View Full Version : Chunky Gal/Standing Indian in October
generoll
06-06-2008, 23:21
I realize that now that summer has descended with a vengeance it's hard to imagine balmy hiking weather, but it will happen. This is early and I'll probably give this thread a bump from time to time, but are any of you interested in hiking the Chunky Gal/AT/Kimsey Creek trails in October? I'm thinking either October 10-12 or the following weekend, 17-19. This would be an easy three day hike and not overly strenuous as an overnighter.
I've traded PMs with Ron Haven and he's as always willing to help out so here's my plan. The Chunky Gal trail is an interior trail and starts up by Tusquitee Bald on the Fires Creek Rim trail. Ron could drop us off at the Bob Allison campground which would shave off the westernmost three miles of the Chunky Gal trail and a brutal ascent/descent. Those interested could then hike the Chunky Gal and overnight somewhere short of hwy 64 the first day. Day two would be to the AT and then on to Deep Gap. From here your options would be either down Kimsey Creek, a pickup by Ron, or on around the Standing Indian loop. Either of the hiking options would end at the backcountry kiosk.
I didn't like the Bob Allison campground and wouldn't leave a car there which is why I contacted Ron about a drop off or shuttle.
Plenty of time to consider this and plan if it sounds like something you are interested in. Marta of course will blow through the entire section in one day so she can't go, but everyone else is invited. :)
take-a-knee
06-06-2008, 23:25
I might be interested, OCT is prime shoal bass time though, we'll see how many I catch between now and then.
Skidsteer
06-06-2008, 23:47
What's the mileage, Gene?
I might could start on Saturday and try to catch you.
generoll
06-07-2008, 00:10
We'd probably actually be starting on Saturday anyway. It's really an overnight hike unless you want to add some miles on the Standing Indian loop. About 18+ miles from Bob Allison to the AT, about 2 miles on the AT to Deep Gap, and then whatever the mileage is down Kimsey Creek to the Kiosk. If everyone wants to show up Saturday morning we could probably arrange with Ron to have him pick us up at the kiosk and then drop us at Bob Allison.
Skidsteer
06-07-2008, 00:12
We'd probably actually be starting on Saturday anyway. It's really an overnight hike unless you want to add some miles on the Standing Indian loop. About 18+ miles from Bob Allison to the AT, about 2 miles on the AT to Deep Gap, and then whatever the mileage is down Kimsey Creek to the Kiosk. If everyone wants to show up Saturday morning we could probably arrange with Ron to have him pick us up at the kiosk and then drop us at Bob Allison.
Sounds like fun. Keep us posted.
Ron Haven
06-07-2008, 01:09
The time won't make a difference to me but what part of Oct are you planning for?
Two Speed
06-07-2008, 03:25
Does sound interesting, and I haven't had a chance to hike the Chunky Gal yet. Should have enough leave built up by then, too. :-?
Survivor Dave
06-07-2008, 05:33
Yeah, that's sounds like a lot of fun. I am trying to make up from Deep Gap to Winding Stair as I missed it when I went to Rons' for the Bash. How much of that portion were you thinking of covering Gene? Any of Albert Mountain or Standing Indian? Please let me know. It doesn't really matter terribly, I just wanted to get that portion under my belt.
October sound like the weather will have cooled down a bit. Yeah, toss my hat in.
SD
generoll
06-07-2008, 06:48
Ron, we are talking about either October 11 or 18 for the pickup and drop off. Unless someone has other needs I'd think the best option would be for everyone to meet at the kiosk for a pickup around 9 am. We'll firm up dates as we get closer and see if one weekend works better then another.
Dave, I'll probably just hike out on the Kimsey Creek trail to the kiosk on Sunday. You could start with us and if you left your car at the same place you could complete the loop and still come out at your car.
Survivor Dave
06-07-2008, 08:13
Ron, we are talking about either October 11 or 18 for the pickup and drop off. Unless someone has other needs I'd think the best option would be for everyone to meet at the kiosk for a pickup around 9 am. We'll firm up dates as we get closer and see if one weekend works better then another.
Dave, I'll probably just hike out on the Kimsey Creek trail to the kiosk on Sunday. You could start with us and if you left your car at the same place you could complete the loop and still come out at your car.
That's a good idea Gene. We'll see when I get there.
Nice hike planned Gene, Im in!
I've been wanting to hike the Chunky Gal Trail. I can't plan that far ahead, though, so I'll be a maybe until a bit closer to the day.
generoll
06-07-2008, 12:57
Understand about planning. I work in a hospital and free weekends are like gold. People connive, blackmail, and threaten bodily harm in order to get the ones they want. If I don't plan way ahead then the weekend won't be there when I want it.
I'm going to give this a little bump every month just to remind folks and hopefully we can have a good group for this hike. Assuming we all park at the backcountry kiosk all we need to do is to coordinate our drop off from Ron and then everyone can do his or her own thing.
Ron Haven
06-07-2008, 15:02
Understand about planning. I work in a hospital and free weekends are like gold. People connive, blackmail, and threaten bodily harm in order to get the ones they want. If I don't plan way ahead then the weekend won't be there when I want it.
I'm going to give this a little bump every month just to remind folks and hopefully we can have a good group for this hike. Assuming we all park at the backcountry kiosk all we need to do is to coordinate our drop off from Ron and then everyone can do his or her own thing.
