Monday, October 24, 2011

Auction Items!!!

We are receiving lots of auction items in! Here is a listing of some items you can look forward to bidding on...

Kelty Tioga Backpack, GoLite Breeze Backpack, GoLite Gust Backpack, Osprey Stratus 40 pack, Trader Joe's trail food gift bag, CamelBak Rouge hydration pack, set of MiniGators gaiters, Atlas Snowshoes, Big Agnes Seedhouse SL2 tent, Integral Designs SilShelter tarp, Evernew Pots & MSR stove, Mountain Hardware Phantom sleeping bag, Sierra Designs Shut Eye sleeping bag, a nights stay at the Hermitage Hotel in Nashville plus dinner at the Capitol Grill, Massage from Synergy Body Works in Murfreesboro, SeaLine Baja Dry Bags, one night stay at a Fairfield Inn & Suite, and a gift basket from Hillside Winery.

These donations are awesome!!! Keep them coming everyone...we need lots of items for the Silent and Live Auctions!

Registration Update

We are at over 160 registrants!!! We can't wait to see you all on Friday!!!

Last Minute Reminders

Bring your towels! Remember if you are staying in the dorm-style Claiborne Hall or in the Camp Cabin you must bring your own bath towels. Basic bed linens are provided.

Bring your chairs! Remember to bring your camp chair to the bonfire on Friday night. Plan to sit a spell and have a glass of wine. There will be a storytelling contest and campfire songs!!!

Bring your auction paperwork! Please bring your donation paperwork filled out completely, it will make check in much faster!

Bring your donations! Bake sale goodies both homemade and store bought are much appreciated! Yard sale items for the White Elephant Sale as well as new and gently used items for the Live and Silent Auctions will help us raise money for our organizations future success!!!

Annual Meeting Schedule

FRIDAY
12:00-5:30pm               Registration & Room Check In
2:30pm                          Depart for Hikes
4:30-9:30pm                 White Elephant Sale open
4:30-6:00pm                 Silent Auction open for bidding
4:30-6:00pm                 Cash Bar open at pavilion
5:30-7:00pm                 Bazzania Girl Band performs at pavilion
6:00-7:00pm                 Cook out dinner at the pavilion
7:00-10:00pm               Bonfire and Cash Bar open
7:00-9:00pm                 Silent Auction open for bidding
8:00-9:00pm                 Program- Mary Priestley introduces her new book
                                        about hiking the South Cumberland           


SATURDAY
6:00-6:50am                 Early Risers Coffee in the lobby
7:00-8:00am                 Breakfast
7:00-8:00am                 Pick up pre-ordered sack lunches              
7:30-9:30am                 Hikes depart
2:00-6:00pm                 White Elephant sale open
2:00-6:00pm                 Silent Auction open for bidding
4:30-6:00pm                 Cash Bar open                
6:00-7:00pm                 Dinner in dining hall – TTA Awards presentation
7:00-10:00pm               Cash Bar open        
7:00-8:00pm                 TTA Annual Meeting- Elections, General Membership meeting
8:00-9:00pm                 “Live” Auction


SUNDAY
6:00-6:50am                 Early Risers Coffee in the lobby
7:00-8:00am                 Breakfast
7:00-8:00am                 Pick up pre-ordered sack lunches
8:00-9:00am                 Depart for Hikes
9:00am                          TTA Quarterly Board of Directors Meeting
11:00am                        Deadline for Check Out

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

New Hike Added! Easy walking tour around Monteagle/Sewanee, Saturday, 9:30am

For those folks who just aren't up for a hike this year we have added an easy walking tour to the scheduled events! The tour will depart at 9:30am on Saturday. Stops will include the natural bridge in Sewanee, the University of the South campus, lunch at the famed Dutch Maid Bakery in Tracy City and a stop at Hallelujah Potttery in Monteagle. Tony Jones will lead this excursion, be sure to bring money for lunch and souvenir purchases.


