Jungle Adventure

Puisi Para Pendaki - Djika Berpisah

2012-05-04T18:36:00.000-07:00

Djika Berpisah

Di sini kita bertemu, satu irama
di antara wadjah2 perkasa...
tergores duka dan nestapa,
tiada putus asa
tudjuan esa puntjak mendjulang di sana

Bersama djatuh dan bangun
di bawah langit biru pusaka...
antara dua samudra...
Bersama harapanku djuga kau
satu nafas
kita jang terhempas
pengabdian... dan... kebebasan...

Bila kita berpisah
kemana kau aku tak tahu sahabat
atau turuti kelok2 djalan
atau tinggalkan kota penuh merah flamboyan
hanja bila kau lupa
ingat...

Pernah aku dan kau
sama - sama daki gunung - gunung tinggi
hampir kaki kita patah - patah
nafas kita putus - putus
tudjuan esa, tudjuan satu:
Pengabdian dan pengabdian kepada....
...Jang Maha Kuasa ...

Dari : Idhan Lubis
Polonia, 8 Desember 1969.

Vertical Limit (2000) - FULL MOVIE

2012-04-17T08:45:00.001-07:00

Vertical Limit (2000) - FULL MOVIE . Veritcal Limit for those of you who aren't familiar with it, K2 is the ultimate challenge for a mountain climber. At over 28,000 feet, it is just shy of being as tall as Mount Everest, but it is much much tougher to climb. In addition to the sheer rocky face and snow and ice, you have to spend much of the climb in the "dead zone". Your body struggles just to live at that altitude due to lack of oxygen, let alone do a strenuous climb. Even during the very narrow window in summer where the weather is calm enough to attempt to climb K2, you also have subzero temperatures to deal with and blinding snow storms can come up in just a matter of hours stranding climbers with no way to move up or down.

Wow.... That just about describes how I feel about Martin Campbell’s adventure thriller Vertical Limit; 2 ½ hours of chair gripping, heart stopping nonsense.

Vertical Limit

New hiking guide for Smokies by Johnny Molloy

2012-04-17T03:53:00.001-07:00

Tennessee native and veteran hiker, Johnny Molloy, has just published a brand new hiking guide for the Smokies. Top Trails: Great Smoky Mountains National Park contains a comprehensive sampling of 50 "must-do hikes" in America�s most visited national park.

These "must-do" hikes represent every stunning feature of the area; from the park�s classic destinations to lesser-known jewels; from secluded mountain waterways to awe-inspiring views from grassy balds. The trails range from an easy family stroll to a soothing stream, from a 7 mile trek through spruce forest atop a peaceful ridge, to a panoramic 22 mile overnighter.

Additional information you'll find in this book includes:

* Ratings and rankings for each trail

* Clear and concise directions to the trailhead

* Detailed route map and elevation profile

* Distances and approximate times of each hike

* Easy-to-follow trail notes and permit information

* Overnight backpacking options

For more information from Amazon (and to save 33%), please click here.

The Climb (2002) - FULL MOVIE

2012-04-16T19:57:00.004-07:00

The Climb (2002) - FULL MOVIE. "The Climb" a pair of mismatched rock climbers must learn to work together to conquer one of the world's most treacherous mountains in this adventure tale. After rescuing a wealthy man, solo climbers Michael and Derrick are rewarded with a chance to summit Mount Chicanagua. Risk-taker Derrick clashes with safety-conscious Michael, but in order to live through the ordeal they must work as a team.

"The Climb" This is just a really good film, even if you know nothing about climbing. Buy it, enjoy it, use it for outreach. It might even inspire you to learn to climb.

The Climb

Music of the Mountains Scheduled

2012-04-16T16:23:00.001-07:00

Great Smoky Mountains National Park announced the 8th annual "Music of the Mountains" celebration, which will be held this year April 20th through the 22nd. Over the years, this event has grown to span an entire weekend, with performances of traditional music in neighboring communities, including an entire day of free music at the Sugarlands Visitor Center on April 21st.