The reason I ask.October is leaf lookers month in this area.I have some friends who could shuttle us and I would love to go along with a group of you too.
I have hiked the Chunky Gal from the A T to US64 but I have never hiked the part from US64 to the Fire Rim Trail.I couldn't be 100% sure I could go because usually the motels here are really in full swing about that time.
Possible I could work it in though or at least that part.Gene here is something else.If there is a big group who may want to participate I have the bus.
generoll
06-07-2008, 15:30
Understand about the bus and I know we'd all be delighted if you could come along. We'll have to wait a few months to get a head count, but if your folks can run the motel for a night without you it'd be great to have you. I'll even offer you first right of refusal on all the rubies I pick up along the trail.
I hiked Chunky Gal from Fires Creek Rim to hwy 64, so this will be a partial repeat as well as new ground. Since we'll be (presumably) starting at Bob Allison this will still leave out the section connecting with the rim trail, but that's only for masochists anyway.
With luck and good weather maybe we can fill up your bus. :)
Cool AT Breeze
06-07-2008, 18:03
Why not park at Cloud Nine and hike to Winding Stair? It's a great hike. I like staying with Fran and Laura (Crotch wont be there) and ending a hike staying with Ron coulden't be better.
Skidsteer
06-07-2008, 19:45
Why not park at Cloud Nine and hike to Winding Stair? It's a great hike. I like staying with Fran and Laura (Crotch wont be there) and ending a hike staying with Ron coulden't be better.
Um. 'Cause it'd be nice to do something new? :)
Hey this sounds like a great one, Generoll! Gungho and I could more than likely join up!!
Cool AT Breeze
06-07-2008, 21:32
What, something new. That's just not right.
This sounds like it shaping up to be a good trip, too far away for me to commit right now. I'll check in later and let ya know, but I'm a maybe
generoll
06-07-2008, 21:58
Let me encourage anyone interested in this hike to get a copy of the guide by John Ray and others. He's put a lot of work into his guides and it would be good if we could support such efforts. It's all to our benefit.
http://www.geocities.com/j3hnr3y/purchase.html
Skidsteer
06-07-2008, 21:59
This is starting to look like a convoy, Gene. :D
Survivor Dave
06-07-2008, 22:09
This is starting to look like a convoy, Gene. :D
Here you go Skids. C.W. McCalls's song "Convoy" from the Mike Douglas Show in 1976. I know you still have that 40 channel CB somewhere.:cool:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKfLpkBFjx0&feature=related
Bulldawg
06-07-2008, 22:36
The reason I ask.October is leaf lookers month in this area.I have some friends who could shuttle us and I would love to go along with a group of you too.
I have hiked the Chunky Gal from the A T to US64 but I have never hiked the part from US64 to the Fire Rim Trail.I couldn't be 100% sure I could go because usually the motels here are really in full swing about that time.
Possible I could work it in though or at least that part.Gene here is something else.If there is a big group who may want to participate I have the bus.
If Ron Haven is going, tentatively count me in. I would love to sit around a camp and listen to the stories this man could tell.
I got to listen in on about 5 minutes of Ron at Ruck this year... I was enthralled!
Ron Haven
06-08-2008, 02:51
I got to listen in on about 5 minutes of Ron at Ruck this year... I was enthralled!I'll do you a little more of that for ya.I am planning this week to cut some CD's with some of those trail tails:D
I'll do you a little more of that for ya.I am planning this week to cut some CD's with some of those trail tails:D
Can't wait to here what you come up with:D Could sit around for hours listening to your stories:sun
That's a good idea Gene. We'll see when I get there.
The weekend of the 18th is looking good for myself and Roots, please keep us posted:banana
The weekend of the 18th is looking good for myself and Roots, please keep us posted:banana
Yeah, that's the better weekend. The Gathering is Oct. 10-12 ;)
generoll
06-08-2008, 14:37
The 18th actually works better for me as well. We'll just see how things shape up when we get closer.
Bulldawg
06-08-2008, 14:42
Sounding like a nice trip. Don't worry about crowding the trail with my attendance, I will simply bring up the rear as usual.
Survivor Dave
06-08-2008, 16:30
Sounding like a nice trip. Don't worry about crowding the trail with my attendance, I will simply bring up the rear as usual.
No worries, should be loads of fun! I'm sure there will be some interesting characters there.Your No. 1 should have a lot of fun. I think that smores might be called for on this trip.
SD
Survivor Dave
06-08-2008, 16:42
The weekend of the 18th is looking good for myself and Roots, please keep us posted:banana
Hey Roots and Gungho, are you interested in hiking from Deep Gap to Winding Stair for fun? Any body else get away for another day or two? Just a few miles past the group hike destination. Albert Mountain is fun, remember? LOL Lemme know. Roots, thanks for following the TJ. I hope your hike was everything you hoped for. I have been following your trek as well. Nice job! I wish mine was still happnin':(. I think that the additional 20+ mile might be fun if you can get away. Send a PM if you get a minute.