For more info:
http://www.hallelujahpottery.com/
http://www.thedutchmaid.com/
http://www.sewanee.edu/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sewanee_Natural_Bridge

Hike # 6 Stone Door/Big Creek Gulf/Laurel Trail, 7:45am, Saturday




Stone Door, Big Creek Gulf, Laurel Trails.  9 miles Strenuous.  Very rocky with loose footing.  Beersheba Springs, TN.  Hike Leader Ron Dunn

 After enjoying the spectacular overlooks at the Great Stone Door we will descend through the Stone Door down to Big Creek Gulf.  The trail descends steeply  down the rocky slope then parallels Big Creek upstream, crossing rocks most of the time.  We have the option of visiting Ranger Creek Falls, which spills over a 20 ft. ledge  and disappears into a sink.  Such vanishing falls are called terminal falls.  Back on the main trail  we’ll have the option of  visiting the sinks of  Big Creek.  Here the creek flows into a deep green pool and disappears.  The geology  in Big Creek Gulf is amazing.  (Joan thought she was on another planet.)  After wandering four miles through fantastic rock formations we climb steeply up out of Big Creek Gulf and into the Alum Gap Campground area.  The three mile easy flat Laurel Trail will take us back.  

Hike #13 Stone Door/Big Creek Rim/Laurel Trails, 8:30am, Saturday


Stone Door BIG CREEK RIM and LAUREL TRAIL. 7 miles moderate due to length. Beersheba Springs, TN Hike Leader: Sara Pollard

The Great Stone Door is located in the Savage Gulf State Natural Area near Beersheba Springs, Tennessee. This beautiful ledge overlooking the Savage Gulf is spectacular. The fall colors should be fantastic and views unbelievable.

We will begin our hike behind the Stone Door Ranger station where we will take the short walk to Laurel Falls we will then walk the Stone Door Trail to the Great Door itself. There will be ample opportunity for pictures both on top and if you choose, at the bottom of the Door. The mileage to this point is about 1.5 miles including Laurel Falls.

From the Stone Door we will walk the Big Creek Rim trail and follow the mainly flat trail along the rim's edge to the Alum Campsite about 4 miles away. Here we will relax and have our lunch and there will be a primitive outhouse for those so inclined.

The trail junctions at the campsite and goes down to the Big Creek Gulf Trail with a connector to Greeter Falls. It also continues straight ahead on the Laurel Trail. The Laurel Trail is the last section of our hike. The Laurel Trail, again mainly flat will take us about 2 miles back to the parking lot. This will be a basically easy walking hike, but it is rated moderate due to length and the rugged terrain at the Great Stone Door

Hike # 7 Cloudland Canyon, 8am, Saturday




Cloudland Canyon State Park Waterfalls and Sitton Gulch Trail.  Rising Fawn, Georgia.  Hike Leader  Joan Hartvigsen  7 miles strenuous.. 

This  Georgia park is located on the western edge of Lookout Mountain.  The park straddles a deep gorge cut into the mountain by combined waters of Bear and Daniels Creeks.  The Waterfalls Trail  consists of gravel and  1,200 stair steps.  Both waterfalls cascade off of sheer faces at  60 and 90 feet, and are among the most beautiful in the state.  The Sitton  Gulch Trail  follows Daniel Creek through open, green hemlock groves and overlooks numerous small waterfalls cascading through limestone crevices.  The autumn color is magnificent

Hike # 19 Cloudland Canyon, 9:00am, Sunday





Cloudland Canyon State Park, West Rim Trail.  5 miles moderate.  Rising Fawn, Georgia.  Hike Leader Joan Hartvigsen.

 Cloudland Canyon State Park is located on the western edge of Lookout Mountain.  The park straddles a deep gorge cut into the mountain by combined waters of Bear and Daniels Creeks.  Bring binoculars to view hang gliders, Peregrine Falcons, and vultures.

The autumn colors are spectacular in the canyon.  Beginning at the Daniels Creek Bridge, and climbing out of the canyon onto the plateau, the trail provides magnificent views of Trenton, Georgia, Lookout Valley, Sand Mountain, and of Cloudland Canyon itself.  The trail is lined with rhododendron, mountain laurel, oaks, hickories and hemlocks. On this hike we will be able to gaze down into lovely Sitton Gulf.  . 


Hike # 11 Savage Day Loop, 8:45am, Saturday





Savage Day Loop.  4.2 miles easy.  Palmer, TN.  Hike Leader Fount Bertram.        

