A geek walked into the woods..

LyttleBryan September 19th, 2010

Yes, yes, I know. Another title that seems to be completely nonsensical and silly. However this one, as they all do, has meaning and relates directly to another adventure. Yesterday the greatest hiking group in the world, went up to the Mt. Cammerer fire tower. Since the trail itself is off the AT, you can really get to it from anywhere. I won’t split hairs though, so I’ll just say there’s 5 “direct” routes to get there. Our route was the “Northern Low Gap Route” as I call it.

We started the hike at Cosby campground where we took the Low Gap Trail up to the Appalachian Trail. From there we followed the AT Northeast to the Mt. Cammerer spur trail. Originally we were going to come back out the same way, however Tim had decided to come in via Davenport Gap since he’d done the Low Gap route before. Since I still needed Chestnut Branch to Davenport Gap, I decided to come out that way instead. Of course once I’d decided to go that route, everyone else seemed to follow. The result was an impromptu shuttle that got everyone back to Cosby. A big thanks to Sujan for driving us, it was very helpful.

For anyone that’s never been to the Mt. Cammerer tower, I highly suggest you do. The tower itself is an old stone structure that the park actively maintains. It offers some amazing 360 degree views of that stretch forever in both TN and NC. Of course it’s majesty makes it a very popular trip. If you’re looking for solitude, you won’t find it here. We passed ~10 people before we ever made it to the tower itself. By the end of the day we’d probably seen 20-25 different people on the trails.

We took a long break at the tower once we got up there to wait for everyone and have lunch. Julie had made us chicken sandwiches for lunch that day, and I was really hungry so it sounded good. As I munched on some crackers Julie begins telling me how good her sandwich is and that I should take a bite of mine. As I did, I look at her and say, “there’s no chicken on my chicken sandwich!” That’s right, she managed to forget to put chicken on my chicken sandwich.

I was heartbroken!

Okay, not really. Luckily the sandwich doubled quite well as a veggie sandwich, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Of course that didn’t stop me from teasing her relentlessly about leaving my chicken at home. I’m sure I’ll continue to for quite a while.

Until next time,
LB

Mt. Cammerer Fire Tower 9-18-2010

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Viewing images 1-62 of 62

Tags: Big Creek, Cammerer, Cosby, Cosby Campground, Davenport Gap, Mount Cammerer, Mt. Cammerer

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LyttleBryan September 8th, 2010

A couple of weeks ago I went with some other crazy folks to do a traverse up Sugarland Mountain Trail the hard way. That’s to say, we started at Huskey Gap Trailhad off Newfound Gap road and then went UP the trail. About halfway through we met the other half of the group going down, and exchanged keys. I have to say, key swaps are awesome. I’d never done one before and the amount of driving it saves is divine.

As for the trail, well, it was a nice pleasant uphill climb. I was actually a little surprised at how easy it was. There were 5 of us that went and it was nice being in such a small group getting to know everyone. There were some descent views on the trail, and even some rare shots of looking down at the Chimney Tops. Overall a very enjoyable time.

I have a few more posts to make including a very large one from a 4 day backpack I did over labor day weekend. I also got a new pack I’m dying to review, but I have to find time to do it first!

Peace,
LB

Sugarland Mountain Trail 8-29-2010

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Viewing images 1-29 of 29

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LyttleBryan August 9th, 2010

This weekend I was originally supposed to lead a hike up Snake Den Ridge, but decided to cancel it because of the heat at the last minute. As luck would have it though, Dale was hosting a hike at elevation to Charlie’s Bunion and The Jumpoff. This was a good opportunity to hit the last 3 miles of the Eastern Smokies AT segment between Newfound Gap and Icewater Springs Shelter. It wasn’t much, but hey, 3 miles at a time it would only take 300 hikes to cover the entire park!

There wasn’t too much to say about this hike, the pictures do all the talking for me. Let’s just say the weather was perfect (a cool 80 degrees), and the terrain comfortable. It was great!