I dream of going to Garibaldi's Mexican All-You-Can-eat or Fat Buddies BBQ in Franklin and totally pigging out! Might be kinda fun! I'm sure Ron will have something going on. (snicker, snicker:D) Ron, I'm going to get my commercial license upgrade, so I can drive the bus! That's no joke my friend! I'm looking forward to 2009 Bash and the Christmas Party in the beginning of December. Shoot, I might even toss the keys to you every once in a while! I'll take the pharmacy and Three Eagles shuttle since I know that's a difficult one! Looking forward to hiking with you as well. Please reserve room #25 at the Sapphire next to Skids for me!! Tell Joanne I owe her a jug of laundry soap. LOL
SD
Hey Roots and Gungho, are you interested in hiking from Deep Gap to Winding Stair for fun? Any body else get away for another day or two? Just a few miles past the group hike destination. Albert Mountain is fun, remember? LOL Lemme know. Roots, thanks for following the TJ. I hope your hike was everything you hoped for. I have been following your trek as well. Nice job! I wish mine was still happnin':(. I think that the additional 20+ mile might be fun if you can get away. Send a PM if you get a minute.
I dream of going to Garibaldi's Mexican All-You-Can-eat or Fat Buddies BBQ in Franklin and totally pigging out! Might be kinda fun! I'm sure Ron will have something going on. (snicker, snicker:D) Ron, I'm going to get my commercial license upgrade, so I can drive the bus! That's no joke my friend! I'm looking forward to 2009 Bash and the Christmas Party in the beginning of December. Shoot, I might even toss the keys to you every once in a while! I'll take the pharmacy and Three Eagles shuttle since I know that's a difficult one! Looking forward to hiking with you as well. Please reserve room #25 at the Sapphire next to Skids for me!! Tell Joanne I owe her a jug of laundry soap. LOL
SD
Hey SD! The closer we get to time, I'll definitely let you know. That is a nice section. I, too, didn't do from Deep Gap to Winding Stair during my trip. There were two parts I was saving to do with Gungho and that was one of them. We are going through there this summer on a 6 day trip. We might just do it again in October. I guess it just depends on Gungho's work schedule.
Thanks for following along, SD! We both have had some good adventures this year. More to come!:)
This trip is getting more interesting by the minute.
Ron Haven
06-08-2008, 22:56
Why not park at Cloud Nine and hike to Winding Stair? It's a great hike. I like staying with Fran and Laura (Crotch wont be there) and ending a hike staying with Ron coulden't be better.I stopped by today and seen Fran & Laura.They both were doing fine and Fran let both of my boys catch a fish each.
[SIZE=3]Hey Roots and Gungho, are you interested in hiking from Deep Gap to Winding Stair for fun? Any body else get away for another day or two? Just a few miles past the group hike destination. Albert Mountain is fun, remember? LOL Lemme know.
Hey SD- I would like to do that section again, it was so foggy when I hiked through there in April I couldn't see more than 50 feet in any direction.
Survivor Dave
06-09-2008, 00:42
Hey SD- I would like to do that section again, it was so foggy when I hiked through there in April I couldn't see more than 50 feet in any direction.
Well, that makes 2. Maybe some others would like to extend their hikes, or even just do that part. I am looking forward to scrambling up Albert for the first time. Keep me posted if you want to go. Weather should be nice in October.
SD
Ron Haven
06-09-2008, 13:24
I clicked on that link that was posted here about those maps and I think they list 4 of them for $20 including shipping.It was Bartram,Fires Rim,Chunky Gal and one more.I also seen one of those books in the local outfitter for $14.95 :eek:
Bulldawg
06-09-2008, 14:03
I clicked on that link that was posted here about those maps and I think they list 4 of them for $20 including shipping.It was Bartram,Fires Rim,Chunky Gal and one more.I also seen one of those books in the local outfitter for $14.95 :eek:
How about that outfitter up in Franklin Ron? I passed through Franklin headed to Standing Indian on Memorial Day weekend and it looked like they were having a monster sale. Is that a decent place to shop?
Survivor Dave
06-09-2008, 14:31
How about that outfitter up in Franklin Ron? I passed through Franklin headed to Standing Indian on Memorial Day weekend and it looked like they were having a monster sale. Is that a decent place to shop?
Bulldawg, I just talked to Taylor at Three Eagles Outfitters in Franklin, and they have the Bartram, Fire Rim, and Chunky Gal Trail Guides/Maps. They will ship.
Ron Haven
06-09-2008, 16:40
How about that outfitter up in Franklin Ron? I passed through Franklin headed to Standing Indian on Memorial Day weekend and it looked like they were having a monster sale. Is that a decent place to shop?They don't stock as much of hiker gear as some outfitters I've saw but the price is about the same as others.
generoll
06-09-2008, 16:57
I clicked on that link that was posted here about those maps and I think they list 4 of them for $20 including shipping.It was Bartram,Fires Rim,Chunky Gal and one more.I also seen one of those books in the local outfitter for $14.95 :eek:
The three volume set which comes with a discount over the individual booklets has two volumes for the Bartram Trail and then the other volume which includes Fires Creek, Chunky Gal and some other minor info. There's a trail listed which connects the Fires Creek Rim trail with the AT up by Cheoah Bald via the Bartam Trail which has me intrigued. One of these days I'm gonna take the plunge and take some of those roads less traveled.
