Savage/Gizzard Another Classic ECT Repo rt

“A Nekkid Bear
Fast Women
Surprise ECTer's in camp
Super Troll update
The Flying Ape
How not to catch snakes
&
Barking dogs must DIE!


Stay Tuned for the full report!”

“I drove up on Saturday evening and reached the trailhead about dusk. I didn't think I would be able to leave ATL as early as I did, so I was packed for only a dayhike. If I had known I would be done with the conference that early, I would have been packed for an overniter, and hiked-in Sat nite.

Soooo....
I located the trailhead, and returned to the interstate for some sustinence. While eating, I convinced myself that I had TOO MUCH stuff to do at home. I headed toward home, and stopped at the first rest area - I had been whipped by the three-day conference.

I awoke at 4 a.m., and headed home via backroads (I was at least gonna salvage some sightseeing from the drive).

Enroute home, I discovered the Johns Mountain Trail in the Chattahoochee NF. I also saw numerous crossings of the GA section of the Pinhoti trail. I MUST investigate these trails further.

I was home by noon. Had the grass cut, laundry going, truck clean, phone calls made, and house clean before dark...

Dog! I REELY wish that the conference had been on another weekend... I regret missing this hike.

Hurry with the reports, guys!”

“well, i camped at the beach friday and saturday night, relaxed, drank a case of brew with joel, and thought about you guys. ahh, the joys of hiking vicariously!”

“by the way, the flying ape isn't the scary part.

i want to hear about the LANDING ape! i hope he's ok!”

“I made it home about 1/2 hour ago. The debriefing is under way. Great time. Great people. More later.”

“Now,now, we must have some secrets! LOL, Bear Jer!;>”

“I just got in. The pics are here too. I'll scan them and finish the trip report (about halfway through now).”

“4-27-2001
I met Cockroach & Sunshine at the South Cumberland Visitors Center and from there we headed to Savage Gulf. We met Steve Hiker & Baume66 there and hit the trail. After seeing Stone Door overlook we headed for the gorge. The day was HOT & kinda buggy. This was my first time to meet Sunshine & Baume66 so we all talked and got to know each other better. Lunch was at Ranger Falls. At the 4.5 miles in, we stopped at Big Creek to cool off before our 400+ foot assent to Alum Gap Campsite. Cockroach was the only one brave enough to fully get in the FREEZING water. Many Hard-Core points to Cockroach turning himself into a giant goose pimple.
We did the hill and set up camp. With still plenty of light left we took a day hike to Greeter Falls. The Falls were funning good and made for some great photo opportunities.
Upon returning back to camp, we we're COMPLETELY surprised to see that Jerbear, Naked Ape & Cow Patty had showed up! They were supposed to have been on the Cumberland Trail but part of it was closed and so they made it to Savage Gulf instead. Hugs were exchanged and introductions were made. The fire was made and much food was devoured!
**7.8 miles hiked**

4-28-2001
We ate breakfast and poked around camp till about 9:00 before deciding to finally leave. On the hike out the Laurel trail a Grader Snake was spotted and I tried to catch him. He got away before I could do my Crocodile Hunter impression.
With Sunshine leading the way, we made 2.9 miles to the parking lot in no-time! That gal can flat move on level ground! I had trouble keeping up with her.
We eat lunch at a local gas/food station and we headed for Fiery Gizzard. We left half the vehicles at Foster Falls side and headed for the Grundy Forrest side to begin our hike.
Naked Ape Caught a small Ring neck snake about a mile in
On the hike back we decided to stop at Sycamore Falls and take a swim. The water was cold but not as cold as at Savage Gulf. Steve Hiker, and Cockroach were in first. Myself & Baume66 went in next. Jerbear started in with some kinda lookin Speedo underwear. Naked Ape made his intro by jumping off the 16 foot high waterfall. The women did not get in. I don't know why. we even tried to interest them by dropping shorts and shooting the moon. Naked Ape again went to the top of the Falls again. This time he flew off and did a flip and almost a belly buster. I guess Jerbear figured shooting a moon wasn't enough so he stripped down to total nekkidness and swam back to shore. We never did get Sunshine & Cow Patty in. Go figure?
After the bear was clothed again, we grabbed packs and made for camp. Sunshine saw another snake swimming in the creek and I tried to catch him too. I gave chase through the water and got a hand on him but I Missed Again! Damn!
At the 1.5 miles in we turned up the Dog hole trail and headed 2.8 more miles to camp. Along the way, we hit some nice overlooks and Baume66 and myself stopped at Yellow Pine Cascade to filter water.
When we got to the sign that points to Raven Point Camp, there was a note on it that had ECT, and some kinda poem. It was signed by M&M. Mozark & Mather Surprised us by showing up after all!!! Once again, Hugs, greeting, & introductions were made. They took us all completely by surprise. One of the first questions for M&M were, ARE YOU SUPER TROLL? No. So there ya go, Super Troll is still unknown.
Cockroach took off by himself to Raven Point Overlook to see the view. He'd been gone for a good while & Mather said, "What if he fell off the cliff!!!" Then Sunshine started to think the worst. We figured if he did go over, We'd just split his gear. Just before it was dark he came in. No gear was split. ( LOL Cockroach. Just kiddin bro!)
Food was very abundant at camp and we all ate good! No fires were allowed at Raven Point Camp so we set tea candles on the ground. Steve Hiker seemed to enjoy playing with them.burning small twigs and things. I even found myself doing the same thing later. LOL
With 10 TTer's sitting around, and all of us meeting at least a couple of new people for the first time, we went around the fire (tea candles) and gave our Bio's.
We waited around for Gojo but he never showed and so about midnight, we all turned in for the night.
**7.2 miles hiked**

