Nantahala Hiking Club Newsletter

nantahalahikingclub.org

May/June 2019

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der Easter on the Trail, April 20, 2019 by Elena Marsh and Claire Cooper, co-lead volunteers

What a great time our members had participating in Easter on the Trail 2019. Sixteen members and two guests helped make this day a fun filled time. The weather caused some concern this year and some mem-bers went out days earlier to deliver their treats.

We filled bags with colored Easter eggs (with salt and pepper packets), fresh fruit, veggies and some can-dy. We also packed up bags of doggie treats for those four-legged friends who are with their masters try-ing to conquer the AT.

The emails sent back to me, along with photos, of the adventures witnessed at the local trail sites were amazing. At least 200 hikers were seen and most accepted our “trail magic”. The tales of their trips so far made us all realize that each and every hiker experiences many emotions and situations but they are all so friendly and kind. Hikers come from all parts of this country and also foreign countries. It is great to in-teract with them and explain our Club and the work it does to keep the trail open and passable. Many ex-pressed sincere thanks to the folks who maintain the trails and they loved being treated to some “trail magic”. Some indicated their desire to participate in some sort of “pay it forward” project once they fin-ish their journey.

Claire and Chris Cooper, Tommy and I thank all members who helped in any way to make Easter on the Trail 2019 amazing. We accumulated approximately 100 volunteer hours. Congratulations!

NHC’s 501 (c) (3) Status Update by Mary Stone

It’s official, the Nantahala Hiking Club now has 501 (c) (3) status. This was granted by the US Department of Treasury, Internal Revenue Service on March 18, 2019.

You may have thought we already had this status. We have been registered with North Carolina as a not for profit organization since 1985 and with the IRS as a 501 (c) (7), a social club. After gathering information and altering our bylaws, we have achieved this exempt status. Carla Haire, our local accountant submitted the final paper work for NHC. What does this mean to us? We continue to be exempt from federal income tax. Donors to NHC can now deduct contributions they make to us. We are now qualified to receive tax deductible bequests, transfers and gifts. So keep us in mind as you plan your charitable giving! If you need detailed information for your taxes - contact our treasurer or secretary. Also this public charity identity enhances our status in the community. We’re in good company. Editors note: This designation has been on Club’s agenda for many years. It has been toiled over by many board members in the past. We would like to acknowledge and thank Mary Stone for her time, efforts, and financial contribution to bring this project to a successful conclusion.

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NHC Presents Check to First Baptist Church by Sharon Van Horn

On Sunday, March 31st, the day after the Chow Down, Bill and Sharon Van Horn got up early to go to the First Baptist Church hiker breakfast. They gave all the lefto-ver desserts and fruits to the church to distribute to the hikers. They also presented a check to the church from NHC and the AT License Plate grant.

Thru-Hiker Chow Down 2019 by Sharon Van Horn

The 5th annual Thru-Hiker Chow Down was held Saturday, March 30, 2019 at the Lazy Hiker Brewing Company. The day was sunny and warm, in short, a perfect day for the event which was held in the yard. Over 34 volunteers came out to help, putting in a total of over 76 hours to make the event one of our most successful. We served about 75 thru-hikers. NHC also collaborated with the brewery making another AT 110 beer. The Chow Down marked the first time it was served. It was another special and easy to drink blend. Thanks go to Jim Gedling for working with Graham, the head brewer. Thanks go out to all our wonderful volunteers who came out to work and enjoy the afternoon with the thru -hikers. We could not do this event without each of you and it would not be as much fun without you! See you all next year!!!

(see photos at back of newsletter)

Larry and Doris Jelley Honored at Spaghetti Dinner 2019 by Mary Stone

Larry Jelley served as President of the NHC for 3 years. He worked for years as an AT maintainer. Both Larry and Doris have served on the NHC Board. And for the past 17 years they have been the cooks and managers of the NHC Spaghetti Dinners. They’ve done this twice a year, first in the spring for the fund raiser and then in the fall for our awards dinner. The club wishes to express heartfelt thanks for the outstanding contributions made to NHC by the Jelleys.

Trail Ambassador Report by Victor Treutel

The NHC Trail Ambassadors were very active in the month of March, performing a total of 41 patrols and hiking over 180 com-bined miles. They had 798 hiker interactions. The Ambassadors have worked closely with the Trail maintainers and US Forest Ser-vice to ensure that any trail and/or hiker issues were reported and resolved. Trail Ambassadors have received numerous accolades on the condition of the trail and the overall experience from hikers. Spirits are high on the AT thanks to the entire NHC and the Trail Ambassadors. Trail Ambassadors will continue their patrols during the peak AT thru -hiker season, and beyond.

