AT trip not Quite as Planned but Better

The AT trip, due to rain and other considerations, was changed thanks to the local knowledge of Cathleen Close.It was a wonderful trip, full of fellowship and learning experiences. A lot of hiking lore, and other interesting information on packing  light was shared over the three days. In the end we had seven participants and several seasoned AT hikers, (two have completed the trail and the others are working on it.) It achieved its entended purpose and that was to introduce folks into backpacking and especially the Appalachian Trail. With over 3000 enthusiastic hikers starting the end-to-end trip, the trail was crowded as were the roads. While not in TN the bikers, bicyclists and sportscar enthusiasts and hikers were from all over the world, and yes Tennessee.  Dave M. got his trail name, Deputy Dawg. Others include Cathleen C-Karunmiel, Tom B -TThomasTuffins, Greg S -Dartman, Robert D -Santa'sHelper, Donna T -Hikernutt, and Cindy W -CindyLouWho. Here are several more pictures of this hiking experience. If you are interested in participating in the next backpack trip contact Tom Bentley htbentley@lighttube.net

Cindy Crysdale Leads a Hike a New way to Buggy Top

With Cindy in the lead, 21 hikers enjoyed a nominal 5 mile hike to Buggy Top  caves. The hike started at a saddle above the traditional entrance and skirted the Lost Cove Sinks area to remain on Sewanee Domain property. A facinating above ground hike full of lore and history of the cove due to the presence of George Spain and his family members. Sinks, and water courses only hinted at the underground chambers and interconnections that links Lost Cove to the Cave system and beyond. Here are Peggy Nunley pictures This will be the last time that the E-H-E hike will start in the old portion of the Blue Chair as they are compressing the old side into the new while still retaining much of the original ambiance. The finale was at the newly straightened Shananigans where a chapter of the Fedora Club was holding one of its nationwide meetings.

The next Eat Hike Eat Hike will be to participate in the Trails and Trillium event http://trails.sasweb.org/ April 17-18. Don't miss this one!!!!

Americican Trails Awards, Presentations and Trails Day Events

TDEC Governor's Environmental Stewardship Awards! Apply NOW!


http://www.tn.gov/environment/awards/

Go to: http://news.tennesseeanytime.org/node/4330 to see the press release announcing the Governor's Environmental Stewardship Awards application period! For more information, please contact Kathy Glapa at 615-253-8780 or Kathy.glapa@tn.gov .

2010 Applications are for the 2009 calendar year time period. Please apply with your Greenways and Trails projects!!

American Trails, Inc - National Trails Awards, Call for Presentations

http://www.americantrails.org/2010/index.html

Every two years, American Trails presents the National Trails Awards to recognize the contributions of volunteers, professionals, businesses, and other leaders who are working to create a national system of trails for all Americans. Nominations should cover accomplishments during the period of June 1, 2008 through May 31, 2010.

These awards will be represented at the 2010 American Trails National Symposium which will be held November 14-17, 2010 in Chattanooga, TN.

The call for presentations is also on this website, so if you have an interesting trail project, submit a proposal to the program committee.

American Hiking Society, National Trails Day

http://www.americanhiking.org/ntdregisteryourevent.aspx

It's time to register your 2010 National Trails Day (NTD) event.
June 5th is the day this year!

In 2009, 27 Tennessee events, with over 1,500 people in attendance, had the best turnout yet. Let's work together to make 2010 bigger than ever! The first 500 events registering will receive FREE promotional items.