Tennessee Trails- Murfreesboro

Scotts Gulf

2012-02-12T12:02:00.001-06:00

Lora and Craig hiked Scotts Gulf in the snow. You can see pictures and the story on their blog.

AT Bear Resistant Containers Required

2012-02-10T09:38:00.000-06:00

Bear-resistant container rule effective next month
By Derreck Booth Staff
EMAIL STORYCONTACT EDITORPRINT
GAINESVILLE - Overnight campers on a stretch of Appalachian Trail will be required to carry a bear-resistant container beginning next month.

U.S. Forest Service officials said the containers can seal in odors from garbage, toiletries and food. They are also tamper resistant against extreme force.

The new regulation is in response to what the forest service calls conflicts between people and black bears in the region. The measure runs until June and involves a five mile section of trail between Jarrard and Neels Gaps.

“We’re taking this measure to protect campers and make our campsites less alluring to the bears that live here,” Blue Ridge District Ranger Andy Baker said.

The rule is mandatory for all dispersed camping in the Blood Mountain Wilderness Area within a quarter mile of the trail, as well as camping at Blood Mountain Shelter and Woods Hole Shelter.

Forest Service officials said the containers are available at most stores that sell camping equipment.

So called "bear-bagging" and hanging food bags between trees are no longer acceptable.

Sat. Feb. 11 - Backpack Trip: Bearwaller Gap

2012-02-09T16:38:00.001-06:00

The backpack has been cancelled due to weather concerns. It will be rescheduled soon.

Fortress Rosecrans- Tony

2012-01-31T16:27:00.003-06:00

I decided to go for a Sunday walk so I parked at the Murfreesboro Greenway Trail head at Cannonsburg and walked the greenway along the Stones River and Lytle Creek to the Fortress Rosecrans.

Fortress Rosecrans is an earthen fort in two sections (Lunette Thomas, the smaller and Lunette Palmer, the main section) that was built by General Rosecrans as a defense for the Union during the Occupation of Murfreesboro and is part of the Stones River National Battlefield.

The Fortress was a huge undertaking for the Union Army and there was NEVER a shot fired during the occupation of the fort which served not only as a Union defense, but also as a cache storage and supply area. It was like a small town hidden behind these walls.

After taking in Fortress Rosecrans, I went back the way I came on the greenway back to my car at Cannonsburg. I'm guessing that the whole hike was maybe two and one half miles.

Pictures:

Annual Chilly Chili Hike

2012-01-28T20:50:00.000-06:00

The annual Chilly Chili Hike hosted by Jim & Marietta Poteet. Was a wonderful hike in Sewanee to Bridal Veil Falls and then three different kinds of chili and all the fixin's plus potluck foods that all the guests brought to the Poteet's mountain top home. Thanks to Jim & Marietta for a wonderful day!

Pictures:

TTA-Carter Mountain Hike-South of Winchester, TN

2012-01-24T07:37:00.008-06:00

Ron Dunn, Eric Luncford and I joined the Highland Rim group for the Wolf Cove Cave and Keith Mountain hike led by Joette Carter. There were 11 of us and by the time we got to the trailhead the rain had stopped but the fog stayed with us all day. There were no trails, just an occasional ATV road. We encountered beautiful waterfalls, challenging creek crossings and explored a couple of caves. After the hike we had dinner in Winchester. Sara

Pictures:

Stones River National Battlefield

2012-01-16T21:07:00.003-06:00

I arranged and led a trip with the Murfreesboro Chapter of the Tennessee Trails Association to the Stones River National Battlefield with one of our members, Jim Schroeder using his immense knowledge of the battle to narrate the hike.

We had about 20 people who braved the cold to start, but then the temperature rose into the low 50's and turned out to be a perfect day. We went to Red Robin after the hike for a lunch. Special thanks to Mr. Schroeder for the use of his expertise on the Battle of Stones River.

Tony

Pictures:

Joyce Kilmer Wilderness Area

2012-01-16T12:55:00.003-06:00

Lora and Craig went on a backpack at the Joyce Kilmer Wilderness Area. Check out their blog for the story and pictures.

Savage Gulf

2012-01-12T13:57:00.002-06:00

The Outcasts did a hike at the Savage Gulf. You can read their story and see pictures on their blog.

2012-01-12T09:10:00.002-06:00

Lora hiked with the Soddy Daisy Chapter of the TTA at Rock creek. You can see her pics and story on her blog.

Cumberland Trail Building

2012-01-12T08:51:00.000-06:00

On Monday and Tuesday, Jan 9 and 10, I had the great opportunity to work with 7 University of Kansas students, along with 5 other dedicated trail builders, on a winter break Cumberland Trail building project. The project was the construction of the return leg of the Mining Day Loop Trail in the Little Soddy Creek Stream Valley off Hotwater Road in Soddy Daisy, TN. Construction was over a variety of terrain and required some creative trail building techniques, accomplished under the able leadership of Tony Hook, included but not limited to step building, flowing stream crossing, rock strewn path, rain watershed gullies, etc. Construction will be completed by weeks end and will provide hikers the opportunity to view two additional mining history sites of the valley – the location of the mule barn, and the location of the Jeffery homestead (Mr. Jeffery was the mine mule tender/caretaker) at the head of the gulch, as well as provide about a 1 mile loop trail for day hikers. Although there was some dodging of rain drops, the team can be proud of their accomplishments. Lodging was at the Lutheran Church camp on Possum Creek, where once again the group was treated to Mr. Hooks more than adequate culinary skills.

Submitted by Jim Schroeder

Rugby State Natural Area

2012-01-05T19:55:00.000-06:00

Submitted by Benita Howell on behalf of the Historic Rugby Board of Directors:

Help Preserve Land Near the Rugby State Natural Area

Donate to the Forest Legacy Campaign by March 31

In 2007 Historic Rugby partnered with TDEC to acquire and establish the Rugby State Natural Area, protecting land adjacent to the village Historic District and the Little Creek and White Oak watershed.

To facilitate acquisition of the Rugby State Natural Area, which has expanded hiking opportunities around the village, Historic Rugby agreed to raise the funds and pay the difference between the private owner’s selling price and the State’s budgeted funds for purchase of part of the Natural Area that lies between TN 52 and Horseshoe Bend Road. As a result, Historic Rugby incurred a debt of $111,300.00. To date that debt has been reduced to $52,854.00.

Historic Rugby is eager to take advantage of a limited-time pledge from an anonymous donor to match dollar for dollar up to half of the $52,854.00 balance remaining. Thus Historic Rugby has launched a Forest Legacy Campaign to raise $26,427 by March 31 and take full advantage of this pledge.

Retiring this debt is important to Rugby and to the hiking community because the note is secured by a 45 + acre tract that includes the environmentally sensitive Cox Branch tributary and Kellogg’s Crack, a favorite hiking destination.

Please help Historic Rugby take full advantage of the match to retire this debt and retain control over the 45+ acre tract while formalizing a plan to further protect it environmentally and for recreational use of this and future generations. Make your donation by March 31, 2012.

To contribute to the Forest Legacy Campaign, please send checks with the notation “Forest Legacy Campaign” to Historic Rugby, PO Box 8, Rugby, TN 37733; or go to www.historicrugby.org and make your donation on-line. If you donate on-line, please email rugbylegacy@highland.net to indicate that you intend your donation to go to the Forest Legacy Campaign.

New Years Day Hike

2012-01-04T08:38:00.004-06:00

We had lovely weather...the high was 60° and it was sunny. A total of 32 people showed up full of good cheer and enthusiasm and loaded down with food. The hike was invigorating and we enjoyed the hike and the good company. We hiked the Jack L Clayborn Millennium Trail before lunch. This is the trail that was built by 6 chapters of TTA in 2000 to help celebrate the 25th anniversary of the park. The 3.5 miles went by too quickly for most The lunch was excellent with an abundance of food. We had some extras for lunch with Ranger Ray Eason and the Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 875, Cameron Beal, joining us. Troop 875 is chartered by the Friends of Edgar Evins. The park furnished firewood and we had a cheery blaze to dine by. The picnic tables at the covered shelter are a major improvement over the damp/wet ground we had before. There are also electrical outlets and water available.

After lunch we hiked the 2 mile Highland Rim Nature Trail near the Visitors Center/Office. This trail is short but has a definite challenge with elevation changes and steep places. We had an opportunity to show off the results of a grant from TTA to the Friends of Edgar Evins, with some major improvements to the trail. We have installed water bar/steps at some of the steepest places and did some cribbing along a part that had shown erosion damage. There is a section the we completely re-routed to get away from some seriously eroded parts of the old trail route. If you haven’t hiked this trail recently I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

A great way to start out the New Year...The hike was jointly sponsored by TTA and the Friends of Edgar Evins State Park...

Pictures:

Georgia AT- Neels Gap to Blue Ridge Gap

2012-01-02T14:25:00.002-06:00

Craig and Lora did a hike on the AT in Georgia. You can see the story and pictures on their blog.

Hidden Lake- Tony

2011-12-31T17:53:00.001-06:00

Here it is: THE LAST HIKE of 2011! It has been a very good year hike wise and throw in the kayaks and social gatherings and it turns into an EXCELLENT year!

This was my first hike with the Sumner Trails chapter of the Tennessee Trails Association. Although I showed up a little late, I caught up with them and was able to enjoy the full hike. This place is very nice and very secluded. I had never been to this particular spot before although just up the road is the Narrows of the Harpeth where I love to kayak. There is lots of history here at Hidden Lake. It seems there was a resort of somekind during the prohibition era that sat atop the quarry filled "hidden" lake and presumably even old Al Capone even frequented the "non-alcoholic" resort.
This resort would make a great research project to see how much is accurate and how much is just old wives tales. There WAS something here at one time, but what could really be anybody's guess.

Pictures:

Christmas 2011

2011-12-22T14:13:00.003-06:00

Another wonderful Christmas with the Murfreesboro TTA!

Pictures:

Radnor Lake

2011-12-22T14:05:00.000-06:00

On Saturday Martin McCullough, Leader, Sara Pollard, Mark Stanfill, Nabil Wakid, and Mary Williams hiked the the trails at Radnor Lake in Nashville. No one opted for the easy, short Lake Trail so the group enjoyed a pleasant day climbing the up and down ridges away from the lake. The difficulty was a surprise to several members of the group but all were up to the challenge. Mark Stanfill was a pleasant surprise for our regular members. He was over from his job with the Cumberland Trail State Park where he is the new trail administrator. His interest in addition to the hike was to see the trail reconstruction after the floods in 2010. Also, he and I stopped to visit an “old” retired(?)member living in Murfreesboro, Brent Morris.

Grassy Cove Segment- Cumberland Trail

2011-12-20T13:22:00.002-06:00

The Outcasts hiked the Grassy Cove Segment of the Cumberland Trail. There Story and pictures are on their blog.

Radnor Lake

2011-12-17T18:39:00.003-06:00

Martin McCullough led the hike Saturday December 17 at beautiful Radnor Lake in Nashville. Started out a little cold, but once the sun came out it turned out to be the perfect hike. All the trails were hiked for a total of 6 miles. We saw deer, wild turkeys, also ducks and turtles in the lake. Valerie Galan couldn't make the hike, but met us at Panaera Bread for lunch afterwards. Hikers were Mary Donaldson from Nashville, Sara Pollard, Mark Stanfill and Nabil Wakid.

Pictures:

2011-12-16T15:42:00.001-06:00

Rock Creek Trail in the Little Frog Wilderness, Cherokee National Forest.

Lora and I cancelled our backpacking plan due to the forcast for rain. We decided to do a day hike instead. We headed out to the Little Frog wilderness area. We started at the trailhead just past the Ocoee Whitewater Center on Hwy 64.

The Rock Creek trail climbs up the moutain with views the whole way. The first creek crossing is Laurel Creek. It is a small creek with a campsite just off the trail. The trail then climbs up and through a saddle. You have great views of Big Frog and other mountain chains. Then the trail drops down into the Pressley Cove where the Rock Creek passes through. Rock creek is also easily crossable.

Due to the early sunset, we turned around at Rock Creek and headed back. You could do a loop hike if you continued to the Benton McKaye trail and head South back to Hwy 64. You could either drop a car there or hike 64 back to the trailhead.