4-29-2001
The next morning, everyone woke up complaining about not getting much sleep cause of dogs barking in the distance. Comments were made about finding them and killing them!
After having breakfast & packing we headed out to Raven Point to see the view and take a group shot. M&M headed on down the trail and didn't join us. We changed our plans a little. Some of us decided to head back out the gorge trail instead of doing the through hike to Foster Falls. Naked Ape & Cow Patty were the only ones to do the 8 miles to Foster. The rest of us headed down the steep grade and through one of the most rugged trails around. Some commented that they were glad we didn't do this as an UP the day before. With Sunshine leading the way we set a blistering pace toward the parking lot. She will walk your butt off till you hit a hill then that flat lander side kicks in and waves everybody by. ( It was just an Up & over Sunny! LOL!)
After a few miles we took a break at an area called the Fruit Bowl. It was a nice cool area with HUGE boulders that the trail runs through. We had gotten ahead of the rest of the group so Steve Hiker and Cockroach took a nap.
The rest of the hike out to the cars, was nice and cool because of the creek & the shade. Every body trickled out one at a time. Naked Ape and Cow Patty had completed their hike and drove around to us and delivering Cokes & Gatorade! They got the TRAIL ANGEL AWARD!!!!!!!! Thanks again Yall!!!
We finally got everyone together for a COMPLETE Group shot. After that, M&M had to head on home and the rest of us drove over to see Foster Falls and pick up the other cars. A fineway to end a great weekend!
After getting to the cars, we all hugged and said our good bye's. It's always nearly a tear jerker to have to part fantastic company like that.
On the way home I was lucky enough to pass Cockroach & Sunshine on the road and waved one more time as I pulled off my exit.
**6.4 miles**

I just want to say Thanks to everyone that showed up and I really enjoyed seeing Jerbear, Naked Ape, Steve Hiker, Cockroach, & Cow Patty again. Always good to BP & camp with ya!
And It was a real pleasure to meet Sunshine, Baume66, Mozark, & Mather for the first time.
I feel blessed to have the Opportunity to hike with such wonderful folks!”

“Pics soon!”

“so, nekkid is supertroll, huh?”

“No”

“I made it back!

Great report, Dude. Thanks for not making me look bad. I lost my pride on this trip. Those hills kicked my ass! But I enjoyed that ass whooping. ;o)

I don't know what to say or where to begin so I won't. I just want everyone to know what a fantastic group of people they are. If the world were like this, it would be a much better place. Thanks everyone for your kindness, generosity, hospitality and friendship.

I think this flatlander moved fastest as I went for a camera when someone dropped his drawers at the waterfall.

Yo Bare! ;o)

Gooooood times!

Missed ya, gojo.”

“Anybody else got pics yet?”

“Great pics and trail report, walkindude. Sounds like all of you had a great time.”

“Great pics and trail report, walkindude. Sounds like all of you had a great time.”

“Thanks dude U DA MAn!”

“It's so great to get to see all you guys in action! Wish so much we could've been there. Sunshine and I could've huffed and puffed up those hills together! Glad ya'll had a good time!”

“I have to say I had a great time. You people are fun. Well worth every mile traveled and I will do it again. Hopefully running girl will be with me next time I see any of you folks. Thanks for letting me join in. Walkindude did a great job as host. Thank you!

Hey walkindude, I got my pictures developed yesterday but I don't think I'll be able to get them scanned until Thursday (got some from when running girl and I went a couple weeks ago too).

Nekkid, thanks for the roof Sunday night. Thank your wife for me too.”

“Great pics and trail report, Walkindude. Sounds like all of you had a great time.”

“Dang I am so jealous of you guys! I really wish I could have been there too.My life is just too active. Maybe next time!

Great pics and report Dude!”

“You guys are so lucky.”

“terrific pics you beautiful people!!!...thanksn for sharing..

.sorry i missed it.....we won our games and i went floating on the river sunday....but not much consolation for having missed what looks like another fun ECT trip.....”

“Your pics are great walkindude! Thanks for getting them posted so quick. and getting the report written.”

“Thanks for the kind words everybody. It was deffinatly Classic trip. I'looking foward to seeing everybody elses pictures.

