MAY GetOutChattanooga.com2016 guidecampingThebestplacestogoforwhateveryou'reseekingIronMan Oneinspiringcontender'sstory Flying High Local uses hang gliding to help out in Africa Heating Up How to hyperthermiabeat MAY GetOutChattanooga.com2016 +
2 GET OUT CHATTANOOGA May 2016 39176761 KELLYSUBARU.COM DOWNTOWN 900 RIVERFRONT PARKWAY • 423-490-0181 MON.-FRI. 9 A.M.-6 P.M. • SAT. 9 A.M.-5 P.M. The 2016 Subaru Crosstrek is formally the XV Crosstrek with more ground clearance than the subcompact crossover. This new Subaru is more manageable than the popular compact crossovers. Make the road more traveled.
Growing up, camping often meant setting up my trusty orange and blue two-man pup tent in the backyard or nearby woods, probably with a few neighbor kids who mostly all had the exact same tent — it seemed like it was about the only model of tent around at the time.
Today, camping can literally encompass most of the square footage of a big-box store with an assortment of gear designed to deliver every detail needed for the most minimalist of wilderness escapes straight through to expeditions that may seem nicer than a weekend in your own den. Oddly enough, based on gear alone, you could be led to believe you need almost as much stuff for either trip, with the only real differentiator being how much each item weighs and how short your toothbrush is.
Kelly mjones@timesfreepress.comPhoneChattanooga,400GetCopyrightkclements@timesfreepress.com757-6240ClementsThismagazineandtheplasticbagitismailedinarerecyclable.2016by:OutChattanoogaEast11thStreetTN37403(423)757.6505
Editor-In-Chief Mark Jones Editor-In-Chief Bruce Hartmann Publisher Eric Taylor Design & Production Mark Kennedy Contributing Editor Jennifer Bardoner Managing Editor WRITERS
From car camping to backyard nights out under the stars, from raucous festivals to packing deep into the wilderness to find those special spots where you know you are the only person around for miles, camping can offer a great escape from your normal routine.
the Editor
This month’s camping focus has tips for either of the above options, plus it offers many other great camping alternatives in between, from where to go for special reasons to how to get the best experience for your specific needs.
From MAY 2016 Making Camp Kelsie
GetSunnyMyronShaneGabrielleBowmanChevalierFoleyMaddenMontgomeryOutChattanoogaispublished
on the first day of each month by the Target Publishing Group, a division of the Chattanooga Times Free Press. Opinions expressed by contributing writers and editors are not necessarily those of the publisher, editor or Get Out Chattanooga. Reproduction of the whole or any part of content herein is prohibited without prior written consent from the publisher. The publisher will not accept responsibility for submitted materials that are lost or stolen.
A PUBLICATION OF Advertising
3Ma y 2016 GET OUT CHATTANOOGA
Whether you’re out out on your own far from civilization or you’re sharing the night in the yard with your kids, there will be at least a moment when you look out at the night sky and realize all is well with your world.
AndyLidoMikeSigmaSteveJimCampMelodyBillAvereeAlanShanejharris@timesfreepress.com757-6615Juliesbruce@timesfreepress.com757-6427BruceHarrisAdamsCresslerDildayFloracHoodLeconteLiestmanRogersSurvivalSchoolTewkesburyVizzuttiWaddington
PHOTOGRAPHY
Circulation/Subscriptions
Scott
4 GET OUT CHATTANOOGA May 2016 RACE REGISTRATION NOW OPENEnterpriserockcreek.com/raceSouthNature Park 10k & Kid’s Run // Saturday, June 11
Photo by Jobie Williams
5Ma y 2016 GET OUT CHATTANOOGA Like us on Facebook: getoutchattanooga Follow us on Twitter @getoutcha From the Editor 3 End of the Trail 66 Regulars Your Best Month Wild People 30 Cumberland Trail and Tennessee River Gorge Trust founder Sam Powell Destination 34 Fort Mountain State Park Eat Right 36 Skillet Mac & Cheese Calendar 37 Upcoming eventsCampingClimbingRunningCyclingPaddlingNatureBirdingHikingGOKidsFishing Fresh Air 2624222018161412108 MAY 2016 | VOLUME 6 | ISSUE 5 DepartmentsFeatures Contents 424639 52 Hot topic What you need to know about hyperthermia Inspiration Local man takes on Ironman for his daughter The sky's the limit Local hang glider enriches lives in Africa A roundup of 30+ area campsites for any experience Getting back to nature
of Virginia, Iceland is home to dozens and dozens of active volcanic systems which share “The Land of Fire and Ice” with its approximately 330,000 residents. Svartifoss' stark setting is the product of dark lava columns of basalt.North
RUNNING CLIMBING HIKING PADDLING CYCLING GOKIDS CAMPING BIRDING FISHING NATUREFreshAirWhileonlyaboutthesize
7Ma y 2016 GET OUT CHATTANOOGA
Chattanooga resident Steve Rogers is on a quest to find and photograph the unending beauty of the small country. Follow @getoutchatt on Instagram for an upcoming photo journal of his encounters with the other-worldly formations. In the meantime, check out avalon-art.com for more of his work.
Svartifoss(the“BlackFall”)Photograph:SteveRogers
“They are fit, they have good basic rope skills, and hopefully there’s a willingness to suffer,” says Wells. “Those three qualities of a climber can make for a good cave rescuer.” Unit Captain Brad Tipton explains that the all-volunteer rescue squad was established 79 years ago, with the cave team forming in the 1960s as caving became a popular sport in the area. As the popularity of caving, and thus the number of strong cavers, began to dwindle and the popularity of climb ing began to grow, the team began recruiting climbers, he says. “It’s a little more difficult for a caver to become a climber, but the strong climbers can easily transition to single-rope tech nique [involved in cave rescues],” Tipton says, adding, “You never know what kind of time commitment you’ll have to give for the rescue. There’s a level of danger that you have to accept. There’s a level of suffering and miserable ness that you’ll have to accept. That’s where the mentality of climbers and cavers fit that mold. “If you’re doing a multi-pitch in Yosemite, you won’t be there for eight hours, you’ll be there for eight days.” If you think you have what it takes, find out more about the joining the rescue team at www.chcrs.org . Deborah Jones is secured for transport as part of a simulated cave rescue.
BY KELSIE BOWMAN
FreshAir8GETOUTCHATTANOOGA
“I consider it an honor to be on the rescue team. For me, I feel like I’ve got these skills accrued over a number of years [of climbing] and it’s an opportunity to give back.”
May 2016 eteran climber for the past 30 years Todd Wells has been a sinceofmembertheteam2010, and he says climbers are well suited for this type of rescue work.
— Todd Wells
The Chattanooga-Hamilton County Rescue Service Cave/Cliff/Technical Unit specializes in extracting injured victims who are literally between a rock and a hard place. The team’s work is unpredictable, often dangerous and always an adventure. And the team is recruiting climbers.
V
Scale a Wall, Save a Life
CRESSLERALANPHOTO: VIZZUTTILIDOPHOTO: VIZZUTTILIDOPHOTO:
Ryan Maurer and Shawn SouthdescendHogbinintothePittsburgPitinMarionCounty,Tenn. 9Ma y 2016 GET OUT CHATTANOOGA RIVERVIEW 1202 Hixson Pike Chattanooga, TN 37405 423-756-2639 DOWNTOWN 300 Broad Street Chattanooga, TN 37402 423-266-6288 www.naturalbodychatt.com Relaxing Chattanooga for 19 Years!