I will take a moment to jump on my soapbox though. While on the trail I came across a couple that had stopped for a rest. I offhandedly mentioned that we were a hiking group, and there was a string of us coming up the trail. The woman got a little upset and she and her friend made a snide remark and then stormed up the trail. I can understand and respect the desire for some peace and quiet in the Smokies. What I can’t understand is going on one of the most popular trails in the park, and expecting to be alone. Seriously? Are people that naive to think they will be the only ones at one of the most well known places in the park? Sad. There are hundreds of miles of trail that can easily be day hiked in which you will never see another human being! Use them.

Okay, soapbox off.

This weekend I’m going to Kure Beach in North Carolina with that wonderful woman who puts up with me. Looking forward to it and hopefully going to get some good beach sunrise photos.

Peace,
LB

Charlies Bunion 8-8-2010

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Viewing images 1-84 of 84

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LyttleBryan July 16th, 2010

I noticed that my last two posts are law related. I apologize and promise to post some kind of hiking related post eventually. I’ve just been lazy. Okay I’ve not been lazy, I’ve been hiking. I’ll post info about it eventually!

I just got word from the Friends of the Great Smokies Mountain that a North Carolina man was sentenced for his 2009 poaching of a bull elk inside park grounds. He was sentenced to 150 days in jail, fined almost $9,000, and a slew of other things. You can find more info on the WYFF website.

I’m all for shooting for the pot, but I’m more for preserving our parks and wild life.

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LyttleBryan June 24th, 2010

In a previous post I mentioned an incident in the Smokies about a photographer being bitten by a bear that led to the bear being put down. This morning I was made aware that charges have been filed against Sean Konover, the person ultimately responsible for Laurel’s the Bear’s death.

Well Sean, here’s to hoping you get what you deserve! Unfortunately you probably won’t.

More info can be found at the KnoxNews article.

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LyttleBryan June 3rd, 2010

Close to 2 years ago I was introduced to a man by the name of Chuck Schoenberg. He was a friendly guy that enjoyed good beer and a warm campfire. The first weekend I met him was at Panther Creek State Park in TN. We sat around the camp fire and talked, and watched as the sun turned from rain, to sleet, back to rain, and then to sun. Over the coming year we got to know each other a little better, and eventually became friends. Over time disagreements were had, and space grew between Chuck and I. Despite everything that happened, I was still deeply saddened and shocked when word got back to me that Chuck had finally succumbed to his depression, and he had ended his life.

Those in the hiking group that had known Chuck gathered this last Memorial Day weekend to spend time at a place Chuck was happy, and a place I’ve talked about more than a few times on my blog, Virgin Falls. We retraced our hike and talked about all the fun times that were had, and generally spent the day remembering the good about him.

Rest in peace, Chuck…

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LyttleBryan May 24th, 2010

Over the last couple of weeks a storm has been brewing between NPS, tourists, and (for lack of better term) environmentalists. A few weeks ago a tourist was in the Smokies at the ever-popular Laurel Falls. While traveling off trail, he came in contact with a young 60lb female black bear. While taking pictures of the bear, it began to approach him. He let it come so close to him that it bit his foot. Eventually word spread to the rangers and NPS until the man finally contacted them. Since the bite was so minor it didn’t require medical attention, it took a few days before the man decided to report it.

Since the bear attacked a tourist, it was hunted down, captured, and eventually euthanized. The bear, named Laurel by supporters, stirred quite a response from myself, and others. A group was formed on facebook in hopes of stopping the NPS from euthanizing the bear. Unfortunatley the group was not able to sway park services, who claimed their hands were tied.

It’s a sad story of what ignorant people do to our wild life, and natural resources. I’ll admit it takes great restraint from losing my temper while typing this. I want to scream and shout and hunt down the idiot that caused all of this. Instead I’ll just challenge anyone that reads this. Stand up for the animals in the park. When you see someone doing something that harms our park, do something about it. If the animals stand up for themselves they get euthanized.

