Linville Gorge - May 2010

[cooldays]

shug showed us a map he bought across the street from louises at this ex gasoline station that now sells handmade wood chairs and tables and convenience food items. Its this "kinkos printed" pamphlet about 30 pages that has detailed trail notes of all the trails, campsites, views, and what seasons they are good in by a local guy who just made a lot of notes on his map and then wrote it out so others could understand. It has things like "2car hike suggestions" and so forth. Seems like a great little thing to have if you like the gorge.

[Hedcase]

Not too much for me to add to the already great reports, just beaten broken and scarred from that place!! I'd do it again tomorrow if I could!!!

A big thanks to Tinker for putting the map time in. If you want to do the loop in October I'm in. I Kinda feel like we cheated a little by bushwacking leadmine out of the loop, albeit we still had some rough stuff to deal with.
The thunderstorm on Shortoff was a little rough, but we all survived, and left the Gorge with bruises blisters and hopes of returning Insanity some would say
Good to see all you guys from October, tried my best to meander through the group to talk to everyone. Great to meet all the new guys hope to see you guys at some more hangs, hope we didn't scare you off!

A few pics


Running Feather and Hangin Burrito on Shortoff


Myself, Skippy and Capital Bill on Shortoff

Capital Bill, Cookie, Running Feather,and SKIPPY

Capital Bill, Nooner, Skippy, Running Feather, and Cookie at Tablerock

Had to drag Hedcase off that rock in the middle of the river!

Coming down all that way, you start hearing the river, you cant see it, the just all of a sudden it opens up! Just jawdropping

Hedcase says he was getting water and discovered a Copperhead right next to him, but Ken and I agreed that it was more likely a Water Snake..

Thats a Big Negative on the Water Snake He was maybe about a foot from our hands while we were getting water. Just a Little bugger only bout 8 in long. The locals we were with wanted to kill it, I had no objections with that!!!

Great time Guys, can't wait till the fall!!

[Hawk-eye]

shug showed us a map he bought across the street from louises at this ex gasoline station that now sells handmade wood chairs and tables and convenience food items. Its this "kinkos printed" pamphlet about 30 pages that has detailed trail notes of all the trails, campsites, views, and what seasons they are good in by a local guy who just made a lot of notes on his map and then wrote it out so others could understand. It has things like "2car hike suggestions" and so forth. Seems like a great little thing to have if you like the gorge.

It's actually about 49 pages "The Linville Gorge Hiker's Guide" by Alan Hyde
Little bit of history, hand drawn maps ... many non-official trails ... very handy Gorge Rat reference manual

You could probably order one directly from him if you want one.

Alan T. Hyde
7017 Skyland Road
Newland, NC 28657

[MacEntyre]

Just a Little bugger only bout 8 in long.

Young water snakes are indistinguishable from young copperheads...

Hey! Instead of arguing about it, let's go find that snake again! I'm looking at that picture showing the west rim from atop Shortoff, knowing that I haven't been there in thirty years... sure wish I could have made that trek.

My vote is for another loop in October. Mebbe we should add some days so it isn't such a killer.

You could probably order one directly from him if you want one.

Do you know how much? $$$

[Hawk-eye]

OK ... just got off the phone with Alan ... if anyone wants to order it ... directly from Alan just send a check or money order for $14 to "Alan T. Hyde"

Mail that to him at:

Alan T. Hyde
7017 Skyland Road
Newland, NC 28657

Don't forget to include the ship to address!

[Hedcase]

My vote is for another loop in October. Mebbe we should add some days so it isn't such a killer.

I completely good with that Mac! Add another day to it for a little more relax time! I'll let you guys do the snake huntin

I meant to tell you Mac that your Ix UQ really saved my butt on top of Shortoff!! I ended up using that thing as a over cover to keep a leaky tarp ridge from soaking out my quilt! Them on night two I actually used the thing as intended, this is the perfect summer UQ !!! I love it! I had been thinking about a true southern climate TQ AND UQ for some time now. Now all I need is the TQ to go with it!! Thanks Mac

[slowhike]

I'd say aim for mid fall right off the bat, but some others might get a little more specific, especially as fall approaches.

Last year's hang was the last week of October and there was still plenty of color. I'd say it was a week or two past prime.
Jerry

Yep, I had meant to say "aim for mid Oct".

[MacEntyre]

Now all I need is the TQ to go with it!! Thanks Mac

You are entyrely welcome, and thank you for the kind words!

TQ coming soon!

- MacEntyre

[slowhike]

I'll upload a few of the better pictures to the HF gallery later but for now you can see them here.
http://picasaweb.google.com/slowhike...geMay14172010#
I haven't added captions to all of them yet but you can add commits below pictures I believe.
Hopefully you will be able to view videos there too.

[cooldays]

Very nice album slow. Nice photos!