“Another thing is when you’re exercising, your body is better at using carbs as energy because of the insulin response,” he adds. However, he advises, eat slowly (a few pretzels at a time, for exam ple) so as not to overwhelm the digestive system. “So … especially for anything like a marathon or below, you probably don’t need protein, you probably just need carbs.”
“I don’t eat a whole lot before a race because it usually just pulls me down at the begin ning,” says Bianchini. His go-to meal before a race is the classic banana — as well as coffee and milk. “For a lot of people that’s a GI problem right from the get-go, but it works for me.” Bianchini stresses the importance of nutritional trial and error during train ing. “Everyone’s stomach is different,” he says. “I can eat almost anything on a run, while some people are very specific.
You’ll get all of your sodium, your potassium, your carbs, your protein and your fat.”
ABOUT OUR EXPERT: Marco Bianchini is a registered dietitian who will earn his master’s in nutrition science later this summer. The son of well-known local ultra-runner Joe Bianchini, Marco has run up to 50-mile races. Contact him at bianchini314@gmail.com. f you’re training to run a half marathon or more, knowing how to fuel your body for the race is extremely important. We caught up with local registered dietitian and ultra-runner Marco Bianchini to learn some tips and tricks, and find out how he fuels for a big race.
Curious about what Ironman 70.3 athletes will fuel up on during the big race this month? According to ironman.com, here’s what’s typically found at an Ironman aid station: » Water » Fruit » Cola » GU Original Energy Gel » GU Chomps » Pretzels » Roctane Ultra Endurance Gels » Gatorade Endurance Formula
Bianchini’s go-to snack during the race? Pretzels.
May 2016
FreshAir10GETOUTCHATTANOOGA
Post-race Though chocolate milk has recently made a big splash as being the best sports recovery drink because of the protein and carbs it provides, Bianchini simply encourages post-race runners to eat a balanced meal.
BY KELSIE BOWMAN
Typical Fare
I Fuel Up Entering race day with no nutrition plan will likely lead to one thing: a serious bonk.
“Something about pretzels doesn’t just give me nourish ment, it also kind of keeps my brain awake as far as something to think about and a taste that’s not bland,” he says, explaining that he typically eats whatever is at the aid stations, going for things like cookies, granola bars and potatoes with salt.
Practice on your practice runs: Try out different things and see what works for you long before race day comes.” Testing out the optimal food as well as the optimal times to eat before the race, whether it’s an hour before or 10 minutes before, is crucial, he says. Race Timing extends to the run itself. “During the long race, I start eating early and I eat consistently through out the race, every 10 to 15 minutes,” Bianchini says, noting that most people burn anywhere from 500 to 750 calories per hour on a run. “Every time I can remem ber and think about it, I put something in my mouth.” Depending on the race, you can look up what food awaits you at aid stations along the course and train with that fuel in mind. Or, you can find out what fuels you best and bring it with you on race day, whether it’s nutrition bars or gels, or something else.
“You don’t have to overcomplicate it,” he says. “Some people may not feel like a meal, but if you can have a little snack after a race, then you can go straight to a meal.
Pre-race
11Ma y 2016 GET OUT CHATTANOOGA Walker’s Oak & More Hand Made Amish Furniture 2707 LaFayette Rd. • Fort Oglethorpe, GA 706-866-2491 | www.walkersoakandmore.com YOU’RE INVITED! Special Mother’s Day Event May 7th 10-11AM at Scenic City Boot Camp 5230 TN-HWY 153, Ste. 130, Hixson • Women only event • Hosted by Front Runner Athletics • Raffle giveaways MORE INFORMATION ATHLETICS-GROUP-WORKOUTS-SOCIALS/http://www.meetup.com/FRONT-RUNNER-VISIT:ORwww.facebook.com/frontrunnerathletics
CORERAPHAJERSEY$115
Thankfully, all you need are some easy-tofollow tips and gear to keep you cool, and we’ve got you covered on those fronts.
FreshAir12GETOUTCHATTANOOGA
H
Coming in styles for both men and women, the Core line from hotshot manufacturer Rapha gives more cyclists the option to enjoy top-of-the-line material and quality. An optimal buy for those valuing simplicity and function, the Core models provide excellent moisture wicking and cooling capabilities. If you’re willing to shell out more money, Rapha’s Classic and Brevet lines are worth a look as well, but the Core jerseys should more than adequately serve your needs.
Camelbak is a name every cyclist should know, and the Unbottle series is some of the brand’s best gear yet. People only have so much room for more bottles on their bikes, so using your body is much more efficient. The 100’s 3-liter holding pack will ensure you stay hydrated on even your longest rides.
KEEP COOL and cycle on!
BY SHANE FOLEY
Don’t look to high-end aero-designs for summer training; you’ll look a bit silly and a bit overheated if you do. The customizable nature of the Rapido means you’ll get to keep cool regardless of how you like to wear your helmet.
Don’t scoff at the retro look of ventilated helmets. In the peak of summer, ventilated helmets will ensure your head stays as cool as possible, and Kask’s Rapido model will let you do that without breaking the bank.
UNBOTTLECAMELBAK100$49.99
ave you started noticing that big, yellow bright thing in the sky? Feeling a strange, warming sensation on your skin whenever you step outside? We might be mistaken, but we think that means summer is nearly upon us. For beach-goers and other water enthu siasts, this is great news! For cyclists, however, it means the very real risks of overheating and dehydration are even more present when riding.
Acclimate Yourself
DON’T FORGET THE SPF: While not the most obvious piece of gear for summer cyclists, good sunscreen will help prevent you from looking like a ripened tomato crammed into athletic fabric. Even if it’s cloudy, riding around town or on the trails near Chattanooga for a few hours can do wicked damage to your skin. Your future self — from several days as well as years later — will thank you for taking the time to care for your skin.
KASK $74.99RAPIDO
May 2016
It might not be wise to dive headfirst into the heat. When you’re exercising in the heat of the day, your body will also devote energy to keeping you cool, making it easy to overexert yourself. Try getting your body used to the heat. Changing up the times of your rides to coincide with the cooler parts of the day and slowly working your way up to training with the sun beating down on you should save you some cramps and exhaustion.
13Ma y 2016 GET OUT CHATTANOOGA 7:30 - 9:00 am Breakfast Bike to Breakfast at Miller Plaza 12:00 - 1:00 pm Lunch Bike to Burgers with Berke from Miller Park to Big River 6:00 - 7:00 pm Dinner Bikers meet Bikers at Nightfall Bike Work DaytoFriday, May 20 GreenTripsCHA.org/BikeToWork GreenTrips is funded in part by the federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program. 2 Wheels >> 3 Squares JOIN US >> Ride your 2 wheels to get 3 square meals! GreenTripsCHA Nightfall 39800326 IT’S NOT A RACE ... IT’S A JOURNEY 26 MILES | 1 DAY Thank you to our sponsors: O ober 22, 2016 To learn more about this new local allenge benefitting Make-A-Wi Ea Tennessee, visit TrailblazeChallengeETN.org.
» Keep your boat balanced Even if you’ve packed all the right gear and got it under weight, if you pack your craft poorly, an accident will be bound to happen. Try to make sure you’ve evenly distributed the weight of your gear in your boat — both front-back and leftright, with heavy items at the bottom of the boat and closer to midship. Failing to do so could ruin the paddling portion of your paddle campout.