The three-day event begins with a concert of Celtic music by the Good Thymes Ceilidh Band on Friday at 7:00 p.m. at the Great Smoky Mountain Heritage Center in Townsend, Tenn. General admission is $5. The "Music of the Mountains" program continues on Saturday with a series of free performances of old-time mountain music during the day at the park's Sugarlands Visitor Center. Back again this year will be a Sunday afternoon program at the Smoky Mountain Visitor Center in Cosby, Tenn., where traditional Appalachian religious music will be showcased. General admission is $4.

At Sugarlands Visitor Center, six programs are planned from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (see schedule below). They are all free of charge and open to the public. The students of the East Tennessee State University Old Time Band will be performing at the event for the very first time this year. The group will play two sets, at 2 and 3 pm.

"The park has offered the 'Music of the Mountains' festival since 2005 to share with our visitors the region's rich musical traditions of the era before modern bluegrass and country music," said supervisory park ranger Kent Cave. "We are delighted to continue partnerships with our neighbors in Cosby and Townsend that present various types of music played here in the southern mountains," said Cave.

The schedule of events are:

April 20th - Great Smoky Mountain Heritage Center, Townsend
Admission: $5

7 pm - Celtic Music by "The Good Thymes Ceilidh Band"; come early to enjoy Art on the Porch with members of the Townsend Artisan's Guild

April 21st - Sugarlands Visitor Center, Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Admission is free

10 am - Lost Mill String Band
11 am - Brien Fain
12 pm - Boogertown Gap Band
1 pm - Tony Thomas
2 pm - ETSU Old-Time Band
3 pm - ETSU Old-Time Band
4 pm - Mountain Strings

April 22nd - Smoky Mountain Visitor Center, Cosby
Admission: $4

2pm-4pm - "Heritage, Harps and Hymns" - traditional offerings from Cocke County

Forest Service to Close Wolf Laurel Road in the Nantahala National Forest

2012-04-16T03:58:00.001-07:00

Last week the U.S. Forest Service announced that part of Wolf Laurel Road in the Nantahala National Forest will be closed as improvements are made to the road from April 15 thru mid-October. The project will enhance fish habitat by replacing two culverts, while performing other road repairs.

Wolf Laurel Road will be closed from the Swan Cabin Road intersection to the Wolf Laurel Trailhead, approximately the last two miles of the road, from mid-April to Oct. 15. Hikers and other forest users who wish to reach the Wolf Laurel Trailhead can park at the road closure and walk to the trailhead or access the Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness through other trailheads. Alternate trailheads include Beech Gap, Rattler Ford, Joyce Kilmer Road and Maple Springs.

The existing culverts prevent brook trout from migrating to spawning areas upstream. Brook trout are the only trout native to much of the eastern United States. The Forest Service will install new culvert structures as part of a joint restoration project with the Eastern Brook Trout Joint Venture. The new culvert structures will provide fish passage to trout spawning areas upstream.

Portions of the road will be re-opened as work is completed. The Forest Service estimates that the entire road will open by mid-October. For additional information, contact the Cheoah Ranger District at 828-479-6431.

Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests Announce Open Dates

2012-04-14T04:03:00.001-07:00

A number of recreation and camp sites in the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests will be openning over the next several weeks.

The following is a list of sites that open April 1.

Nantahala National Forest campgrounds:
* Cheoah Point
* Rattler Ford Group Camp
* Appletree Group Camp
* Standing Indian
* Hurricane Campground
* Van Hook Glade

Nantahala National Forest day use areas:
* Finger Lake
* Cliffside Lake
* Cherokee Lake
* Nantahala Gorge facilities
* Standing Indian
* Wayah Bald
* Cheoah Point Beach

Pisgah National Forest campgrounds:
* Curtis Creek
* Lake Powhatan
* Sunburst
* North Mills River

Pisgah National Forest day use areas:
* Lake Powhatan
* North Mills River
* Old Fort
* Table Rock

Off-highway Vehicle trails:
* Wayehutta (Nantahala National Forest)
* Brown Mountain (Pisgah National Forest)

Mid-April openings:
* Black Mountain campground
* Briar Bottom Group Camp
* Carolina Hemlocks campground and day use
* Mortimer campground
* Cradle of Forestry

For more information on these and all sites in the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests, please click here.

