helloo

let's hear some motivation for this upcoming trip... how's the weather gunna be? still thinkin COLD? i love it.... just as long as my clothes don't freeze solid inside my pack again..

Fontana is a haul

So I went out to the trailhead at Fontana yesterday and hiked 10 miles of the trail (five up, five back) I'm glad that we are coming down that way not going up. It was a climb and a half. The cabins look pretty nice and will look a lot nicer when we are eight days on a trail. The last two miles of the trip is on a road, but we cross Fontana dam on foot which is pretty spectaclar. I was really impressed with the place, though t was nearly two hours drive from Asheville. Anyway, we're almost there.

3 Weeks Out and Weather Forcasts

3 Weeks from today we all hit the trail at I-40...except for me. I hope everyone is finishing up their preparations. For those whom may not know, I will be meeting the group at Newfound Gap on Tuesday evening with resupply. That means that everyone will need to put together their own drop kit that includes everything from food for the last 4 days of the trail to optional clothing, and any goodies for Wednesday's "down day". On Tuesday evening I will bring a large Jersey Mikes sub to anyone who leaves me $10 with their drop. It will be roast beef with provolone cheese Mikes Way unless you leave a note indicating otherwise. Trust me, this will be a very enjoyable treat after 3 nights on the trail. If anyone wants to bring a bit of alcohol, which will be good for our spirits, keep in mind that you have to carry out empties so I recommend box wine. (I'll probably bring 2 40's of "OE")

WEATHER

I could be way wrong on this, but I think I know how the weather is going to play out. Our weather lately has consisted of normal to above normal temperatures and precipitation. Three weeks from now this will change. A frigid air mass will be decending from Canada about that time, while the southern jet stream should maintain our pattern of above average precipitation chances. It is almost inevitable in my mind that this will occur somewhere in the next 3-4.5 weeks. If the pattern changes while we are out, that almost guarantees snow, or at the very least some cold cold nights. This is why we go in January.

Snow Shoes

Hey guys, Long time reader, first time poster.

I was hammering out the last few gear items I need for this trip and started thinking of snowshoes. I know we said we would base that decision on the forecast at the time, but two stunning revelations came to me today.

1. I will not have nor be readily willing to put up the cash for snowshoes (read Buko's Crampons).
2. If we need snowshoes there is no way in hell we can average 10+/- miles per day.

I doubt it will come to this, but if the case is made for say 8+ inches of snowfall in a short period, we might reconsider our destination.

***
Anyone who is pretty confident in their pack list could post here to help out other people decide if they are light/heavy. I'm working on mine now and it should be up in a few days. I know all Paco is bringing is Dinty Moore and a horse blanket.


Finally, I think it royally sucks that Rowdy Rick will be unable to attend. Someone else will have to take up the task of humorous berating.

~Web

LeConte

Hey everyone, just making sure that we're all on the same page for hiking Mt. LeConte next weekend. We will be leaving Saturday morning and getting back Sunday...I am not 100% sure if I will be on this hike, it depends on a couple of factors but I will update this status in a few days. Hope everyone is doing well and taking steps to be ready for the Smokies five weeks from now! I for one cannot wait!

-Casey

who needs work anyway

i'm thinking about just taking the entire week off of work starting monday. would anyone want to hike/camp/hang out/drink beer? i just want to be in the mountains.

Amusing Packing Guide

I stumbled across this and thought that it was funny. It is a backpacking item checklist from REI. It WOULD have you quite prepared for anything, but you would need a Gator to get it all out there!

http://www.rei.com/expertadvice/articles/backpacking+overnight+checklist.html