I'll do you a little more of that for ya.I am planning this week to cut some CD's with some of those trail tails:D
Please include that local recipe you talked about... it had corn in a barrel for several weeks.... Mmm good stuff!
generoll
07-02-2008, 08:11
Bump bumpity bump. Just a reminder that there are trails to hike other then the AT and a planned hike in October. I'll be bumping this thread monthly to remind folks. Hope to see many of you there.
Survivor Dave
07-02-2008, 08:26
Bump bumpity bump. Just a reminder that there are trails to hike other then the AT and a planned hike in October. I'll be bumping this thread monthly to remind folks. Hope to see many of you there.
I'm still in Gene. I was thinking of maybe doing the Deep Gap to Winding Stair thing maybe a bit earlier. It's kinda been knawing at me to get it hiked and move on. It looks like the Smokies in about a month or so. Come on down!
SD
SouthMark
07-02-2008, 11:13
This is starting to look like a convoy, Gene. :D
I'd love to join in. Have hiked the Standing Indian loop several times but never been on the Chunky Gal Trail. This sounds like a great plan and a great time of year for it. Count me in if I can get away.
Hey, I'm interested in joining you guys for hte chunky Gal Trail. It would be a nice warm up to the Foothills Trail which I'm planning on doing in early november. If I do commit to going I'll be driving up from florida (unless a flight is cheaper than the gas) and could pick people up along the way.
generoll
07-02-2008, 15:50
I'll post a reminder every month or so. Check out the flights on Allegiant. Sometimes it's cheaper to fly into Chattanooga then it is to drive from Orlando.
generoll
08-01-2008, 09:07
OK, time for the monthly reminder. Almost daily thundershowers here in Chattanooga. Hopefully some of that's moving east and keeping the streams full along the Chunky Gal. Hope to see some of you in October.
generoll
08-28-2008, 01:11
This is my September bump a few days early. I'll probably harass you again in September, but there is something I wanted to mention. This is a very do-able hike for beginners. The road in crosses the trail several times and a hiker could with a bit of attention to the map get off as it pleased them. The hike from the headwaters of Barnards Creek to hwy 64 is not over 4 miles, and the hike from there to Deep Gap is probably less the 5 miles. If you arrange a pickup point or drop off point differently, you can pretty well customize this hike to your liking. We all hike our own hikes and congratulate others on their hikes regardless of the mileage.... RIGHT?
I will duplicate this post in a couple of places so do try not to get your panties all bunched up if you see this more then once.
generoll
09-05-2008, 21:09
Here's the official September bump. Time marches on and hopefully the streams are filling as the lowlands are flooding. Anyway, be thinking about this hike and come October it would be good if we could give Ron a close enough number for him to decide bus or van.
Bulldawg
09-05-2008, 23:48
Has this been firmed up as 10/18 start date? What's the total mileage? 2 nights, 3 days?
generoll
09-06-2008, 09:21
This is planned as a two day, one night hike. There are options which could let you stretch it out to as much as 4 days and three nights if you wished. The main idea is that we all meet at the back country kiosk at Standing Indian on Saturday morning the 18th so that the shuttle can be LEAVING at 9 sharp. We will be dropped off at Bob Allison campground and from there it's basically a HYOH. I plan on doing about 10 miles to camp about 3 miles short of hwy 64 which will leave me approximately 8 miles the next day to get to the AT. A couple of miles on the AT and then I will be going down Kimsey Creek trail back to the kiosk. total estimated miles 10+13.
Want a shorter option? I think the road in to Bob Allison crosses the trail a couple of times. Follow the shuttle to the point where it leaves hwy 64 and then get on the bus/van. Get off at a crossing and hike to a campground. Next day hike out to hwy 64 and you're done.
Middle option. Drop your gear at the kiosk on Friday afternoon with a friend, drive your car to Deep Gap and leave it. Hike down to the kiosk and reunite with your gear and friend. Hike up to the nearby shelter for Friday night and then meet us at the kiosk on Saturday morning. When you get to Deep Gap your car is there and you are done.
Long option. Meet us on Saturday morning at the kiosk. Ride to Bob Allison, hike the Chunky Gal and when you hit the AT take the entire AT loop around Standing Indian and come out at the kiosk. Take as many days as you wish.
I don't care who or what you bring as long as you keep it on a leash and it doesn't bother anyone. If you bring your favorite blowup friend just make sure it doesn't spring a leak during playtime and wake the rest of us up with its' scream.
The main thing this has in common is some or all of the Chunky Gal trail (minus the brutal westernmost 3 miles) and an approximate starting point. Probably a common finishing point, but that's also subject to your own modification.
Or to put it another way, HYOH.
:clap:bananaCount me in. I'll ask for that weekend off from work tomorrow. :banana:clap
I'm still planning on joining y'all.
I'm still planning on joining y'all.Don't you mean running past everyone? :D Want to carpool up Marta?
Jason of the Woods
09-07-2008, 21:59
Why not park at Cloud Nine and hike to Winding Stair? It's a great hike. I like staying with Fran and Laura (Crotch wont be there) and ending a hike staying with Ron coulden't be better.
I see that I'm not the only one who got along with the "Help" so well!;) I'd love to hike that again though I am headed further north to take my chances with the weather.
Don't you mean running past everyone? :D Want to carpool up Marta?
