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SATURDAY No. A0303-246 Aug. 30, Around Coffee Pot Mountain, 8:00 AM, Hike 7.5, Drive 40, 1400 ft. ascent, Rated B-B, Neal Andreae, 698-2546 nandreae@gowebway.com We’ll circle Coffee Pot Mtn., by hiking up Trace Ridge Trail to Beaver Dam Gap on the BRP and returning on the Spencer Branch Trail, with a look at the Hendersonville Reservoir. Second meeting place at North Mills River Recreation area parking lot at 8:30 AM. Topo: Dunsmore Mtn.

ALL DAY No. A0303-247 Aug. 31 Blueberry hike, 8:00 AM, Hike 8, Drive 70, 1000 ft. ascent, Rated B-C, Tom Sanders, 252-6327 mel&tgs@main.nc.us One of the secrets to good berry picking is not letting other people know where you’re going. We will pick in an area bordering the Shining Rock Wilderness, and with luck you will fill your containers. Also bring rain gear. Topo: Shining Rock

All-day hikes submitted by Bruce Bente 692-0116, bbente@cytechusa.com , with the assistance of Tom Sanders. Driving distance is round-trip from Asheville. All Saturday and Sunday hikes assemble at Westgate Shopping Center near I-240 UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED.

HALF DAY, No. 8078, Aug. 31, Dupont State Forest, 1:30 PM, Hike 4-5, Drive 70+, Rated C-C, RustyBreeding - 692-0359 bree@planetusa.net Leader will meet group beside Bi-Lo, Pisgah Forest, at 2:00 PM. We'll climb the trail to Triple Falls and High Falls, then it's an easy walk to the pretty Lake Dense. We may do a little additional discovering, and if that's not enough we'll take in Hooker Falls after we get back to the cars.

Half Day hikes submitted by Elisabeth Feil, 684-8719. For the next schedule, please call Anita and Richard Walkey, 681-2967, with suggestions. Leaders: Mail sign-up sheets to this quarter's scheduler. Meet at Westgate unless otherwise noted.

ALL DAY, No. 8064, August 27, Blueberry Hike, 8:30 A.M., Hike 6, Drive 20, Rated B-C, Fred Chaffee, 692-8937. Our traditional yearly hike to the picking fields of Grassy Cove Top in the Shining Rock Wilderness. Limit 10 hikers. Call for reservations. Meet at the work center near the Pisgah Ranger Station for carpooling to Big Sam parking area. Topos: Big Sam, Shining Rock.

ALL DAY, No. 8065, August 27, Blueberry Hike, 10:15 A.M., Hike 6, Drive 0, Rated B-C, Ken & Carol Deal, 281-4530 kmcdeal@aol.com A second hike will leave for the picking grounds from the Big Sam parking lot, meeting there at 10:15. Call Ken or Carol for reservations for this hike.

ALL DAY, No. 8066, September 3, Hump Mountain, 8:30 A.M., Hike 8, Drive 130, Rated B-A, Tom Marshall, 645-7249. We'll hike from Roaring Creek Road to Yellow Mountain Gap, and then along an open ridge on the AT to Hump Mountain, a grassy bald at 5,587 ft. Great views of the Highlands. Meeting place: McDonalds at the 25/70 Weaverville Exit. Topos: Carver's Gap, White Rocks Mountain, TN.

Wednesday Hikes are submitted by Kenneth & Carol Deal, 281-4530, KMCDeal@aol.com . Next schedule: Paula McNabb, 274-0057 gcmcnabb@charter.net. The meeting place for each hike will be designated by the hike leader and will appear in the hike description. Driving mileage will be listed, round trip, from the first designated meeting place.

Tom is in the process of hiking Cave Dog's original route of 303 miles plus closing the loop by walking back on the AT from the Roan Highlands to Clingman's Dome for a total mileage of 460.

Hi Guys, To bring you up to date, I have now been out 14 hiking days, occasionally being ( like today, Aug. 23 ) at home, and have completed about 250 of an estimated 470 miles of the Loop. The first stage was 5 days ( Aug. 6-10) from Pisgah Parking Lot around Asheville and across Mitchell to just short of Burnsville. This route included climbing 11 peaks over 6000, from Craggy Dome to Celo Knob.