This hike may be the easiest all weekend, and it is quite beautiful with lush mountain laurel, hemlock trees, waterfalls, and overlooks of the Gulf.  The many points of interest include a suspension bridge across Boyd Branch  Creek (lined with mountain laurel), Savage Falls Overlook and Rattlesnake Point Overlooking Savage Gulf.  We can also take a half mile trip down the South Rim Trail, crossing Savage Creek on a suspension bridge and passing beneath a canopy of rhododendron along the cascading Savage Creek. A wooden staircase leads to the deep pool of Savage Falls.

Hike # 5 North Rim/Mountain Oak--Savage Gulf, 7:30am, Saturday



North Rim, Mountain Oak, and North Plateau Trails.  10 miles moderate.  Savage Gulf State Natural Area, Palmer, TN.  Hike Leader Garnett Rush.

The North Rim Trail and the North Plateau Trail combine to provide a walk with little elevation change that loops by numerous overlooks of Savage Gulf.  The North Rim Trail has  more overlooks than any other trail on the South Cumberland.  From these viewpoints, you will see the confluence of tributary gorges with Savage Gulf, old-growth forests in the bottom of the gorge, the scars of avalanches, and the junction of the three gulfs that make up the state natural area. 

Hike # 9 Old Stone Fort, 8:15am, Saturday




Old Stone Fort State Archeological Park.  4 miles easy to moderate.  Manchester,TN.  Hike Leader Bob Goodwin. 

 This prehistoric site is located where two forks of the Duck River cascade off the Highland Rim on their way to the Central Basin.  Between  the forks of the Duck and Little Duck Rivers is a  plain lined in places by an earthen wall.  One theory was that the earthen wall was an early Native American fortification.  Hence the name Old Stone Fort.  However, U.T. anthropologists have concluded the walls set aside a place of spiritual significance.  The oldest section of the wall was built in 30 A.D. The core of the wall is made of limestone rocks.  The rocks are covered with chert and earth fill.  This hike passes through an impressive old forest along bluffs overlooking the cascading forks of the Duck River.  On this hike you will see cliffs, rivers, huge trees, waterfalls and cascades.  The park’s museum offers displays and programs about the site, about archeology in general, and about Native American culture. 


Hike # 18 Greeter Falls, 9:00am, Sunday




Greeter Falls Loop (Upper and lower Greeter Falls, Boardtree Falls, Blue Hole Trail).  4 miles moderate.  Altamont, TN.  Hike Leader Marietta Poteet. 

 This trail combination features upper and lower Greeter Fall and Boardtree Falls and a walk to one of the best views in the natural area (Big Bluff Overlook near Alum Gap.).  The amphitheater of Greeter Falls is unusual, with a thick sandstone layer on top of a more crumbly limestone layer.  Most waterfalls on the plateau spill over hard sandstone that caps layers of softer sandstone or shale  The base of lower Greeter Falls is reached by walking down a metal spiral staircase.  Massive cliffs rise up along the trail pass Boardtree Falls.  The scenery is outstanding and the forest is lush . Portions of the trail are rocky

Hike # 16 Short Springs- 8:30am Sunday


Short Springs State Natural Area.  5 miles moderate.  Tullahoma, TN  Hike leader Cindy Watson. 

 Short Springs is a 420 acre Designated State Natural Area located in Coffee County.  While located on the Highland Rim, Short Springs dramatically plunges into the Central Basin.  Deep gorges and steep slopes form the landscape of this beautiful area.  Bobo Creek flows over rapids and two 20-ft. waterfalls, Upper and lower Busby Falls.  Newman  Branch Creek flows over an impressive 60-ft. waterfall called Machine Falls.  Along Bob Creek and Newman Branch a rich alluvial bottomland forest of sycamore, buckeye, elm, ash, and maple flourish.  While descending the Machine Falls Trail to the bottom of the Falls observe the crumbly, black shaley rock at mid slope.  This is Chattanooga Shale which also forms the parquet stream floor located above Upper Busby Falls.  This formation delineates the Highland Rim from the Central Basin.  The canopy on the higher elevations is dominated by dry upland species of oaks, such ass post, southern red, black and blackjack.  Blackgum and mockernut hickory are also common.  The trails are Machine Falls Loop 1.4 miles, Busby Falls Loop 0.9 miles, Connector Trail 0.l miles, Wildflower Loop 0.2 miles, Adams Falls Loop 1.2  miles, and Laurel Bluff Loop 1.4 miles.  All these trails are wonderful.