Well, what you don’t do is just throw everything you’d like to have with you into your kayak and head out on the water without a plan.
Something to keep in mind: Food boxes can be burned, and cans can be crushed, thus minimizing the space you’ll need as you progress. Obviously, only you know what you’ll need to be comfortable and enjoy your trip, but your boat puts a big limitation on what you can bring. Whether you’ve got a touring or whitewater kayak will heavily influence what can come aboard and make the trip.
BY SHANE FOLEY
FreshAir14GETOUTCHATTANOOGA
If your trip is longer than one night, you’ll have to think to the future. What distance will you be traveling? What are the expected weather conditions? Where are you planning on setting up camp? These are all questions you need to have answered before you venture forth, since you’ll most likely be in a fairly remote place with no real access. Meaning what you bring is what you get. Another big question: Will you be going alone? Going with a group means you can divide the weight of your gear evenly, perhaps making the actual paddling easier.
May 2016
» Don’t “waterproof”trust
» Make sure you plan ahead
ou’ve been camp ing. You’ve been paddling. And a few days out — some on water, some on land — sounds appealing. So how do you go about doing it?
Made of collapsible, heat-resistant silicone, this set will allow you to save on space while not skimping on supplies: It comes with a 1.4-liter pot, a mug and a bowl. ZPacks makes some of the lightest gear, in this case while managing one of the best warmth-to-weight ratios out there. Plus, the temperature, length and width of this bag are all customizable. To cut down on the amount of dry bags you need, line the inside of the stuff sack with a heavyduty garbage bag.
One of the most durable bags on the market, this bag will stand up to whitewater trips and spills. The dual strip seal means even if your bag is tossed into shallow water, your gear should be protected, and if you leave some air trapped inside, it will easily float.
This is like a backpacking trip, so pack for one. Leave heavy pots and dutch ovens at home; aim for lightweight camp stoves and only as much fuel as you’ll need. The same applies to tents, sleeping rolls, utensils and food.
WHAT TO TAKE
WHERE TO GO
Travel by water » camp on land
WADDINGTONANDYPHOTO:
Y
Camping like this means planning for the worst, and water will inevitably make it into your craft. Even the most waterproof hatch on your boat will eventually slip up, and no one wants a wet, lake-dampened sleeping bag. Planning for eventualities such as this will ensure your trip is much more enjoyable. Organization here is key: Organize bags based on content, prioritizing your food and fire starters. Tip: Garbage bags can double as dry bags as well as serve their intended purpose.
BAJA DRY BAG
» Cut whereverweightpossible
Any public land with water is a good start, but there are some truly impressive rivers and lakes a short driving distance from Chattanooga. One such trail is the Alabama Scenic River Trail, covered extensively in the camping guide on page 52. Check out the nearby Tennessee River Blueway as well for an excellent source of paddle camping right in our backyard.
If you normally go car camp ing, you’ve probably gotten accustomed to bringing extra amenities with you. Paddle camping is more like backpack ing, though. You’ve got limited weight and space; all you’re going to have on your outing is what you bring with you. Here are a few tips on maximizing your kayak or canoe for the trip.
15Ma y 2016 GET OUT CHATTANOOGA 2016 www.jenkinschryslerdodgejeep.com Jenkins Family Owned & Operated 706-638-1662 2561 N. Highway 27 • Lafayette, GA 30728 in front of Walmart Come check out our NEW 2016 Celebrating 30 Years of Business SUP SALESTOURSRENTALSYOGACHATTANOOGAPADDLEBOARDS@GMAIL.COMCHATTANOOGAPADDLEBOARDS.COM423-702-1422 START YOUR ADVENTURE SOUTHEASTTENNESSEE.COMAT EXPLORE • INSPIRE • LEARN • DISCOVER
If you aren’t sure how your dog will react, have a trial night in your backyard first. Realizing your dog will bark incessantly at every noise or try to chew its way through a tent is never what you want to find after you’ve already packed, hiked and pitched. A night in your own backyard, or somewhere else close to home if that isn’t possible, ensures you can work out any kinks in the plan ahead of time.
May 2016
It may be obvious to some, but you’d be surprised how many people forget it: Be up-todate on all shots, as well as flea, tick and heartworm preven tive. Spring comes early in the South, and warm weather even into winter months means it’s imperative that pups are pro tected year-round before this sort of outdoor activity. Pack a Tick Nipper in case a wayward parasite decides to attach itself to either you or your pet.
That is why, as often as possible, I take her with me. Many pet owners are hesitant to bring Fido into the woods overnight, and it does involve a bit more work to ensure a positive experience for everyone involved. But a little work brings a lot of reward, and for a pit-mix like my Sasha, it brings a whole lot of grins. Here are our tried-and-true tips to make the most of your next adventure.
FreshAir16GETOUTCHATTANOOGA
f your pooch is anything like mine, they probably think they deserve to go everywhere with you. And for me, nothing is worse than packing for a weekend of excitement only to look into my pup’s big, brown, heartbroken eyes as she stares at my packed bags accusingly. I
Peace of mind Bring a long outdoor lead/tether and a stake. If you’re constantly having to worry about Fido running away, neither you nor anyone else you’re with is going to enjoy much of anything. A long tether (be certain it is one that can’t be chewed through) can be the solution to many problems and make all the difference.
Tips for Pet Owners Share withAdventureyourFido
Do a dry run
hydrationProvide In addition to pack ing plenty of food and water, collapsible bowls are a must. They’re lightweight, take up virtually no room and allow you to bring a water dish for your pooch while you explore the area surrounding your campsite. In particular, Sasha is bad about drinking water unless she’s hot, so before we leave the house — even for just a hike — I’ll give her a few pre-made, flavored ice cubes to keep her hydrated and happy.
Staff writer Gabrielle Chevalier’s dog, Sasha, explores Chattanooga.
Medic! Bring a basic first aid kit. While many human medications are toxic to dogs and should never be given, Benadryl is perfectly safe. Just be sure to talk to your vet about dosage based on your pet’s weight. Sasha is particularly familiar with Benadryl, as she is allergic to grass and has to take it frequently to avoid hot-spots or having to live in a bubble. Other recommended items are dog booties to protect your dog’s feet from rough or extreme hot and cold surfaces, stretchy Band-Aids and gauze for other wounds, and saline solution to clean any wound or remove dirt from an eye. Follow the rules Lastly, make sure that wherever you are going allows pets. Websites like gopetfriendly.com or hikewithyourdog.com are the perfect way to doublecheck and make sure there aren’t any restrictions for your campsite or any planned surrounding hiking trails.
DILDAYAVEREEPHOTO: 21 3 54 6
Protect your pet
17Ma y 2016 GET OUT CHATTANOOGA 951 Isha Lane, McMinnville, TN • Simple Yoga for Body, Mind & Emotion • Yoga classes available for ages 7 and up • No Physical Agility or Yoga Experience Needed • Delicious vegetarian buffet meals OPENYEARROUND,8am-8pm IshaUSA.org/FreeYogaDay 931-668-1900 info@IshaUSA.org Offering Classical Yoga for Over 30 Years FREE YOGA DAY MAY 14 Creating Healthier Communities 39143991 MTN.VIEW FORD LINCOLN 301 East 20th Street, Chattanooga, TN 37408 | 423-756-1331 | 1-800-458-6560 | www.mvford.com Experience The Downtown Difference At Chattanooga’s Only FORD LINCOLN Dealer! 2016 FORD ESCAPE FIND A TRANQUIL Escape...