If you are interested in participating in this amazing program, please send me an email and I will put you on the email list for the 2020 season. Training will be held in February. This is a great program that makes an incredible difference to the overall Appala-chian Trail experience. Being a Trail Ambassador is also great way to get out and enjoy our precious resource and interact with some amazing individuals who are on a journey of a lifetime.

Thanks again to our 2019 Ambassadors for an amazingly active thru-hiker season.

If you are interested in being a Trail Ambassador for 2020, please contact Victor Treutel at victor@victortreutel.com

Trail Manager’s Report by Paul Dyer

Since the last newsletter maintainers have worked on 67 miles of the AT, blue blaze and access trails. The government shut down delayed our clean-up from December storms. We completed that work, mostly in the Southern Nantahala Wilderness, with maintainers volunteering 552 hours for that effort. Our most challenging project during the past two months was tread restoration on a badly eroded section near Paint Mountain, about half-way between NOC and the Jump Off. The first photo shows the exposed bedrock that hikers were negotiating by going below the rock on a tread less than a foot in width, then ascending/descending a section of bedrock. Work was begun with hand tools to break away rock to create a safer pathway (second photo). A rock drill was also used to break away rock for the new treadway and drill holes in the rock for 1 inch diameter rebar to be inserted to support log cribbing along the edge of the new treadway (third photo). The final photo shows the new treadway after two full days of work. The approach to this section was also improved with rock steps and cribbing for a safer and easier passage through the section. Some additional work is needed to fully complete this project but most of this season’s thru-hikers have benefited from our work.

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1 2 3 4 Photos by Paul Dyer

Here are the Current 2019 Trail Ambassadors (updated)

Irene Brewi Katharine Brown Syndie Cassedy Vic Dingus Bill Dunn

Chris Federico John Finnerty Gene Fitzgerald Debi Gedling

David Heck Wesley Hirsh Doug Knox Susan Koppen Olga Lampkin

Gail Lehman David Lewis Bill Mandler Ed McIlvaine John Randall

Marcia Randall Bill Schultz Mary Stone Gayle Treutel Victor Treutel

Bill Van Horn Sharon Van Horn William Wells Tim Winters

Franklin AT Community Committee Report by Bill Van Horn

Franklin’s AT Celebration period is from the first day of spring to Earth Day. Franklin’s AT Com-

munity Committee coordinated several events to celebrate the AT in coordination with NHC, Ma-

con County Library and several local businesses. It was another successful year with at least one

event every weekend from March 29th to April 20th. Many thanks to all the NHC volunteers that

supported all the events and to the businesses that helped promote Franklin as an AT Community.

May-June 2019 HIKE SCHEDULE by Gail Lehman

SAT MAY 4 Big Laurel Falls, Timber Ridge to AT to Beech Gap in the Standing Indian Recreational Area.. Visit this lovely falls and then return to Timber Ridge and ascend to the AT. Go south on the trail to Beech Gap and have lunch. De-scend on the Beech Gap trail to FS Rd. 67. Total Hike Distance: 11 miles Rating: M- S Elevation: 750' Meeting Place: WP Time: 8:30 am R/T Driving: 45 mi. Leader: Irene Brewi Phone: 772-263-3478 SAT MAY 4 Upper Whitewater Falls and Whitewater River Gorge to the Bad Creek Reservoir Parking lot. Start at the awesome viewing platform of Upper Whitewater Falls, the highest waterfall in eastern US. Proceed down the Foothills Trail to the river crossing the river on a foot bridge and hike down the gorge seeing beautiful river views and wildflowers. Scram-ble over rocks and roots. Total Hike Distance: 3.3 miles Rating: M Elevation: 600' Meeting Place: Cashiers Recreation Center. Time: 10 am R/T Driving: 30 mi. Leaders: Mike and Susan Kettles Phone: 743 -1079 SUN MAY 5 Long Branch Trail to Long Branch Shelter on the AT. This is in the Standing Indian Recreational Area and starts at the Backcountry parking lot. Hike 2.5 miles to the AT seeing wildflowers (hopefully painted trillium) then on to the newest NHC shelter. Total Hiking Distance: 6 miles Rating: M Elevation: 700' Meeting Place: WP Time: 1 pm R/T Driv-ing: 35 mi. Leader: Katharine Brown Phone: 421-4178 SAT MAY 11 Kimsey Creek to Deep Gap and back in the Standing Indian Recreation Area. Follow this lovely creek and see many wildflowers. Total Hike Distance: 9 miles Rating: M – S Elevation: 900' Meeting Place: WP Time: 9 am R/T Driving: 35 mi. Leader: Irene Brewi Phone: 772-263-3478 SAT MAY 18 Harrison Gap to Locust Tree Gap and return on the Bartram Trail south. Follow a FS Road to Locust Tree Gap and follow the Bartram Trail back. Looking for Dutchman pipes and showy orchis. Total Hike Distance: 5 miles Rating: M Elevation: 700' Meeting Place: WP Time: 9:30 am R/T Driving: 25 miles Leader: Gail Lehman Phone: 524-5298 SUN MAY 19 Gibson Bottom This is a tract of land acquired by Mainspring Conservation. Total Hike Distance: 2 -3 miles Rating: E Elevation: Very little Meeting Place: WP Time: 2 pm R/T Driving: 20 mi. Leader: Jean Hunnicutt Phone: 524-5234 SAT MAY 25 Flat Creek from Hientooga Campground in the GSMNP. This is a beautiful wildflower hike along the creek leading to the falls. Limit 15 people. Total Hike Distance: 5.5 miles Rating: M – S Elevation: 1000' Meeting Place: Ingles at Waynesville Time: 9 am or Soco Gap at 9:30 am R/T Driving:30 mi. Leader: Keith Patton Phone: 456 -8895 SAT MAY 25 Bartram Trail from Jones Gap to Fishhawk Mt. Several lookouts along the way. Children and dogs wel-come. Total Hike distance: 6 miles Rating: M Elevation: 500’ Meeting Place: Bi – Lo Time: 9 am R/T Driving: 30 mi. Leaders: Bill and Sharon Van Horn Phone: 369-1983