Hike # 2 Grundy Forest Day Loop, 2:30pm Friday


Grundy Forest Day Loop, Tracy City. 2 miles, moderate. Hike Leader: Marietta Poteet

This trail into the head of Gizzard Cove meanders through giant hemlocks and offers views of waterfalls, cascades, and the junction of the Big and Little Fiery Gizzard Creeks.
How the creeks got the name Fiery Gizzard is not known for sure. One story says the name originated from an iron-smelting furnace used by the Tennessee Coal& Railroad Company to test the quality of its coke in the 1870's.

Another tale says that Davy Crockett burned his tongue on a hot turkey gizzard while camped along the creek. Still others say the name arose during a peace conference when an Indian chief ripped the gizzard from a recently gutted turkey and threw into the fire to shock the whites that were in attendance.
However the name came about, it is firmly attached to the creeks and the gorge that they flow through, Gizzard Cove.

Hike # 3 Shakerag Hollow- 2:30pm Friday





Shakerag Hollow, 3 miles moderate, Hike Leader Glen Rognstad



Shakerag Hollow Trail lies within the Domain of the University of the South at Sewanee.



This will be a 3 mile out and back hike that is rated moderate due to a steep 300 ft. elevation change. The Civilian Conservation Corps built the trail back in the 30's and some of the old growth forest remains to this day. The trail is a popular hike for wildflower enthusiasts in the spring.




Saturday, October 1, 2011

Bonfire!!!

Join us Friday night after our cook-out dinner for a drink at the bonfire!

We will have the cash bar open during the bonfire. We have folks who are bringing their musical instruments and some that have agreed to share a story or two. It should be a great time! Bring your camp chair! Bring an instrument if you play! Bring a favorite ghost story or funny story to share...there may even be a prize for the best one!

If you would be willing to bring an instrument or share a story please contact Millette Jones at millette.jones@comcast.net or 615-397-9588.

New auction item! Cascade Hollow Lodge in Normandy, TN

One night Accommodations at Cascade Hollow Lodge
Cascade Hollow Lodge is a large rambling farm home of over 6,000 SF with four comfortable guest rooms. Each room has its own full bath (tub/shower), brand new queen mattresses on unique vintage furniture. Chairs in each room allow for private reading or guests may enjoy finding just the right spot in one of three sitting rooms or two porches to relax. The home is full of books, videos and music, and the commons areas have TV.

The farm is situated in a lovely 'hollow' with fresh water creeks and cascades throughout. Walkers, hikers, joggers and cyclists will find what they want.

Full country breakfasts are served to each guest either in the dining room, the morning room or the large back porch. Fresh eggs, meats, breads, fruit, cereals, hot coffee and tea, etc. are always on the breakfast table.
Room rates with breakfast range from $75 to $95. Reduced rates may be negotiated for several night stays or for renting the entire house for a family reunion.
Our lodge is our family home which we freely open to guests who prefer the warmth and personal touch of BnB style accommodations. We enjoy people and feel that hospitality is a gift we have to give. We are welcoming people and try our best to make guests comfortable in every way. 

http://www.bnb-directory.com/bb/usa/tennessee/5686-cascade-hollow-lodge.html

New Auction Items!!!

We are getting more auction items in that should be very popular. A Hummingbird Feeder, Remington Wildlife Fine Prints, TTA Coffee Mug, Women's jacket, School Desk plant stand, and more! Keep 'em coming!!!!

Chapter Officers please ask your members for their help in donating 5 quality items for the live auction and other new or very gently used items for the silent auction as well as items for the bake sale and the White Elephant sale.

Remember a great donation item is a box of wine for our Cash Bar!!!

Registration Update

As of October 1 we have over 120 registrations! Please be sure to announce at your monthly meetings that the deadline for mailing in your registration and ordering meals is October 15. After October 15 you must pay cash and register at the door. No meals can be ordered after Oct. 15.