Fledglings should be left alone or placed in nearby shrubs for cover. If you have outdoor pets, keep them indoors for the rest of the day.
First, put the animal in a box with a dishcloth. Then, set the box in a dark, quiet space. If the bird is lethargic, place a heating pad under half the box. There are two local organiza tions that allow drop-off of injured or abandoned wildlife: the Chattanooga Zoo and Happinest Wildlife Rescue. orchattzoo.org/about/rehabilitationhappinestwildlife.com.
Nestlings should be re-nested, if possible. Try to locate the nest, which typically will not be more than 30 feet from where the bird is found. Then, put the bird back into the nest. If the nest has been destroyed you can make a new one. A small box lined with tissue will suffice.
This fledgling sparrow may appear helpless after leaving its nest, but chances are its parents are close by and still caring for
T
The baby may also need rescuing if it is injured or shows signs of trauma.
HOW RESCUETOBABYBIRDS
After re-nesting, if you worry the baby has been abandoned, keep an eye on the nest from a safe distance. Baby birds must eat every 15 minutes from dawn to dusk. If the parent does not return within several hours, you may need to rescue the bird.
BY SUNNY MONTGOMERY he warbler, the thrush and the flycatcher have returned from their grounds,winteringandthey have wasted no time getting busy. Baby birds abound. Throughout the season it is com mon to find these helpless-looking babies or even an entire nest at the base of a tree. In the latter case, the solution is simple: Pick up the nest and stick it back into nearby branches. It is a hugely perpetu ated myth that a mother bird will abandon her young if handled by a human. If you find a baby bird, you can help. But first, you’ll want to determine if rescue is necessary.
FreshAir18GETOUTCHATTANOOGA May 2016
What Not To Do Do not try to raise the animal yourself. Not only are baby birds labor-intensive, it is illegal to keep these animals without the proper state and federal permits.
What To Do Determine if the bird is a fledgling or nestling. To do this, try to get the animal to perch on your finger. If its grip is strong, it is a fledgling, which means it can fly, albeit shakily. If it has difficulty grasping, it is more likely a nestling.
Birds of prey will foster hatchlings from another nest. For instance, if a baby bald eagle is rescued and its original nest cannot be located, the next-best option is to find another bald eagle’s nest and re-nest the baby.
Did You Know?
JocasseeLakeoverlookingRockOJumpingtoRoadHorsepastureTake
We’ve never understood why people refer to “an uphill climb” like it’s a bad thing. There’s breathtaking and then there’s taking time to breathe. With scenic views, state parks and pristine lakes all around us, you can go from downtown to a breath of fresh air (way up there) in no time at all. From our hip, urban o erings to the natural splendor surrounding Greenville County and the Upcountry, welcome to a little slice of heaven right in our backyard. To plan your life-is-beautiful getaway, call 800.717.0023.
BY MYRON MADDEN
» Lean the remaining poles against and around the tripod structure. Make sure to leave an opening for entry.
Bivouacked!
FRYARS123PHOTO:
» Collect a couple dozen poles. Try to find a few with forks on one end.
» Wedge the pole into the crotches of two trees that are close together. If there are no crotches, tie the pole to the tree with your belt or shoelaces.
» Find a pole about 9 to 12 feet long.
Flaws: Takes a long time to build.
FreshAir20GETOUTCHATTANOOGA
SCHOOLSURVIVALSIGMAPHOTO:
» Line each side of the pole with sticks, each tilted at an angle to form the structure’s “ribs.”
» Lift one end of your pole up, then wedge it between the fork of a tree or set it atop a stump or rock. You can also use two shorter sticks to prop it up if no other option is available.
Y
» Cover the structure with vegetation and debris. Make sure to leave a vent open at the top for smoke. Use wet or green vegetation if you plan to light a fire inside. That’s why every hiker should know how to build a bivouac shelter from nothing but materials found in the forest. Because you won’t always have a tent. You won’t always have a tarp. And you probably won’t know what to do when the winds pick up, the rains pour down and you real ize you’re in for a long, cold night.
Build time: 1 hour
Flaws: It doesn’t trap heat well, and if the wind or rain shifts direction … well, it might be an uncomfortable night.
WhenWickiupitcomes to survival, this teepee-like structure has it all: protection from the pounding rain, a shield from the blazing sun and enough room to light a tiny fire inside. Build this shelter if you know you might be making an extended stay.
Build time: 3-6 hours
» Tilt the three strongest poles together, using the forks to lock them at the top. Spread the poles away from each other at the bottom to form a freestanding tripod.
to put together a shelter in a hurry, the lean-to is your best bet. This singlewalled shelter has been a longtime favorite of survivors because it serves as a windbreaker, overhead shelter and fire reflector.
May 2016
Sometimes,A-Framestaying warm can be the difference between life and death. This A-shaped hut may seem a little tight, but once you squeeze in, your body heat will turn the hovel into a warm, cozy little safe haven. Build time: 2-4 hours
Build a Bough Bed:
» Find a long, sturdy branch or thin log to serve as your pole.
IfLean-Toyou’relooking
» Pack any vegetation you can find onto your roof. That can include leaves, grass, moss, brush, ferns, pine needles — anything nearby is fair game.
In cold weather, it is critical to get off the ground. This is when a bough bed can be a cozy addition to your shelter. » Find two poles that are as long as you are tall, roll them about three feet parallel to each other and fill the space between with six inches of pine needles, leaves and other vegetation.
» Heap light, dry debris over the ribbing. Anything that traps air will do perfectly.
ou may never crash-land in the Canadian wilderness with nothing but a hatchet or find yourself marooned on a desert island with your bestie Wilson (who happens to be a volleyball), but when you’re hiking, all it takes is one wrong turn to leave you lost, stranded and alone.
» Collect more poles and tilt them against one side of your main pole to make a “roof.”
Flaws: If you build a fire, you won’t be able to lie parallel to it to warm your entire body.
21Ma y 2016 GET OUT CHATTANOOGA TWO LOCATIONS TO SERVE CHATTANOOGA! 816 NW 25th Street Cleveland, TN 423-473-702737311 5414 Hixson Pk. Hixson, TN 423-708-774537343 Bring this ad for 10% off your next purchase. (excluding safety footwear) Introducing 3 new brands for your comfort & adventure! Feel good about what you eat. 2020 Gunbarrel Road Suite 423-443-4479120 432 Market Street Downtown423-779-3100ChattanoogaTazikiscafe.comdownloadthenewTaziki’s app
e’re sure our camping guide has you itching to set out into the woods, but for parents with young kids, camping can be complicated. Here are some quick tips and things to keep in mind when adventuring with your mini-me in tow.
■ When helping your child pack, keep in mind that the backpack should only weigh about 10 percent of his or her body weight.
W TIPSQUICK
Dress Rehearsal
May 2016
■ Keep the kids involved, whether it’s assigning them the task of preparing their own pack or giving them chores that they alone are responsible for around the campsite.
