Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Jan 2nd-8th: Appalachian Exploration Proclamation

From Steve Nelms:
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Appalachian Exploration Proclamation

Hi all!

If you have been attending any of the recent meetings, you will have heard this trip announcement in person. If not, listen up and listen good. I am leading an 8 person (this could go up to 12 depending on whether or not some transportation/logistics details change) to the Smoky Mountains in North Carolina. We will be Backpacking 40-60 miles of the Appalachian trail. Our midpoint will be Clingman's Dome, the highest point on the entire appalachian trail (approx. 6500'). We will probably be staying in shelters along or near the main trail. I have already talked to many people who are interested in this trip and there is already a short waiting list. However, don't let this turn you off! I am sure that spots will open as most people that I talked to weren't even sure they could go yet. If you're interested, shoot me an e-mail, give me a call, or talk to me in person at one of the meetings (I'm almost always there). In a few weeks (probably early december) I'll be collected a deposit that is nonrefundable unless someone fills your spot. The trip cost will probably be about 60-70 dollars per person for gas + general food costs + minimal shelter fees (there is no park entrance fee or daily fee for hiking). It is difficult to quote an exact price right now, but it will be fairly cheap for a week of fun and hiking. I really would like to do some of the formal planning and decision making once a solid group has been established so that I can get input from everyone and so that we can make it a fully group trip. There are many decisions to be made that I will further discuss after one of the outing club meetings. Feel free to contact me with any advice, suggestions, or questions.

What: Back Packing 40-60 miles of the Appalachian Trail in the Smoky Mountains

Where: The Smoky Mountains in North Carolina. We will hike up to the high point of the Appalachian Trail, Clingman’s Dome.

How?!: We will drive to the trail head and either get goin immediately, or camp for a night at a 250 acre mountain property on the Green River. The day hikes will be medium to high intensity in nature and in mileage. We will likely stay at shelters each night and celebrate our day’s work while preparing for the next day’s trek! Crampons will be a must and snowshoes a maybe. The High elevations will likely be in the 20’s. Snow is a definite possibility!

Why: If you have to ask why, don’t go!

When: January 2nd-January 8th (those are the arrive and return dates to and from Mad Town).

Contact Info:

Steve Nelms

E-mail: snelms@wisc.edu

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