Spring Improvement Projects on the Blue Ridge Parkway

2012-04-12T04:19:00.002-07:00

The Friends of the Blue Ridge Parkway Asheville Chapter is sponsoring Spring Improvement Projects at The Mount Pisgah Campground on Saturday, April 21st and/or Saturday, April 28th.

Lunch for all volunteers will be provided by Chick-fil-A!

The goal for the project is to get the campground ready for visitors this season by cleaning up debris, leveling any erosion on campsites, and installing bear proof lockers. Opening day for the campground is May 15th, 2012.

The Mt. Pisgah Campground is located at mile post 408 on the Blue Ridge Parkway - across from the Pisgah Inn.

If interested, or would like more details, please visit the Friends website AVLfriendsBRP.com. You can confirm plans by phone or email to Hugh W. Stephens, Asheville Chapter Chair at (828) 274-9048 or hwstephens@bellsouth.net.

Nature Valley's Preserve the Parks Program to Benefit Smokies

2012-04-11T04:11:00.001-07:00

Commonly referred to as America's best idea, the national parks are awe-inspiring places that provide a deep connection to our country's heritage, and to nature. But threats to the parks and to their funding are impacting park wildlife, water and air quality, and require our attention and support. Leading granola bar brand, Nature Valley is a longtime supporter of national park preservation through its "Preserve the Parks" program now in its third year which benefits the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA). Over the course of the three-year relationship, the Preserve the Parks program will have helped raise more than $1 million to benefit restoration projects in support of America's national parks.

This year, Nature Valley is continuing to help preserve America's national parks while encouraging education, outdoor exploration and support. To get the 2012 Preserve the Parks program started, Nature Valley is making a $300,000 donation to the NPCA and is inviting consumers to help raise an additional $200,000 by entering the Universal Product Codes (UPC) from specially-marked packages of Nature Valley products at PreserveTheParks.com. This year, in celebration of National Park Week (April 21-29), consumers are invited to visit the Nature Valley Facebook page and Like designated posts during that week to help trigger additional donations to the NPCA $1 per Like, up to $50,000.

Preserve the Parks Program Details

Funds raised by Nature Valley this spring and throughout the year will support restoration projects benefiting six national parks, including:

� Acadia National Park: Constructing a connector trail to provide better access to Acadia National Park.

� Everglades National Park: Improving public access to, and providing greater awareness about the Everglades and Everglades National Park.

� Grand Teton National Park: Protecting wildlife migration corridors near Grand Teton National Park.

� Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Restoring land and wildlife habitats to benefit Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

� Joshua Tree National Park: Ensuring healthy ecosystems to benefit the wildlife of Joshua Tree National Park.

� Yellowstone National Park: Restoring pronghorn migration routes around Yellowstone National Park.

For more information, to volunteer, or make a donation, please visit PreserveTheParks.com.

High Fire Danger Warning Issued for National Forests in North Carolina

2012-04-10T09:18:00.000-07:00

The U.S. Forest Service announced yesterday that there is a high threat of wildfire this week in the Nantahala, Pisgah, Uwharrie, and Croatan National Forests and encouraged visitors to help prevent wildfires. Dry conditions are increasing the chances of wildfire across North Carolina.

All campfires should be completely extinguished before leaving a campsite and never leave a campfire unattended. The following are additional tips for campers:

* Clear a 10-foot safety circle of all leaves, pine needles and flammable material.
* Allow the wood to burn completely to ash, if possible.
* Pour lots of water on the fire, drown ALL embers, not just the red ones.
* Pour until hissing sound stops.
* Stir the campfire ashes and embers with a shovel.

The U.S. Forest Service is also asking residents to postpone burning debris this week. Debris burning is a major cause of wildfires in the South.

Lastly, there are general fire prevention tips that visitors can follow including:

* Don't play with matches.
* Keep your cigarette butts in the car.
* Park vehicles so that the exhaust system does not come in contact with dry grass, weeds or leaves.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Tennessee State Natural Areas Week

2012-04-10T06:10:00.000-07:00

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam has proclaimed April 9�15 Tennessee State Natural Areas Week, and Tennesseans are encouraged to join in a weeklong celebration with activities such as wildflower hikes, canoe trips, guided tours and volunteer efforts.