I probably won't be doing much running. I'm having a lot of trouble with one knee.:mad:
Sure, let's talk about carpooling. I'm not sure what sort of hiking schedule you're planning. I have to be back home by Sunday night.
Jason of the Woods
09-07-2008, 22:02
I'll do you a little more of that for ya.I am planning this week to cut some CD's with some of those trail tails:D
You've got me on the waiting list for one of those don't ya.;)
hikernutt
09-17-2008, 22:41
Gene, I may be interested in joining you guys for the saturday hike, may have to come out on Sunday and head home. Will get back to you. Hikernutt and Tim
My time off for this one is approved from work and double checked with my friendly neighborhood scheduling coordinator. This hike is on like Donkey Kong. :D
generoll
09-17-2008, 23:37
Hey Hikernutt, this is a two day one night hike with an option to either lengthen it or shorten it. Park your car up the road a piece from where the Chunky Gal crosses hwy 64 and it's a 1.5 day hike with one night on the trail. Park a car at Deep Gap and you've got two 10 mile days with one overnighter. Leave your car at the kiosk and you got a two day hike with a 10 and a 13 mile day. Do the Standing Indian loop and you still come back to your car, but three or four days later. Lots of options.
If you want to leave your car at Deep Gap contact Ron directly and ask him if he can pick you up before he goes to the back country kiosk in the campground to pick up the reast of us. I'm really hoping we can be on the road by 9. On the road, not loading.
generoll
10-02-2008, 21:58
I hate to have to write this particular message, but I might as well get it over with.
This trip was going to be a bit of a farewell hike to the southeastern mountains for me since a series of adventures/misadventures make it likely that I will be relocating to Trinidad for a year or so. I am one of those unseen people that help heart surgeons make things work and I'm interviewing for a clinical/teaching position in Trinidad. I have sold my house (contract pending) and had planned on flying to Trinidad on October 24. Yesterday I got an email informing me that they'd given me the wrong dates and it now appears that I will need to fly out on October 17. So no Chunky Gal for this portly old man this year.
Ron is providing shuttle service because he's a good guy and not just for me and the trail of course is still there and belongs to everyone. I think the plan is feasible and one which you will all enjoy. I hope that you go ahead with the hike and that someone will post a trip report so I can take the hike vicariously.
Someone needs to help coordinate things with Ron and give him a final head count so he knows how many hikers to shuttle. Any volunteers? I hate like hell to miss this, but I'm still a year or two away from my final working visit to an operating room.
I'm very sorry and promise to not plan anymore hikes until I am well and truly retired.
Wow. This is sooner than I wanted to hear, and I wasnt planning on this hike... Will this be just a working visit or will this be the beginning of your year long trip?
If I can be of any help from here, please let me know!
Wow, Gene! An exciting opportunity, but it's a shame you won't be able to come along on the trip you came up with.
Best of luck on this terrific new adventure!
I hate to have to write this particular message, but I might as well get it over with.
This trip was going to be a bit of a farewell hike to the southeastern mountains for me since a series of adventures/misadventures make it likely that I will be relocating to Trinidad for a year or so. I am one of those unseen people that help heart surgeons make things work and I'm interviewing for a clinical/teaching position in Trinidad. I have sold my house (contract pending) and had planned on flying to Trinidad on October 24. Yesterday I got an email informing me that they'd given me the wrong dates and it now appears that I will need to fly out on October 17. So no Chunky Gal for this portly old man this year.
Ron is providing shuttle service because he's a good guy and not just for me and the trail of course is still there and belongs to everyone. I think the plan is feasible and one which you will all enjoy. I hope that you go ahead with the hike and that someone will post a trip report so I can take the hike vicariously.
Someone needs to help coordinate things with Ron and give him a final head count so he knows how many hikers to shuttle. Any volunteers? I hate like hell to miss this, but I'm still a year or two away from my final working visit to an operating room.
I'm very sorry and promise to not plan anymore hikes until I am well and truly retired.
You WILL be missed Gene. I hope we can go for a hike before you leave, even if it's a short day hike.
On a brighter note, I heard last night from John Ray that most of the Chunky Gal Trail is in really good shape.
Two Speed
10-02-2008, 22:44
I hate to have to write this particular message, but I might as well get it over with . . . I'm very sorry and promise to not plan anymore hikes until I am well and truly retired.Well, have fun in Trinidad. That and don't tell anyone to kiss your a** until you're ready to come home. ;)
generoll
10-02-2008, 23:35
This is the working visit with the permanent period of service beginning in January, 09. If that falls through then I may just have to go take a hike.
Well, Gene, I was going to ask for a little more information on your hike to see if there was a place we could intersect on the trail. It looks like that will not work. I am driving up on the 16 and 17 so you will be flying out while I am still driving. Hope you get this message. Let me know how Trinidad is when you come back.
Ron Haven
10-06-2008, 01:23
Wow, Gene! An exciting opportunity, but it's a shame you won't be able to come along on the trip you came up with.
Best of luck on this terrific new adventure!Marta if Generoll isn't going can you give me simple directions how to get to the trail head.I have never been to this one.Also are there still going to be enough for me to take the bus folks?
Ron, you should be getting a phone call from Roots tomorrow. I believe there are about 5 or 6 still on the hike.
