The Southeastern Foot Trails Coalition is an exciting group of hiking organizations who are joining together to create a 5,000-mile network of hiking trails in the southeast. This coalition is an offshoot of the Southern Appalachians Initiative, a joint project of the American Hiking Society and the National Park Service's Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program. For more information about the Coalition, please contact Jeffrey Hunter at (423) 266-2507 or jhunter@AmericanHiking.org. 

Click here to view a listing of coalition members

2nd Southeastern Foot Trails Conference a huge success!

CMC History Fact

CMC Dues History

YEARS	   INDIVIDUAL FAMILY ASSOCIATE JUNIOR INITIATION COMMENTS
						
1931-1934   $1.25?			$1.00?		 Dues are deduced from records ($83 for 57 members and 12 Junior members.) Definition of Junior members is unknown.
						
1935-1941   $2.00			$0.25		 Junior members are between ages 12 and 18
						
1942-1957   $2.00					
						
1958-1968   $2.00       $2.50  $0.50			 Associate dues were for people living out of state, or too far to hike regularly with CMC.
						
1969-1977   $3.00	$3.50  $2.50    $1.50		 Junior members are between ages 12 and 18.
						
1978-1986   $5.00					
						
1987-1991   $7.50				 $2.50	
						
1992-2004   $12.00					

Speaking About Dues !

from

page 1 of the 3rd Quarter 1986 Let's Go

The CMC Council after careful consideration and in the face of mounting printing and mailing costs for "Let's Go" is asking the members for an increase in dues for 1987. Our present figure of $5 would be increased to $7.50 a year and new members would be asked for an additional $2.50 for an initiation fee. This will be voted on at the fall annual meeting.

We respectfully submit that the club has done a remarkable job of holding down its dues structure since its inception. We have one of the lowest dues in the country.

We hope to have a budget for this coming year which will give the members a better idea of our costs as related to our income.

While we are primarily a Hiking Club, we do feel a strong bond with conservation groups and rely on their support in matters which effect the preservation of our trails and the beauty of the North Carolina Mountains. Contributions to these organizations should come primarily from individual members, but the club should also lead the way with token contributions. This will be better regulated with a budget which is presented to the members at our annual meeting.

The above information is provided courtesy of Bruce Bente. What I think when I read about the dues history and what was said in 1986 about the finances of the Carolina Mountain Club is that today's situation is exactly the same. Our largest single annual expenditure is still the printed newsletter, we have increasing outside pressure for contributions and support and we are trying to balance our budget by considering raising our dues. More to come....! Don Walton. 

News on the NC At Specialty Tag

Hello all - We are starting to get a number of applications in for the new NC specialty tag that will offer a permanent source of funding for the portions of the AT that run through North Carolina. However, we have received less than 100 applications so far, and we HAVE to have a minimum of 300 people sign up before January 15, 2004!!! There is a great informational article on the ATC's web site, along with a link to the 1-page application form. For all AT-L'rs who live in NC, or know folks who live in NC, this is a personal plea from me to both consider buying a tag yourself, and to get the word out to any and all friends, stores, scout troops, hiking groups, other civic-minded souls, etc. Please help us all get the minimum 300 applications in before 1/15/04! One thing to remember is that once we get 300 applications in, this tag becomes a permanent source of funding for the AT!! We still are in the process of finalizing the design - the latest draft design can be found at: http://gallery.backcountry.net/NC-AT-License-Plate-Designs/aac The link to the ATC's information is: http://www.appalachiantrail.org/trailnews/nc_plate.html Thanks so much for your consideration and help! :) Thru-Thinker [Clark Wright]

Firefly camping week-end June 18 to 20, 2004

I am planning a camping and hiking week-end in the Elkmont campgrounds in the Smokies. There will be several levels of hikes, depending on the group The main attraction will be to see the synchronous fireflies, a phenomenon which occurs no place else in the world but Maylasia. As part of their mating ritual, fireflies flash on and off. The other attraction will be a tour of the Elkmont houses with a great amateur historian. The cost per person will be $20 which includes two days of camping at Elkmont and a stipend for the historian.

If you are interested in the week-end, I need the following information from you: 1. How many people will you have in your tent? 2. Do you like to hike A. 6-8 miles? B. 8-10 miles? C. 10 ++ 3. Would you be interested in participating in a group dinner on Saturday evening (maybe a barbecue)??

If we have enough interested people, I need to make reservations soon. Please send the answers to these questions to me Danny Bernstein at danny@hikertohiker.org . Please sign your email with your first and last name.

National Trails Day 2004 Set

Save the date for National Trails Day Saturday, June 5, 2004. The theme – Trails and Health…A Natural Connection - continues to focus on the health benefits of trails. By working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, we want to encourage people to learn about the enjoyment of trails as well as how they can become healthier. Start planning your event today! Whether it is a gentle walk, an industrious work trip, a nature hike, or a variety of activities, it takes time to organize, obtain a place, and get the word out. Contact local retailers, including, Galyan’s, REI, and Eastern Mountain Sports who can help recruit volunteers and publicize your event. They are also good to partner with for hosting an event, along with local health organizations, parks, forests, nature centers, Boy and Girl Scouts – be creative, invite any local organization with an interest in health or trails to participate and broaden the trail experience! Include events for kids – the next generation of trail users and maintainers. For more information visit our web site at: www.AmericanHiking.org .

What you need for a day hike 

Bringing the proper equipment will add greatly to your enjoyment, your safety, and the enjoyment and safety of the group. This stuff is essential if you are going out in the woods for more than a couple of hours. Make sure that you are comfortable with your equipment and you know where it all fits in. Do not carry anything in your hands; do not tie a jacket around your waist. Everything should fit in your daypack. Carry your wallet and keys in your daypack, at all times. In your daypack: Two quarts of water in plastic water bottles (not soda bottles) Lunch and snacks Rain jacket (no matter what the forecast) Long sleeve shirt (no matter what the forecast) Sunglasses Wool or fleece hat and gloves Insect repellent Sunscreen Tissues Personal first aid kit Small flashlight Plastic bag for trash If it is not the height of a warm summer, add: Warm fleece hiking sweater or jacket Rain pants How to dress: Shorts and a short-sleeve T-shirt as the bottom layer. Hiking boots that are well broken-in and that go over the ankles Good hiking socks (not sports socks). Sunhat with a wide brim Bandanna which you need to keep handy Dress in layers: Your first layer should be a short-sleeve t-shirt (synthetic, not cotton) even if it seems cool in the morning. You will warm up. Your second layer should be a long-sleeve shirt (also synthetic). If you need extra layers, you will have your warm hiking sweater and rain jacket. Shorts give you more mobility and keep you cooler; pants give you more protection from insects and brush. Questions, comments, additions to the list? Send to danny@hikertohiker.org