Pictures:

New Year's Day Update

2011-12-13T11:50:00.001-06:00

Sara Pollard will lead a car pool from Murfreesboro to the New Year's Day Hike and Feast at Edgar Evins State Park. However, hikers still need to contact us at abertram@dtccom.net or home phone 615-765-5357 to sign-up for the hike and to find out where and when to meet.

Savage Gulf Day Hike by Sara

2011-12-11T16:59:00.003-06:00

Six hikers from Murfreesboro, Faith Bennett, Ann Jacobs, Tony Jones, Sara Pollard, Kim Williams, and Vicki Williams met leader Joan Hartvigsen and two others from the Highland Rim chapter - Joette Carter, her sweet dog Jetta and Robert Davis. It was a bit chilly starting out on the Savage Gulf day loop and we hiked down to base of Savage Falls. Then we picked up the North Plateau Trail, cut across on the Mountain Oak Trail and had lunch at a nice overlook on the North Rim trail for a total of 10 miles. Turned out to be a perfect day for hiking.

Pictures:

More Pictures:

Dec. 3 - Candlelight Tour of Homes, Murfreesboro

2011-12-11T08:09:00.000-06:00

We started the evening with 10, plus Sara Pollard's granddaughter. As soon as the little one spotted docent ladies in long hoop skirts entering the Oaklands Mansion she took her mother and grandmother away from the group to follow the pretty ladies. The remaining eight were given the option of splitting into two groups of four but opted to remain together. Due to the perfect weather that encouraged an even larger than usual crowd it proved impossible to keep together and we split into about four groups, not by plan but by necessity. All the houses and one church were along Maney Avenue this year so the walking was easy. After Oaklands our first stop was the FABULOUS historic home known as Big Holly, owned by the Gordon Bell family. It is one of the most impressive historic homes and is so faithfully restored it would be difficult to believe real people lived in it today had we not met and talked with them ourselves or seen the master clothes closet artfully tucked away. (Actually we walked through it and down a spiral metal staircase, a back entrance to the kitchen). All the houses, including some belonging to the Carriage Inn B & B, were well worth the tour but Big Holly with its extensive collections was so awe inspiring that Julie Walski (Nashville TTA) and myself went through it a second time toward the end of the evening when the crowd had pretty much dispersed. The classical Christmas music at Central Christian Church was a nice note on which to end the evening.

Hobbs Cabin Hike

2011-12-05T12:20:00.007-06:00

Craig, Paula, and Marco are members of the Murfreesboro TTA, Lora is with the Soddy Daisy chapter. Dad also joined us as well as Pam. This was Pams first backpack.

We got on the trail around 9:30. We took the day loop trail to see the Savage Falls and then head down the Rim trail to Hobb's Cabin. It was a beautiful day and we got some great views in. We met up with the Upper Cumberland Chapter lead by Margaret that were doing a day hike in the area.

After we got to Hobb's Cabin, George joined us for the night. He had hiked in the Connector trail.

The first real entertainment was setting up Pam's tent. Of course this was the first time she set it up. We got some laughs as the four of us tried to figure it out.

We were then entertained by Pam as she carefully picked out a rock, wrapped it up in tin foil and then placed it over the fire. We were all thinking that there are other lightweight meals with more flavor. She was thinking that she was going to warm up her sleeping bag with this. We explained the melting of fabric and she changed her mind. She made a good comeback with making smores for everyone.

There were stories told from pies to chickens and some cough medicine taken. Ranger light foot stopped by to visit as well. Lot's of laughs all night. We apologized to other campers in the morning for our wild behavior.

The next morning we hiked out on the Plateau trail. We took a good rest break at lunch and Paula waited until the last bit of the trail before she showed Pam the correct procedure to use while falling with a backpack on. Always the teacher.

We got in a total of 17.6 Miles.

Pictures:

More Pictures:

Savage Gulf Hike by Tony

2011-12-05T11:44:00.002-06:00

Joan Hartvigsen & I hike about ten very long miles at Savage Gulf State Natural Area. The trails were in very good shape and water was flowing very heavy at Savage Falls due to recent rains. Our goal was to hike the North Rim Trail but to do that you have to walk on parts of several other trails in the Savage Gulf network to get there.

We started out on the Savage Day Loop which included beautiful views (from the overlook) of Savage Falls and Rattlesnake Point. We then merged onto the North Rim Trail, then onto the North Plateau Trail which led us to the Mountain Oak Trail which in turn brought us back to the North Rim Trail before heading back out the Savage Day Loop back to the Ranger Station.

The weather was beautiful and the overlooks were amazing with perfect visibility. Although we did not go to the base of savage falls on this trip we did see it from the overlook and the water was rushing over the falls at great speed.

Pictures:

Opryland Hotel by Tony

2011-12-05T11:41:00.001-06:00

It ain't what it USED to be, but it is still very pretty. The lights of the season at Opryland. I enjoyed a very nice walk around the complex with Sheryl on Thursday night and the lights and decorations seem more streamlined than in the past. I did not see the lights last year and I assume that most of the original animatronic style displays were probably ruined in the big flood of 2010.

The hotel was full of beautiful poinsettia displays of every color and had some cute little "hot air" balloons that floated around the Delta area. There seemed to be a huge and I think very unnecessary emphasis on Shrek, Madagascar and other DreamWorks creations. It seems now even something as simple as the beauty of the lights of Christmas has to be SOLD to the highest bidder.

Yes, they were nice and yes, it was worth the time and effort. But I probably will not go see the lights again. Too much reliance on Hollywood and commercialism and a lot less reliance on what made the event special to begin with......LIGHTS and DECORATIONS.

Pictures:

Old Stone Fort - Nov 25, 2011

2011-11-26T18:10:00.003-06:00

Old Stone Fort - Nov 25, 2011
by Anthony Jones
Old Stone Fort was the destination (again) for our annual day after Thanksgiving turkey walk off. We hiked about five fantastic miles and the waterfalls were overflowing due to the recent rains. The falls are generally beautiful anyway, but these were spectacular today.

Joan Hartvigsen from Highland Rim chapter of the Tennessee Trails was our fearless leader for this trip and she did an excellent job. The terrain was in great shape despite the rain, but a small portion of the moat trail was flooded so we had to double back a bit. Old Stone Fort is one of the most fascinating places in Middle Tennessee for its diverse history and the resources it provides to the visitors. The confluence of the "Big" Duck River and the "Little" Duck River is great to see especially after a little rain.

Pictures:

Signal Point Backpack

2011-11-24T06:29:00.004-06:00

Nov. 19
Prentice Cooper to Signal Point
13.4 miles

Looks like a beautiful weekend for a backpack. I drove to Signal Mountain to meet up with Charlotte, Sara, Ann and Kim from the Boro. We left one car and then drove to Prentice Cooper to the Cumberland Trail parking area. There was a big group of backpackers already there and getting ready to start on the trail. They were headed for Mullen’s Cove. We started down the trail towards Suck Creek. The Indian Rockhouse and Stone Door are some of the interesting sights on this trail. There are pretty views of the Tennessee River and overlooks into the gorge all the way to Hwy 27. You better watch for traffic zipping up and down; the motorcycle riders like this mountain road. We hiked on another mile or so to the big suspension bridge and set up camp on the other side. There was plenty of room for our 5 tents and maybe room for a couple more. Good group site.

As we gathered firewood for the night, a big group of hikers from the Plateau TTA Chapter came thru. It was good to see a lot of folks enjoying the Cumberland Trail.

As it got dark we were cooking supper, a screech owl talked to us as it swooped by the camp. We caught up on trail stories and enjoyed the campfire.

It didn’t get too cold that night and hiking up out of the creek gorge the next morning it warmed up real quick. Mushroom Rock was a cool photo op. This whole section of trail is so beautiful-all along the rim following the creek, stream crossings, seeing a couple of waterfalls. Then to Edwards Point for lunch. And right after lunch finding Edwards Point. Hmmm. There are so many rock formations to see along the rim; a natural bridge and the start of another one, I think. Just before dropping into the gorge we came to someone’s smoldering campfire from last night. Not good. Sara had some extra water and poured it on the log. We crossed the creek and started the climb out of the gorge up up up to the views of the beautiful Tennessee River at Signal Point.

A beautiful weekend and the rain didn’t start until we picked up the other car from Prentice Cooper.

Thank you Charlotte for the backpack trip!

Pictures:

University of the South

2011-11-20T12:15:00.004-06:00

Anthony Jones
Joined with the Highland Rim Chapter of the Tennessee Trails for a 5 mile walk on a portion of the Perimeter Trail on the University of the South Campus on the Sewanee Domain in Tennessee. This was an exceptional hike led by Highland Rim's Cathleen Close, a great and patient hike leader.

Highlights include, Bridal Veil Falls, Morgan's Steep,Proctor's Hall and The Cross. The weather was spectacular and the group of hikers as usual were a great bunch of friends enjoying the great day!

Pictures:

Cumberland Trail Building Trek, Report by Jim Schroeder.

2011-11-17T12:00:00.001-06:00

I availed myself to participate in the Nov 10 to Nov 20 CT trail building effort in the area of the northeast corner of Frozen Head State Park. The plan was to arrive at the base camp on Sunday the 13th and work Monday and Tuesday and head back home on Wednesday. The camp was located at the “Garden Spot” right at the northeast corner of the park and was easily accessible via old logging/mining roads reconditioned to accommodate present day operations along with the relatively new natural gas fields; a far cry from my first visit to this then remote area back in 1998 when access was only available by a combination of logging roads, unused mining roads, ATV paths, etc. with entrance to the area originating from the Moore’s Camp coal wash station off HWY 116.

Joining 10 other trail builders, including some from various locations across the TTA chapters, I proceeded to set up my tent and joined in a camp supper prepared by CT master builder Tony Hook and then an evening of fellow ship. The night was disturbed by frequent gusty winds which buffeted the walls of the tent in snapping and creaking noise.

Monday found the team working its way down the 10-legged switchback system westward into Frozen Head Park to upgrade sections of trail and continuing work to tie the CT into the old “North Boundary Trail” of the park. I had forgotten how much energy it took after a day’s trail work to make the 500 foot switchback climb back up to the base camp. But a slow paced climb with frequent rest stops along the way got the job done.

After an early supper, the rains came damping fellowship and story telling opportunities and caused the writer early retirement to the tent for reading and early trip under the covers. The night was disturbed again by not only gusty winds, but coupled with frequent short down pours. Some of the gusts were so severe they caused tent fly stakes to be dislodged resulting in some moisture entering the tent in now unprotected mesh side walls. Thankfully the penetration of moisture was not severe enough to cause discomfort but only some wet spots on the tent floor.

With forecast for rain all day on Tuesday and Wednesday, I broke down my camp and packed it in the vehicle. The work plan was to do reconditioning of trail between the Park and the road crossing to the northeast. Driving to the road crossing, the team had no sooner started working inward, when it came down in buckets. I decided enough was enough and headed for the home front while the rest of the team headed back to base camp to await a break in the weather.

SUMMARY: All in all this was for me another good endeavor. Working to complete a trail that will be there for others to use and enjoy for many years to come in the wonderlands of GODS creation, coupled with the camaraderie of fellow trail enthusiasts, is always makes my efforts worthwhile.

Edgar Evins State Park

2011-11-14T17:58:00.002-06:00

We had a total of 7 hikers Saturday, November 12 who hiked the Merritt Ridge and Millennium Trails at Edgar Evins State Park. We had gorgeous views of the lake and could see Center Hill Dam at one point. The Merritt Ridge section was challenging in some areas, but just enough to keep it interesting. The Merritt Ridge Trail has beautiful rock formations overlooking the lake. We came upon an area covered with yucca plants and blooming purple aster flowers. The trails are well marked and the weather was perfect. One of our hikers – James Herring is a long time member of TTA and built the kiosk behind the group picture.

Hikers: James Herring, Ann Jacobs, Denise Longie, Diane Manus from the Nashville chapter, Martin McCullough, Sara Pollard, and Jan Safavi.

Pictures:

MURFREESBORO HIKE CALENDAR (FEB-JULY 2012)

2011-11-11T16:58:00.000-06:00

I have also included December & January just to update.