The second (Aug 12-15)was from that point thru Burnville to Buladean, where I got the AT at Hughes Gap, then north to the Roans ( 3 peaks), then south 44 miles on the AT to Spivey Gap ( US 19w), where I was really tired and went home for 2 days. 4 days. At least 3 of those days I did 20 or more miles. No wonder I was tired. Now, the latest phase. In 5 days ( Aug. 18-22) I have walked the 91 or so miles the AT maintains on the AT, beginning at Spivey Gap and ending up at Mountain Mamas in Waterville. What a great trail! And how well-maintained, considering the heavy growth from the rains! All of us CMC'ers should be proud of the maintainers. At Spring Mountain I ran into the crew working. Those grand old men of our club, Ed Dunn and Felix Metzger, both well up in their 80s, were there doing their job. At certain places the growth was more than one could comfortably walk in shorts ( it's understandable ), but I especially want to cite the quality of 3 sections: one, my old Jones Meadow section, now maintained by 2 persons from Greeneville,TN, and including the Firescald Relo. Just in great shape. Two, from there down to Allen Gap. Three, the section from South of Bluff Mtn to the Pigeon River, 25 miles, all comfortable and beautiful hiking, with evidence of recent weedeating of the growth. So here are the details.

Aug. 18.Spivey Gap to Hogback Ridge Shelter. 15 miles. I really enjoyed this section because I'm not as familiar with it as I am the areas further south. Big Bald is of course a feature and a 2000 ft ascent. This was, however, for me an easy day. At Sams Gap whom should I encounter but Morgan Summerfield? He apparently was driving by and saw what looked like a lost hiker emerging from the woods -- me.

Aug. 19. To Little Laurel Shelter. 20 miles. I loved this part because it is the great section by the Shelton Gravesite and my old AT section. I also had the pleasure to going for the first time over the relo and admiring the views and the great rockwork. But man, is this part slow going! It will be a great foretaste for future northbounders on the AT of what they'll face in northern NH and southern Maine. Congratulations to all who worked on the relo, which is certainly a major highlight of the AT in our region.

Aug. 20. To Hot Springs. About 19 miles. A very familiar section. The first mile from Allen Gap up to Spring Mtn is as always steep and tough, but traveling light, as I do, about 20 lbs, makes it easier. Tanyard to Hot Springs is also one of the beauties of our trail section. I had originally intended to stay in Hot Springs with Mary, but I got there about 4:00 and we decided to go home for the evening.

Aug. 21. To Roaring Fork Shelter. 15 miles. I have an old map which doesn't include this Shelter, and I assumed it would be half way to the Pigeon River, about 18 miles, but it's only 15. I got there at 3:30. Fortunately 2 other northbound hikers from Atlanta stopped to fix an early dinner before continuing a couple of miles, so we had nice talk. By the way, there have been very few hikers on the AT during my spin. This is a familiar section that I love, the section to Garenflo Gap, up Bluff ( the hard side, with a half hour deluge ) and on.

Aug. 22. To Waterville, about 20-21 miles. I was worried about the difficulty of this because of Snowbird, but direction south is the easy way. Unfortunately, both Max Patch and Snowbird were clouded up, preventing views, but the first part of this section, from Roaring Fork to Max Patch, is exceptionally attractive and a CMC feature hike. I'm now at home and looking forward to tomorrow,

Aug. 24, and the ascent into the Smokies. I have decided to get off the AT and take an alternative route, up Big Creek Trail ( that gorgeous stream ) and Camel Gap Trail up to the AT shortly before I have to climb Old Black and Guyot. . There are at least 3 reasons. I think outsiders will opt for this route rather than continuing the AT to get the permit for camping in the Smokies. Second, this route is much more beautiful. Third, while it is about 2 miles longer, it is easier, more gradual, and less uphill on a day where to get to Tricorner Shelter, you have to go from 2000 feet up to over 6000 feet.

I am more and more convinced that the Loop is a great thing and will be a pleasure and challenge for future hikers, combining as it does the best of WNC hiking with the 40 peaks beyond 6000. I'm feeling good and am surprisingly strong, and now that I am slightly over half way thru the route, I assume, that barring mishaps, I will finish. Dave Wetmore is kindly meeting me in the Smokies to bushwhack up some of the toughest peaks. So onward! For someone who loves hiking, the beauty of the trail, the trees, the scenery make this a fabulous experience! Best to all, Tom

Danny and Lenny Bernstein just finished the South Beyond 6000 on August 14, 2003 by climbing Guyot and Old Black. They want to thank the CMC and the many leaders who helped them by leading hikes to the top of these mountains. Special thanks go to Dave Wetmore and Tom Sanders. Onto the next goal!

As many of you know I will start my thru-hike on the Mountains to Sea Trail (MST) on August 25, 2003 and will start heading to the beach for a good 1000 mile hiking/backpacking adventure. Its a dream come true and I'm looking forward to it. My wife, Amy, will send out e-mails about my adventures across the state. I have put together an e-mail list for this purpose, it should be 1 e-mail a week. If you do not want to be on this list just e-mail me back and I will remove you from the list. Arthur Kelly has agreed to do my on-line journal at www.trailjournals.com , check it out as well. It's time to hike across this great state on the MST! Jeff Brewer

Fellow MST maintainers, lets get our sections in shape for the president's visit to our glorious section of the MST! This is our chance to help make Jeff's trip through Western NC and our 130 miles of MST a most memorial experience.

