4-5miles max-2 small caves, swimming sunbathing, Laurel Falls mod. to stren. trail

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4-5miles max-2 small caves, swimming sunbathing, Laurel Falls mod. to stren. trail

The Basics:

Event Type:

Explorer

Event Location:

Laurel Snow pocket wilderness near Dayton, TN

Date(s) & Time:

Sun, Jul 19 2009 7:00 am >> N/A (Carpool Departure: 7:15 am *log in for location*)

Registration Opens:

Tue, Jul 7 2009 8:05 pm

Registration Cut Off:

Fri, Jul 17 2009 11:45 pm

Event Duration:

return to the ATL around 8pm (arrival)

Difficulty Rating:

D4: Moderate to Difficult

Trip Leader(s):

Bruce
Sandra a.k.a (Hellraiser)

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You must be logged in to get the Trip Leader contact information.

Member Cost:

None

Participant Info:

Who's Invited:

Members Only, 21 And Older Only

Maximum Group Size:

Minimum Group Size:

Number Registered So Far:

20 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)

Are Dogs Permitted:

Itinerary:

I A

From the trailhead the path is fairly level, passes over several bridges and much evidence of the former coal mining mecca that once existed on these slopes little caves, stonework and remains of structures and bridges in the surrounding canyons or 'gulfs' as named in TN. With the aid of one of the femae members of our group today, I am going 2 do this hike by walking in 1st thus easier 4 time pressed individuals to be able to walk back towards cars and be able to keep those awful things we call schedules, that have to be met at all times these days. So we will hike in at least half way, giving way to people investigating caves and lanquishing in scenery and wildflowers as cave interested people take their time or make that final decision to live within the dark boundaries therein.--a little joke.

The day will be very flexible and decision will be made on the fly as to jumping into a nice lookin water hole by folks after about the half way point--when we all have gotten a little workout in first and earned those cool waterholes to bathe and sunbathe. I will commit to walking in all the way 2 1/2 miles to the small overflow dam that used to be the reservior for Dayton, TN nearby. From this point having revved up our motors, those hiking in this far with me, and not having dropped off into inviting swimming holes on the way. I wll walk back and jump in 1 or two of these fantastic swimming holes myself.

Any wanting to do the Laurel Falls trail, and bluff above, will plan on meeting me at a certain time to be decided at the event, IF my ashtma is not acting up from pollution from Chattanooga. If my health and breathing are poor today, the Laurel Falls hike is unfortunately OFF, as my health is very central in my mind after havng suffered concusson five weeks ago in totatling my car and been affected previously by air thick with foul emissions and other pollutants in the air and not rained to earth to help all of us out with not breathing the noxious fumes.

From this point and after a predetermined turn around time of about 4 oclock, not matter where we are on the trails at that time; we need to all head back to our vehicles to head home and/or to Bimbos (great hamburger joint - withother good foods at very reasonable prices, if interested in dining after and enjoying folks camaraderie after event, which is always fun, if you have the time. We will as stated; sort his out first inthe am at the park and ride so like minded peeps can drive in cars together. Thanks so much for enjoying this rewrite and hope to see all bright and early Sunday am

From the Chastain Road park and ride lot, we will travel north on highway I-75 to TN. It is about 84 miles to the Tennesse border. In a couple of miles, bear left into the two lanes of Highway 24 west-towards Chattanooga. It is about 7 total miles in TN to exit 178, which bears right (sign is to Hwy. 27 North). This goes around downtown Chattanooga (past aquarium, etc., and over the Tennessee River. WE stay on this for 40 plus miles to Dayton, TN (where Scopes Monkey trial was held some 40 yrs.ago) and to our left turn, and couple of turns past that, that lead to the Laurel-Snow pocket wilderness's graveled road.

Required Items to Bring:

Hydration liquids in ample enough amount for the temps of the day. I will bring a filter for any that run out of fluids to replenish. A minimum of two liters or quarts is highly recommended, three liters in this heat would be more sensible, if you have a proper reservior that goes in a backpack.

Supportive hiking shoes or boots for the otten rocky terrain encountered here

Swimming suit of some sort and tanning lotion for sunning--NO exceptions made for overly shy peeps not bringing swimming suits. There is just no excuse not to swim in this place with so many glorious swimming holes-I MEAN IT! Stay home if you dont want to bathe and sunbathe. That is the main focus of the beginning of this hike and swim.

trail snacks to up your blood sugar when you need the boost; lunch will be taken at any appropriate place we are at,the time, when time is close to lunch and peeps are hungry.

very important to bring poison ivy protection, pre-treatment cream or at least longer sun resistant, (zip off legs if you have them) you can quarantine and wash later by themselves to remove any traces of the urushoil that can remain active up to a year if not cleaned off.

Leader will be responsible and remember to bring a snakebite kit and medical kit as always in summer adventures; but extras brought by a few other people never hurt, because the group will spread out and need the services available in sub-groups that always happen in the train of peeps following the fearless leader and humble servant

What NOT TO BRING-As always, on my events, DO NOT offer me the sacrifice of your single waiver with single signature because you are new to the club or first time signee for the current year. I will bring a blanket waiver for all newbies to sign and another for veteran hikers, for a total of two pieces of paper wasted-get it? PLEASE help me with this important environmental detail-I dont like wasting paper!

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.

a camera by all means if you have one for the fantastic scenery of all types that exist here, from summer flowers to great steel bridges, waterfalls and canyon/gulf overlooks and not to forget the people enjoying Gods nature and natural beauty abundant here

sense of adventure and wonder, as always-this is a great place and my second favorite hiking experience in TN (Virgin Falls pocket wilderness is more abundantly blessed with caves, waterfalls and overlooks.

How to Get There:

Event Directions:

given in fair detail in trip description; and will be given very specific directions at the car pool location at the CCT park and ride lot.

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):

270Mile(s)

Carpool Departure Time:

7:15 am

Carpool Location:

Carpool Directions:

Carpool Cost:

Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $108.00 using a reimbursement rate guideline of $0.400 per mile. The total amount should be divided by the number of people in the vehicle, including the driver. This is a guideline, not a rule, for drivers but the cost should not be higher unless there are extenuating circumstances.

Notes:

PLEASE be advised, that this hike while potentially strenuous if we have time to go to Laurel Falls and bluffs above, after swimming holes, and sunbathing and minor caving; it will be led at a slow enough pace to serve my shallow asthmatic breathing, but much more importantly at a pace to enjoy the uniquely beautiful place and nature in general I do not, and will never believe in rushing through the natural experience of nature and sights and sounds therein. This is my permanent 'mission statement' for hiking in AOC or the GATC clubs I am a member of. Lock it in to your memory banks, because that is the way I have always led hikes.

* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.

Cost Includes:

mainly gas expense for your drivers and optional dining expense of approxiametely ten bucks at Bimbos-you wont be dissapointed, especially if you're into a great burger!

Cancellation/Partial Attendance: Please review the AOC cancellation policy.
*Note: As always. please remove yourself from the full event, if you cant make it for whatever fo the many reasons that come up in life-I have experience and seen them all in their abundance. This great place needs to be shared with the full compliment of sixteen. as listed. Thanks ahead of time for your attention to this very important detail