DECEMBER 2011

Sat. 12/3-Oakland’s Candlelight Walking Tour of Homes---Anna Bertram

Sat/Sun 12-3&4—Backpack, South Cumberland 17.6 miles---Craig McBride

Sat. 2/10—Joint hike w/Highland Rim at South Cumberland (North Rim)—Sara Pollard

Tue. 12/13-Murfreesboro Annual Christmas Dinner at 6PM (Wilderness Station)

Sat. 12/17—Radnor Lake Trail & Ganier Ridge—Martin McCullough

JANUARY 2012

Sunday 1/1—New Year’s Day Annual Hike at Edgar Evins—Anna/Fount Bertram

Sat. 1/14—Stones River Nat’l Battlefield—Tony Jones & Jim Schroeder

Sat. 1/28—Chilly Chili Hike at South Cumberland (Highland Rim Event)—Jim/Marietta Poteet

FEBRUARY 2012

Sat. 2/4—Collins East (Suter & Horsepound Falls)—Tony Jones

Sat. 2/25—Monte Sano S.P. (Panthers Knob & Stone Cuts Loop)—Bob Goodwin

MARCH 2012

Sat. 3/3—Montgomery Bell East Loop—Tony Jones

Sat. 3/10—Green Mountain (Certain & Varnadoe Trails)—Bob Goodwin

Sat & Sun 3- 10&11—Backpack, Prentice Cooper area—Charlotte Broyles

Sat. 3/17—Edgar Evins Waterfall Tour (RESERVE EARLY)—Anna/Fount Bertram

Sat. 3/24—David Crockett State Park (Trails TBA)—Bob Goodwin

Sat. 3/31—Little Swan Trail on Old Natchez Trace—Tony Jones

APRIL 2012

Sat. 4/14—Edgar Evins Celebration of Spring—Anna/Fount Bertram

Sat. 4/21—Lookout Mtn (Bluff & Cravens Trail)—Jim Schroeder

Sat. 4/28—Bowling Farm Spring Potluck—Tony Jones

MAY 2012

Sat. 5/5—Big South Fork Twin Arches/Charit Creek—Tony Jones

Sat. 5/12—Cumberland Trail Soddy Section—Jim Schroeder

Sat. 5/19—Cloudland Canyon Rim Trail—Anna/Fount Bertram

Sat. 5/26—Savage Gulf (Stone Door to Greeter w/shuttle)—Tony Jones

JUNE 2012

Sat. 6/2—Nat’l Trails Day—Barfield Trail Work

Sat. 6/9—Hidden Passage Trail at Pickett State Park—Jim Schroeder

The Hundred Mile Hike

2011-11-11T16:14:00.002-06:00

The Outcasts did a one hundred mile hike at LBL. Story and pictures are on their blog.

The Annual New Years Day Hike and Feast

2011-11-10T15:22:00.000-06:00

Jan. 1 - The Annual New Years Day Hike and Feast will be at Edgar Evins State Park, 3.5 to 5 miles total, easy to moderate. We will hike the Jack Clayborn Millennium Trail...3.5 miles...in the morning and the Highland Rim Nature Trail...2.0 miles...in the afternoon. The hike is in conjunction with the Tennessee State Parks 75th Anniversary. The Parks Department wants to schedule hikes in all of our 53 State Parks on New Years Day. If you can’t join our hike, contact your local park to see what they have scheduled. The traditional New Years Feast will be a major part of the day. Bring your favorite New Years culinary contribution to share. We’ll have electrical outlets to warm/heat your food. The park is also furnishing firewood so we can have a roaring, crackling fire to warm ourselves. We will meet at Picnic Shelter #1, located at the marina parking lot, at 10:00 am to drop off food and to carpool to the trail head. After the hike we’ll return to the shelter for our meal. We’ll plan to eat somewhere around 1:00 pm. We will then proceed to the Visitors Center and hike the nature trail. This is a multi-chapter event and we encourage participation by all our chapters...The old adage...”What you do on New Years Day, you will do all year” applies. Hopefully we will all hike all year long! For further information, directions to the park and questions or comments, contact Fount Bertram...(615) 765-5357 or fwbertram@dtccom.net

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR NEW SLATE OF OFFICERS FOR MURFREESBORO:

2011-11-09T15:01:00.000-06:00

Effective January 1, 2012

CHAPTER CHAIR-SARA POLLARD
Membership-MARYBELLE GINANNI
Hike Coordinator-CATHY BINGHAM
Treasurer-ANN JACOBS
Program Coordinator-VALERIE GALAN
Social Events Coordinator-VALERIE GALAN
Blogmaster-CRAIG McBRIDE

Please congratulate your NEW chapter officers and THANK THEM for their volunteering and their efforts to keep the Murfreesboro Chapter THE BEST!

Sewanee Hike

2011-11-09T13:02:00.003-06:00

This was a small part of the Tennessee Trails Annual Statewide Conference that took place in Monteagle, Tn the weekend of October 28-30, 2011. Since I was on the committee to work the conference, all I had time for was a quick trip to Sewanee to see some of the better sights.

Pictures:

Hike Bowling Tree Farm-11/5/2011

2011-11-09T12:58:00.003-06:00

On Saturday, Nov. 5, several members of the Murfreesboro Chapter drove up the Cumberland Plateau to the "Tree Farm" Of Winston and BJ Bowling, between Cookeville and Monterey where we were met by the Bowlings and their son, Tim, who led the hike. We appreciate Tim's leadership as everyone else was reluctant to assume that responsibility though most of us have been through those woods many times. The first order of business is always a sampling of BJ's fresh-from-the-oven homemade bread. After an approximate 2 hour hike the group returned to the house to be welcomed by Valerie Galen (who, due to poor directions from the coordinator, had arrived too late to join the hike), Hazel and Lindsey Smith and MB Ginanni, to the food they had all contributed to the feast which followed. The Bowlings are such generous and gracious hosts and we always enjoy the outing. In addition to the aforementioned, the following were present. Cherie Meece, who works with James and Tracey Smith and came with them, joined us for the first time. Marty McCullough, Mary Lee Morton, Rad Smith, Nabil Wakid, Sandra Parker and the photographer who made the accompanying pictures, Bob Goodwin, (our favorite AL member) rounded out the crowd.

Pictures:

TTA Annual Meeting

2011-11-09T12:39:00.006-06:00

Officers:
Millette Jones- President
Carolyn Miller- Vice President
Brenda Clampitt- Treasurer
Diane Manas- Secretary
Ron Dunn- Membership
Nora Beck- Middle Tennessee Regional Rep

Awards:
Bill Stutz Award - Don Dresser
Tennessee Trails Award - Anne Paine
Bob Brown Lifetime Achievement Award - Bertha Chrietzberg

Synopsis of Each Nomination:

Our Nominee for the Bill Stutz Award, Don Dresser, member of the Jackson chapter, has faithfully served our organization in the offices of West Tennessee Regional Representative, Treasurer and President. As most board members know, our elected Treasurer was diagnosed with cancer and unable to fulfill her duties. Don has continued to serve as the interim Treasurer during his tenure as TTA President. He has performed many other untitled duties e.g. Don chaired the Bylaws Revision Committee which updated TTA's bylaws and produced the first set of bylaws that the CTC ever had. We have all been the beneficiaries of Don's legal expertise, and we are most grateful for his guidance.

Our Nominee for the Tennessee Trails Award, Anne Paine, is a longtime journalist for Nashville's daily newspaper, The Tennessean. She primarily reports on environmental stories, and she has produced exceptional articles highlighting the scenic wonders and recreational opportunities in our state. For an example of her recent work, you can read her story about the acquisition of Cummins Falls which was threatened with residential development: http://www.tennessean.com/article/20110727/NEWS11/307260070/Deal-Cummins-Falls-land-like-buying-Niagara-Falls .
Please note, when our committee started to consider Ms. Paine for the award, we contacted her and told her she was a nominee. We asked if she would be able to accept the award if so approved by TTA's Board of Directors. Her editor is satisfied there is no conflict of interest, and she may accept the award if the board approves.

The Bob Brown Lifetime Achievement Award is not necessarily presented each year - only when there is a person whose extraordinary efforts and devotion to hiking in Tennessee merit the award. We felt it particularly appropriate to nominate Bertha Chrietzberg this year when her own chapter (Murfreesboro) is hosting. Bertha has been a tireless and effective champion for outdoor recreation and protection for more than 50 years. She was a founding member of the Tennessee Trails Association in 1968 and the Tennessee Scenic Rivers Association created in 1966. She has been a dominant force in many other non-profit, citizen based organizations including the Tennessee Environmental Council, Tennessee Wilderness Planning, Friends of Fall Creek Falls State Park, Friends of the Stones River Greenway, The Black Fox Wetland League, The Stones River Watershed Association and the Tennessee Native Plant Society. She has served in a leadership role in every one of these organizations.

Bertha taught outdoor recreation at Middle Tennessee State University for many years and is remembered and well loved by her former students. She is a true environmental educator by vocation and inclination. She serves as an example for all. She has rescued rare plants, prevented gravel mining in the Stones River, championed the Stones River Greenway route. cleaned up toxic dumps and conducted numerous wildflower hikes.

Over 170 TTA Members were in attendance this year for the meeting. Numerous hikes and activities.

Well, after a year of planning and hair pulling...screaming....cussing...and losing sleep, the annual meeting finally came.....and went.

It was wonderful to see the entire Statewide organization in one place and to put some faces to the names that I have been seeing for the past several months in registration forms and e-mails. Turns out, I know quite a few more people than I thought I did.

On Saturday, I was too busy for a long hike so I took an hour or two off to do some sightseeing around the Sewanee/Tracy City area. I joined seven other event goers: Tom Bentley, Bertha Chreitzberg, MaryBelle Ginanni, Cathy Bingham, Glenn Turner, Dale Simms and Sandra Simms on a pilgrimage to the Natural Bridge then to the Sewanee Campus where we visited the chapels and the cross and Green's View. We then went to Tracy City for a nice lunch at the Dutch Maid Bakery followed by a really nice impromptu tour of the Tracy City Historical Society Museum. Lots of interesting history in these rich coal mines around Tracy City. We then finished up the tour by visiting the Monteagle Sunday School Assembly, which to my shock and surprise was not a church assembly at all but a really, really nice "community" filled with lots of houses that are way above my payscale and dots of B&B's. Then it was back to DuBose (for me) to get ready for the live auction and then the final dinner and next day breakfast before saying goodbye and passing the torch to the Clarksville Chapter who will be in charge of the meeting in 2012.

Cardwell Mountain

2011-10-24T19:54:00.003-05:00

Saturday Ann Jacobs lead a group of seven hikers on a 5.5 mile hike at Cardwell Mt. Four chapters were represented on this perfect hiking weather day. Martin McCullough, Craig McBride and Ann from Murfreesboro, Robbie Benson and Joyce Chapman from Nashville, Stephanie and Michael Brice from Highland Rim and Lora McBride from Soddy Daisy, enjoyed the beautiful fall colors and sunshine. We stopped at the historic entrance to Cumberland Caverens ,just off the trail, on our way up the mountain. Ann told the story of Aaron Higgenbottom and his almost fatal exploration of a cervice in the rocks along the trail in 1810. We stopped at Balance Rock for a light lunch and then hiked on to Buzzard Bluff where we did see buzzards and a wild hog. A great time was had by all.

Pictures:

Mt. LeConte

2011-10-24T18:01:00.002-05:00

Vicki Williams hike Report:

Wed a group of friends hiked the Alum Cave trail to Mt LeConte. It was warm and sunny on Tues when we arrived in Gatlinburg. Wed morning we woke up to rain and 50 degrees. We started the hike in the drizzle and 2.3 miles into it we were in a downpour. The temperature continued to drop as we neared the lodge to about 40. By 5p it was 30 degrees and snowing. The next morning we headed down the boulevard with 2 inches of beautiful snow and 22 degrees. We were thankful it was snow and not rain. Good times

North Carolina AT

2011-10-21T21:07:00.003-05:00

Craig, his brother, and Dad went on their annual Father/Son hike on the AT in North Carolina. You can get the story and pics on his blog.

multi-chapter effort that will be the feature article in the November TTA Newsletter.

