retrieving my crab traps. I, also, enjoyed riding them sideways in the surf. Eventually, I had to have the sand cleaned out of ears at the Panama Canal Hospital.
last edited: 8/13/09 8:16:40 AM”

“I would like to start at clingmans....we have no reservations at double springs/silers bald shelters correct?? I'll look at the total mileage.

I was thinking about fontana dam or the tunnel, but damn high rocks looks rough. Will look on my own and decide.

I'll be in the area Thursday...i guess everyone is thinking about striking out Friday towards 83? and everyone out Sunday, or monday???”

“i gather there are no reservations for the shelter/s.”

“right.. all we have reserved so far is CS#83.. set up the itinerary as you see fit...

As for me.. my current plans are still to arrive in the park about midnight Thursday.. and not head home until Monday afternoon.”

“I had considered heading over on Thursday, but driving up tail of the dragon at night with a canoe on top just doesn't sound like a lot of fun. I'll get there after noon on Friday.”

“humanpackmule - Reservations can be useful for the shuttle. Then they will be on alert for your arrival and mey even hold up a shuttle for your arrival.”