I would like to host a backpacking excursion in the Savage Gulf portion of the SCRA. After meeting around 8:00 on a Sat morning, we would drive NW about an hour to just outside of Gruetlin-Laager, TN. From the parking lot, we would put in a moderate to strenuous, eight mile hike along the beautiful Collins Gulf trail. On our way, we?ll pass the triple-waterfalls of Rocky Mountain Creek, Horsepound Falls, and Fall Creek cave. In the evening, we?ll camp in or near Hobbs Cabin. Hobbs is a one-room log cabin with a tin roof, six web bunks, a fireplace, a table, two doors and windows, and a wonderful front porch. After a hearty breakfast, we?ll return by way of the eastern Collins Gulf rim. Along this route, we?ll see a number of spectacular overlooks, a couple of old moonshine stills, and a 100? suspension bridge across the Collins River. Check out these links for pictures and more info: [http://www.friendsofscsra.org/index.html]
[http://www.friendsofscsra.org/hiking.htm#Hobbs].

Any interest?

The walls of Jerico are located on the Tn.-Al border,approx 16 miles south of Winchester,Tn. Entrance to approx 7 mile hike is accessed off Tn state 16 which connects to Winchester via US hwy 64

I'm thinking of offering a few weekends of camping and kayaking for beginners that are interested in getting on the river and tasting the rapids for the first time or have little experience.

The idea would be camping somewhere in the general Ocoee/Hiwassee area Friday night, gearing up at Rock Creek early Saturday morning and then spending all day Saturday on the Hiwassee. You would be responsible for renting your own boat and gear at Rock Creek (which would consist of kayak, paddle, skirt, PFD and helmet) at a cost of roughly $40 for the day. Depending on the experience and adventurousness of the group we might also consider the Nantahala (something to work up to).

I would suggest as a prerequisite that you come to at least one roll practice on Tuesday nights if you've never been in a kayak before (which I will begin posting as a meetup as soon as we move to the outdoor venue). I will most likely limit these meetups to 3 or 4 people so as to keep safety a priority.

Heres a video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AGcnyetHts&feature=player_embedded

Video of bear on Spence Field:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wf10ezvdJeU&NR=1

Spence Field is a crossroads of sorts of the Western Smokies. The Appalachian Trail crosses the field from east to west, and is joined by the Bote Mountain Trail from the north and the Eagle Creek Trail from the south. The Bote Mountain Trail connects Spence Field with Cades Cove, Little River Road, and Tremont. The Eagle Creek Trail connects Spence with the Benton MacKaye Trail and Fontana Lake. Along the A.T., Thunderhead Mountain is just two miles (3 km) to the east, and Gregory Bald is just over 10 miles (16 km) to the west.

Have you ever wanted to try fly-fishing I have been engaged in this extraordinary sport for 15 years! Imagine yourself outdoors on a perfect day. The mountains frame a spectacular pending sunset and a clear stream bubbles around you. You stand there, in solitude, casting a line in hopes of catching a fantastic Rainbow, Brown, or Spec. Your usual worries and daily concerns are washed away by the water as you find your center.

The moments one can experience while fly fishing may be among their most prized.

"Then in the Arctic half-light of the canyon, all existence fades to a being with my soul and memories and the sounds of the Big Blackfoot River and a four-count rhythm and the hope that a fish will rise.?-Norman F. Maclean

http://www.oacs-chattanooga.com/calendar/11216888/i/mp_new_rsvp_tl
The above is the link to the meetup we had this past September. They say there are suppose to be colorful fish in the spring. I would love to do this again.

There are a multitude of rock climbing areas around us. Leda being just around the corner in Soddy Daisy, along with several more within an hour. Who's up for something like this?

Myself and Sally are thinking about organizing a real rock climbing in Soddy Daisy rocks called "Leda", these walls range from 5.6 to 5.13 in difficulty so there should be plenty of opportunity for the beginers and professionals to experience great "ready to climb-bolted" walls. Let us know if this is of interest to you and we'll organize it !!!
If you have gear - bring it, if you don't have any gear - we can share, no problem.

In a couple of weeks or so I'll like to plan a hiking, climbing, picnic with my daughters. Any other dads/moms that want to join us? I'm doing a very casual climb with the girls this time but we could hire an instructor if some of you like the idea but neither have the equipment or experience. If you don't have or can't borrow any "little creatures" but are OK with them around, you'll also be very welcome. Check Rock Town in the Net. The place is incredible.