Marta if Generoll isn't going can you give me simple directions how to get to the trail head.I have never been to this one.Also are there still going to be enough for me to take the bus folks?
I'll get out my guidebook and maps this evening when I get home from work.
I'd still like to do this hike.
Ron Haven
10-06-2008, 11:08
I'll get out my guidebook and maps this evening when I get home from work.I will sure thank you.
Ron, you should be getting a phone call from Roots tomorrow. I believe there are about 5 or 6 still on the hike.OK,I am usuall at Budget Inn from 11am to 12 noon and after 3pm 828-524-4403
The thread discussing wearing orange caused me to do some research. Large game firearm season started yesterday in NC. Let's break out that blaze orange clothing.
We made it home quite late last night. That last five miles, from 64 to the AT, is a butt-kicker. It took us 3 1/2 hours to make the five miles. Then we had to hike back to the car, which was probably another 3.5 miles. Then we stopped for a quick meal, then there was construction on I-26...
Anyway, thanks to everyone who was on the hike, and a special thanks to Ron, for his shuttling and his stories!
Note to folks planning to hike that trail:
1) It is somewhat slower hiking than the AT. 2 mph is overly optimistic for most hikers. Especially on the Tusquitee Bald and Chunky Gal Mountain ends, there is some steep terrain.
2) The water sources are few and far between, especially this year. There is water in and around the Bob Allison Campground, and water near highway 64. Other than that, you have to go pretty far off the trail, down into the draws, to find water. Barnard Creek, which the trail guide says you can hear from the trail, is pretty much non-existant at this point. Water sources are not marked or labeled--you have to use a map or read the terrain and the plants--to figure out where they are.
Tipi Walter
10-20-2008, 07:44
Well, Generoll, do they have internet service down there in Trinidad? I hope so cuz I want to tell you I spent many days on the island of Tobago and I hope you get to take a break from the big island and scoot over to tiny Tobago for a visit. Keep us posted.
generoll
10-20-2008, 07:48
Hey Walter, yes they do have internet and my ears were burning this weekend. Might be a good thing I was working, hiking with that bunch of ruffians might have gotten me lynched by one of the dried up water sources. If I get a day off, I will get over to Tobago. The locals here all speak of Tobago with great affection.
Howdy, Gene! Glad to hear you made it to Trinidad in one piece.
I'll have a more complete trip report this evening after work. Others will have to report on their adventures separately.
"Adventure" is probably the word to describe the weekend. If everything had gone too smoothly, it wouldn't have been one.
PS--I think you bugged out of the southest just in time. It was COLD in the mountains over the weekend.
Tipi Walter
10-20-2008, 09:12
Hey Walter, yes they do have internet and my ears were burning this weekend. Might be a good thing I was working, hiking with that bunch of ruffians might have gotten me lynched by one of the dried up water sources. If I get a day off, I will get over to Tobago. The locals here all speak of Tobago with great affection.
There's a perimeter road that circles Tobago and I rented a little motorcycle and found some hidden and nice tropical spots. Check out the fotogs:
Shoreline of the island
Pretty shot of the ocean
Fishermen on the beach
Selling green coconuts
Tipi by a boat
Tipi exploring the island on a bike
Yes, Marta, it was a very adventurous weekend, I wouldn't have traded the experience for nothing, except for probably water:D
Yes, Marta, it was a very adventurous weekend, I wouldn't have traded the experience for nothing, except for probably water:D
I bet there was a point there where, if a passing hunter had offered you a Nalgene full of water in exchange for Roots, you would have taken him up on it.
And if he had offered Roots some water, she might have agreed to stay.:D
PS--I'm going to put together my trip report later this evening. I'm counting on some of the rest of you to fill me in on what I missed.
I'm going to put together my trip report later this evening. I'm counting on some of the rest of you to fill me in on what I missed.Well, you already know my part of the story. At least we got water. Thanks again to you and your hubby for pointing the way (way, way) dooooooooooown the hillside. :D
generoll
10-20-2008, 23:24
There's a perimeter road that circles Tobago and I rented a little motorcycle and found some hidden and nice tropical spots.
You're a brave man, Walter. I haven't gotten to Tobago yet, but there's no way I'd ride a motorcycle in Trinidad. When the driver takes us to the hospital I usually sit all the way in the back of the minivan to be as far away as possible from the point of impact. The issue of transportation is probably the biggest drawback to what might otherwise be an interesting job for the next year or so.
Trip Report:
David and I left Charlotte mid-afternoon on Friday. It was raining in Charlotte, so we were not highly motivated to get to the campground early. The idea of spending the afternoon sitting around being rained on was not exciting.
But...when we finally got to Standing Indian Campground, right at dusk, the rain had ceased, the rest of the merry band was already there, they had a good fire going, and they had started hydrating for the challenging hike ahead. Alas, David and I were so exhausted that we went to bed early. I dropped off to sleep to the jolly sound of music and laughter.
Saturday morning, Ron met us with his hiker bus. He was dropping a couple of other hikers off at Deep Gap, so David followed him over there and left our car there. The rest of the Merry Men and Women were planning to hike all the way back to Standing Indian Campground, an extra four miles. I was briefly tempted to leave our car there but decided that discretion is the better part of valor, so I'd wimp out and go with the shorter hike.