BY KELSIE BOWMAN
Kid Camping
101
Lead by Example If you want your kids to enjoy roughing it, show them how by enjoying it yourself. This may mean mentally preparing yourself to go at a kid’s pace when trekking to the camp site, stopping and exploring parts of the forest that catches their eye, and giving in to their curiosity. The trip may not go as smoothly as it would other wise, but taking the kids on the adventure is well worth it.
■ Attach a somewherewhistleonyour child’s clothing, or place one around their neck, that they will have with them at all times. They can blow the whistle if they get lost.
FreshAir22GETOUTCHATTANOOGA
Let’s talk preparation, and not just when it comes to packing gear. If this is the first camping trip your kid will experience, it’s a good idea to rehearse. In other words, go for a longer hike in the woods to see how they fare, pitch a tent in the backyard to practice, and generally spend some time outside after dark (with flashlights in hand) so that Junior can grow accus tomed to the sights and sounds. Bring More When kids are joining a camping trip, err on the side of too much food. Normally, packing light is the way to go when in the wild, but hungry kids are grumpy kids. While they’re exploring the nearby stream or climbing trees, or simply walking more than usual if the campsite is a significant trek from the car, they’ll be expending loads of energy and will need fuel. This rule applies to activities too. These days, separating the younger generation from their electronics is no easy task, so bring playing cards, board games, Frisbees or anything else that can keep them active and occupied during downtime at the campsite.
23Ma y 2016 GET OUT CHATTANOOGA CLEVELAND 2382 N. Ocoee St. (423) 476-9464 HIXSON 5504 Hixson Pike (423) 847-3700 OOLTEWAH Cambridge Square (423) 602-7499
BY SHANE FOLEY outdoorsman talks favorite gear
t the ripe age of 23, Signal Mountain native Adam Ryan is already a seasoned outdoors man. Between cross-country skiing in Colorado, kayak ing the rivers and lakes of the Tennessee River Gorge and backpacking the Cumberland Plateau, he has experi ence beyond his age. Ryan does a bit of everything — and when you do a bit of everything, you form a lot of opinions. So it made sense to ask Ryan about what he prefers when he goes camping. He’s put a lot of gear through the ringer, so if he vouches for a piece of equipment, we’re certainly open to try it.
A camperseasonedknows a good sleeping pad is as important as a good sleeping bag. “Waking up refreshed is such a big difference to waking up cold or exhausted,” says Ryan. The Static V from comfort.maintainingheatandaboutinflatesKlymitinonly15breathsminimizeslosswhile BrawlerKershaw
Fresh24Air
Local
Kelty TN2 $249.95
A
“It’s really lightweight, and the entire upper part is mesh, so when you don’t have your rainfly on, it’s almost like you don’t have anything around you,” says Ryan. He recommends checking the weather ahead of time. If there’s no chance of rain, skipping the rainfly can let you pack ultralight.
StaticKlymitV $59.99
A good knife can be a genuine lifesaver in the wilderness, and while there are arguments for everything under the sun about knives (folding versus fixed, serrated versus straight, etc.), Ryan says the straightforward straight-edged Brawler has always worked. “I’ve got cheaper and more expensive knives, but I always come back to Kershaw,” he says.
Although the TFX Horizon series is getting up there in years, Ryan says he’s never felt like he needed anything else for his longer trips. “I’ve probably gone on at least 30 trips that were three-plus days with it,” he says. “It’s been super-durable. I’ve never felt like I couldn’t pack everything I need with it.” Bic Lighter $2 Yes, the humble Bic lighter, available at every gas station in the country. While not the newest camping achievement, Ryan says he never goes without one. “It’s a really underrated camping tool,” he says. “They’re really durable, and so many people try to bring fancy fire starters when a lighter you bring in a bag will do the trick.”
Lafuma X600 $44.95 Lafuma’s X600 model is sadly no longer produced. However, Ryan swears by the 45-degree bag, lauding it on how easy it is to pack and how lightweight and comfortable it is in the summer months.
P-51 Can Opener $2.50
Ryan didn’t specifically recommend the P-51, but he did say bringing a lightweight can opener can save a bunch of hassle. Opening cans with a knife is not only a safety hazard, it’s also a mess that can dull the edge of your blade. The P-51 has been in use by the U.S. military for years, and weighs less than a third of an ounce.
Yukon Freedom V1 Hammock $79.99
25Ma y 2016 GET OUT CHATTANOOGA
It seems like college campuses are seeing hammocks spread like wildfire, Ryan says, laughing. However, their omnipresence is with good reason: A nap in a comfortable hammock can take a day from good to great. Ryan actually won his Yukon in a climbing competition, and although he's tried others, the Freedom has been his go-to since.
Lowe Alpine TFX Horizon 65 $159.99
COSTA FANTAIL 580G $249.99
PHOTO: A STILL FROM “JUNGLE FISH” A COSTA-PRODUCED FILM
The Echo is part of Wiley X’s Climate Control series which offers excellent protection not just against the sun, but also against any dust, pollen or other irritants in the air. The shatter-proof polycarbonate lenses are surrounded by a removable seal that keeps your eyes completely safe from wind and water, making them perfect for fishermen with sensitive eyes.
BY SHANE FOLEY Every fisherman who’s gotten a wicked sunburn after hours trolling Lake Chickamauga for their next big catch knows the importance of sunscreen, and staying hydrated can’t be understated. These are (or should be) obvious com ponents to enjoying your summery Sunday afternoons. What might not be as obvious is eye protection. The glare off the surface of lakes and streams can be intense and damaging to your eyes. That’s not to mention sun glasses could easily save you from a stray hook that could make your trip memorable for all the wrong reasons. Sight’s a pretty key sense when it comes to fish ing, and when it comes to something you can’t afford to lose, investing in the best protection is always a good idea. Here are a few selections to consider: he sun is finally out to stay — say goodbye to April showers and hello to Tennessee’s beautiful summer weather. However, the heat and the sun bring their own hazards to anglers out on the water.
May 2016
SMITH OPTICS CHIEF $199.99
T
EXPERT TIP: Opt for amber lenses. They offer great clarity whether it’s cloudy, dark or sunny.
The Costa 580G series features top-of-the-line polarized glass lenses with a snug, tough nylon frame that should fit on anyone’s head. The glass lenses are design to block 100 percent of UV rays and eliminate glare. The lenses are slightly heavier due to the glass construction, but the clarity they provide is second to none. If the pricetag puts them out of reach, consider the 580P series, which run about $70 cheaper, and opt for plastic lenses instead.
WILEY X ECHO $149.99
Hook Perfect Clarity
FreshAir26GETOUTCHATTANOOGA
Smith’s Chief model is a seriously well-made set of sunglasses for fishermen. The lenses are photochromic, meaning they’ll respond to the intensity of the light you’re dealing with. Water-repellent and scratch-resistant as well, they’re surprisingly light for glass. Chiefs will serve your needs phenomenally regardless of where you are and what time of day you’re out fishing.