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About Our Hikes

As you hike with the Nantahala Hiking Club certain people agree to drive to the trailhead, taking two to three hikers. It is a courtesy to the driver to chip in for gas after the hike. The NHC Board has suggested 10 cents a mile as a fair return. The round trip mileage is given in the description of each hike. Car pooling helps minimize traffic and reduce the carbon footprint. Also, some trailheads have limited parking. You

do not need to be a member to hike with our Club. Families and children are welcome! The hike leader will let you know if th eir hike is ap-propriate for children.

Difficulty Ratings:

E: Easy: Short hike, little change in elevation gain. M: Moderate: 4-6 mile hike, up to 1000’ elevation gain. S: Strenuous: 6 mile or more, over 1000’ elevation gain. VS: Very Strenuous

Meeting Point Abbreviations:

MP: Macon Plaza, Franklin

WP: Westgate Plaza, Franklin CBP: Ballpark near PO, Cashiers CH: NHC Clubhouse SMV: Smoky Mtn Visitor Center, Franklin

On all hiking trips, bring lunch and drink.

Hiking stick optional. Wear sturdy shoes or boots and bring rain gear.

Guests are always welcome.

Groups wait no longer than 5 minutes past the set meeting time.

Those car-pooling are asked to contribute 10 cents per mile to driver.

“R/T” = round trip.

Weather may cause changes to schedule.

All area codes are 828 unless noted.

Reservations required.

Hike limit: 20 people.

Please check with the hike leader if you want to bring your dog.

May-June 2019 HIKE SCHEDULE (continued)

SUN MAY 26 Highlands Botanical Gardens This lovely garden has hiking trails with signage for all the plants, ferns and flowers. There is a hike around the lake also. Total Hike Distance: 2- 3 miles. Rating: E Elevation: Little Meeting Place: Bi – Lo Time: 2 pm R/T Driving: 28 mi. Leader: Mary Stone Phone: 369-7352 SAT JUNE 8 Lakeshore Trail to Whiteoak Branch to Forney Creek in the Great Smoky Mountains NP. Begin at the Road to Nowhere tunnel and make a loop back to Lakeshore Trail. Total Hike Distance: 7.5 miles Rating: M Elevation: 600' Meeting Place: Bi -Lo Time: 8:30 am R/T Driving: 80 mi. Leader: Gail Lehman Phone: 524-5298 SAT JUNE 15 Park Creek to Park Ridge Loop in the Standing Indian Recreational Area. Walk along the Nantahala River to Park Creek and up to the connector trail to Park Ridge. Total Hike Distance: 5.5 miles Rating: M Elevation: 560' Meeting Place: WP R/T Driving: 35 mi. Leader: Mary Stone Phone: 369-7352 SUN JUNE 16 Full Moon hike to Siler Bald. Have headlamp of flashlight for return trip. Total Hike Distance: 4 miles Rating: M Elevation: 700' Meeting Place: WP Time: 7:00 pm R/T Driving: 26 mi. Leader: Katharine Brown Phone: 421-4178 SAT JUNE 22 Ranger Falls at Cliffside Lake Recreation area. There is a $5 parking fee per vehicle. They will accept Senior National Park passes. This is an interpretive trail along Skitty Creek to 20' – 30 ' waterfall. Pass an old home-stead on the way back. Children 4 and older and dogs are welcome. Total Hike Distance: 2.5 miles Rating: E/M Eleva-tion: 400' Meeting place in Highlands in the shopping center at 145 Main St. (1 Nails), east of the light at Hwys. 64 and 106. People from Franklin can meet at Cliffside. Time: 10 am R/T Driving: 12 – 15 miles Leader: Robin Lurie Phone: 954-632-7270 SAT JUNE 29 Secret Falls south of Highlands. An excellent secluded 60' waterfall with access to the top and bottom of the falls. Wading or swimming permitted. The trail is fairly easy with two water crossings. 200' climb back out. Total Hike Distance: 3 miles. Rating: E Elevation: 200' Meeting Place: Cashier Recreation Center: Time 10 am R/T Driv-ing: 40 miles Leaders: Mike and Susan Kettles Phone: 828-743-1079