The Tennessee Natural Areas Preservation Act was passed 41 years ago by the General Assembly and signed by former Gov. Winfield Dunn. Today, that legacy encompasses more than 120,000 acres of land, endangered or unique plants and a variety of animals � all protected for future generations. Tennessee State Natural Areas Week is a great time to revisit some of these special places that make our state so unique.�

The State Natural Areas Program provides long-term protection for rare, threatened and endangered plant and animal life. The program also protects ecologically sensitive areas, areas of geological and archaeological interest, and areas of great scenic beauty. First established in 1971 by the Tennessee Natural Areas Preservation Act, there are now 82 state natural areas.

The week includes a full schedule of events in many of these 82 natural areas, with approximately 63 programs planned across the state. A wide variety of interesting activities � including raptor and reptile programs, and several guided wildflower and birding hikes � are planned to engage Tennesseans in appreciating and enjoying these public areas.

For a complete schedule of events and trip details, please visit the Division of Natural Areas� website at www.tn.gov/environment/na/events/seasonal.shtml, or call (615) 532-0431. Please note that some activities require reservations.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Happy Easter!

2012-04-08T03:58:00.000-07:00

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Friends Favorite Hikes in the Smokies

2012-04-07T04:34:00.000-07:00

More than 800 miles of trails await your exploration in Great Smoky Mountain National Park. But where to start? What to bring? And what about those bears? Those questions and many more will be answered at a free presentation offered by the Friends of the Smokies at REI.

From a leisurely stroll along the Oconaluftee River to a two night backpack along the Apalachian Trail, Friends of the Smokies' adventurous panel is comprised of experts on the great variety of trails in the Smokies - including members of the 900 Miler Club, who have hiked every trail in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. They will give you the inside scoop on how to prepare, how to get there, and what to expect so you can have fun.

This panel discussion will be held on 4/25/2012, from 7:00 p.m. - 8:15 p.m. at the REI in Asheville. For more information, and to register, please click here.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

US Forest Service targets $40.6M to purchase, restore lands in 15 states

2012-04-06T11:20:00.000-07:00

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the U.S. Forest Service will dedicate $40.6 million for 27 exceptional land acquisition projects in 15 states that will help safeguard clean water, provide recreational access, preserve wildlife habitat, enhance scenic vistas and protect historic and wilderness areas.

Projects funded are in Alaska, California, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Tennessee, Utah and Washington. Projects range from protecting nationally significant lands from threat of residential development in North Carolina to help pave the way to help purchase the largest single parcel of privately held land with the Kootznoowoo Wilderness on the Tongass National Forest in Alaska.

The money is made available through the Land and Water Conservation Fund, created by Congress in 1964 to provide funding to federal, state and local governments to purchase land, water and wetlands. The fund receives the majority of its money through royalty payments from offshore oil and gas revenues to mitigate the environmental impacts of those activities. Those funds also are augmented by additional money or in-kind services of a variety of partnerships.

Lands are purchased from willing sellers at fair-market value or through partial or outright donations of property. Landowners may also sell or donate easements on their property that restrict commercial development while keeping the land in private ownership.

Three projects have been approved in the Great Smoky Mountains region:

* $5 million has been appropriated for Rocky Fork in the Cherokee National Forest: This acquisition will provide protection for what was recently one of the largest contiguous tracts of private forest land in the East. The Forest Service identified Rocky Fork as a �national priority� because of its high natural resource values and recreational opportunities including a portion of the Appalachian Trail, blue-ribbon trout fishing, and a variety of recreational activities such as wildlife watching, rock climbing and hunting.

* $1 million towards lands adjacent to National Forests in North Carolina: Nationally, land managed by the National Forests in North Carolina rank second in recreation visits but are among the most vulnerable to adjacent commercial and residential development. Forest fragmentation is a major issue and the acquisition will help to ensure recreation access, ecological integrity and watershed values on adjacent federal lands and for downstream resources.

* $2 million has been appropriated to protect areas near the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest: Georgia�s national forests are near population centers numbering in the millions, creating tremendous pressures for clean water and recreation on the nearby public lands. These acquisitions focus on providing recreation opportunities and protecting watershed and wetlands in an area where the viability and availability of clean, abundant water is critical.