27Ma y 2016 GET OUT CHATTANOOGA Southeast TN’s longest running fly store. • Full selection of fly and spin tackle • We carry Orvis, Redington, Rio, TFO, Lamson, Loon, and Dr.Slick • We work with an Orvis endorsed guide service • Camping & cabin rental • Deli, basic groceries,snacks, drinks beer sales and serve permit RELIANCE FLY & TACKLE 588 CHILDERS CREEK ROAD, RELIANCE TN 37369 http://relianceflyshop.blogspot.com/423-715-4267 39927783 Surprisingly Affordable Luxury NX Models | Well equipped and starting at $34,296* *Available on approved credit to very well qualified customers through Lexus Financial Services and participating Lexus dealers. Not all customers will qualify. Offer based on New 2016 Lexus NX 200t with $500 APR cash and 1.9% for 60 months. Price of $34,296 includes delivery, processing and handling but is plus $549 doc fee and tax, tag and license. Must take delivery by May 31, 2016. Pictures are for illustrative purposes only and may show optional colors or equipment. 855-461-2622 | 5800 Lee Highway | Chattanooga, TN 37421 OF CHATTANOOGA
Your Best Month WILD PEOPLE › DESTINATION › EAT RIGHT › CALENDAR OF EVENTS On the Trail MOREREAD ON PAGE 30 Hikers on the Cumberland Trail return from a visit to Imodium Falls. 29Ma y 2016 GET OUT CHATTANOOGA PHOTO: DMITRY SHISHKIN
For 50 years, Sam Powell has been building a legacy through the preservation of Chattanooga’s green spaces. He is a founder of the Cumberland Trail and Tennessee River Gorge Trust. He helped build Shackleford Ridge County Park on Signal Mountain and was the first chairman of the Cumberland Trail Conference. The 84-year-old says his late wife Emilie was his inspiration for everything.
PHOTOCONTRIBUTED MONTGOMERYSUNNYPHOTO: 30 GET OUT CHATTANOOGA May 2016
Sam PowellWild People BY SUNNY MONTGOMERY
A Legacy, A Love
Married for 62 years, Emilie was a writer, says Powell. Throughout her life, she worked as a reporter and editor. She published a biography, authored a novel and wrote several unpublished screenplays. She began her career as a columnist in Bedford County, Tennessee, where they were bothBedfordraised.County is a small Middle Tennessee community comprised of high elevation hills and flat river bot toms. The geography made it an ideal lo cation for military exercises, also known as “war games.” In the early 1940s, Powell remembers his hometown bus tling with Armed Forces. Tanks rolled through the streets. Jets streaked the skies. As a young boy, Powell spent his summers eating lunch with soldiers in the forest behind his home. And then one morning Powell awoke to find the woodlands behind his home empty.
Ma y 2016 GET OUT CHATTANOOGA 31
“They had gone to invade Europe, see,” he says.
PHOTOCONTRIBUTED
“Well I already knew every crook and cranny from studying the topo-map, see,” says Powell. The first time he visited the property where his home now sits, Powell remembers picking his way through the brush until he came to a 30-foot bluff. Then he shimmied up a pine tree. “I just wanted to see what I could see,” he says. What he saw took his breath away. Thousands of feet below, the steel blue river snaked through the steep val ley; ridges rippled across the horizon.Heand Emilie purchased that wooded acre-sized plot for $7,000. There, they built a two-story split-level home, its north-facing wall made en tirely of windows overlooking the Tennessee River Gorge. The couple began to put down roots. In 1967, Emilie gave birth to their daughter, Julia.
Sam PowellWild People 32 GET OUT CHATTANOOGA MAY 2016
To date, 190 miles of the Cumberland Trail have been completed. Its southern terminus is located on Signal Mountain and includes Julia Falls Overlook, named after Powell’s daughter.
Ten years later, Powell would be drafted into the Army. But first he had another mission: To make Emilie his wife. In 1950, Powell graduated high school and began work ing for Duck River Electric as a groundman. Shortly thereafter, he took a job with Tennessee Valley Authority as a lineman. His job was to travel across west Tennessee building rural power lines. Before he left his hometown, he asked Emilie to go steady, but she turned him down. “Well that tore me to piec es. I was helpless. But Emmy never went with anybody else,” Powell says. He returned home every weekend to court Emilie. During one visit, he tried to give her a ring. Again, she said no. Downtrodden, Powell returned to work. A few days later, a letter came to him. It was from Emilie and read, “I changed my mind. I don’t want a ring. I just want to get married.”Thecouple wed the day before Thanksgiving in 1952. Shortly thereafter, Powell was drafted into the Army. While Powell calls Emilie his inspiration, the Boy Scouts also influenced his life. Powell was an Eagle Scout, the high est rank possible in the Boy Scouts program. He spent his childhood earning merit badges in subjects such as first aid, cooking and orienteering. His commitment affected him in two important ways. First, it helped determine his role in the military. Following basic training, Powell remembers most of his company was sent to Korea. Powell was left behind, along with a select few — all of whom were Eagle Scouts, he says. A commander told them, “We know the Eagle Scouts have a reputation of finish ing what they start.” And so, Powell was sent to leadership school in Augusta, Georgia, avoidingSecondly,combat.through the Scouts, Powell developed a keen appreciation for maps. Every time he moved to a new city, he would study its road maps and topographic maps, learning important physical features of the land — knowl edge that would later change the face of Chattanooga. After the military, Powell attended the University of Tennessee on a GI Bill. He studied industrial manage ment, which eventually landed him another job with TVA, this time as an engineer. The job was based in Chatta nooga, and he and Emilie be gan to house hunt, to no avail. A Realtor finally suggested they build a home, directing them to look at an empty lot on Signal Mountain. It was 1960. Back then the mountain was less developed and more heavily wooded.
PRESSFREETIMESFOSTER/CHATTANOOGALEWISANGELABYPHOTOSTAFFCONTRIBUTEDPHOTO
Sam Powell and volunteers study a map of the master plan of Shackleford Ridge Park.
Today, 190 miles have been completed, with the northern terminus in Cumberland Gap National Historical Park and the southern terminus at Signal Point, part of ence,theinstance,numberSignalNationalChickamauga-ChattanoogatheMilitaryPark,onMountain.Histrailworkledtoaofotherventures.ForPowellhelpedfoundCumberlandTrailConferasisterprojectofthe
* Bob Brown was a founder of the Tennessee Trails Association
Tennessee Trails Association, to raise funds for the trail. Then he became its first chair man — thanks to Emilie. “So [Bob Brown]* calls down to talk to me and I wasn’t home. He talked to Emilie and said, ‘I’d like Sam to be chairman.’ Emilie said, ‘Yeah, he’ll do it.’ Well I came home and she told me and I said, ‘Wait a minute!’ But that’s getting back to our sweet-heartness. We were like this,” Powell says, crossing his fingers as he holds them up to explain.While promoting the trail, he met landowners like Adele Hampton, who were also interested in protecting Chat tanooga’s natural landscape. In 1981, Hampton, Powell and several others founded the Tennessee River Gorge Trust, which has since protected over 17,000 acres of the river gorge.Over the decades, Pow ell has served on countless boards and commissions, in cluding the Signal Mountain Parks Board, Tennessee River Gorge Trust and the Tennes see Conservation Committee. He developed outdoor class rooms for Signal Mountain students and a trail system at Shackleford Ridge County Park — the road to which was named in his honor: Sam PowellPowellTrail.keeps a copy of the street sign on a bookshelf in his well-lived-in home. His tables are stacked with old photographs. His walls are covered with newspaper clip pings and awards that chroni cle his lifetime achievements. But, he says, there is still more he hopes to accomplish. He points out his window, down to the gorge. There is a plot of land he has purchased where he’d like to build an amphitheater. Someday, he says, he wants to bring Emi lie’s plays to life, beginning with one titled River of Death. It tells the story of Cherokee chief Dragging Canoe, who spent his life protecting his ancestral lands and who finally died from exhaustion in “He1792.was a great warrior,” says Powell. “He fought to the very last minute.”