We currently have several sections on the Mountains to Sea Trail (MST) that would love to have a caring individual who can adopt a section of their very own. As a trail maintainer, you would be the MST's most important advocate and protector. In this role, you would become familiar with trail maintenance techniques so that you understand the big picture as you perform the simple, recurring maintenance and repairs necessary to keep the trail in good repair. One your most important duties would be the "eyes" and "ears" of your section. The section supervisors are responsible for all of the "heavy duty" work and should be contacted to perform trail work you would not feel comfortable doing.

CMC HIKING WEEKEND

Aug. 26, 2003 UPDATE

Note: Changes to the last revision are highlited in gray.

For the last weekend of September this year (Sept. 27-28), CMC has scheduled a weekend hiking trip to the Lake Fontana area.

We will stay in the Fontana Village or nearby campgrounds on Friday and/or Saturday nights, on the south side of Fontana Lake, and take the pontoon boat ferry across the lake to hike some of the trails on the north shore of Fontana Lake in the Great Smoky Mtns. Natl. Park.

So far 38 people have made room/cabin reservations, and another 23 have expressed interest in this trip. To get your name on the “interested” list, please e-mail Bruce Bente at bbente@cytechusa.com. We’re open to suggestions—please feel free to e-mail these too.

For anyone wishing to learn more about the history and hiking of the Fontana area, look at www.appalachianhistory.com

Details of the trip are:

Hiking:

The present issue of Lets Go lists the moderate/strenuous hikes for Saturday and Sunday.

Based on the responses to the recent e-mail, we will also have easy/moderate hikes on both Saturday and Sunday. These may be different hikes from the ones listed in Lets Go. An e-mail describing the planned hikes will be listed in the CMC Newsletter in about 2 weeks.

In addition, Fontana Village has 20 miles of trails around the village for those who want to hike nearby.

Entertainment:

The Mountain Memories group will conduct a square dance Saturday night in the Fontana Village Recreation Hall from 7:30 – 11:00 PM. We will have the option of dancing for $8, or watching for free.

Lodging:

Fontana Village will give discounted rates for CMC attendees.

Attendees should make their reservations directly with Fontana Village

(1-800-849-2258), and ask for the CMC rate.

Fontana Village offers a range of accommodations. They have quoted the following rates for CMC attendees:

•hostel-type beds: (bare bed frames, no mattress, with kitchen) (approx. $15/night—

A rate was not negotiated for this.)

•Camp Cabins: 2BR, 1BA, with kitchen (without bed linens or kitchen utensils) ($43/night/cottage)

•Dogwood Cottage: 2BR, 1BA with kitchen (with bed linens and kitchen utensils) ($58/night/cottage)

•Laurel Cottage: 2BR, 1BA with kitchen, with bed linens, utensils, TV, air cond.)

($75/night/cottage)

Azalea Cottage: 2 or 3 BR, 2BA with kitchen, bed linens, utensils, TV/VCR, air cond. ($145/night/cottage for 3BR)

•Fontana Inn: 2 double beds ($58/night/room)

•Campground with hookup ($18/night/campsite)

•Campground w/o hookup ($13/night/campsite)

There are also campgrounds as follows:

•Campground next to Little Tennessee River (See quoted rate above)

•Cable Cove Campground five miles from Fontana Village ($8/night/campsite)

CMC will have use of the outdoor swimming pool and other Fontana Village facilities. Mountain bikes and horses are available for rental.

Please look at their website www.fontanavillage.com for more information.

Meals:

Meals are available at Fontana Village at either the restaurant in the Lodge (breakfast approx. $7.50; supper $9.50/person buffet), or the Fontana Village Cafe. They will prepare trail lunches for $6 if requested.

We plan to make reservations at the restaurant in the Lodge for 7pm Saturday night, so CMCers can eat together and exchange stories about the day’s hikes.

Transportation:

The driving time to Fontana from Asheville is about 2 hours via I 40 – US 23/74 – NC 28.

Ferry service across Lake Fontana is available from the Marina, near Fontana Dam. The 15-minute ride across to the hike trailhead will cost about $12-20 per person (round trip), depending on the number of passengers and the time of return.

The Marina opens at 8:00AM, and the last scheduled pickup for return is 3:30pm. However, they will pickup as late as 5:30pm, for an extra charge of $40/boat for overtime. (for example, 15 people, round trip, returning at 5:30pm, would cost $14/person.)