2011-10-15T08:35:00.001-05:00

The Plateau Chapter is planning what we believe will encourage multi-chapter hikes to promote the Cumberland Trail and earn the 50-Miler Hiking Award. This will be accomplished through a series of planned hikes in the next 6 to 8 months on the Cumberland Trail. With commitments from the Cove Lake, East Tennessee, Plateau, Soddy Daisy, and the Upper Cumberland Chapters, we will schedule 50 or more miles of hikes on the Cumberland Trail.

In the Plateau Chapter area, Black Mountain, Brady Mountain and the Piney River sections will be hiked. In the Soddy Daisy Chapter area, the sections through the Rock, Possum, and Soddy Gorges and the Tennessee River Gorge are to be planned and hiked. Also, hikes around Cove Lake, Norma Road, New River and Frozen Head are part of the plan.

The Plateau Chapter has scheduled 2 hikes during November. The first hike is scheduled for November 5th to Laurel Falls and Bryant Overlook with Howard Owens of the Plateau Chapter leading. The second hike is scheduled for November 19th from Signal Point to Hwy 27 with Don Taylor of the Plateau Chapter leading. Additional hikes will be scheduled over the next several months with the goal of hiking all open sections.

All TTA members are invited and encouraged to join in this multi-chapter opportunity to meet other hikers, promote the Cumberland Trail, earn a 50-Miler Hiking Award/Patch, and have many good memories. The application forms for the award are available on the CTC website. We will recognize those receiving the 50-Miler Award with a ceremony and group picture.

As more hikers earn the 50-Miler Award, we anticipate the need to develop awards for hiking 100, 200, and yes, the entire Cumberland Trail. Your input is solicited about how to recognize the mileage milestones as we hike the Cumberland Trail. If you have an idea, opinion or thought about these achievements, please forward those to Levonn Hubbard, TTA East Tennessee Regional Representative and member of the Board of Directors of the Cumberland Trail Conference.

This is an exciting and enthusiastic endeavor and the potential good this multi-chapter undertaking will provide for all participants, the Cumberland Trail and hiking in Tennessee will be awesome!

Lookout Mountain

2011-10-15T08:32:00.002-05:00

Tony's hike:
I joined Joan Hartvigsen, Dave Anderson and Cindy Watson on what was supposed to be a hike to Pot Point in the Prentice Cooper State Forest, but they had it closed for a Managed Hunt so we drove over to Lookout Mountain and decided to hike from the Craven's House to Point Park via Sunset Rock. A beautiful day it turned out to be!

Pictures:

Georgia AT

2011-10-12T15:46:00.002-05:00

Craig and Lora hiked the Appalachian Trail in Georgia from Springer Mt to Neels Gap. You can see the story and pictures on their blog.

Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park

2011-10-12T12:47:00.002-05:00

Today was a wonderful fall day at Old Stone Fort. I hope you enjoy the pictures!
Tony

Pictures:

Tennessee River Gorge III

2011-10-12T12:19:00.002-05:00

Tony went on another portion of the Tennessee River Gorge and Nickajack Lake around Mullens Cove and Raccoon Mountain. My trip was cut short due to a very painful shoulder that allowed me to paddle about 1 mile out before having to turn back around and go back. Still, it's beginning to look like fall in Tennessee

Pictures:

Long Hunter VI

2011-10-06T14:04:00.002-05:00

The Outcasts have done their first hike of the season. Check out their blog for the story.

Report on Muddy Pond and Pumpkin Festival

2011-10-06T08:34:00.002-05:00

Adventure Trip to Muddy Pond Mennonite Community: Twelve from the Murfreesboro and the Plateau TTA Chapters enjoyed a half day excursion to the various shops and a "scratch" lunch at the Front Porch. The Mennonite people were gracious and accommodating although they were busy preparing for the next day which would be their largest public day of the season. We missed the sorghum making this time but plan to return as a group or as individuals next fall.

Pumpkin Festival at Allardt and Weekend at Pickett State Park: Some of the Muddy Pond attendees continued on to the Cumberland Plateau for the weekend events. We were joined by folks from other TTA Chapters for our annual walk in the Pumpkin Festival Parade on Saturday. Since Anne Wesley from the Goodlettsville Chapter was in charge Fount and I did not count heads. We hiked the Colditz Cove/Northrup Falls Trail right after the parade. There were Sunday hikes too but Fount and I had a meeting to attend and a visit to his sister at Allardt so we don't know how those hikes went. The Cumberland Plateau had frost Saturday night and, as usual, is simply beautiful! If you weren't there you missed a good time.

Thanks!
Anna

Annual Meeting Update

2011-10-03T17:00:00.000-05:00

Everyone needs to check the annual meeting blog for new hike descriptions, auction item previews, registration updates and more! www.tennesseetrails.org/2011

Also, we are in need of people to volunteer to help with the Cash Bar, Registration, Auction and other areas. It would be great if each Murfreesboro member attending could volunteer for at least 4 hours. Volunteers will receive a shirt so I need them to get in touch with me soon. millette.jones@comcast.net or 615-397-9588

20th Annual Great Pumpkin Festival at Allardt

2011-10-03T15:30:00.000-05:00

Ladder Trail

Northrup Falls

On Saturday, Oct 01, TTA members gathered in Allardt, TN for the 20th annual Great Pumpkin Festival. (Allardt is east of Jamestown, TN and on the road that leads to historic Rugby. It's also the hometown of Fount Bertram.). Although the winner of the pumpkin weigh-off was not a record-breaker like last year, it still weighed just over 1,000 pounds.

An inspired team effort got the TTA "float" ready for the Pumpkin parade, and we all marched and threw candy to the kids along the route. Thanks to Fount's insider influence, we were 6th in the parade line-up - well ahead of the horses and mules which is very important even when you are wearing hiking boots.

After the parade, we headed a few miles down the road to Colditz Cove State Natural Area to hike above and then behind Northrup Falls. There was a fantastic amount of water this year making the falls and the bluffside springs really worth the trip.

On Sunday, a few hikers headed to the Big South Fork to hike the O&W Bridge trail, but there was also a hike at Pickett State Park. Particularly lovely was the Ladder Trail which uses 2 wooden ladders to descend and then ascend one of the large sandstone rockhouses in the park.

Big South Fork, Gobbler's Knob Hike

2011-10-03T14:13:00.003-05:00

Craig and Lora did an overnight backpack in the Big South Fork. You can read the story on their blog.

Cardwell Mountain-Shellsford Trail of Tears at Cumberland Caverns 9-30-11

2011-10-03T08:52:00.002-05:00

Some great ladies from the Tennessee Trails and myself hiked a 5+ mile moderate hike in McMinnville on September 30 called the Shellsford Segment: Trail of Tears located on Cardwell Mountain and the Collins River at Cumberland Caverns.

The hike was not very spectacular and was rather long, poorly marked and lots of debris blocking trails but you never know until you hike it what condition it is in. There were lots of wildflowers, a subtle hint of color with the leaves beginning to change and some great rock formations as well as the allure of the Cumberland Caverns Cave. Sounds like it should have been a hit.....but sadly, it was a miss. If you look at my pictures you will have seen all you probably ever care to from my first AND last trip to this particular hike. I'm sure I'll be visiting Cumberland Caverns, just not the trail surrounding it.

More on Tonys Blog

Gregory Ridge Trail

2011-09-30T16:49:00.002-05:00

Lora McBride did a three day hike with the Sumner Trails chapter of the TTA. You can go to her blog for the story.

Walls of Jericho

2011-09-27T08:35:00.000-05:00

Vicki Williams went on the Walls of Jericho hike with the Highland Rim Chapter.
There were 10 hikers led by Jim Poteet. Marietta was backpacking
in the Smokies. We hiked out and back on the Alabama portion of
the trail. All the fallen trees from the tornado in April were cleaned
up and the 2nd log bridge has been repaired and a new wooden
rail installed. Woohoo! Except for a little water in the first creek we
crossed and a trickle at the falls it was dry. The
day was beautiful and we had a good time.
vicki williams

Invasive Plant Removal Workshop

2011-09-27T08:34:00.000-05:00

September 24 - Fount, and Anna Bertram of the Murfreesboro Chapter and Ruth Ann Henry from the Upper Cumberland Chapter were among several who took part in the Invasive Plant Removal Workshop at Edgar Evins State Park. The event was registered as a National Public Lands Day observance. The instructors were Randy Hegepath, the Tennessee State Naturalist, and Mark Taylor, Park Ranger. After a short classroom presentation all adjourned to the outdoors to learn first-hand how to safely remove each of the species covered by the program and to enjoy our sack lunches under a beautiful blue sky. Those who attended are now certified to remove invasive plants at Edgar Evins State Park on their own at any time it works into their schedules by checking in and out with the park office or Ranger. This was the first group but the program will be repeated at intervals.

Tennessee River Float

2011-09-24T08:21:00.002-05:00

Joan Hartvigsen & Tony Jones kayaked about 10 miles in the Tennessee River Gorge in Nickajack Lake/Tennessee River near Chattanooga, TN. The five miles downstream was easy, not so much the five coming back upstream. I almost ran OUT of steam. This is only part of the 47 mile long gorge. So far with the 10 mile round trip today and our last trip we have now been 11.6 miles of the 47.

Pictures:

Savage Gulf Hike

2011-09-18T18:09:00.002-05:00

Two from Murfreesboro were the only hikers to the Savage Gulf State Natural area. Tony Jones and Vicki Williams hike the seven miles and it was a beautiful day for a hike. Stone Door was amazing, as usual and the stage was set for a huge rappel day (Sunday) with crisscrosses of ropes and clamps. The visibility was fantastic. From Stone Door we took the Big Creek Rim trail to the Alum Campsite where we just took a quick rest and used the FIVE STAR FACILITIES at the campground. From there, we took the Laurel Trail back to the Ranger Station and then went back to look at Laurel Falls which had just a speck of water in it and the summer wildflowers in their last blooms. We also saw a snake, which I nearly stepped on. It was non-poisonous but still a snake.

Pictures:

Dale Hollow Canoe Camping

2011-09-12T12:38:00.002-05:00

Craig and Lora did a canoe camping trip on Dale Hollow Lake. To see pictures and Story go to their blog.

Cumberland Trail Work

2011-09-09T12:19:00.001-05:00

Trail maintenance is planned October 7-14 in the Cumberland Trail’s New River segment. Trail maintenance will be on both sides of Cross Mountain. We will be meeting every morning at 8:15 AM ET at the Cumberland Trail trailhead on Butter and Egg Road in Caryville, TN. This is near Cove Lake State Park on the park’s west side. The CTC will have a base camp at Cove Lake State Park and out-of-town volunteers are welcome to camp and for those camping that are CTC members, camp meals (plenty of rice) will be provided. You will need to bring your own tent, sleeping gear, and other personal items. We will have tools, you will need work gloves, lunch, and water. Please let me know if you can volunteer. Hope to see you there. Tony Hook

Cumberland Trail needs help

2011-08-31T18:24:00.001-05:00

The Cumberland trail is needing volunteers to help build and maintain trail. Check out their calendar and see if you can help out.

Cumberland Trail

Hiwassee Refuge Lake

2011-08-23T08:47:00.003-05:00

Craig and Lora did a canoe trip to Hiwassee Lake Sunday. Their story is on their blog

HELP

2011-08-22T10:48:00.002-05:00

I'm hunting hike and float reports. If anyone is doing anything send me something. Rutherfordvfd@gmail.com

Cumberland State Park

2011-08-16T19:30:00.004-05:00

From Sara

On Saturday, August 13 the Murfreesboro folks met Joan Hartvigsen at the South Cumberland State Park ranger station and did a 1 1/2 mile Meadows Trail hike behind the center. The park ranger pointed out numerous wild flowers. Then we drove to Tracy City and hiked the 1 1/2 Lone Rock Loop trail around Grundy Lakes. Hikers from Murfreesboro were Martin McCullough, Jim Schroeder, Sara Pollard, Tony Jones and Paula Ponath.

After lunch and the hike, Paula, Tony and Sara met Joan at the Tim's Ford Lake Devil's Step boat ramp. We paddled kayaks over to the island, set up tents and then went to dinner in Winchester. Afterwards, other paddlers including Dave Anderson, Joan's husband Tom and Larry Kirk from Murfreesboro paddled with us but there was an overcast and the full moon couldn't be seen until later that evening. We went in to several coves and afterwards went back to the campsite for snacks and to enjoy a camp fire. Sunday morning Joan, Paula and I paddled around the lake and explored Goose Island. We literally had the lake to ourselves.