To see all of the projects approved for funding in 2012, please click here.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Yosemite In Timelapse

2012-04-06T04:32:00.000-07:00

This easily has to be one of the best timelapse videos I've seen to date. The video, a collaboration between Sheldon Neill and Colin Delehanty, shows-off the glorious beauty of Yosemite National Park. There are three things to keep an eye out while watching this (at least I was intrigued by these):

* The night shots of the climbers on Half Dome

* The day shot of climbers on Half Dome - looking like flies or ants

* The various night shots of shooting stars are quite spectacular

Yosemite HD from Project Yosemite on Vimeo.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

State Land and Water Conservation Fund Creates or Enhances Nearly 200 Parks across Country in 2011

2012-04-05T03:20:00.000-07:00

Last week the National Park Service announced that revenue from leases for offshore oil and gas development in federal waters helped states build or improve 198 parks across the country in 2011, ranging from establishing a new park on Texas� most pristine river, to protecting and providing public access to prehistoric petroglyphs in Wyoming to building a new wheelchair-accessible playground in Indiana, according to a new report issued by the Interior Department�s National Park Service.

Under the Land and Water Conservation Fund State and Local Assistance Program, the Park Service awarded $33.3 million in grants to states to help communities invest in new parks or renovate or expand existing parks. States, local communities, and other partners exceeded the required dollar-for-dollar match by providing $43.9 million to complete the projects.

�The Land and Water Conservation Fund State and Local Assistance Program powers a federal-state partnership that benefits communities and strengthens our economy,� said National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis. �Thanks to these grants, we are connecting Americans with the great outdoors by providing quality recreational opportunities that are close to home, open to the public, and accessible to all.�

Through the fund, a portion of the revenue derived from oil development of federal lands is shared with local communities to provide recreational opportunities for the public. The grants must be matched by partners at least a dollar-for-dollar. To review some of the projects that received funds, please click here.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Recipients Announced for 2012 North Carolina Appalachian Trail License Plate Grants

2012-04-04T06:34:00.000-07:00

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) announced yesterday the recipients of this year�s North Carolina Appalachian Trail (A.T.) License Plate grants for projects which enhance the Appalachian National Scenic Trail in North Carolina. $35,000 was granted this spring to twelve individuals and partner organizations including Trail clubs, schools, botanists and ecologists, environmental & conservation groups, and civic organizations. Overall, A.T. specialty license plate sales in North Carolina bring the ATC about $120,000 each year.

This year�s recipients are the Baatany Goat Project, East Tennessee State University (in regards to two botanical research projects), Friends of the Smokies, Hot Springs Tourism, Nantahala Hiking Club, Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy, Southern Appalachian Raptor Research, SouthEast Ecological Design, Summit Charter School, Tennessee Eastman Hiking & Canoeing Club, and The Wilderness Society�s Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards.

This grant program is funded by drivers who purchase and renew their North Carolina A.T. specialty license plates. Twenty dollars from each license plate is returned to the ATC to support its work in the state. This money is used to fund the grant program, for A.T. greenway acquisition, and to help support the work of the Southern Regional Office of the ATC in Asheville, North Carolina.

Specialty license plates for the A.T. are a way to support the ATC in its work to sustain the Trail into the future. A.T. specialty license plates are currently offered in Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Georgia.

For more information about the ATC license tag program visit www.appalachiantrail.org/plates.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Two New Books for Hikers

2012-04-04T04:51:00.000-07:00

Hikers and lovers of the Southern Appalachians may be pleased to learn of two brand new books.

The first book, released last month by prolific hiking guide author, Johnny Molloy, is called Explorer's Guide 50 Hikes on Tennessee's Cumberland Plateau.

This new release details 50 hikes on the Cumberland Plateau, including the Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area near Kentucky, the fascinating Walls of Jericho astride the Alabama state line, the thousand-foot gorge cut by the Tennessee River near Chattanooga, Virgin Falls near Sparta, Great Stone Door, Cumberland Mountain State Park, and many other beautiful locations along the plateau.

The book also includes comprehensive maps for each hike, scenic photos, and a Hikes-at-a-Glance table that makes choosing your desired hike a breeze.

