Contemplating a WhiteBlaze hiker feed in the south '07

[SGT Rock]

I have been thinking about this for a couple of weeks now. I should get back in March and then there will be spring break for the kids, plus I have time off. My buddy here was a chef before he joined the Army and loves feeding people. He is the guy that did all the work to set up a 4th of July to do a cookout for the soldiers - we feed probably about 300 here.

When we were doing the cooking I told him about hiker feeds and he loves the idea and also wants to do some backpacking anyway with his boys which are also about the same age as my two sons. Anyway...

So he and I are both interested in doing something next March around the Smokies. I was thinking that we could drive down to Fontanna dam and set up something at the park there near the Fontanna Hilton. I want to know from people that are in that area are their any restrictions to what we can do in the park. I figure stakes, potatoes, other fixins, and maybe some adult beverages. Also looking to see if anyone is untested in helping.

[Sly]

Sadly, no adult beverages on TVA land.

I suggested an southern Whiteblaze feed at Big Creek on Troll's thread towards the end of April. Between the group campsite, regular sites and the area hostels, it should be able to handle the crowd. I also hope to be finishing the BMT about that time so it will be a personal celebration!

But you're the boss, anywhere is fine by me

[Ewker]

Put me down to help out.

[rickb]

Also looking to see if anyone is untested in helping.

Probably quite a few.

But with leadership, I am sure even the untested can contribute.

[Skidsteer]

Keep us updated on firm plans, Sgt. Rock. I'd like to help so long as the date and location is doable for me.

[Jack Tarlin]

Rock:

If the Hilton doesn't work out, maybe you can work something out with Ron Haven in Franklin. Perhaps you can co-sponsor an event at one of his motels. Last year, he put on a weekend long event in the parking lot of his Sapphire Motel in Franklin, and it was a great time. He's a Whiteblaze member; I'm sure he'd be happy to work with you on this and co-sponsor the event.

Advantages to doing this in Franklin:

*Easier to get to than Fontana Dam for those arriving by car.
*Plenty of lodging for people who wanted to overnight.
*Access to sinks and kitchen for food prep/clean-up.
*Access to supermarkets, Wal-Mart, whatever.
*No legal problems with what you can or cannot serve.
*No complaints from anti Trail Magic people about your ruining anyone's
"wilderness experience" by throwing a party on the Trail itself

Let us know what happens!

[Mother Nature]

Sgt,

Count me in to help in any way I can. The only thing that would keep me from coming would be a trip to Europe to greet my son when he comes back from the big sandbox. Not sure when he finishes this tour.

I make a mean homemade peppermint patty that many a thru has taken NOBO or SOBO with them. Be glad to whip up a bunch.

Mother Nature

[bfitz]

I'll show up!

[Farr Away]

I'd be happy to help. Two of us just got back from a hike that started at Fontana Dam (AT, Lost Cove, Lakeshore Trail). Great hiking!

It's not necessarily difficult to get to Fontana, but the 'Tail of the Dragon' was quite an experience!

And Sly's right - there was a very prominent sign posted about no alcohol.

[Rain Man]

... Also looking to see if anyone is untested in helping.

Shore thang! Count me in, and maybe the Missus too, depending on when it is.

RainMan

.

[SGT Rock]

Sounds good ya'll. Thanks for the info about the TVA area, I sort of assumed that might be the policy. I will look into maybe doing something around the Hostel or Franklin or something like that. I'll just need to get some organizing done while I am over here so I can have most things set up in time - since I won't get home until probably around 10 March.

[Hammock Hanger]

I think that the "feed" that Ron Haven does is on April 1, kind of an April Fool's Feed.

I am planning on hiking this year so not sure where I will be when the feed takes place. If I am available I have no problem helping out.

Sue/HH

[Gray Blazer]

Sarge, I have two words for you. Second Annual Rocky Bald Hiker Feed. I had so much fun last year and I did it all by myself despite my pleas for help. I parked at Tellico Gap and lugged everything up to Rocky Bald. Plenty of tent camping, and the Thrus said it was the best thing that had happened to them so far on the trail. The elevation is about 5000 feet, the view is great, your kids would love it there. I was planning on the last week of March or the first week of April. I can adjust to your schedule. I would love it if you and your family would join me. I think if you were there it would just top off the event. Also, I made a promise in the hat thread that if TN mamages to win the SEC East, I would eat my gator hat and I know you would not want to miss that. God Bless you and your family and thank you for your service to our country.

[One Leg]

How 'bout leaving some goodies at strategic locations, starting with Fontana.. Sorta like 'foreplay' leading up to the big event. Let's show them Maine'uhs how it's really done....

[dixicritter]

I'll come if y'all don't make it too difficult for me to get to it.

[SGT Rock]

Well I don't see hiking up to somewhere with everything we were planning, but it could be done - as long as it wasn't too far. But I was thinking if we did this in early March, going up to 5,000 feet would probably be a cold place for most folks. That was a couple of the reasons for doing it at the TVA site - that and because the place is already developed so it impinging on the trail experience would be like any other group cooking there impinging on the trail experience - it wouldn't because it is a picnic area.

As to leaving stuff along the trail - I don't want to do that.

[frequency]

Last mess duty was in 1986 but count me in. I am your GI Can Man. F

[Ewker]

Cheese Factory is a good site, lots of room

[Lone Wolf]

Well I don't see hiking up to somewhere with everything we were planning, but it could be done - as long as it wasn't too far. But I was thinking if we did this in early March, going up to 5,000 feet would probably be a cold place for most folks. That was a couple of the reasons for doing it at the TVA site - that and because the place is already developed so it impinging on the trail experience would be like any other group cooking there impinging on the trail experience - it wouldn't because it is a picnic area.

As to leaving stuff along the trail - I don't want to do that.

Just do it at Fontana. People don't have to drink alcohol.

[SGT Rock]

You know, you are probably right LWolf. My luck some schmuck would get drunk and try to skateboard down the face of the damn or some such thing. Then we get all the crap for encouraging drinking and causing stupid **** that makes hikers look bad.

But I wanna enjoy my American freedom to drink if I want to after 12 months of this crap.