Meadow Trail Pics:

Lone Rock Trail Pics:

Devil's Step Island pics:

Hike and Canoe trip

2011-08-16T15:56:00.002-05:00

Lora went on a hike with the East TN TTA Chapter in Reliance, TN on the JMT Recreation Trail and Craig and Lora did a canoe trip on the Tennessee River. See stories and pictures on their blog

Chapter Meeting: Tuesday August 9@ 7PM

2011-08-06T21:30:00.000-05:00

Join us THIS TUESDAY August 9 at 7PM at the Barfield Park Wilderness Station for our monthly chapter meeting. After a short business meeting, we will have Mr. Tom Bentley of Highland Rim give us a presentation on his recent Sailing Trip from key West to the Dry Tortugas with 32 Boy Scouts. This will be fun and exciting, so join us. For information contact Tony Jones at 615-397-4463 or tonjon1968@gmail.com

Upcoming Hike (s) Saturday August 13

2011-08-06T21:25:00.003-05:00

This Saturday, August 13 there is a Double Feature presented by the Highland Rim Chapter:

August 13 - South Cumberland State Park, Monteagle, TN. Meet at the South Cumberland Visitor Center on US 41 in Monteagle to hike the 1-1/2 mile Meadows Trail behind the Center. Then we will drive to Grundy Lakes State Park in Tracy City to hike the 1-1/2 mile Lone Rock Loop Trail. This shady trail circles the largest of the four lakes and loops by Lone Rock Mine coke ovens built in 1883. After the hike we will eat lunch on a picnic table overlooking Grundy Lake. We will then swim in the cool, clear, spring-fed Grundy Lake. Facilities include a beautiful sandy beach, changing rooms, and restrooms. Bring water, lunch, hiking shoes and swimsuit. Contact Joan Hartvigsen at 931-962-0811 for additional information. Mary Priestly, a Sewanee Botanist will be on hand to help us identify summer wildflowers!

August 13 - Full Moon Float. Tims Ford Lake. Devil's Step boat ramp. Located adjacent to Fairview Campground off Hwy 50. We will paddle in nearby coves then disembark onto Devil's Step Island for snacks. Bring water, snacks, flashlight, and boat lights. Contact Joan Hartvigsen at 931-962-0811 for additional information.THIS IS AN OVERNIGHT OPTION AS WELL. Tony Jones & Joan Hartvigsen will be camping on Devil's Step Island on Saturday night. Anyone who wants to join us for a fun night under the stars after the float contact Joan.

Annual Meeting Blog

2011-07-15T04:35:00.002-05:00

CHECK IT OUT the 2011 Annual Meeting Blog can be found by clicking the link: www.tennesseetrails2011.blogspot.com

The blog has been updated and will continue to be updated with Hike Descriptions, Housing Information, Photos of Auction Items and MORE!

So click on & save to your favorites and check often for the changes to come!

Monthly Meeting

2011-07-11T09:14:00.000-05:00

Aug. 9 (Tuesday)-Monthly chapter meeting at 7PM at the Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park. Along with our regular business meeting, Mr. Tom Bentley of the Highland Rim Chapter will give a fascinating presentation on his recent Sailing Adventure with 35 Boy Scouts from Key West to the Dry Tortugas. Please Join Us! Contact Tony Jones at 615-397-4463 or tonjon1968@gmail.com for more information.

The Current Listing of Annual Meeting Hikes 7-11

2011-07-08T15:28:00.002-05:00

Tennessee Trails Association

2011 Annual Meeting Hike Descriptions

Hike Coordinator - Joan Hartvigsen - jhartvigs@comcast.net

Friday October 28, 2011

Fiery Gizzard, Dog Hole, Raven Point Trails. 8 miles difficult. Hike Leader Diane Manas.

Shakerag Hollow Trail. 3 milesmoderate. Hike Leader Glen Rognstad.

Grundy Forest Day Loop. 2 milesmoderate. Hike Leader Marietta Poteet.

Saturday October 29, 2011

Cloudland Canyon State Park Waterfallsand Sitton’s Gulch Trail. 7 miles strenuous. Hike Leader Joan Hartvigsen.

Stone Door, Big Creek Gulf,Big Creek Rim Trails. 9 miles strenuous. Hike Leader Ron Dunn

Stone Door, Big Creek Rim, Laurel Trails. 7miles moderate. Hike Leader Tony Jones.

Fiery Gizzard, Dog Hole, Raven Point Trails. 8 milesstrenuous. Hike Leader Charlotte Broyles.

Savage Day Loop. 4.2 mileseasy. Hike Leader Fount Bertram.

North Rim, Mountain Oak, and North Plateau Trails. 10 milesmoderate. Hike Leader Garnett Rush.

Sewanee Perimeter Trail. (Bridal Veil Falls,Morgans Steep, Proctors Hall, War Memorial) Bridal Veil Falls is 3 miles. Hike Leader Glen Rognstad.

Cumberland Trail-Signal Point Segment. 7 miles moderate. Hike Leader Diane Manas.

Old Stone Fort State Archeological Park. 4 miles easyto moderate. Hike Leader Bob Goodwin.

Grundy Forest Day Loop. 2 miles moderate. Hike Leader Jim Poteet.

Sunday October 30, 2011

Cloudland Canyon State Park, West RimTrail. 5 miles moderate. Hike Leader Joan Hartvigsen.

Greeter Falls Loop (Upper and lower Greeter Falls, Boardtree Falls,Blue Hole Trail). 4 miles moderate. Hike Leader Marietta Poteet.

Walls of Jericho. 7 milesstrenuous. Hike Leader Sara Pollard.

Fall Creek Falls,GorgeOverlook, and Woodland Trails. 3 miles moderate to strenuous. Hike Leader Nora Henn.

Short Springs State NaturalArea. 5 miles moderate. Hike Leader Cindy Watson.

Foster Falls/Climbers Loop. 2 mile loop. Strenuous. Hike Leader NabilWakid.

News and Notes

2011-07-08T13:22:00.001-05:00

Craig McBride is your new BLOGMASTER. This will be my last post as your blogmaster and would like to give some news/notes and tidbits before Craig takes over.

The next update will come from Craig. Please be patient as there may be a brief hiatus in posts until Craig figures out how he wants to proceed. Please send all blog information that you wish to have posted to Craig at rutherfordvfd@gmail.com and Craig will post your articles.

THANK YOU Craig for stepping up for your chapter and volunteering for this position. I know everyone will appreciate it because the blog is so popular!

NEWS : ANNUAL MEETING UPDATE

--Registration is going very well so far. The month of June and currently for July we have 32 paid registrations.
--We currently need VOLUNTEERS to step up and help with several things that are happening now such as Auction Items (both donating & cataloging). We also need to begin to think about our signage and who will be responsible for creating/printing/hanging etc...
--REMEMBER there are no SINGLE rooms left in Bishop's Hall, but you can pay for a single and get a double room. There are still singles left in Claiborne Hall.

MURFREESBORO CHAPTER: We will be needing officers for our chapter next year. If you are interested please let me know.

STATEWIDE OFFICER POSITIONS: The TTA Statewide positions are also available. The TTA is looking for a Vice-President, Treasurer and Webmaster for the coming year. If you are interested in a statewide position please contact Don Dresser at don_dresser@usit.net

Remember we have a meeting this Tuesday July 12 with Sir Bob Goodwin presenting his trip to and through New Mexico. Come join us!

BLOGMASTER

2011-06-24T22:09:00.000-05:00

I'm looking for someone to take over the blog duties immediately.

I have too much going on with work, running the chapter, annual meeting, etc. and the blog is the most expendable thing at this point.

If you want to learn to do the blog, and you have time for one on one training sessions, I would be glad to teach you---otherwise, the Blog has ended.

If you are interested, contact me at tonjon1968@gmail.com or 615-397-4463

The Newsletter and the Tennessee Trails Website calendar will be your immediate spot to find upcoming information on the Murfreesboro and other chapters.

TTA Picnic was fun, festive and the weather was COOL!

2011-06-15T22:57:00.000-05:00

The weather was nice. The temperature dropped down into the 70's while we were enjoying our annual TTA picnic at Barfield Park. The rain stayed away and 28 of us dined on Rick's Bar-be-que and all kinds of sides and desserts brought by the members.

We talked, joked and had lots of fun for one night. It felt good.

The following pictures were sent to me by Bob Goodwin---I'm not responsible for the poses! :)

Radford Smith and Sandra Parker

Sara Pollard, Anna Bertram and Steve Pollard

Cathy Bingham and Tony Jones

Anna & Fount Bertram

Hazel Smith & Anna Bertram

Billie Jo and Winston Bowling

MaryBelle Ginanni and Lacy Wakid

Ann Ford and Bud Young

Nabil Wakid and Martin McCullough

Bruce and Margaret Harvey

Steve Pollard and Maryedith McFarlin

Sara and Steve Pollard

Ann Jacobs and her grandson Joseph

Bob Goodwin and Sandra Parker

Tracy Smith and Bob Goodwin

TTA PICNIC. THIS TUESDAY 6PM, Barfield Crescent Park

2011-06-12T23:33:00.000-05:00

NEXT MEETING: Tuesday June 14 at 6PM at Pavilion #5 at Barfield Crescent Park. This is our annual chapter picnic. The chapter will provide the meat items, plates,napkins, cutlery,cups and drinks (soda & tea). Please bring a side dish and/or a dessert to share. Please RSVP for this picnic so that we can get an idea of the food amount. Please bring your family and friends (NO PETS). Remember, please, RSVP to Tony at 6150-397-4463 or tonjon1968@gmail.com

TTA MURFREESBORO YARD SALE! A HUGE SUCCESS!

2011-06-12T23:29:00.000-05:00

Hey Gang,

The yard sale finally happened and we did very well despite the inferno that was June 11th. I think the temps were hovering somewhere around 98-100 degrees, but we survived and had a good time. These sales are always difficult to put together and execute, but the end result is worth it. Our chapter raised just a tad north of $600.00 with just a little hard work and dedication.

Thanks to Anna Bertram for putting this show together and all who donated tables, hangers or good junk for the sale. It was all very much appreciated.

A special Thank You to those that worked the entire sale from 6AM until about 4PM: Anna Bertram, Cathy Bingham, Ann Jacobs, Lindsey Smith, Tony Jones and to all those who came out and helped when they could: Sara Pollard, Hazel Smith, Winston Bowling, Billie Jo Bowling, Valerie Galan, Valerie Drake, Maryedith McFarlin, Nabil Wakid, Mary Lee Morton, Mary Belle Ginanni, Rad Smith, Bob Goodwin, Sandra Parker and Jame Bertram.

And special thanks to Dr. Wayne Potter for allowing us the use of his parking lot and his restroom for our sale!

Just some pics of the day (Thanks Bob Goodwin)

Maryedith enjoying a book "Sex and the Seasoned Woman" I wonder who donated THAT one?

Billie Jo and Winston Bowling

Maryedith McFarlin and Bob Goodwin

Working the sale

Tony Jones and Mary Lee Morton

Cathy Bingham negotiating a big sale

Mary Belle Ginanni and Sandra Parker

Billie Jo Bowling

Nabil Wakid and Cathy Bingham

Valerie Galan

Mary Belle, Anna Bertram, Sandra and Dr. Potter

Rad Smith and Nabil

Billie Jo and Hazel Smith

Sandra and Bob

Sandra and Maryedith

Valerie, Tony and Sandra

Working the sale

Sara Pollard, Maryedith and Ann Jacobs

FANTASTIC NEWS FROM JIM SCHROEDER!

2011-06-10T08:54:00.000-05:00

Great Eastern Trail - Alternative To Appalachian Trail - Will Come Through Chattanooga
http://www.chattanoogan.com/articles/article_203091.asp
Tony, this is the project I have been working on that might be of some interest to club members. My involvement was that I pretty much brokered this agreement with NPS. This is just one step in the process of getting through Chattanooga and connecting to the CT in Soddy Daisy. This might even be worth sending to TTA news letter.