Order Now!!!! Limited Edition 2011 Annual Meeting Tshirts

Front Pocket
There are only 2 weeks left to order your limited edition t-shirts. Check your TTA newsletter for the order form. Your order must be received by October 15 and you will receive your shirt at registration. The shirts will NOT be for sale at the meeting. The shirts are Gildan Ultra, 100% pre-shrunk, heavy weight cotton. Short sleeve options are Serene Green, Military Green, Stone Blue, Blue Dusk, Vegas Gold and Tan. Long sleeve options are Light Blue, Indigo Blue, Sand Military Green, Natural and Prairie Dust. The cost is $20 for either. Send your checks to Tennessee Trails Assoc. c/o Anthony Jones, 2903 Midland Fosterville Rd., Bell Buckle, TN 37020. Any questions? Call Millette Jones 615/397-9588
Color Choices
Back



Hike # 14 Fall Creek Falls


Fall Creek Falls, Gorge Overlook and Woodland Trails.  3 miles moderate to strenuous.  Fall Creek Falls State Park, Pikeville, TN.  Hike Leader Nora Henn.

 Fall Creek Falls State Resort Park is Tennessee’s premier state park because of its awesome scenery, a  wide variety of activities, and superb accommodations.  Though a portion of the park is developed, two thirds of the park is a state natural area.  On the Fall Creek Falls Trail we will wind down into Fall Creek Gorge and stand at the base of the 256 ft. high Fall Creek Falls, the tallest waterfall in the eastern United States.  Back on top we will have a bird’s eye view of the tall waterfall .From the Falls overlook we’ll pick up the Gorge Overlook and Woodland Trails Loop.  This route takes us around a blufftop above Cane Creek Gorge with grand views, over Cane Creek Cascade on a suspension bridge and then onto the Nature Center before looping back to the Fall Creek Falls overlook parking area.  This hike is easy except for the steep but thrilling hike down to the base of the falls. (Steps and handrails are provided) 

Hike # 8 Raven Point- 8am


Raven Point Hike.  Grundy Forest State Natural Area.  9.5 miles R.T.  Strenuous.  Tracy City, TN.  Hike Leader Charlotte Broyles.


This incredible hike incorporates portions of the Grundy Forest Day Loop, Fiery Gizzard Trail and the Dog Hole Trail to reach Raven Point.  Along the way we’ll see gorgeous giant hemlocks, Blue Hole Falls (pictured above), cascades and Big and Little Fiery Gizzard Creeks.  We will view  Black Canyon, the pillars of Chimney Rocks and 12 ft. Sycamore Falls on Big Fiery Gizzard Creek.  Our lunch destination is Raven Point , presenting panoramic views of Gizzard Cove and stunning, colorful autumn foliage. 

Hike # 15 Walls of Jericho- 8:15am

Walls of Jericho, Winchester. 7 Miles Difficult. Hike Leader: Sara Pollard

A short car shuttle will allow the hike to start at the Tennessee Trailhead  parking lot for the long decent into the gorge and will return by way of the shorter but steeper Alabama trail.  The “walls” are a impressive geological feature (pictured above) that forms a large bowl shaped amphitheater. This amphitheater has steep 200 foot sheer walls that create the natural defining feature of the amphitheater itself. We will also see many bluffs, large rock outcroppings and caves.

Hike # 17 Foster Falls/Climbers Loop- 8:45am


Foster Falls/Climbers Loop, Tracy City. 2 Miles Difficult. Hike Leader: Nabil Wakid.

This trail leads down to the base of 60 foot Foster Falls in a steep walled gorge then continues west providing access to the gorge wall before connecting with the Fiery Gizzard Trail. We will hike down to the river to view the falls, then skirt along the bottom of famous cliffs known to rappel climbers as the White Walls and the Dihedrals. The gorge is full of gorgeous hemlock trees. A steep climb precedes our way back along the top of the cliffs. You will need PLENTY of water and sturdy boots.

Friday, September 23, 2011

Friday Program- Mary Priestley- Hike 'Em All

Hike 'Em All, a new trail guide to South Cumberland State Park funded by a
grant from TTA, will debut at our annual meeting. Author Mary Priestley will
talk about the book Friday, after which copies will be available for purchase for $10. All proceeds from the sale of the book will go to support the park.