I gotta got finish packing for the Cumberland Island trip tommorow. Backpacking keeps me busy.”

“Yep... great pics, great report.. sounds like a great hike.”

“Are y'all shur them was dogs yellin? Mebbe it was toyotas!

If it was dogs yellin, mebbe they was yellin at bares! Did y'all see some bares?

I seen some dogs at the Windtooths that was REEL YAPPY! and ther mama sayed "oh, ain't my dogs cuteys" and I sayed "no they aint cuteys cuz they are yappy and get at my nervs!" That was a time when I wanted to bite off a dog hed but my daddy sayed "be happy nice, Sarabelle and do not bite off no dog heds". Then, the nother day, ther was a leetle beety RAT DOG that was yappy at me and some horses to and I wanted to EAT that leetle rat-lookin dog but my daddy sayed "do not eat that leetle yappy rat dog".


I wish I could walked in the woods with y'all but I was REEEEL SLEEPY cuz I was in the kendel before my daddy got me out and I was reeeel sleepy cuz I can not sleep good at the kendle cuz of ALL THE YAPPY DOGS!

I think y'all had the goooooood times! tho.”

“Sarabelle
I'm sorry to hear your Daddy put you in the kennel with those yappy dogs. Maybe next time you can walk in the woods and sleep in the woods with us.
Guess what Happy nice Sarabelle. Me and your Uncle Rad are going to Cumby Island this weekend. I wish you & your Daddy could be there too.”

“My daddy has to go get summertimes dollers so we can ride in the truk at summertimes but y'all can get me in yer truk. I will be on my porch with my pakpak and watter bole and food reddy to get in yer truk (but you will hafta be a gennelman and open the truk dore).
(o:3”

“Great trip report and pictures Dude! It sure looks like you all had a great time.”

“Looks/sounds like yall had great times. Wish I coulda been there.

But I do hafta say that seeing the David Nelson Band play "Panama Red" in a big cave way back in the woods, next to a waterfall, was AWESOME!!!!”

“M-nutz
That sounds like a trip report itself!”

“Thanks for the great trip report and photos!
I stayed up waaaay to late last night looking at all 31 pictures. Looks like y'all had a great time.”

“Thanks for the vicarious hike, walkindude. Wish I coulda, woulda, shoulda. But it fans the flames. Two and a half weeks left in the term ... tick, tick, tick ...”

“damn, makes me think about hoppin a plane to the nearest waffle house”

“LMFAO @ sirpete!!!!!”

“Yeah, Yall shoulda been there. Us ECTers know how to throw a BPing trip. It's usually non stop laughter at camp too.”

“Sir Pete it sounds like ya needs some direction in yer life.”

“LOL,...way to go there Steve!”

“WD, you are one speedy dude at trip reports & pics! Thanks!

A little addition for the three of us (Naked Ape, Jerbear, Cow Patty) who started out Thursday on the Cumberland trail section 9: Super trail from Signal Point to Hwy.27 where the closure due to the ongoing turkey hunt cut our trip short. There were 3 members of the local law who let us know we weren't going in there! And gave us maps guaranteed to confuse!

The 8.1 miles we were able to access gave us burbling creeks, sweeping scenic vistas, waterfalls, 2 great high suspension bridges (one with a limit of 20 people posted and maybe exceeded noting the broken boards in several spots!), mushroom rock (not on the map along with a few other things!), and one turkey a-flying.

We finished our hike out Fri. morning, chewed on some of the local barbecued pork sandwiches, and drove to Savage Gulf to hike to Alum Gap campsite & meet up with the rest of the group. After an attention getting talk with one RangerDude being led by a large Rottweiler, we assured him we would be in camp long before dark when the trails would be closed. Jerbear ran the trails & had the ECT group tents all identified when Nekkid & I strolled into the site. Shortly after setting up our tents & the big yeller bernaner, WD was spotted leading the group into camp from a hike to Greeter Falls.”

“Thanks for posting yalls part of the trip CP.”

“I wanna go! I wanna go!”

“Wow did I miss a good hike! Lots of friendship, laughter, and nekkid men! Dang! LOl

Thanks for the pics WD, they were great! I'll try my best to make the next one with you guys!”

“I'm leaving today for Cumberland Island and this will be my last BPing trip for a while. Trips will be few and far between until it gets cold again.

I'm glad yall enjoyed the report & pictures. Thanks!”

“If anyone out there would like a map for Savage Gulf or Fiery Gizzard, let me know and I'll send you one. Both are very impressive places to hike.”

“Enjoy your hike WD and kepp up the "Bare" tradition! LOL”

“i'd prefer that he stay clothed! LOL!!!!”

“One thing for sure is I will return to that part of Tennessee!”

“Great pics, you guys! Sounds like a great time...man, you Suthahnas know how to throw a party.

So, ya gonna change yer name, JerBare? LOL!!
:o)”