Art Loeb Trail - Memorial Day Weekend 20 09

“This is supposed to be a very beautiful hike, but very challenging, not only for its steep and rugged climbs, but also the lack of water on the ridge tops and unmarked sections in Shining Rock Wilderness Area. Much of this trail is above 5000 feet and includes one 6000 foot peak, the 6214 foot, Black Balsam Knob.

This itinerary is still tentative and subject to change. Things such as campsites and even the direction of the hike may vary due to input from those signed up and from new information including the availability of water on the trail.

Art Loeb Trail (30 miles)

Friday May 22

Meet Friday night at the Davidson River Campground on US 276

Saturday May 23

Hike from the Davidson River to Butter Gap (8.8 miles)

Sunday May 24

Hike from Butter Gap to Investor Gap (12.7 miles)

Monday (Memorial Day) May 25

Hike from Investor Gap to the Daniel Boone Boy Scout Camp (8.5 miles)”

“I'm signing up as a maybe - i've toyed with the idea of a spring trip back in the Smokeys for the past couple of years and this would be fun. I've done Black Balsam, Shining Rock and Cold Mtn, but nothing other than that in the area.

I'll prolly decide for sure around Feb or so, but I want to keep up with the plan.”

“Mocs I hope I can make this one. If you stay at campground make reservations as soon as possible because that weekend fills up in a hurry and getting a sight on spot is all but impossible.”

“How early can you make reservations in advance? 30 days?”

“I think it is 6 months. Go to recreation.gov”

“goldbond.. what a great trail name.. where did THAT come from... LOL

I hope you are doing well!!!!!!!! great hiking with you!!!!

'32oz”

“I earned that name the hard way. Doing good hope you are too. Hope to hike with you again soon.”

“hi how many people are you hoping to sign up ?”

“no particular number in mind, I have done trips on TT with as few as 2 and as many as 26. Anywhere from 4 to 7 seems to be the perfect number, but it doesn't really matter to me.”

“The time has come where I need to do the final planning and set up a shuttle for this hike. Is anyone else interested?”

“I am planning on making this trip unless something huge comes up. Just let me know about shuttle. Thanks.”

“Mocs did you get to fish any last weekend in the Park?”

“I did fish for a little over an hour with no luck. I still had fun though.”

“If you get to the Davidson River before the hike it offers some pretty good but tough fishing. That time of year should be reallly good.”

“This is in my back yard. So if I need to make another shuttle arrangement, let me know Mocs.”

“I am working on making shuttle arrangements now. I hope to let everyone know something in a few days.”

“The shuttle is set up for 10:00AM Saturday morning with a Maximum of six people, so please try and keep the attending list as accurate as possible and let me know if you are bringing anyone that is not signed up.

Here is where we are meeting the shuttle service:



Pura Vida Adventures, LLC
152 Hendersonville Hwy
Pisgah Forest, NC 28768
USA”

“Hi Mocs I'm looking at going somewhere that weekend. I might join you if the trip is not full. Let me know how things stand?”

“Mocs I am still in. Let me know about shuttle cost.”

“Shuttle cost is $125. We now have 5 going for sure and 1 maybe.

Glad you can make it eagleJ.”

“I see that shuttle arrangements have been made. What exactly will be the vehicle plan involving the shuttle?”

“wrong thread whoops
last edited: 5/17/09 7:42:34 AM”

“Due to famliy plans I have had to change my plan. I will not be able to make the hike.”

“I hate that Curt, I hope everything is OK. I'll have to catch you on the next trip.”

“Hey Spam you want to share a ride?”

“Looking forward to hiking this weekend. EagleJ could you not talk Quenton into this one? See everyone Sat.”

“No he could not make this weekend,his anniversary I think. Didn't want to sleep in the doghouse! Talked to Spam today, and he's out. Looks like were down to 3.”

“Back home safe and sound. Sore as heck though, 18+ miles today was a butt kicker!!! It was great trip, enjoyed hiking Mocs and Goldbond again.”

“I had a great time though my feet are a mess. I guess that is what happens when you walk 20 miles in wet shoes. Good to see Mocs and eagleJ again.”

“Eagel was Touching The Void the boook we were talking about?”

“Yes I believe it is. I think the author is Joe Simpson.”

“Despite the rain, I had a great time. It was good to hike with eagleJ and goldbond again.

Here are my pics:

”

“absolutely beautiful pics mocs! how was it hiking the art loeb without many water sources? did yall find water? or did you have to carry a bunch... i'm thinking about hiking this soon.”

“There was water in a good many places and never too far apart. I never ran low when I could not find water. Goldbond”

“Goldbond, be careful.. you;re starting a trend... you signed off on your post...

'32oz”

“At least he didn't call you a 'fool!”

“True, but he could have signed off:

Bond... Goldbond..

'32oz”