South Cumberland is the largest wilderness park in the Tennessee State Park system. Approximately 81 miles of white- and blue-blazed trails run through Savage Gulf, Fiery Gizzard, and all of the other parks that make up the South Cumberland. The 14 day hikes described in the guide cover all of the trails in about 120 miles of hiking.

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Self Guided Stroll # 2 University Domain, Sewanee


Sewanee:  The University of the South Campus Walk.

The University, founded in 1857 by Episcopal bishops, is a private, liberal arts institution with around 1,400 students in the College of Arts and Sciences and 100 graduate students in the School of Theology.  After the Civil War Oxford University and Cambridge University donated books for Sewanee’s first library and the university started classes in1868.  The magnificent Gothic buildings, reminiscent of Oxford, were constructed between 1875 and 1915, though the most noted building, All Saints Chapel, was not completed until 1957. Breslin Tower, modeled after Magdalen College, Oxford, is 100 ft. high and contains a Seth Thomas clock and Westminster Chimes.  Shapard  Tower houses the Memorial Carillon. The Tower’s vaulted ceilings are modeled after the medieval cathedrals Chartres and Amiens.  These historic buildings, spacious green lawns and beautiful mature trees make a wonderful outing!

Self Guided Stroll #1 Meadow Trail




Meadow Trail, behind South Cumberland State Park Visitor CenterMonteagle, TN.  2 mile easy loop.  This flat, grassy walk features native Tennessee grasses, wildflowers, understory trees (smooth and winged sumac, dogwood, sourwood etc.) as well as our oaks, hickories, yellow poplars , red maples and Virginia Pine.  (Just to name a few.)  Expect to be wowed by this colorful meadow!

Hike # 4 Cumberland Trail Segment- Saturday, 7:30am




Cumberland Trail-Shackleford Ridge Park to Edwards Point, Signal Mountain; 10.5 miles, moderate. Hike Leaders: CTC General Manager, Tony Hook and Co-Leader Diane Manas.

This hike is an out and back about 10.5 miles in length and rated moderate due to distance and uneven trails. We’ll start from the Shackleford Community playground pavilion and follow a fairly level unused Jeep road for about 1.2 miles to reach Mushroom Rock and the start of this Cumberland Trail Segment.  Mushroom Rock is a spectacular geological formation that stands 30 feet tall and after group photos there we will walk 4 miles through fairly level and extremely pleasant woodlands to the spectacular Edwards Point Overlook.

**Wear sturdy hiking boots and bring your lunch and plenty of water. Also, please bring small bills to pay towards the drivers gas (if you happen to be the driver, riders are expected to cover their share).  Carpool coordinating will take place at 7:30 AM on the DuBose Campus, the drive is one hour each way. ALL TIMES POSTED IN CENTRAL STANDARD TIME

Saturday, September 17, 2011

Hike # 12 Grundy Forest Day Loop




This trail into the head of Gizzard Cove meanders through giant hemlocks and offers views of waterfalls, cascades, and the junction of the Big and Little Fiery Gizzard Creeks.
How the creeks got the name Fiery Gizzard is not known for sure. One story says the name originated from an iron-smelting furnace used by the Tennessee Coal & Railroad Company to test the quality of its coke in the 1870's.

Another tale says that Davy Crockett burned his tongue on a hot turkey gizzard while camped along the creek. Still others say the name arose during a peace conference when an Indian chief ripped the gizzard from a recently gutted turkey and threw into the fire to shock the whites that were in attendance.
However the name came about, it is firmly attached to the creeks and the gorge that they flow through, Gizzard Cove.

Monday, August 29, 2011

Registration Update

We have 113 registrants so far!!! Keep 'em coming folks...this will be a great meeting!!!


We still have camping spots, camp cabins, rooms in Claiborne hall, and both rental houses are still available.

BAZZANIA!!!!!!

Our entertainment for the annual meeting will be the group Bazzania.

Bazzania Girls Band  is the creation of botanist Mary Priestley, who is curator of the Herbarium at the University of the South.  Bazzania is a liverwort, a small plant that flourishes in nearby Fiery Gizzard, which is part of the South Cumberland Recreation Area.  Bazzania is the official band of the Friends of South Cumberland, and we love to play at their annual picnic.