Jim Schroeder

Chattanoogan.com - Your Source for Local Breaking News
http://www.chattanoogan.com
Great Eastern Trail - Alternative To Appalachian Trail - Will Come Through Chattanooga
posted June 9, 2011

The National Park Service and the Great Eastern Trail Association on Thursday announced the designation of 8.1 miles of Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park trails on Lookout Mountain as a segment of the Great Eastern Trail.

Officials said this segment is part of a route from the Georgia Pinhoti Trail to the Cumberland Trail near Soddy Daisy.

The Great Eastern Trail is designed to be a western alternative to the Appalachian Trail passing through parts of nine states between the southern end of the Appalachian Mountains in Alabama and the Finger Lake Trail in New York.

The formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding creating this designation will take place at the Craven House on Lookout Mountain on Monday, June 27, at 10:30 am.

Park officials said, "This is a landmark event for the routing of the Great Eastern Trail through the Chattanooga Metropolitan Area."

Reminder--TTA YARD SALE SATURDAY JUNE 11

2011-06-01T17:43:00.002-05:00

REMINDER -- TTA YARD SALE SATURDAY, JUNE 11TH

PLACE: 1132 West Clark Blvd., off NW Broad, around the corner from Big K (formerly known as K-Mart)

This is in the parking lot in front of the Dr. Wayne Potter, DC office.

SALE TIME: 7:30 A.M. TO 3:30 P.M. (Which means we need workers from at least 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

We are starting over making a schedule of volunteers. Please contact Anna Bertram now at abertram@dtccom.net to let her know what hours you will work. Please do this even if you have already told her you will help.

If you have items to be sold and cannot get them to the sale by starting time plan to bring them as early that day as possible.

We need tables of all sizes on which to display items. Be sure to label them with your name and the words - NOT FOR SALE prominently displayed. To help with display we can also use bookcases, clothes racks, hangers, clothes pins, clothes line, laundry baskets, drop cloths, old shower curtains, etc. We need all the display items as early as possible the day of the sale.

The proceeds from this sale are needed to help pay the advance expenses for the Annual Meeting 2011, our Chapter's operating funds, and our annual donation toward the completion of the Cumberland Trail. Our treasury is very low. The success of this sale is up to you.

Fount Bertram

2011-05-30T22:35:00.000-05:00

From Anna Bertram, regarding Fount.

Fount is still very sick and will take many weeks to recover. He is too ill for phone calls or computer but anyone who would like to land mail him a get well card may send it to our home address:

Fount Bertram

2100 Bradyville Hill Road

Bradyville, TN 37026

Cards, especially humorous ones, brighten his days.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT for MURFREESBORO MEMBERS

2011-05-30T16:39:00.001-05:00

Please note that we have positions of leadership within the chapter that need to be filled. The voting will be held in October and the new leaders will begin their terms in January of 2012, so it is imperative that we start now looking for volunteers to lead our chapter into the future. Please consider heading up, or helping form a nominating committee that would oversee the election of new leaders. Anyone who wants to be in charge of or a part of this committee please contact Tony Jones at 615-397-4463 or tonjon1968@gmail.com

We currently need the following positions to be filled: (at this time)

CHAPTER OFFICER: Tony Jones is stepping down after a year as Chapter Officer and two years as Co-Officer.

HIKE COORDINATOR-Ron Dunn is stepping down after a year in this position.

PROGRAM DIRECTOR: Valerie Galan is stepping down after two years in this position.

SOCIAL COORDINATOR: Cathy Bingham is stepping down after two years in this position.

BLOG MASTER: Tony Jones would like to step away from this and will be willing to FULLY TRAIN anyone who wants to give it a go. This is not an ELECTED position, but rather a position that helps keep the chapter members informed. Blogs are NOT a mandatory part of the chapter and can be discontinued if no one is willing to take it on.

So far, I have yet to hear from Ann Jacobs (Treasurer) or Sara Pollard (Membership) So, these positions are full for the time being.

Over the past several years, Anna & Fount Bertram and Tony & Millette Jones have done a fantastic job moving our chapter forward, I do hope that we have current members that are willing to help take us even further. Please consider volunteering for one or more of the positions that are available.

Hike Report: Citico Creek Wilderness Area--Craig's Hikes

2011-05-30T16:26:00.000-05:00

http://craigshikes.blogspot.com/

Craig McBride and company hiked in the Citico Creek Wilderness area. Follow the link above for his blog and hike report!

Float Report: Duck River Normandy Dam to Dement Bridge 5-29-11

2011-05-30T16:24:00.000-05:00

Our first float trip of the season was actually an informal impromptu one. Marcia Medford of Highland Rim joined myself and Alan & Jill Cutler from Murfreesboro on the river.

We started at Normandy Dam and had to portage at Cortner Mill where we rested and ate our lunch, before getting back on the river and floating to the take-out at Dement Bridge.

Although we only had four in our party, there were lots of people on the river this day, floating in canoes, kayaks and tubes as well as fishermen (and women) of all ages.

The water was cold and we were really only able to put our feet in, but I have a feeling it will be warming up very soon!

Hike Report: Downtown Nashville City Walk 5-28-11

2011-05-30T16:20:00.000-05:00

Twelve of us TTA'ers from Nashville and Murfreesboro parked at LP Field and walked across the Pedestrian Bridge into Lower Broadway.

They just happened to be setting up in the middle of the street for a Jimmy Buffett street concert in front of Margaritaville so there was lots of excitement going on.

We walked up Broadway, admiring the various Honky Tonks and local scenery before turning onto Fifth Ave where we walked past the Ryman, visited Printer's Alley, The Arcade and rested inside the very cool main library. We then crossed to the State Capitol, unfortunately it was closed. Then headed to Farmer's Market where we ate and admired all the good stuff for sale there. We then visited the Bicentennial Mall, which is one of our State Parks, headed down Second past the Wildhorse, The Hard Rock and back across the bridge to LP Field.

Although unseasonably warm--it was a great hike and a fun day. Thanks to the Nashville members for joining us.

Hike Report: Adventure Trip To Prichard's Distillery 5-24-11

2011-05-30T16:14:00.000-05:00

From Mary Belle Ginanni

Fourteen of us left Sam's parking lot sometime after 9 a.m. on Tuesday, May 24, heading for Kelso, TN, in a caravan of 5 vehicles. Anna was our sole leader as Fount had just gotten home from MTMC the previous day due to pneumonia. Mac Prichard, cousin of Phil, the Master Distiller, was scheduled to join us but he called Anna that morning to say that a large tree had fallen at his house and he had to dispose of it. We arrived at The Restaurant at Elk River in Kelso, 6 mi. east of Fayetteville, shortly before 11 a.m. and they allowed us to go in early. We decided that the building had at one time housed a bank. Though we failed to verify that fact, there is a very large safe in the area of the restroom. The menu offered a variety of foods. Most favorable comments came regarding the Prichard's Double Barrel Whiskey onion soup, the grouper Reuben and the hot brown. Desserts included key lime pie and a chocolate mousse/cheesecake with chocolate sauce.

I believe we would have been happy had the trip ended there but on we drove, maybe a 1/2 mi., to an old school building which houses Prichard's Distillery, the third largest in TN. Connie Prichard, the wife of the distiller, gave a very interesting tour of the distilling process which ends in the bottling room. (Though we started at that end due to other guests being at that point.) After the tour, we went into the tasting room and were shown the variety of products distilled there and generously served samples. In addition to rum, and several flavored rums, whiskey is now distilled there, along with Lincoln Lightning. The business, which started with only Phil Prichard, the Master Distiller, now employs 11 people.

The drive into that part of TN is lovely, The Restaurant provided a nice dining experience and the tour was quite interesting. Those who were unable to join the Adventure Trip, might enjoy an outing on their own. There were cameras in the group but I think no pictures were made. Thanks to Anna (and Fount) for providing the experience. Get well wishes go to Fount.

The Adventure Trip was a combined group of folk from the M'boro chapter TTA and Friends of Edgar Evins Park.

Trail Work June 4-8

2011-05-25T12:06:00.002-05:00

From Sara Pollard:

I'm interested in doing trail work June 4-8. I would really like to carpool because of the distance to Scott County and the remote area.

If interested, please call me at 714-3610 or email spollard@mtsu.edu

Thanks,
Sara

Upcoming Hike: Downtown Nashville City Walk 5-28-11

2011-05-20T18:40:00.000-05:00

May 28- Downtown Nashville City Walk, 4 miles. Easy.
This will be a FAMILY FRIENDLY event, so bring 'em if you got 'em. NO PETS because we will be going inside buildings.This will be a very easy walk around the most famous portions of downtown Nashville. We will start at LP Field, cross the Shelby Street Pedestrian Bridge and head up Broadway. We will turn onto Fifth Ave and continue to the Bicentennial Mall and Farmer's Market. We will walk past the Courthouse over the Woodland Street Bridge and return to LP Field. BRING YOUR CAMERA! This will be a leisurely walk and we will play "tourist" and stop at all the famous spots. Some stops will include The Hard Rock Cafe, Various Honky Tonks and Western Wear shops, Bridgestone Arena, Ryman Auditorium, Printers Alley, the State Capitol and ANYWHERE ELSE we desire to stop. I plan to have lunch at a restaurant and we will decide as a group where to eat. Contact Tony Jones at 615-397-4463 or tonjon1968@gmail.com to register.

Upcoming Event: Adventure Trip to Prichard's Distillery 5-24-11

2011-05-20T18:39:00.002-05:00

Tuesday, May 24, 2011 - Adventure Trip to Prichards Distillery and "The Restaurant Kelso": Remember Mack Prichard, the recently retired State Naturalist? This is the small rum distillery started by his cousin and it has become world renown in a short time. They still do things the "old way" by hand and offer some unique products, including cranberry rum for holiday recipes. We will tour the facility and have lunch at The Restaurant Kelso, an upscale eatery "in the middle of nowhere". We may even visit a waterfall if time permits. Kelso is down toward Winchester and the Alabama State Line. We'll meet at 9 a.m. in the Sam's Club parking lot, behind Hardees. Bring money for lunch and to chip in on car expenses if you ride with someone else. More information and to signup: Contact Fount or Anna Bertram, abertram@dtccom.net or (615) 765-5357

Craigshikes Updates: GRAND CANYON

2011-05-20T18:32:00.000-05:00

http://craigshikes.blogspot.com/

Follow the LINK above.

Cumberland Trail Building Trek Report by Jim Schroeder

2011-05-20T18:23:00.001-05:00

Cumberland Trail Building Trek Report

By Jim Schroeder

Martin McCullough and I made the 190 mile one–way trek to wilds of Tennessee near Smoky Junction to participate in the “Closing the Gap” trail building program of May 12-23. This is in an area approximately 7 miles (as the crow flies) northeast of Frozen Head State Park. We spent three days as part of a team of 18 people, 10 of which were young men, some from the Rutherford County area, along with some “hard core” volunteers. The work was in the hills along the east bank of the Straight Fork to Smoky Creek, a tributary to the New River. The weather was damp and drizzling, the trail muddy, but the work rewarding, especially when one walks out on what was built in just the 3 days we were there.

Few recognize the tremendous efforts of our own Tony Hook as manager of the CTC in setting up these types of endeavors. It is not just the directing of the crews but also all the logistics involved. For example, it includes 3 days early arrival to recondition access roads, clear camping spots, setting up the camp mess tent, cook tent, privy, gathering tools, food supplies, water tank, etc. and the list goes on. Our personal thanks to Tony for his continuous dedication to complete the Cumberland Trail with minimal State Park Support!

TTA ANNUAL MEETING REGISTRATION FORM and other important things!

2011-05-20T18:10:00.000-05:00

Hey there all,

I am posting a RIGHT SIDE BAR post that will link with the REGISTRATION FORM for the annual meeting. We finally got the kinks worked out and thanks so much to Sara Pollard for putting the form together and to Joan Hartvigsen (Highland Rim) for getting not only the hike list....BUT MOST OF the hike leaders as well. WE ARE MAKING PROGRESS!!!!! :) :) :)

NOW, for the form. Those of you who just can't wait wait for it to arrive in the JULY newsletter, print it out and send in on in to me. Remember there are plenty of rooms, but space is limited. (Yes, an Oxymoron, I know...but you get the picture)

Those of you (YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE) who asked me to reserve them a room, please register early for it so that it will be out of sight out of mind and yours for the weekend.