What with one thing and another, we said good-bye to Ron (until the Hiker Christmas Bash!) and started hiking about 11:30. Since we were in the neighborhood, David and I wanted to hike the Whole Chunky Gal Trail (which T's into the Fires Creek Rim Trail, which we had hiked over Easter), so we set off towards Tusquitee Bald, while everyone else hiked the opposite way. David's and my plan was to hike 3.4-miles to the end of the Trail, then hike back to where we started, then hike the ten miles the rest of the folks were planning, for a 17-mile day. We knew it would be late and dark, so we warned everyone that it was quite possible we wouldn't make it to where they were planning to camp that night.
The climb up Tusquitee Bald was...quite a climb. Starting at about 3000', we climbed to over 5000' in 3.4 miles. It is a pretty trail, running along a stream for a ways, then along a ridge near the top. The weather was clear, crisp, and cold. David kicked over some leaves while he was walking--there was frost underneath.
Then we turned around and went back down. About 2 we were back at the Bob Allison Campground. We talked to some bear hunters for a few minutes. They wanted to know if we'd seen their dogs, of course. We hadn't. We'd been hearing bear hounds baying all afternoon, but had only briefly seen one.
Before we set off again, David and I checked over John Ray's trail guide to see what sort of water sources we might find. Not many, was our conclusion. Less than a mile from the Bob Allison Campground we crossed a stream that was likely the only water source we'd find until we caught up with the rest of the Merry Men and Women...and given how late in the day it already was, we might not want to go quite that far. So we loaded up with water in case we wanted to make a dry camp.
We walked on. And on. And on. It's a fairly rugged trail. We weren't making spectacular time. Our plan was to hike until dark, stop, eat dinner, then hike on to the Merry Men's and Women's campsite, which we expected to reach about 10 pm. As the afternoon wore on, the wind picked up and the temperature dropped. By nightfall it was clearly much too cold and windy to cook and eat dinner.
Our new ambition became finding a campsite somewhat protected from the wind. That was harder than it sounds. We were walking along a ridge, with steeply sloped land on either side. Just before 8 pm we crossed FS 6212. There was a tiny flattish spot in a slight depression. We quickly set up the tent, blocked the mesh with leaves and pack covers and whatnot as best we could, and got into our sleeping bags. Instead of our lovely freeze-dried dinners and cups of herb tea, we ate peanut butter on whole wheat bread and drank cold water. It was excellent.
We had planned to set off close to dawn. But...we were too weak-willed to force ourselves out of our sleeping bags into the cold that early. We set off about 8. A couple of miles later, we overtook Hooch, who was having his own adventure. He and the rest of the Merry Men and Women had not expected the listed water sources not to have water in them and had run out of water. By the time we met him, we were down to our last couple of cups of water, which he declined to take any of. We all set off.
We passed the area where we were expecting to find water, where Gene had camped when he hiked the trail last time. The guidebook says that from the trail you can hear the water of the creek running. NOT. David went down there and found the quartz rocks and where the creek should be, but it had no water in it. We hiked on.
David was slightly ahead of me, charging up the trail, when out of the corner of my eye I saw the glint of water. I called David. We went down the slope and found a pretty horrible mud puddle. It was obvious the the rest of the Merry Band had been there recently. David dipped half a cup of nasty water out of the puddle and poured it into my Gatorade bottle. I vetoed it as a water source. But...I worked my wiles on David and convinced him to bushwhack down the slope to find where there surely must be an actual creek. I volunteered to watch the packs.
David is a such a great hiking partner!!! He did go off into the scratchy bushes and found the water and filled up a couple of bottles. I zapped them with the Steripen, we gulped them down, and he set off again with our big camp water container.
Just about then Hooch showed up. I pointed him downhill. He also rejected the mud puddle and went searching for the stream.
Shortly after that David and I saw a note the Merry Band had left for Hooch. They were planning to cut the fun short. We left the note and pressed on. Around mile 7.9 (13.7 from Tusquitee) we walked through an incredible rhododendron thicket that had scads of perfect campsites. David and I were wishing we had found something like that. (It turns out that's where the Merry Band had camped.)
When we got to highway 64, we caught up with the Merry Band. (Near highway 64 was also the next water source we had seen. David and I filled up again, and took some in the camp water container because the map made it look as if we would not see water again on this hike...which turned out to be the case.) The Band was freshly supplied with a vehicle and a plan for early evacuation from the Chunky Gal Desert Trail. They were going to wait for Hooch, and offered David and me an easy out, too.
But, no, we had come to hike the Chunky Gal Trail, so....we hiked on.
Chunky Gal Mountain is a doozy of a climb. There was some small sections I wondered if I could get up. (I was wearing Tevas, which don't give the world's greatest grip on leafy, acorn-strewn ground. There was one place especially where the fallen rhodendron leaves were like roller bearings and the acorns like ball bearings. I'd like to have a video of myself trying to claw my way up while my feet were trying to roll back down.)
What a beautiful day it was! We had amazing views of Standing Indian Mountain to our left and the ridge the AT runs along in Georgia to our right. At one point we even had a view of Brasstown Bald so good we could see the tower on top of it.
Eventually we reached the end of the trail, which is where it hits the AT. We made it! Yay! The AT is a hiking superhighway. We clipped right along and made it back to our car before dark.
