Sat, Nov 5 2011 - Cohutta Wilderness backpacking - Rice Camp Trail (View Original Event Details) Trip Leader(s): Kristi Participants: Kristi, Scott, Laura, Terry, Kevin N, Nikita, William Dean, Connie Weber

Write Up:
Started the event at the rather cold and dark park-n-ride, arrived a couple hours later at the trail head, with beautiful moderate temperatures and sunny skies.  The trail was wet from rain earlier in the week and the 13 or so stream crossings were a little higher than usual, but rock hopping was still possible, though very slippery as Kevin found out.  It was a popular weekend for backpacking, there were a lot of boy scouts and some other smaller groups.  We arrived at the targeted (empty!) campsite; it was sunny and delightfully pleasant with the gurgling sounds of the Jack's River right there.   We gathered a lot of fire wood, and much thanks to William and Laura who sawed up downed wood greatly increasing our stash for the evening and morning.  

Several of us took off for the falls, but with an extremely cold crossing of the river facing us, just Terry, Kristi and Kevin braved it.  Our feet were only numb for a while.  Jack's River Fall was awesome.  Back at camp late afternoon.  Connie built a great fire to start us off - teepee style, and we enjoyed the evening with interesting conversation and a bright moon that made for a gorgeous sky.  

The next morning was relaxing, each of us enjoying the extra hour with the turning back of the clock.  The hike out is almost all up hill, but not too long.  The autumn colors really spectacular in places where the prior week's wind had not blown them away.  

At the trail-head a group of horseback riders were gearing up for an afternoon ride; their dogs were very spirited and we had fun playing with some of them.  Stopped in Chatsworth for Subway sandwiches, most of us went for the 12 inch size, we were hungry!  

Fun time, beautiful weather, good to enjoy long-time friends and make new ones.  People who backpack are a unique breed and I appreciate everyone so much for the amount of effort gone through to get out there, well equipped and in shape to haul gear up and down mountains with good spirit and attitude.  
Hope to see everyone soon!  :-)  Kristi

Photos from Laura and Scott:

http://www.jauntsaroundtheworld.com/Atlanta-Outdoor-Club/2011-10-05-Cohutta-Wilderness/19951538_dgK7XB#1570822478_4ZRpFr2

http://www.flickr.com/photos/granolagirl/sets/72157628083931468/

---