The second book, just released this past Monday, provides more than 200 vintage photographs Along the Appalachian Trail. This brand new release focuses on Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee, with photos that have been culled from the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, National Park Service, local trail maintaining clubs, state archives, and historical societies. They illustrate the sweat, toil, and dedication that went into building the trail over some of Eastern America's highest and most rugged terrain. Also chronicled are the people who lived along the trail's route, those who volunteered to physically build it or lobby for its creation, and the many relocations that have moved the pathway to optimal locations.

The author, Leonard M. Adkins, is no stranger to the Appalachian Trail. He's hiked the entire trail five times, and was a ridge runner for the Appalachian Trail Conservancy at one time.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

The Top 10 Hikes in Glacier National Park

2012-04-03T05:31:00.000-07:00

Many people who are unfamiliar, or are making their very first visit to Glacier National Park, want to know what the best day hikes are in the park. Below are my personal top ten hikes in Glacier. Hopefully this will be a helpful starting point as you try to decide where you want to hike during your visit.

Highline Loop � This world famous hike should be on the bucket list of any self respecting hiker. The incredible views, the wildlife and the wildflowers, all combine to make this a hike you'll remember the rest of your life.

Piegan Pass � Just a notch below the Highline Trail on the�awesome meter�, but far less crowded.

Ptarmigan Tunnel � If you�re anywhere near Many Glacier, the hike to Ptarmigan Tunnel shouldn�t be passed up. The highlight of the hike is passing through a 240-foot tunnel that cuts a hole through the Ptarmigan Wall. It was built for horses and early park tours by the Civilian Conservation Corp in the 1930's. After hiking all day in the Many Glacier Valley, walking to the other side of the tunnel is like walking into another world.

Grinnell Glacier - Another extremely popular hike in the Many Glacier area. This one visits the famous 300-acre glacier that sits just below the Continental Divide.

Preston Park - One of my favorite areas in Glacier is Preston Park. It�s a large, incredibly beautiful alpine meadow, located in the valley between Mt. Siyeh and Matahpi Peak (near Logan Pass).

Iceberg Lake - One of the most popular hikes in Glacier. And for good reason. This is a great opportunity to see icebergs floating in a gorgeous alpine lake. You�ll also have commanding views of the Ptarmigan Wall, an ar�te, or thin ridge of rock separating two valleys that have been carved by glaciers.

Cracker Lake - Cracker Lake in the Many Glacier area has to be one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. The lake has the most magnificent turquoise color you�ll ever see. If you could ignore the magnificent scenery of the surrounding mountains, it would still be well worth the hike just to see the amazing color of the lake. If it weren�t for the walk through a long section of forest, I would�ve ranked this one a little higher.

Pitamakan Pass - Dawson Pass usually gets all the attention in Two Medicine. However, at least for me, I think the views from Pitamakan Pass are much more dramatic. From the knife-edge pass you can see five lakes on either side of you.

Scenic Point - The rock outcropping that sits above alpine tundra meadows offers stunning panoramic views of the Two Medicine Valley. On a clear day you can even see the Sweet Grass Hills rising above the Great Plains 90 miles away!

Dawson Pass - One of the most popular backcountry hikes in the Two Medicine area is the one up to Dawson Pass. The hike can be shortened to just 9.4 miles by taking the shuttle boat across Two Medicine Lake.

For more information on Glacier National Park, including details on most of the day hikes, accommodations, and other things to do, please visit our new Glacier hiking trail website.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Hiking the Foothills Trail

2012-04-02T04:28:00.000-07:00

Whether you are looking for a long-distance backpacking trip or an exciting day-hike, the Foothills Trail offers an extraordinary opportunity to explore the Southern Appalachians. About 77 miles in length, the Foothills Trail is located along the Blue Ridge Escarpment in Upstate South Carolina and Western North Carolina, and is within easy driving distance of Asheville. Join Foothills Trail Conference Board Member and naturalist, Heyward Douglass for this informative presentation on the Foothills Trail at the REI in Asheville.

This free presentation will be held on 4/17/2012, from 7:00 p.m. - 8:15 p.m. For more information, and to register, please click here.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail

2012-04-01T04:35:00.000-07:00

I found about Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail, a brand new release by Cheryl Strayed, in a book review published in the Wall Street Journal last weekend. Intrigued by the story, I saved the clipping until I could find a little more time to do some research on the book.