May 21 Cloudland Canyon Weekend. IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT!

2011-05-18T17:54:00.000-05:00

From Anna Bertram

Fount and I are not feeling well. ("colds" with fever.) We are going to have to cancel our day hike at Cloudland Canyon for Saturday. So far we have only had one contact us, a Kate Croy from Nashville. I am referring her to the Plateau Chapter as they are also scheduled to hike there Saturday. (Bill Harris, 931-484-9152 or Sue1290 @frontier.net)

We are having to pay for two nights camping because we did not cancel early enough. If anyone wants to camp there on Friday and/or Saturday night have them get in touch with us. We can let them have our reservation at a reduced price.

YARD SALE POSTPONED DUE TO RAIN

2011-05-12T14:49:00.000-05:00

Please note that the Yard Sale scheduled for This Saturday May 14 has been POSTPONED to be now held on Saturday June 11th.

Please see post below this one. ALL INFORMATION/DETAILS REMAIN THE SAME

THIS SATURDAY! TTA MURFREESBORO YARD SALE! THE TIME HAS COME!

2011-05-09T18:51:00.000-05:00

MAY 14TH YARD SALE THIS SATURDAY!!

Please let Anna know as soon as possible what you will do for the yard sale. We are asking for 100% participation from our Chapter members in some way . . . labor, goods, the loan of tables, a truck, etc.

The monies raised from this sale will provide front money for miscellaneous expenses relating to the upcoming Annual Meeting, provide operating funds for our TTA Chapter, and allow us to make our annual contribution toward the completion of the Cumberland Trail.

We need as many people as we can get so if you know of anyone else willing to work please let me know. They may be your family members or friends who are capable and willing to help us for all or part of the day.

Here are some specific jobs to be filled:

Two persons to load and transport the contents of our storage unit near the park to the place of the sale early that morning. We need the merchandise at the sale as close to 7 a.m. as possible.

(The previous two people will need to use a pickup truck or a trailer so if you are willing to drive or loan one let me know.)

People to help set up for the sale ... Be there by 7 a.m.

Cashier and one alternate cashier

About 4 people to receive new merchandise, price (if it is not already), sort and display it

Clerks to help the customers throughout the day

Persons to help load heavy or bulky items in the customers vehicles

People to shut down the sale at 3:30 p.m., pack, load, empty trash, tidy the area ... should be through about 4:30 p.m.

Please let me know what hours you will work and what jobs you prefer to do.

OTHER NEEDS

In addition we need tables, lots of tables! Lindsey Smith is bringing 3. If you can loan one or more tables let me know.

We can also use other display items such as portable coat racks, bookcases, utility shelving, clothes baskets, etc. Anything you loan must be clearly labeled with the words NOT FOR SALE, your name and address, etc.

We need items to sell. These can be just about anything legal, moral and ethical. Here are a few examples: clothing, books, c.d.s, kitchen stuff, linens, curtains, garden supplies, unopened containers of almost anything that is legal for resale and clearly labeled as to contents, furniture, exercise equipment, lamps, garage tools, ladders, leftover building supplies, baby equipment, lawn chairs, camping equipment, yard art and maintenance supplies, porch swings. Many more things are good yard sale items. If in doubt just call Anna.

Thanks!

Anna Bertram
Home Phone: 615-765-5357
Email: abertram@dtccom.net

Monthly Meeting: THIS TUESDAY 7PM 5-10-11 at Barfield Park Wilderness Station

2011-05-09T18:49:00.000-05:00

May 10-Monthly Meeting at Barfield Crescent Park Wilderness Station at 7PM. This is our planning meeting for the months of August 2011 through January 2012.

This will be a FINGER FOOD SNACK MEETING, so please bring something to share and your calendars. Please volunteer to lead a hike, or suggest a possibility for a hike you might like to do.

Hike Report: Cummins Falls 5-7-11

2011-05-09T18:47:00.000-05:00

From Nabil Wakid.

Rad, James and I joined the "Save Cummins Falls" group Saturday. We started by viewing the Falls from a lookout point, then hiked down to the river. From there we hiked upstream to the falls having to wade knee deep at times. The group was mostly from Cookville and Nashville; we were the only ones from Murfreesboro. Great time!

Hike Report: Cloudland Canyon State Park 5-7-11

2011-05-09T18:41:00.001-05:00

Joan Hartvigsen of the Highland Rim chapter led this wonderful hike to North Georgia's Cloudland Canyon, affectionately called "The Grand Canyon of the East". The weather was beautiful and wildflowers and Rhododendron in bloom.

Our last trip there (March 2) we hiked the Sitton Gulf Trail which meanders below the gorge. This time around we went on the West Rim Loop and walked the edge of the canyon. We also visited the waterfalls. You do not want to leave without taking in the splendor of these falls. Once nameless, are now named. Waterfall #1 is now Cherokee Falls and Waterfall #2 is now Hemlock Falls.

Myself & Vicki Williams from Murfreesboro joined Tom & Joan Hartvigsen and Marietta Poteet from Highland Rim, Mary Cole from Nashville and Pat Serio from Knoxville on this 8 mile hike.

Tom Hartvigsen & Pat Serio

Joan Hartvigsen & Mary Cole

CHEROKEE FALLS

Tom & Joan Hartvigsen at Cherokee Falls

Marietta Poteet

HEMLOCK FALLS

Tony Jones, Tom Hartvigsen, Joan Hartvigsen, Marietta Poteet, Vicki Williams, Mary Cole and Pat Serio at Hemlock Falls

To view the complete gallery click HERE!

Hike Report: Bowling Farm Social & Potluck 4-30

2011-05-03T19:50:00.000-05:00

Unfortunately, I had to miss my first ever hike to the Bowling Farm and from the look & sound of it, I missed quite a hike.

Thanks to Mary Belle Ginanni for taking over my "leading" duties and for providing the following report. And thanks to Bob Goodwin for providing the photos. He provided 41, and they were all so good I hated to just choose a few. I will try to get them all into an album soon so you can link there and see them all!

We had a good day. BJ hiked with us until we got to the stream which was running pretty heavy so she and Mary Lee and Hazel turned back to join Winston and Lindsey at the house. The rest of us soldiered on, led at various times by James, Marty and Tracey. We were all happy to get back to the house and eat. there was just enough room for all of us to sit on the back porch and enjoy the breeze. There were not many flowers, though near the end of the trail we found a lone pink lady slipper (orchid). Oh yes, when the 3 women turned back, they encountered a rattlesnake en rout.

Winston Bowling, Billie Jo Bowling, Hazel Smith, Sandra Parker, Lindsey Smith, Bud Young, Janie Young, Marty McCullough, Radford Smith, Mary Lee Morton, Nabil Wakid, James Smith, Tracy Smith, Mary Belle Ginanni. Bob Goodwin was the picture taker.

Billie Jo and Winston Bowling

Janie & Bud Young

Rhododendron In Bloom

Bob Goodwin & Sandra Parker

Mary Belle Ginanni

Report: Edgar Evins State Park Workday 4/30/11

2011-05-03T19:30:00.000-05:00

From Anna Bertram

Report on April 30th Trail Work Day and Lunch at Edgar Evins State Park. When the call went out for volunteers to help reroute a section of hiking trail near the Visitors Center it was met by 53 members of Tennessee Trails Association, Friends of Edgar Evins State Park, the Cannon County High School Outdoor Club, area Girl Scouts, and loyal park employees. A lot of serious trail work was done, with ample time off to fraternize and enjoy a delicious home made lunch furnished by the Friends of EESP. The 2 mile trail receiving so much attention is the lush and hilly Highland Rim Nature Trail near the Visitors Center. It is especially known for its spring wildflowers but is heavily used year-round. This is Phase I of the work to be accomplished on this trail through a $500 Evan Means Small Grant awarded to the FOEESP by TN Trails Association last February. When the renovation is completed it will be a self-guided nature trail with signs along the way that identify the various tree species. Although more work was accomplished this first day than expected there will be another trail work day soon to install water bars and steps. Among the TTA members helping with this project so far are Jim Schroeder, Fount and Anna Bertram, all three from the Murfreesboro Chapter, Bobby Hardeman from Columbia/Franklin, Guy Zimmerman from Upper Cumberland Chapter, and Mark Stanfill, member at large. If you did not have an opportunity to help this time perhaps you will be available for the next work day. Contact Fount or Anna Bertram for more information: abertram@dtccom.net or (615)765-5357 or visit the website at http://foeesp.ne1.net

Craigshikes Updates: White Oak Sinks 4/24

2011-05-03T19:26:00.002-05:00

Sunday, April 24, 2011

White Oak Sinks

I wanted to spend some time with my parents over Easter weekend. I was off Friday and Saturday to I went to the Ponderosa after work. We spent the day cleaning up brush from several trees that my parents had to have taken down. We got quite the fire going as we hauled piles of limbs over to burn. That night after a good dinner of fish from a local restaurant we had a serious game of cards, which Granny and myself won two out of three games.

The next morning we head to the mountains and did a five mile hike in and out to the White Oak Sinks. It is not on the official trail map but is off the Schoolhouse Gap trail. There is a water fall and cave in the sink area and this time of year all kinds of flowers.

After we got back we had a wonderful Easter dinner before I had to head home. Happy Easter to all of you out there.

Craigshikes Updates: Smokies Weekend 4/27

2011-05-03T19:25:00.000-05:00

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Easter Weekend Backpack in the Smokies

Diane planned a three day weekend trip in the Smokies and 5 ladies said “I want to go!” I met up with all of them in Crossville at the Cracker Barrel. They drove from Nashville (Diane, Sue, Gloria Dale, and Nancy) and the ‘Boro (Sara). My sweetheart drove into the parking lot just before we took off. He was heading to Maryville to spend the weekend with his mom and dad, and I needed a hug before hitting the trails. We all took off for the mountains.

We stopped at the Subway at the Sevierville exit and then joined the millions of cars heading into the Smokies. Diane whipped out the road map and found 416 to Greenbriar. Yeah! No driving thru Pigeon Forge!!!! We got off 416 onto 321 just outside the road leading into the Porter’s Creek Trail. Lots of folks were along the river enjoying the pretty weather and holiday weekend. Lots of cars at the trailhead. We jumped out and sat down to eat our Subway sandwiches; then off we went.

Porter’s Creek Trail is one of the most popular trails well known for spring wildflowers and there were bunches! We saw so many different kinds: Yellow Trillium, Showy Orchis, Dwarf Crested Iris, Pink Lady Slippers, Phlox, Wild Geranium, violets, one of the violets has two different blooms on it; one purple, one white. So pretty. The Pink Lady Slippers drew quite and audience, fancy cameras and tripods set up waiting for the light to be just right. More flowers: Sweet Cecily, Toothwort, Fringed Phacelia, Squaw Root, Brook Lettuce, Torch Grass, and Frasier’s Sedge.

We checked out the old cemetery and saw the remains of a rusted old car. We passed Fern Falls, I got a picture of the falls waiting for everyone to cross the slippery rocks. We hiked to the campsite at the end of the trail and took a short break. It’s so cool to look up at Charlie’s Bunion looming over you. This is a great campsite and pretty. There were Painted Trilliums blooming close by. We were reading the trail description and some wanted to know where Fern Falls was; I told them we passed it on the way up and would make sure they saw it on the way down. We spotted Umbrella Leaf coming back down the trail.

Back at the trailhead we drove back to 321 and went to Greenbriar Island Campground to set up for the night. Sara brought a six person tent and it worked out perfect for our crew.
Watched the stars pop out and got a good night’s sleep.
Day one 7.2 miles

We got up early packed up and took one car to the Bullhead Trailhead, and drove back to Porter’s Creek. Looked at the wildflower show again on the way to the Brushy Mountain Trail. We stopped long enough to check out the old SMHC cabin built 1934-1936, a big barn and the spring house. Lot of history here. Then it was up, up, up the trail. And it started getting WARM. We noticed lots of piles of rocks on both sides of the trail, left from old settlements. We saw more wildflowers that we didn’t see yesterday: golden ragwort, chickweed, and lots of buttercups. There was an old washtub and a collapsed chimney at an old homesite.