Program Report by Mary Bennett

May 10 - Brett Riggs, WCU’s Sequoyah Distinguished Professor of Cherokee Studies in the Department of Anthropology and Sociology, will speak on Cherokee history and “Trail of Tears”.

June 14 - Morgan Summerville, Regional Director , Southern Region of Appalachian Trail Conservancy (1983 – Present), Morgan will speak about trail management.

July 12 - Paul Dyer, traveler and adventurer, will share his photo presentation “Natural Hawaii, Hiking Kauai and Maui”.

Programs take place during the general meetings at the Macon County Public Library at 7 p.m.

These programs are open to the public.

Members are invited to send names and contact information for future topics of interest to: mdbennett369@gmail.com Thank You!

NHC Board Members

President - San Ho Choi - nhc28734@gmail.com

Vice President - Mary Stone - mary23stone@yahoo.com

Secretary - Debi Gedling - debigedling1227@gmail.com

Treasurer - Kathy Ratcliff- treasurer@nantahalahikingclub.org

Membership Chair - Sande Lolli - membership@nantahalahikingclub.org

Trail Manager - Paul Dyer - paul.e.dyer@gmail.com

Members-at-Large

John Hagdorn Doris Jelley Larry Jelley Dee Kennedy David Lewis

Other Contacts

Program Coordinator - Mary Bennett - mdbennett369@gmail.com

Webmaster - Karen Franks - webmaster@nantahalahikingclub.org

Newsletter Editor - John Hagdorn - nhceditor@fromtier.com

New Members by Sande Lolli

• Timothy Anderson, Franklin, NC

• Donna Bolton, Franklin, NC

• Richard Grant and Tereza Hall-Grant, Sapphire, NC

• Gerri Harrell, Whittier, NC

• Randy Dean Hughes, Otto, NC

• Judith Johnson, Franklin, NC

• Wesley Porak, Franklin, NC

NHC 2019 Membership Renewal Form

Your commitment to the club is shown by participation, enthusiasm, volunteerism, and financial contribution. Thank you!!!

The annual membership dues for the Nantahala Hiking Club are tax deductible. The amounts are $20 (newsletter by email) or $25 if you currently receive print newsletter by USPS, and you would like to continue to receive it by mail. This covers your membership from July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020. New members who join between April 1 and June 30 do not pay again until July 1 of the following year.

Please bring cash or check to our next meeting on Friday, May 10 th or mail it to:

Sande Lolli P.O. Box 567 Dillsboro, NC 28725

Please verify the information below:

Name __________________________________________________________

Mailing Address __________________________________________________

City/State/Zip ___________________________________________________

E-mail __________________________________________________________

Phone Number ___________________________________________________

Please check this box if you currently receive the printed NHC newsletter by mail and would like to continue to receive it by mail. Please add $5.00 to make your total renewal payment $25.00. Thank You!

If you have any questions regarding your membership, please email me at: sande42@yahoo.com

Annual Spaghetti Dinner

Annual Spaghetti Dinner

Annual Spaghetti Dinner

Photos continued on next page.

Annual Spaghetti Dinner

Thru-hiker Chow Down!

Thru-hiker Chow Down!

Photos continued on next page.

Easter on the Trail 2019

Photos continued on next page.

Easter on the Trail 2019

Easter on the Trail 2019

Hike prior to Trail of Tears plaque dedication at N.O.C. 10/29/2018

Trail of Tears plaque dedication at N.O.C. 10/29/2018

We would like to give special thanks to everyone who contributed photos for this issue of our newsletter:

Claire Cooper

John Hagdorn

Ned Kraft

Bill Mandler

Elena Marsh

Bill and Sharon Van Horn