33Ma y 2016 GET OUT CHATTANOOGA
Powell and Emilie celebrate over 50 years of marriage at Celadon Beach Resort in Panama City, Florida, in 2006.
PRESSFREETIMESMCCLURE/CHATTANOOGACHADBYPHOTOSTAFF
Shortly thereafter, Powell helped start a Boy Scout troop at Signal Mountain’s Wayside Presbyterian Church. Around that same time, near Nashville, the first plans were being laid for the Cumberland Trail, a proposed 330-mile hiking trail along the eastern escarpment of Tennessee’s Cumberland Plateau. The Tennessee Trails Association formed in 1975 to help bolster the proposed footpath. Powell was con tacted to help raise awareness for its southern trailhead. He was an ideal candidate. After years of studying maps, he knew Signal Mountain’s ridges and gullies like he knew his own skin. As an Eagle Scout, he knew a trail should follow a land’s natural contour lines. And he had more than mapping experience. He also had manpower. Soon, the Cumberland Trail became an ongoing project for his Scout troop.
Fort Mountain State Park
The park is home to tons of family activities — geocaching and archery, to name a few. There’s even a miniature golf course. June 11-12, all those activities will be highlighted in a special family-fun “Get Outdoors” weekend.
34 GET OUT CHATTANOOGA FEBRUARY 2016
Drive time from Chattanooga: 1 hour, 15 minutes
MISTTRANCEPHOTO:
Fort Mountain State Park is renowned for the beauty of its trails and the mystery surrounding some of the stone structures you’ll encounter along the way. The park actually takes its name from one of them: an 885-foot-long rock wall. Other structures that dot the 3,712-acre park harken back to the Civilian Conservation Corps, but as for the slightly haphazard wall, no one knows who — or what — left it. As blueberry season gets underway this month, you’ll also find yourself rambling through thickets of them via the nearly 40 miles of rolling trails, which welcome horses and mountain bikers as well. While the park does not necessarily boast the most revered camping around, there is definitely enough to see and do to make you want to spend several nights here. And, between the dozens and dozens of campsites including walk-in, platform, pioneer and backcountry, there are a plethora of options when it comes to the level of camping you’ll do. If the only way you wake up ready for adventure is in a bed, there are even cottages — two of which are dog-friendly!
State parks offer a bounty of activities beyond the usual camping of family vacations past. With dozens and dozens of state parks within a reasonable drive time from Chattanooga, there’s a whole world waiting to be discovered in virtually our backyard. This series highlights some of the best for just as many reasons.
BY JENNIFER BARDONER | PHOTOS: GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF RESOURCES
Why we love it: Beautiful trails; scenic lake; historic intrigue
Closest town: Chatsworth, Ga.
NATURAL
State Park MayDestination
Moon-eyed people?
Spiritual side Lore concerning the park abounds. A widely circulated photo on the Internet supposedly shows a young man escorted by a phantasm reminiscent of “The Ring.”
The fire tower left by the CCC has become a hallmark of the park. And, until May 29, you have the option of a free guided tour of the recently restored monu ment every Saturday and Sunday.
CCC landmarks
From horse’stheback
Summertime fun
Learn More FortMountaingastateparks.org/
Another of the CCC’s legacies in the park is their man-made, sprawling 17-acre lake, which features a swimming beach and is situated just down from the main camping area. Come Memorial Day weekend, when the lake opens for the season, you can even rent a boat, kayak, canoe, standup paddleboard or pedal boat.
The Native Americans placed extreme importance on the sun and moon. Some say the wall is even older — perhaps dating back to 500 B.C. But the most inter esting creation tale involves the Moon-Eyed People.
Casting about If you prefer to experience the lake from the shore, fishing is allowed year-round and offers a chance to catch bream, channel catfish and large mouth bass.
The major landmark in the park is a source of much historical debate. Though no one knows for sure, some say the 885-foot-long rock wall was constructed in 500 A.D. for religious purposes. Supposedly, the sun illuminates one side at sunrise and the other at sunset.
PHOTO: ADAM BAKER
35Ma y 2016 GET OUT CHATTANOOGA COMMONSCREATIVEPHOTOS: DEPARTMENTRESEARCHGHOSTSTUDYPHOTO:
Cherokee legend tells of a race of small, pale white, bearded men who lived underground, only coming out at night. Some say the local Indians built the wall to protect themselves from these men (while still others say it was to protect against other warring tribes); others that the Moon-Eyed People built it during a war with the Indians. This legend has been tied to that of the Welsh Prince Madoc, who may have visited the New World well before Columbus and whose sup posed descendants are hypothesized to have evolved into a tribe of Welsh-speaking Indians (for which lore abounds throughout history as well).
Two days after the photo was taken — in, you guessed it, Fort Mountain State Park — the man mysteriously died of a heart attack. Only after his death did his friends develop the photos … and see the woman beside him.
The park is a prime place to experience the area’s lush scenery from a saddle. Fort Mountain State Park is outfitted with stables offering guided horse rides, and just up the road is Fort Mountain Stables. If you have your own horses, you can board or camp with them there.
NOTECOOK’S
1 In a large skillet, melt all the butter. Remove just 1 tablespoon of butter and combine it with breadcrumbs and Parmesan in a separate bowl.
Cast-iron skillets, while heavy, can be used to cook just about anything and are especially good for campfires. They’re sturdy, hold heat well and cook evenly.
What you need Why we love it What you do ■ 5 tablespoons unsalted butter ■ ½ small yellow onion, diced ■ ½ cup all-purpose flour ■ 6 cups 2% milk ■ 1 ½ cups elbow macaroni ■ 3 cups sharp white cheddar, grated ■ 1 cup Gruyere or Swiss, grated ■ 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard ■ Salt and pepper Topping ■ 1 tablespoon butter ■ 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs ■ ¼ cup grated Parmesan ■ Sriracha drizzle
4 Remove from heat, stir in cheese and mustard, and season with salt and pepper. Top with breadcrumb mixture and drizzle with Sriracha sauce.
36 GET OUT CHATTANOOGA May 2016
Your Best Month Eat Right Homemade Mac and Cheese Skillet BY JENNIFER BARDONER | RECIPE BY CHELSEY JANES YIELD: 8 SERVINGS PREP: 10 MINUTES READY IN: 10 MINUTES
2 Add onion to skillet and cook until softened. Whisk in flour and cook, stirring, 1 minute.
3 Very gradually whisk in milk and bring to a simmer. Add macaroni and cook, stirring constantly and scraping bottom of pan, until tender, about 6-8 minutes.
There’s almost no better comfort food than macaroni and cheese. In one pot, you find everything a meal should be. The pasta warms and fills your belly; the cheese is rich and satisfying. That makes it perfect camping food, since you’ll need minimal gear and will get maximum output through not only the comfort but the carbohydrates provided. Taking care of the prep work, like chopping vegetables and, in this case, perhaps grating cheese, before you leave the house makes mealtime even more of a snap. You can even precook the noodles, mix them with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking and store them in an airtight container.