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LyttleBryan May 9th, 2010

sad news from this weekend…

via…
http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2010/may/09/michigan-man-dies-backpacking-trip-smokies/

NEWFOUND GAP — A Michigan man has died after being found unresponsive during a backpacking trip in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, authorities said.

According to park spokeswoman Nancy Gray, Ross Sabin Enderle, 26, of Pontiac, Mich., and his three hiking companions had stayed Friday night at Icewater Spring shelter along the Appalachian Trail.

When members of the group awoke on Saturday morning and tried to arouse Enderle, he was unresponsive. One of the hikers contacted E-911 by a cell phone and park rangers were notified around 7:45 a.m.

When rangers arrived at the shelter at 9:14 a.m., Enderle showed now signs of life, according to a press release.

The man was transported 3 miles to Newfound Gap, where he was then taken to Harris Regional Hospital in Sylva, N.C.

Authorities are awaiting results from an autopsy and a toxicology report. Rangers are continuing an investigation to determine the cause of death but preliminary findings indicate there was no foul play.

More details as they develop online and in Monday’s News Sentinel.

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LyttleBryan May 6th, 2010

A little lesson for the would-be idiots of the world. Rangers aren’t just figure pieces, they aren’t just security guards, they do have arresting authority, and they will arrest you. Then we’ll laugh at you when news briefs like the following are released…

Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials have announced that 21 year old Nathan O’Quinn of Clintwood, Virginia pled guilty to reckless driving and has been sentenced to 6 months in jail after he accelerated at high speeds away from Rangers, eluding arrest. The incident occurred on September 19, 2009 at 12:30 AM, when Park Rangers attempted to stop O’Quinn on the Foothills Parkway – Spur (U.S. 441) for excessive speed. O’Quinn, who accelerated away at speeds up to 114 mph with a female passenger on the back of his Suzuki 600 motorcycle, crossed double-yellow lines, passed on curves and nearly struck another vehicle head-on.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Chief Ranger Bill Wright said, “We have been seeing an increase in the number of individuals who are fleeing to elude arrest over the last few years. This type of behavior presents enormous risks, especially in the Park with its narrow, curving roads and heavy traffic. “

“There seems to be a growing perception that fleeing into or through the National Park will allow the offender to escape.” Wright continued, “However, due to the limited number of exits from the Park, those individuals are nearly always caught. Their actions prior to being stopped seriously jeopardize the safety and well-being of unsuspecting visitors and fellow motorists they encounter, and place the eluder in great risk of injury or death.”

Park managers stress that each instance is different, and in some cases, the subject may not be pursued at high speed by Rangers for reasons of safety. However, due to good communications with Rangers throughout the Park, and continued excellent cooperation with law enforcement agencies surrounding the Park, those individuals fleeing apprehension will still be caught and will face penalties that are often far stiffer than what they would receive for their original offense.

-NPS

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LyttleBryan May 2nd, 2010

This weekend I had a chance to do a nice relaxing hike. It didn’t start that way though. The original plan was to hit Charlie’s Bunion and the Jumpoff. Unfortunately impending bad weather and some late April snow canceled our plans. Our backup for the weekend was nice and relaxing though. We hiked up Sugarland Mountain Trail to Huskey Gap and then back down Little River to Elkmont.

I have to say, after doing Noland Divide a couple of weeks ago, even the incline over the first three miles of Sugarland Mountain seemed enjoyable, almost easy. It may have helped that I was only carrying about 8lbs of gear max. There’s nothing overly spectacular about Sugarland Mountain or Huskey Gap. They don’t have any of the usual “attention grabbers”; there’s no beautiful waterfalls, lookouts, or large fields of flowers. They’re just nice, well groomed trails that make for an enjoyable stroll across varying terrain.

Pictures are below.

Sugarland Mtn - Huskey Gap Loop 5-2-2010

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Viewing images 1-15 of 15

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