The band is made up of: Mary (accordion); April Minkler (bass guitar), Jim Ann Howard (guitar); Suzanne Cahoon (guitar), Betty Carpenter (harmonica & autoharp); Ann Seiters (keyboard); and me (banjo & tenor guitar).  Everyone sings.  Garry Collins is our sound man.  Our repertoire is eclectic, and we perform some original songs.



Auction Item- Hound Huts

ABO Gear Outback Hound Portable Hut for Dogs
The Outback Hound Portable Hut is the perfect solution to protect your dog from the rain and keeps dog off the ground, away from insects. It's ideal for any surface, lawn, deck or patio - a must have for spring and summer. Rugged and durable house is constructed from 600 denier canvas. Fast and easy set up - no tools needed. The cover secures to frame with velcro closures and has SPF 50 protection. Ideal for traveling the portable home folds into carry bag and it is lightweight. Includes securable padded mattress for extra comfort. The Hut is a must have for any backyard or patio. There are TWO Hound Huts for auction, one in medium size and one in large size.




Medium
25" L X 23" W X 24" H
For Dogs up to 35 lbs.


Large
34" L X 28" W X 32" H
For Dogs up to 70 lbs.

Auction Item- Two night stay at vacation home in Sewanee, TN

For the auction at this year’s TTA Annual Meeting, we are offering a 2-night stay at Medford House in Sewanee.  This is a 4-bedroom, 3 ½ bath house that sleeps 8.  It is located near the University of the South and Saint Andrews Sewanee School.  The property is also adjacent to the Mountain Goat Trail and the Perimeter Trail.  Details may be seen at http://www.vrbo.com/, listing #313313.

Auction Item- Osprey Viper Hydration Pack

Ospry Viper 4 Hydration pack
Color:  Supernova

Use for:  Mountain Biking, Trail Running, Day Hiking

The lightest of the ViperT series, this pack provides a 2 liter Hydraform reservoir, a heat embossed fabric pocket for carrying small items and a bungee lacing system on the front panel for securing an extra layer of clothing.

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Registration Update: Bishop's Hall SOLD OUT!

As of today we have 80 paid registrations! Bishop's Hall (motel style) is sold out! There are still single and double occupancy rooms available in Claiborne Hall (dorm style). As well as space in the Camp Cabins (barracks style) and plenty of tent camping.

 Be sure you check out the Lobby terrace and Claibprne Hall's second floor porch while at DuBose! 

Auction Item

Here are two great auction items. If you enjoy hand-made items you will want to pay special attention to these two, check out the cool branch perch on the front! The two bird houses were made by Marget and J.W. Massa of Cookeville. One is with the TTA logo the other is Virgin Falls & Hiker.

Auction Item- North Face Spire, Women's backpack

The North Face Spire 33 Women's Backpack is an all-season, all-sport pack you'll use every weekend of the year. Mid-sized for the right one-day balance of manageability and capacity, the Spire is a top-loader to maximize its useable space, and optionally overload into the collar for extra room. Up top, the Spire sports a cranial cavity to minimize head-bonking and load-lifter straps to keep the straps from digging into your shoulders when your load is hefty. The Spire features double daisy chains for climbing hardwear in every season, adjustable ski slots for winter, and a channeled back panel for summer comfort. The handy gear loops on the waist belt keep tools ready for quick-draw, pun intended. If you're tackling the mountains, no matter the season, you'll want The North Face Spire on your back.

Material: 210D x 330D Cordura, 420D nylon, Volume: [standard] 2300cu in (38L); [extended] 2600cu in (43L), Suspension: MGF, Back Panel: Padded, closed cell foam, Hydration Compatible: Yes, Torso Adjustment: No, Detachable Pack: No, Sleeping Bag Compartment: No, Rain Cover: No, Access Types: Top, Gear Loops: Yes, External Pockets: 2 side, 1 pick, Snowboard Carry: No, Ski Carry: Yes,  Recommended Use: All-season alpine sports, Weight: 3lb 7oz (1560g), Warranty: Lifetime

