Joyce Kilmer/Citico Creek Wilderness (sequel) - Wed, May 14 2014

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Joyce Kilmer/Citico Creek Wilderness (sequel)


The Basics:
Event Type:Backpacking
Event Location: Bob Stratton Bald/SlickRock Creek/Citico Creek   Backpacking: Joyce Kilmer/Citico Creek Wilderness (sequel)  National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Wed, May 14 2014  6:30 am >> Sun, May 18 2014 6:00 pm  (Carpool Departure: 6:40 am   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Wed, Apr 2 2014 10:00 pm
Registration Cut Off: Mon, May 12 2014 9:00 pm
Event Duration:4 Days 11 Hours 30 Minutes
Difficulty Rating:D6: Advanced (Exploratory)
Distance:21.3 Miles
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Michael Johnson
Mike Pawloski
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Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:2
Minimum Group Size:2
Number Registered So Far: 9 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: Yes

Note: This is an "EXPLORATORY" trip. This means that there are parts of this trip, or perhaps the whole trip, that is new to your Trip Leader(s). However, they are confident that this will not be an issue.
This note is here so that you can make an informed decision. When a Trip Leader isn't personally familiar with a trip, there is an increased chance of things not going as planned and you need to be prepared. The Trip Leader may have additional details in the itinerary.

Itinerary:

 


This hike is for very fit hikers, since there is a 13,223 elevation change in 21.3 miles. We'll hike 3.5 miles to camp our first night on top of Bob Stratton Bald. This is a spectacular mountain vista high above the valleys with awesome views.

The 2nd day we'll hike down into the Slickrock Valley, with a short detour to have lunch on top of Hangover. Total distance will be about 7 miles, but we'll descend about 3500'! Over 10 yrs ago, I wrote the following description of this valley. Thanks to Kristi for forwarding this to me.

"Come join us in the valley of the giant toads and fat bats.  We camp beside gentle rapids a short distance from Wildcat Falls. In a November trip I watched a small Black Bear walk across the top of the falls and disappear quietly into the forest. During the day, you can swim, hike, read, or do just about anything you want to do.  Once we set up camp, we’ll stay there until it’s time to go back to the city. At night, for the more brave hearted, you can venture from the security of the campfire and look at the glowing worms or sit beside the giant croaking toads.  Also, if you walk down to the top of the waterfalls and look up at the sky at twilight, you can watch the fat bats doing their best on bug control. Don’t worry, no vampire bats here!"


The 3rd day, we're not breaking camp, which is what I've wanted to do since we did this last year. Leaving Slickrock is hard to do, since it's such a beautiful valley. I can bring the group to Lower Falls as one option. But this will be completely up to you. So if you want to stay near camp, that's fine with me. If you want to explore a different area near our base, we can discuss it the night before at camp.

The 4th day we'll hike up the ridge into Citico, which is only a couple miles and camp at a former homestead and apple orchard. Because it's a short hike on this day, I don't plan on leaving the Slickrock valley very early. I love Wildcat falls in the morning, and want to enjoy as much of that valley as I can on this trip. You can do yoga, take an icy cold dip in the water, read a book, write in a journal, anything your heart desires, except be in a hurry to leave. To be fair we'll discuss departure times while down there.

The next morning we will hike the final 8.6 miles through Citico Creek in TN, back out to the trail head.

If you haven't done D6 backpacking trips with me, I will need a way to find out your fitness level and your experience. This will not be a race, from my point of view, but to avoid injury or lack of time spent near each of our base camps, it's mandatory, that you are experienced in mountain backpacking. Thanks for your cooperation in advance.

We will allow a maximum of 10 people, but you will remain on the wait list until we clear your fitness and backpacking experience level. The list will be done first come, first serve, but you'll only have a short time to contact the trip leaders of your capabilities before you're skipped. It's not complicated, just be prepared ahead of time, and you'll be fine.

We will allow 1 more dog, other than Cedar (Mike Pawloski's dog), but it must be well behaved and have experience backpacking with groups and other dogs as well.

 

Michael Johnson

 

 


Required Items to Bring:

Tent, Sleeping Bag, Sleeping Pad, Appropriate clothing, rain gear, headlamp, cooking utensils, food and water. See backpacking event list link.

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

camera, hat, daypack/fanny pack, water filtration system, beverage of choice, musical instrument, fire starter, first aid kit


How to Get There:
Event Directions:

Will be distributed at the Park and Ride

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):282Mile(s)
Carpool Departure Time: 6:40 am
Carpool Location:   Log in for location
Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions
Carpool Cost: Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $112.80 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:
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Cancellation/Partial Attendance:   Please review the AOC cancellation policy.