The book is about how Cheryl reclaimed her life on the Pacific Crest Trail after the death of her mother, divorce, and a run of reckless behavior. I just ordered the book from Amazon yesterday. While researching additional information on Wild, I found this video she produced for the book:

For more information, and to purchase the book, please click here.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

FOTS Classic Hikes of the NC Smokies: Boogerman Trail

2012-03-31T04:47:00.000-07:00

The Friends of the Smokies "Classic Hikes of the Smokies" series continues next month with a hike on the Boogerman Trail. The 8.6-mile hike will features streams, big trees, artifacts and history.

Learn how the Boogerman Loop got its unique name, walk along old stone walls that once protected gardens and home sites, and visit towering hemlock and tulip trees on the next guided hike with Friends of the Smokies. Mountain streams, an old wagon wheel and spring wildflowers await participants of this Classic Hike of the Smokies. Hiking enthusiast and author Danny Bernstein (Hiking North Carolina's Blue Ridge Heritage) will lead this 8.6 mile hike along the Boogerman Loop, interpreting the cultural history of the area. The hike is moderate in difficulty, and has a total elevation gain of 1,800'.

To register, email Hannah Epperson at hannah@friendsofthesmokies.org or call (828) 452-0720.

For more information on hiking the Boogerman Loop, please click here.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Two Convicted of Galax Poaching on Blue Ridge Parkway

2012-03-30T08:56:00.000-07:00

NPS Digest is reporting this morning that while investigating a report of a suicidal person on March 24th, a Parkway ranger observed a driver operating a vehicle in a very suspicious manner in an area known for galax poaching. The ranger turned on the vehicle, and, as he approached, saw two men exit from it and flee into the adjacent woods, carrying duffle bags. The ranger later conducted a traffic stop and subsequently arrested the driver, identified as Oscar Rincon Reyes, of Spruce Pine, North Carolina, for illegally harvesting galax. Other rangers responded and a search of the adjacent woods yielded three duffle bags containing 15,000 galax leaves.

During the investigation, one of the other subjects was identified and an arrest warrant was obtained.

On March 27th, rangers and Mitchell County Sheriff�s Office deputies executed the warrant and arrested Francisco Rincon Felipe, also of Spruce Pine. Both Reyes and Felipe appeared before the U.S. magistrate, pled guilty to conspiracy to harvest galax, and were sentenced to 30 days in jail. Investigation is continuing to identify and prosecute the third conspirator.

Currently, local market value for galax leaves, used in floral arrangements, is two to six cents per leaf. Galax leaves are being sold for more than a dollar a leaf in the international flora trade and is estimated that galax harvesting is a $40 million a year industry in western North Carolina.

Up To 40% Off Men's & Women's The North Face Apparel At Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC). Expires 4/6/2012

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Take an Appalachian Spring Drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway

2012-03-30T04:21:00.000-07:00

Take an Appalachian Spring Drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway is a brand new video, published and narrated by Randy Johnson, author of Hiking the Blue Ridge Parkway, Best Easy Day Hikes Blue Ridge Parkway, and Hiking North Carolina. In the video Randy shows highlights of the Parkway as you travel south from Shenandoah to the Great Smoky Mountains. Most importantly, he lets visitors know what are the best hikes along this 469-mile masterpiece:

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Highs and Lows on the Pacific Crest Trail Presentation

2012-03-29T04:07:00.000-07:00

Running from Canada to Mexico, the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is 2,663 miles in length, and has the greatest elevation change of any America's National Scenic Trails. The PCT is renowned in the hiking community for its stunning scenery.

Bill "Skywalker" Walker, who has also hiked the Appalachian Trail and El Camino de Santiago, will share his experience and stories on the PCT and his struggles with extreme weight loss due to his height (6'11") at the REI store in Asheville next month. Bill will also talk about hiking in the extremes of terrain and climate of the trail, difference between the PCT and AT, how to plan a thru-hike, snow issues, the famed Mojave and the high Sierras.

The Georgia native is the author of Skywalker: Highs and Lows on the Pacific Crest Trail, as well as Skywalker: Close Encounters on the Appalachian Trail.

His presentation will be held on 4/11/2012, from 7:00 p.m. - 8:15 p.m. at REI in Asheville. For more information, and to register, please click here.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com