When we got to the trail junction for Trillium Gap we took a long lunch break resting from the climb. 5 of us went on to the end of the Brushy Mt. trail while 1 watched our packs; she had already hiked this part before. The view from the top was of the towns below and sand myrtle was blooming along the way. Then up Trillium Gap. We found Ramps, nice oniony smell, lots of Spring Beauty, Trout Lily, and Bead Lily. We have now walked from late spring back into early spring wildflowers. We had great views of Brushy Mt. and Mt. LeConte going up. This is the trail the llamas are used to take supplies to and from the Mt. LeConte Lodge. We found evidence. I think they are trained to all go at the same spot on the trail. One poops, they all poop.

We made it to the top by 4 pm and found the shelter. Oh no! The door to the privy was lying on the ground. Anyone at the shelter can wave at you while you potty.

We walked back down to the Lodge and pumped our water. Rested for a while and then Yoga time. Stretch out those muscles. Thanks Diane and Nancy for Yoga class. We walked up to Cliff Tops to see the sunset with all the people from the Lodge. It was windy and sort of cloudy; the sunset was beautiful and made pink and orange swirls.
Day two 10 miles

I woke up sometime thru the night to look at the stars. Seems like you can reach up and touch them. I woke up at daylight and jumped out of my sleeping bag; I wanted to see the sunrise from Myrtle point. I hiked maybe ¼ mile past the shelter and there’s the sun! It rises earlier on the mountain top? It was cloudy on the horizon so the sun was shining thru the multi colored clouds. What a glorious Easter sunrise!

Back at the shelter everyone was up and cooking breakfast. The Easter Bunny showed up with treats for all and hopped along the trail with us the rest of the day.

We started down Bullhead Trail and down it is. Lots of pretty views going down. We got to the Pulpit and took a short break studying the trail description so we wouldn’t miss seeing the head of the Bull. Found it. Well, a couple of the ladies found it and spent some time trying to help some of us see it too. I think I saw it. Then on down we hiked to a rock house and stopped for lunch.

Just around the bend was another rock house, more room for sitting, and not as damp inside. Oh well. We finally made it back to level ground and to the parking lot. Picked up the other car at Porter’s Creek and headed back to I 40. Back in Crossville we ate supper at the Cracker Barrel and then headed for home.
Day three 7.6 miles
Total miles 24.8

Six Wild Wacky Wonderful Women Walking in the Woods, Watching for Wildflowers!

Craigshikes Updates: Smokemont 5/3

2011-05-03T19:23:00.000-05:00

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Smokemont

Day One: 3.6
Bradley Fork 1.25
Chasteen Creek to Campsite #48 2.4

Day Two: 8.2
Chasteen Creek to Enloe Creek 2.0
Enloe Creek to Hyatt Ridge 3.6
Hyatt Ridge to #44 2.6

Day Three: 8.0
Hyatt Ridge to Beech Gap 0.9
Beech Gap to Balsam Mt. 5.3
Balsam Mt. to Laurel Gap shelter 1.8

Day Four: 11.7
Balsam Mt. to AT 6
AT to Pecks Corner 5.3
Hughes Ridge to Peck's shelter 0.4

Day Five: 9.1
Hughes Ridge to Bradley Fork 1.8
Bradley Fork to Smokemont 7.3

Total Miles: 40.6

Well we again went from plan A to plan B. We had a five day hike planned starting on Thursday. Wednesday on the way through Woodbury going to work, I had waves coming down the road at me in the heavy rain. The water was getting deep and the radio was saying that Rutherford County was having the worst storms. It just happens to be where I was heading to. This was only the beginning of a long day. The storms were going to get worse.

The most tornadoes to hit in one day in history......wow! After working storm damage at work I headed home the next morning. The last conversation with Lora was when I told her it was all clear on the radar. The phone wasn't working at the house that morning. Finally I got a call from her telling me she didn't know how I was going to get up the mountain as the tornado damage has blocked the way I usually come up the mountain. Four people had died less than a quarter mile from our home and damage was massive. Lora had visited the basement while this was going on, but had no idea that the tornado had hit so close and so much damage had occurred. She found out when she drove down the road to get a cell signal. I got another call from her just before I got to the mountain and the police had told her they had cleared enough road to get one car at a time up the mountain.

I got the generator running as Lora grabbed food from her Mom's and sisters houses. With no damage at home other than replanting a couple of bushes, we loaded up some saws and headed out to help the neighbors. Most of them were waiting for the insurance people. We ended up just collecting belongings from fields and bringing what ever we thought was important back to the people it belonged to. Afterwards, since we didn't have any power and it would be days before we got it back, we decided to go ahead with our hike. We took our generator and food to Lora's parents and headed to the Smokys. On the way, Lora looked at her phone and said "What? 5:30pm already?"

We registered at 8:11pm. We left out of Smokemont. We had planned on hiking the Smokemont Loop today, but since it was now dark we hiked the 3.6 miles in to campsite #48. It was a beautiful night and the stars were shining so we left off the rainfly and slept under the stars. We woke up with the splashing of water in our faces. AHHHHH it's raining. I got up, grabbed the rainfly, and deployed. The rain had stopped before I got the rainfly strapped down. Oh well.

The next morning we got up ate breakfast and headed down Chasteen Creek going towards Enloe Creek. Lots of uphill this morning. We saw a black bear just up hill from us digging at a fallen tree. He turned and looked at us, then walked up to the trail above and ran off. When I took a step forward a turkey flew off. He was about twenty feet downhill. It's going to be a good day. These are some beautiful trails.

When we got to Hyatt Ridge trail we saw four Yankees at the junction. We knew they were from the North when they didn't return our "hello's." When we got to campsite #44 there was already a tent in the premo site, so we had to set up at the group site. Campsite #44 is a pretty site with a spring flowing through it. After we set up the tent, cleaned up, and collected firewood, the two guys who had the other tent showed up. They came up from the creek and had been fishing all day. No, we didn't see any fish. Later on one other backpacker showed up. He collected water and went back down the trail. Lora and I sat by the fire and enjoyed the stars.

The next morning we hiked down the Beech Gap trail where we took a lunch break at the Straight Fork river and aired out our tent and bags. After lunch we past our first hiker of the trip as we started the steep climb up to Beech Gap. On the way up we passed three Benton Mackaye hikers that were hiking the Smoky Mountain section.

When we got to Beech Gap we took a well deserved rest in the meadow. We saw a group of seven backpackers come up that were heading to Laurel Gap shelter as well. At the shelter we ended up with ten people from North Carolina, Indiana, and Florida. Here we also made the rookie mistake of leaving our food in the shelter while all these people were around as we fetched water and cleaned up. When we got back we found that a mouse had attacked the food bags. Not too much damage luckily.

We did kick up a Grouse on the way to the spring and heard more the next morning. Our time at the shelter was spent socializing with our many backpacking brothers. One even had a guitar and played some songs for us. He didn't know "Rocky Top."

We did have fun with their "Fire Master." He broke out the old flint, shaved some off, got a spark, and was blowing like hell. In between he asked how I started one. I told him with lint and a lighter. He gave me that surprised look and ask the golden question; "You have a lighter?" After saying yes, one of his fellow hikers said that he had one too. Mystified he asked his partner why he didn't tell him this the night before. "You didn't ask!"

The next morning after saying our good byes, we hiked the easy Balsam Mt. ridge to the Appalachian Trail. We got to see some Juncos flying from their nests on the trail. Once we hit the AT we met backpackers. Three Ladies just hiking the Smoky Mountain section and eighteen thru-hikers heading to Maine. This is just on the 5.3 miles that we hiked. We enjoyed the views as always. This is what I consider the most beautiful part of the Smoky Mountains.

When we got to Pecks Corner shelter there were three hikers there already. These men were from Kentucky and one recognized the "Outcasts". He had read our hikes on the Sheltowee Trace. By dark we had ten hikers total, two of which were thru-hikers. Some of the hikers had also climbed Half Dome like Lora had. We had some wonderful conversations throughout the evening and in the morning as well. We did get a phone signal that night up by the privy that one of the hikers tip us off to. We had gotten power back the afternoon before.

After saying our goodbyes we headed down the Hughes Ridge trail and took the Bradley Fork trail back to Smokemont. Talk about a wildflower hike. These are some great trails.

UPCOMING HIKE: Cloudland Canyon 7 miles w/Highland Rim 5-7

2011-04-30T15:51:00.000-05:00

May 7-Cloudland Canyon; Rising Fawn, Ga. 7 miles, Difficult. This is a Highland Rim event. We will first hike the West Rim Loop Trail which is 5 miles. We will then hike the Waterfalls Trail about 2 miles round trip. The West Rim Trail has gorgeous overlooks into the canyon and along the western escarpment of Lookout Mountain. The Waterfalls Trail takes you to the bottom of two waterfalls, one with a 60 ft. drop and the other with a 90 ft. drop. These waterfalls are considered the most beautiful in the state of Georgia. Contact Joan Hartvigsen at 931-962-0811 to register and for more information.

Tennessee Trails- Murfreesboro

Scotts Gulf

AT Bear Resistant Containers Required

Sat. Feb. 11 - Backpack Trip: Bearwaller Gap

Fortress Rosecrans- Tony

Annual Chilly Chili Hike

TTA-Carter Mountain Hike-South of Winchester, TN

Stones River National Battlefield

Joyce Kilmer Wilderness Area

Savage Gulf

Cumberland Trail Building

Rugby State Natural Area

New Years Day Hike

Georgia AT- Neels Gap to Blue Ridge Gap

Hidden Lake- Tony

Christmas 2011

Radnor Lake

Grassy Cove Segment- Cumberland Trail

Radnor Lake

New Year's Day Update

Savage Gulf Day Hike by Sara

Dec. 3 - Candlelight Tour of Homes, Murfreesboro

Hobbs Cabin Hike

Savage Gulf Hike by Tony

Opryland Hotel by Tony

Old Stone Fort - Nov 25, 2011

Signal Point Backpack

University of the South

Cumberland Trail Building Trek, Report by Jim Schroeder.

Edgar Evins State Park

MURFREESBORO HIKE CALENDAR (FEB-JULY 2012)

The Hundred Mile Hike

The Annual New Years Day Hike and Feast

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR NEW SLATE OF OFFICERS FOR MURFREESBORO:

Sewanee Hike

Hike Bowling Tree Farm-11/5/​2011

TTA Annual Meeting

Cardwell Mountain

Mt. LeConte

North Carolina AT

multi-chapter effort that will be the feature article in the November TTA Newsletter.

Lookout Mountain

Georgia AT

Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park

Tennessee River Gorge III

Long Hunter VI

Report on Muddy Pond and Pumpkin Festival

Annual Meeting Update

20th Annual Great Pumpkin Festival at Allardt

Big South Fork, Gobbler's Knob Hike

Cardwell Mountain-Shellsford Trail of Tears at Cumberland Caverns 9-30-11

Gregory Ridge Trail

Walls of Jericho

Invasive Plant Removal Workshop

Tennessee River Float

Savage Gulf Hike

Dale Hollow Canoe Camping

Cumberland Trail Work

Cumberland Trail needs help

Hiwassee Refuge Lake

HELP

Cumberland State Park

Hike and Canoe trip

Chapter Meeting: Tuesday August 9@ 7PM

Upcoming Hike (s) Saturday August 13

Annual Meeting Blog

Monthly Meeting

The Current Listing of Annual Meeting Hikes 7-11

News and Notes

BLOGMASTER

TTA Picnic was fun, festive and the weather was COOL!

TTA PICNIC. THIS TUESDAY 6PM, Barfield Crescent Park

TTA MURFREESBORO YARD SALE! A HUGE SUCCESS!

FANTASTIC NEWS FROM JIM SCHROEDER!

Reminder--TTA YARD SALE SATURDAY JUNE 11

Fount Bertram

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT for MURFREESBORO MEMBERS

Hike Report: Citico Creek Wilderness Area--Craig's Hikes

Float Report: Duck River Normandy Dam to Dement Bridge 5-29-11

Hike Report: Downtown Nashville City Walk 5-28-11

Hike Bowling Tree Farm-11/5/2011