Veteran's Weekend Nov. 10, 11, 12, 2006

[Cuffs]

Its another 3-day weekend! Where we going to this time?

I was thinking... The BMT from Springer to (where can we get in 3 days?)

If we can arrange a shuttle between ourselves, we can hike in from FS42. Its 18 miles to Hwy 60, and 23 miles to Skeenah Gap Rd.

Who's up for this one?

[Mountain Man]

I'm up for it. It's one of my favorite hikes.

[Ewker]

I wish I could but I have to work that Monday.

[RockyTrail]

You'll get to cross the swinging bridge, an engineering marvel...enjoy!

[Egads]

I get Saturday & Sunday off from work too. Come on down Ewker. We can hike Friday night thru Sunday.

Egads

[Skidsteer]

I don't know yet if I get Monday off but my arm is twistable for Sat. and Sun.

As usual, family plans will come first but I'll keep you posted.

[Ewker]

Egads, if I was to come down I wouldn't get to the park until 11:00 PM. I have no clue where FS42 is or how to get there. Are cars safe at FS42?

[Ewker]

that would be 11:00pm Friday night

[Egads]

Ewker,

FS42 is the gravel road that runs from State HW60 all the way ~16-20 mi to Springer's parking lot 0.9 mi from the summit. I've left my car there several times. I have not heard of any vandalism in this lot. The another lot is ~0.5 mi from the suspension bridge and is ok too.

I understand that 11:00 is late. I do not like driving late at night on strange mountain roads either. Let us know if you can make it work either Friday or Saturday AM.

Egads

[jlb2012]

I'm going to the Sipsey on that weekend 11/10-11/12 with some TTers

to get to FS42 the easiest way from Ellijay - as you are headed toward AFSP look for a sign "BIG CREEK" not too far out of Ellijay and hang a left onto that road - go a good ways (10-20 miles I think) then at the top of a rise look for a right turn onto FS42 marked with a sign for Springer Mtn. - go up FS42 about 6-7 miles and look for parking area/sign board on the left, park car and then look at your map and decide which way you want to go on the AT to reach the BMT - either way will get you there.

[MisterSweetie]

I'll throw my hat in the ring here... I have Friday off and will probably take Monday as well. My bud and I are planning on a Pinhoti hike, probably in the Northern section. If that could coincide with any of the plans being made here, I'd be happy to invite you! Between travel and hiking, we'd rather be hiking, so going to GA is probably out for us...

[peanuts]

I might be able to swing this one......just keeping my fingers crossed!

[Cuffs]

Just some FYI... this is a goofball year. The actual Veteran's Day is on Saturday, the 11th. The federal government calendar is "observing" the holiday on Friday, the 10th.

Not sure how this might translate to days off the the working world, but there it is...

[Survivor Dave]

Hello Gal,
I'm up for it. I talked to Mountain Man today and said he was going. I am a fairly novice hiker, but have been in hiker training for the last few months. I hike at least 4 days a week now. I've been doing the steps at Amicalola with Mountain man from the Lodge to the Visitors Center and back. Have lost a pile of weight and ready for 2007.
Looking forward to breaking out some gear and testing it out.

Are you up for maybe a serious culinary throw down one night? You know, to remind us of what we dream of between towns. Let me know.

As far as shuttling, I can help out, but not near FS42 or roads like that. Old Mercedes Diesel, not really a 4x4 or SUV.

Please e-mail at [email protected] and is probably the best. I don't really check my PM's here very much.

LATER

[drdewrag]

Sounds great, but I will be finishing up Fontana to Hot Springs on the 10th. Hopefully next time...

[Ewker]

I am still thinking about this one. If I do come down it will be late Friday night. I got the directions to FS42 so I can drive up to Springer. How hard is the road to drive at night?

[Egads]

Ewker,

FS42 is mostly straight w/o switchbacks. It's a little rough in spots, but my VW wagon has managed well. The drive will be easier than the 9/10 mi hike to Springer in the dark.

It looks like children's events are popping up like mushrooms after a summer rainstorm during this weekend, so I will miss this trip.

I'd like to make the Foothills Trail hike from Friday thru Sunday after Thanksgiving. ALHikerGal, can you guesstimate where the goup will be on Friday night?

Egads

[Mountain Man]

Yeah Ewker, Like Egads said it's not bad. If you had rather drive to Amicalola and stay there Friday night I can pick you up there and you can ride up to Springer with me Saturday morning and I'll bring you back after the hike. Not really sure the plan but I'll have to do it on Saturday and Sunday the way it's looking. Maybe from Springer over to Hwy. 60. If you want to do that let me know. I can get 6 in my truck plus gear so there's plenty of room.

[Ewker]

MM, let me think about it. I am checking to see if Eman wants to go also

[Skidsteer]

Yeah Ewker, Like Egads said it's not bad. If you had rather drive to Amicalola and stay there Friday night I can pick you up there and you can ride up to Springer with me Saturday morning and I'll bring you back after the hike. Not really sure the plan but I'll have to do it on Saturday and Sunday the way it's looking. Maybe from Springer over to Hwy. 60. If you want to do that let me know. I can get 6 in my truck plus gear so there's plenty of room.

MM, let me think about it. I am checking to see if Eman wants to go also

Six and gear, huh?

Let me think about it too.