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.

http://www.bazzania.com/

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.

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.  

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.