Backpack to the Snowbird Mountains - Sat, Apr 17 2004

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Backpack to the Snowbird Mountains


The Basics:
Event Type:Backpacking
Event Location: Snowbird Mountains
Date(s) & Time:Sat, Apr 17 2004  9:00 am >> N/A
Registration Opens: Mon, Jan 1 2007 12:00 am
Registration Cut Off: Fri, Apr 9 2004 11:59 pm
Event Duration:per itinerary
Difficulty Rating:D5: Difficult
Trip Leader(s):
Bruce
Email Trip Leader(s)
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Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:12
Minimum Group Size:4
Number Registered So Far: 9 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Itinerary:
moderate to strenuous 8-mile loop trail after the initial 3 mile backpack to camping site

Mandatory packing meeting prior to the event!

The Snowbirds are a beautiful, enchanted place that is among my favorites for an absolutely, pristine and serene wilderness environment. The Cherokee Indians used these rugged mountains to hide from the ‘trail of tears’ and this also implies, however the inconvenience and primitive conditions a wilderness entails. No restrooms-except plants nature provides. (bring trowel, toilet paper) And please see the AOC Suggested Equipment Guide for suggestions on what items to ring on a backpack (at this link): http://www.atlantaoutdoorclub.com/definitions.asp#ratings especially if you are an occasional backpacker.

We will begin our hike close to noon on Saturday, hiking in 3 miles on a fairly easy, level roadbed which follows Big Snowbird Creek the whole way, then we cross Sassafras Creek close to our campsite. We will set up our tent, settle in and then probably visit nearby Big Falls, before returning in time to cook whatever trail food we have brought, and share campfire chat and card games if desired before we retire for the night. On Sunday morning we will wake up, and take on daypack or waistpacks to do the more difficult 8 mile loop trail at a mellow enough pace we will be able to stop and enjoy two waterfalls. There is one cold and wide watercrossing of Big Snowbird Creek, we will take care to do safely.

Required Items to Bring:
Tent/shelter
Backpack
Properly Rated Sleeping Bag and Pad
Appropriate clothing for the temperatures (usually at least 10 degrees cooler in these mountains)to be worn in layers.
Some sort of water crossing shoes (Tevas or sneakers)
and bag to put them in after water crossing
Two large containers of water liters or quarts (trip leader will bring a water filter to replenish water at a spring 2 ½ miles in)
Travel Snacks
Packed traveling lunch
Packed dinner (dehydrated is best, so as not to attract bears) Take a look here for a checklist for overnight backpacking trips:
http://www.rei.com/online/store/LearnShareDetailArticlesList?categoryId=Camping&url=rei/learn/camp/hkovrbkf.jsp

Notes: If you have questions about what to pack and what not to pack, please email Bruce at bulwink@bellsouth.net. 		Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.
Camera
Toiletries

How to Get There:
Event Directions:Western North Carolina near Robbinsville meet at carpool only From the park and ride lot we will travel to I-575 and take it up past Blue Ridge. This is where will travel briefly on Hwy.60 north to Hwy-spur60 which goes northeast out of Mineral Bluff, GA and ends up just south of Murphy, NC. From There we continue traveling north until we near the Nantahala Gorge, and turn west to Robbinsville, NC where we will stop to coordinate at the local grocery store, before heading to the trailhead.

Notes:

Are Dogs Permitted? NO!

Will this event occur rain or shine? Not in terribly inclement weather as water crossing would be dangerous.
* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.

Cost Includes:Bring cash for a fast food breakfast Saturday morning before the hike and for an inexpensive dinner on Sunday before we head home.

Remember you are bringing your own lunch for Saturday and Sunday, your dinner for Saturday night and your breakfast Sunday morning.

You should coordinate with your carpool in order to share gas expenses (easily about 10 dollars)


Cancellation/Partial Attendance:   Please review the AOC cancellation policy.