Hike Description: Saturday, Cloudland Canyon Waterfalls, 7 miles, Strenuous, Joan Hartsvigsen leads

Cloudland Canyon State Park Waterfalls and Sitton Gulch Trail. 
Rising Fawn, Georgia.  Hike Leader: Joan Hartvigsen, 7 miles strenuous. This  Georgia park is located on the western edge of Lookout Mountain. The park straddles a deep gorge cut into the mountain by combined waters of Bear and Daniels Creeks. The Waterfalls Trail  consists of gravel and 1,200 stair steps. Both waterfalls cascade off of sheer faces at 60 and 90 feet, and are among the most beautiful in the state. The Sitton Gulch Trail  follows Daniel Creek through open, green hemlock groves and overlooks numerous small waterfalls cascading through limestone crevices. The autumn color is magnificent. 

Hike Description- Saturday, Stone Door, 9 miles, Strenuous, Ron Dunn leads

Stone Door, Big Creek Gulf, Laurel Trails.  9 miles strenuous.  Very rocky.  Beersheba  Springs, TN.  Hike Leader Ron Dunn
After enjoying the spectacular overlooks at the Great Stone Door we will descend through the Stone Door down to Big Creek Gulf.  The trail descends steeply  down the rocky slope then parallels Big Creek upstream, crossing rocks most of the time.  We have the option of visiting Ranger Creek Falls, which spills over a 20 ft. ledge  and disappears into a sink.  Such vanishing falls are called terminal falls.  Back on the main trail  we’ll have the option of  visiting the sinks of  Big Creek.  Here the creek flows into a deep green pool and disappears.  The geology  in Big Creek Gulf is amazing.  (Joan thought she was on another planet.)  After wandering four miles through fantastic rock formations we climb steeply up out of Big Creek Gulf and into the Alum Gap Campground area.  The three mile easy, flat Laurel Trail will take us back.  

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

New Silent Auction Item!

Academy Broadway 2 person Tent

This black and yellow dome tent includes the tent, rain fly, shock cord poles, stakes and a carrying bag. This very gently used tent would make a great addition to your gear collection! It weighs in at around 4 pounds so it would be an awesome car camping tent or even a good tent if you are wanting to try backpacking and don't want to make a huge investment before you are sure you'll enjoy it. This tent would be great to have around for your kids or grandkids to camp out in the back yard or to have on hand in case you need an extra for car camping.

Monday, July 18, 2011

Alternative Housing in Sewanee: Brand New Luxury Home Near University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee





Hike Preview-Grundy Forest Day Loop, 2 miles moderate. Friday led by Marietta Poteet and Saturday led by Jim Poteet

This trail into the head of Gizzard Cove meanders through giant hemlocks and offers views of waterfalls, cascades, and the junction of the Big and Little Fiery Gizzard Creeks.

How the creeks got the name Fiery Gizzard is not known for sure. One story says the name originated from an iron-smelting furnace used by the Tennessee Coal & Railroad Company to test the quality of its coke in the 1870's.

Another tale says that Davy Crockett burned his tongue on a hot turkey gizzard while camped along the creek. Still others say the name arose during a peace conference when an Indian chief ripped the gizzard from a recently gutted turkey and threw into the fire to shock the whites that were in attendance.
However the name came about, it is firmly attached to the creeks and the gorge that they flow through, Gizzard Cove.

Here is an interesting blog entry about one person's hike along the trail. http://wildrlog.com/2007/04/22/grundy-forest-day-loop

Friday, July 15, 2011

HOUSING UPDATE

Registration Update

As of 8/1/11 we have about 40 paid registrants. Please note the following regarding availability:

Bishop's Hall--We are sold out of the single queen bed rooms. We have about 7 two-bed rooms (double beds) available. If you are paying for a private room be sure you choose Single Occupancy $60 per night. If you want to share a room choose Double Occupancy at $42 per night per person and be sure you list who you are sharing a room with.
Claiborne Hall: There are 2 single rooms (1 double bed) available and plenty of double occupancy (2 Twin Bed) rooms available.




The RV site is SOLD OUT. There is still plenty of room available in the bunk-style camp cabins and plenty of tent camping sites!

If you have been putting off registering, DON'T WAIT. Rooms are filling quickly.