In summary--the Chunky Gal Trail is a notch more difficult than the AT. The route is pretty clearly marked but it is tougher walking than the AT in NC. Water management is much more of an issue. The Chunky Gal Trail has many more potential campsites than the Fires Creek Rim Trail. They are both great trails. We didn't see any hikers other than members of our Merry Band--and we only saw them rarely. A very beautiful trail, and a good challenge.
generoll
10-20-2008, 23:58
wow, an iron woman. after i hiked down from County Corners in the rain and fog I only hiked a short distance past Bob Allison and then made camp around lunch time. Plumb tuckered out. The hike the next day had to be one of the worst of my life as the rain didn't have the decency to turn into snow until after it had soaked me to the skin. I got water for lunch by rigging my tarp and catching the runoff in a messket. Took about one minute. I put on my dry undies and socks to sleep in when I stopped at the creek and found the wet stuff frozen stiff as a board in the am. Including my boots. That made up my mind for me. Hwy 64 and on to Franklin. I guess when I get back I'll have to do a day hike on the section I missed so I can claim all of that chunky gal.
Pokey2006
10-21-2008, 07:01
Sounds like a fun, adventurous hike (my favorite kind). I'll have to join you next time, now that I'm a southern gal. Thanks for sharing your trip report!
wow, an iron woman. after i hiked down from County Corners in the rain and fog I only hiked a short distance past Bob Allison and then made camp around lunch time. Plumb tuckered out. The hike the next day had to be one of the worst of my life as the rain didn't have the decency to turn into snow until after it had soaked me to the skin. I got water for lunch by rigging my tarp and catching the runoff in a messket. Took about one minute. I put on my dry undies and socks to sleep in when I stopped at the creek and found the wet stuff frozen stiff as a board in the am. Including my boots. That made up my mind for me. Hwy 64 and on to Franklin. I guess when I get back I'll have to do a day hike on the section I missed so I can claim all of that chunky gal.
The cold wind we had was NOTHING like a cold rain, in terms of nastiness. In fact David and I remarked on how glad we were that it wasn't raining--our hiking/camping/bailing decisions would have been quite different if we had been wet.
It is a tough weekend hike. The Trail itself is only 21.6 miles, but you're looking at adding at least three miles on each end, bringing the total up close to 29 miles. (We hiked 3.4 on the front end 3 AT miles plus about half a mile on the Kimsey Creek Trail to get back to our car, which was down near the apple orchard on the FS road. Hunters were out in force Saturday morning--no parking spots to be had in Deep Gap.) Three (dry) days would be a much more relaxing schedule. Without the encouragement and help and companionship of David (I may christen him "Hiking Fool"), I probably wouldn't have gone the whole way myself.
PS--Yeah, Pokey, let's get together and hike. I'm trying to plan a four-day loop over Thanksgiving. In the Smokies. On trails I haven't done before. Interested?
Marta, that was a great report. And yes, a bottle of water would have been a fair trade for Gungho. :D
Despite the intensity of the trip--difficulty of the terrain, no water, cold, being surrounded by coyotes during the night (that part was kind of cool), etc.--I wouldn't trade it for the world. I had a ball with everyone. I love a challenge and the Chunky Gal is definitely that. I don't believe that I will be back in 'her' presence anytime soon, but maybe one day I'll get the courage up to see what the rest of 'her' is all about.
To anyone planning this hike...do as much research as possible. IMO your best bet is to tank up on water at the beginning of the hike (at the campground). It is really your only guaranteed source. The next best source will be about 12 harsh, long miles away. I definitely agree with Marta that this trail would be much better as a 3 day hike. Trying to do high mileage on this one is tough. There aren't any great views, at this time of year, but I could see where there would be some nice ones with less leaf coverage. Of course we didn't do the last part, which must have been where the great views were...that's my luck. :)
Thanks again to everyone who went. I had a great time.
GeneRoll...don't worry, you are still a 'good egg' in my book. :D
There aren't any great views, at this time of year, but I could see where there would be some nice ones with less leaf coverage. Of course we didn't do the last part, which must have been where the great views were...that's my luck. :)
Yep, the great views were at either end of the trail. Both ends would make great, challenging dayhikes. Up and down from Bob Allison on one end. Up and down from highway 64 on the other.
Sounds like fun! Hey, was thinking about trying a long daytrip or overniter between Glade Gap (CG trail at Hwy 64) and Dicks Creek Gap in GA via AT. Would you recommend ending my trip coming down CG, or starting the trip there? Sounds like the initial climb up CG is hard but all ridge or downhill from there? Would it actually be more difficult trying to negotiate that downhill at the end of a long hike?
I'd probably start at Hwy 64 and hike back towards Dicks Creek because the parking there isn't great. Actually, I guess you can park on the wrong side of 64, the side opposite Chunky Gal Mtn.
Navigation is a bit tricky on that section. Some parts are blazed to a faretheewell and others are missing blazes are critical junctions. That sort of thing might be more enjoyable at the beginning of the day rather than the end.
If the weather is clear, you get a great view of the ridgeline down towards Georgia from Chunky Gal. It'll get even better as the leaves continue to drop off the trees.
If you're going out any day but Sunday in the near future, wear your blaze orange. The woods were full of hunters on Saturday. Deserted on Sunday.