The Saturday all-day hike is scheduled to return by boat at 5:30pm, and the Sunday all-day hike will hike back across Fontana Dam.

BACKPACK No. A0303-245 Aug. 22-24, Road to Nowhere Backpack 5:00 PM, Hike 41, Drive 200, 5000 ft. ascent Rated AA+-AA+ Larry Modlin 251-5092 lmodlin@warren-wilson.edu Join us on a three-day backpacking trip, covering the controversial site of the proposed extension of the “road to nowhere” in the Great Smoky Mtns. National Park. The walk will total about 41 miles, averaging about 14 miles per day. The first night of camping will be at Fontana Lake and the second night at Hazel Creek. We will leave Asheville Thursday at about 5PM, spend the night at the Hike Inn near Fontana, and then be transported to the tunnel at the end of the road to nowhere near Bryson City. We will try to visit the seven cemeteries and other notable sites along the way. This hike is limited to ten people; please phone Larry for reservations. Topos: Noland Creek, Tuskeegee, Fontana Lake

Post Hike Report: From a participant: The Lakeshore Trail backpack was a tremendous success. Larry Modlin, our leader, wanted to understand the "Road to Nowhere" issue from the ground up. So he planned a CMC backpack. We stayed at the Hike Inn near Fontana. Larry organized to have our cars shuttled from the Fontana end of the park to the "Road to Nowhere" end outside of Bryson City. Our plan was to walk the Lakeshore Trail from beginning to end, about 42 miles. From the beginning, our group of eight broke up neatly into two: the not-so-fast group (with a map) and the fast group (without a map). On the first day, we had planned to meet at Campsite 84 that evening. None of us realized that the Lakeshore Trail had been rerouted and was a few miles shorter. None of the maps or trail guides had the relocation on it. We all enjoyed artifacts on the trail. (See picture.) Until 1943, people lived in the area. We saw home sites, chimneys, old cars, cemeteries and an old house. Towards the middle of the afternoon, the map group realized that the trail had been rerouted and that it no longer went past Campsite 84. However, that was our plan so they walked on the Hazel Creek trail for 4.5 miles to Campsite 84, passing a drying kiln from logging days. The creek was beautiful. The next day, the map group went back down the Hazel Creek trail to rejoin the Lakeshore Trail and continued the hike. The second day was long and hot. Finally both groups met at the second campsite, very close to Fontana Lake. Most of that evening was spent comparing notes on what happened. The third day was easy; we all walked out at our own pace back to our cars. We saw more wildlife then ever before, a bear, 10 wild pigs, several Timber Rattler snakes, a copperhead snake and thousands of bees.

HALF DAY No. 8077 Aug. 24, Blueberry Hike 1:00 PM, Hike 5-6, Drive 90 Rated C-C, Bruce Bente - 692-0116, bbente@cytechusa.com Note earlier start time. This is a repeat of last year's popular blueberry and blackberry picking hike. Cut off the top of a milk carton and loop it through your belt for carrying your berries. This in-and-out hike starts at the Bearpen Gap overlook on the BRP and on to two different picking areas.

Post Hike Report: This was an unusual hike for a number of reasons. First, the primary intent was to pick blueberries, rather than to hike. The hike as planned was only about 4 miles. 23 people showed up to hike, with an unusually high percentage of new hikers. Many sample copies of Lets Go and CMC membership applications were handed out, as well as the sale of two of the MST books. The weather was interesting -- warm and sunny in Asheville, then as we gained elevation on the Parkway, we drove into the clouds and eventually above them to sunshine again and cooler air. A disappointing discovery was that there were very few blueberries, and hardly any blackberries. The bushes looked as if they had already been picked. In previous years, this had been a good picking time and area. We may have publicized this location too much, and need to find a new location next year. Finally, we temporarily lost three hikers. These hikers, who had gone out earlier than the leader, had made a wrong turn and gone down another trail. When the rest of us got back to the parking lot, they were found to be missing. Chuck Rosen and I walked back in about 1/2 mile before finding the lost three on their way out on the same trail. All's well that ends well, but the nature of a blueberry hike, with people picking in various areas and leaving at various times, can cause problems like this. Other leaders of blueberry hikes, please take note!

ALL DAY No. 8063 August 20, AT Hike Brown Gap to 8:30 A.M., Snowbird and return, Hike 11, Drive 45, Rated A-AA, Curt Holladay, 628-9477, caholady@bellsouth.net An in and out AT hike. We will start at Brown Gap and ascend Harmon Den Mountain, then descend to Deep Gap. From Deep Gap there is a steep ascent to the top of Snowbird. After lunch on Snowbird we’ll return to Brown Gap. Estimated cumulative climb, 2900 feet. Only meeting place: Pilot Truck Stop on NC 209, Exit 24 off I-40.