3:“For the Love” Get ready to fall in love with “For the Love,” a beautifully crafted documentary about extreme whitewater kayaking and the paddling lifestyle. The film will be premiered at Rock/ Creek’s 1530 Riverside Drive location, then followed by a 30-minute Q&A session with the filmmakers and a raffle for cool prizes. And, there will be beer. To buy tickets, visit bit. ly/1qOWxGx.
22:Ironman 70.3
7:Blueway Paddle Grab your canoe, kayak or paddleboard and drift from the North Chickamauga Creek Greenway to a takeout on South Chickamauga Creek. This guided tour will showcase the work that the North Chickamauga Creek Conservancy has done to keep the creek clean and navigable. Get your ticket at bit. ly/1T2v4tO.
Have an upcoming event? Tell us about editor@getoutchattanooga.comit. Only legitimate events will be considered. Please include any websites or promotional materials with contact information.
It’s that time of year again, and Chattanooga is ready. The Sunbelt Bakery Ironman 70.3 Chattanooga provides the perfect training opportunity and the perfect location for athletes looking to qualify for the prestigious September race. Competitors will swim down the gorgeous Tennessee River, bike past the spectacular Lookout Mountain and run on scenic the Tennessee Riverwalk and Riverfront Parkway. To register, visit bit.ly/1N7jhuV. 30:Freedom Run Honor those who died protecting our country and support their families during the first-ever Freedom Run. The event, hosted by Run Chattanooga, feature a 1-mile, 5k and 5-mile option, and attendees are encouraged to dress in red, white and blue. The event is free, but donations and proceeds from shirt sales will be given to the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors. For more information, visit freedomrun.runchattanooga.org/ 30:ChaseChattanooga
37Ma y 2016 GET OUT CHATTANOOGA
1:Open Day at Lula Lake Land Trust
7:3 State 3 ChallengeMountain
12:Another Gorgeous Evening Who says outdoorsmen can’t be classy? This event, held on the banks of the Tennessee River, benefits the treasured gorge and features dinner, dancing, cocktails and a silent auction of artwork by local artists. Bonus::The art will capture some of Chattanooga’s breathtaking landscapes, giving you a chance to display your love of the outdoors (and sophistication). Get your ticket at trgt.org/tickets.
The Chattanooga Track Club invites runners, joggers and walkers to Chattanooga’s oldest competitive road race for its 49th year. The event features two races: an 8k known for its challenging hills and breathtaking scenery, and a 1-mile race on a flat, fast course through gorgeous North Shore neighborhoods. Proceeds will go to the track’s elementary cross country league. To register, chattanoogachase2016.com.visit
May Events
Your Best Month Eat CalendarRight
The gates to Lula Lake and Lula Falls are again open to the public. The property will be open on the first and last Saturday of each month until October, allowing visitors to hike, bike, picnic and more. Open Gate Days are free, but donations are encouraged to help keep the property available. Find out more at bit.ly/1YstKSo.
You’ve seen them in magazines, you’ve seen them on Pinterest, now you can see them in your home garden! Learn how to create your own succulent combination planters during The Barn Nursery’s Make and Take Workshop. Registering is just as easy as growing the plants themselves — just call 423-698-2276.
7:Rabid Raccoon 25k Rock/Creek’s Rabid Raccoon 25k is not for the faint of heart. Beginning at the top of Raccoon Mountain, runners will race five miles to the bottom, then trudge up a lung-busting trail to the top. Those with the fastest time will be rewarded with an actual raccoon skull. Register at bit.ly/1R45pgw.
Join George and Rich Hincapie of Hincapie Sportswear for this event’s 29th year. Hosted by Litespeed Bicycles and the Chattanooga Bicycle Club, this ride offers cyclists a choice of three routes: a 104-mile century route over three mountains through three states, a 64-mile metric route over one mountain through two states and a flat 25-miler through two states. Find out more at bit.ly/1jLPdoG.
21:Paddling Moonlightby The perfect activity for paddling enthusiasts and nature lovers, this after-hours trip along Lookout Creek offers a unique look at what happens on the property after sundown. Guided by Naturalist Corey Hagen, the moonlight explorers will catch glimpses of bats, beavers, roosting turkeys and barred owls. Find out more calendar.reflectionriding.org/visit-4/at
21:Succulent Planter Make and Take Workshop
We at Get Out feel it’s appropriate to wrap up our Trail Survival series with a particularly hot topic: hyperthermia. Things are heating up in the Tennessee Valley, and Erlanger emergency room physician Dr. Doug Gregorie says he sees plenty of victims of heat illness in the ER. So, as summer — and its typical Tennessee humidity — sets in over the next several weeks, here’s what you should know to protect yourself in the heat that’s ahead.
SURVIVAL:TRAIL
39Ma y 2016 GET OUT CHATTANOOGA
BY KELSIE BOWMAN
» The least severe on the heat illness spectrum is likely a heat- or exercise-associated collapse. Gregorie says he’ll often see this with a marathon runner who, as soon as he or she crosses the finish line, doesn’t look so hot (no pun in tended) and might even collapse. “The reason being is that their body had adapted to the level of exertion to maintain adequate blood flow,” Gregorie explains. “When they stop all of the sudden, that muscular tone that was contributing to their blood flow would collapse. If you checked their core temperature, it is really not that elevated. It will definitely be under 104 degrees.”
FIRST, SOME EDUCATION
PREVENTION PAYS OFF
» Even further up on the spectrum is heat injury, in which kidney or muscle function is compromised. This is typical ly only diagnosed in a definitive care setting where medical personnel can run lab tests.
» “Don’t go out in the hottest part of the day,” says Gregorie. “If you’re going to go outside and exercise, try to go out in the morning or later eve ning.”
So, wear loose-fitting, breathable clothing that’s moisture wicking when taking to the trails on a hot day.
» Stay hydrated. In order to sweat in the first place, active hydration needs to be happening. Gregorie advises replacing fluid for fluid. In other words, continu ously drink as much as you’re sweating out. Everyone is different, but on average, a person typically sweats about 1 liter of water per hour on a hot day, he says. This amount tends to increase as a person becomes more and more acclimated to the heat. “The best solution would be to replace fluid loss with some sort of electrolyte solution,” adds Gregorie. “Your salt balance gets very low because you’re sweating out salt but not replacing it [when only drinking straight water].”
» Next on the spectrum is heat exhaustion. Here, the core temperature is still less than 104 degrees, but the victim starts experiencing physiological changes like nausea, elevated heart rate, headache, weakness, chills and muscle cramps.
The frightening thing about heat stroke, says Gregorie, is that it may not be that difficult to get to that point on the heat illness spectrum. Thus, prevention is crucial. “It will be a lot easier to stay ahead of this than to catch back up,” he explains. With that in mind, here’s what you should do (and not do) to avoid heat illness:
According to Gregorie, the term “heat stroke” is often misused and probably doesn’t occur as frequently as the term is used. Actually, heat illness can come in varying degrees of severity.
» Let yourself sweat. “If you can’t sweat, you can’t cool yourself off,” he says. The tricky thing about the Tennessee Valley is the high levels of humidity. Gregorie says when the air hits 75 percent humidity with no wind, people naturally stop benefiting from sweating because the evaporative cooling is not occurring as it should.
40 GET OUT CHATTANOOGA May 2016 TRAIL SURVIVAL: HYPERTHERMIA
» Finally, at the top of the spectrum is heat stroke. “It’s the only potentially fatal form of any of these heat illnesses,” says Gregorie. With it comes a core temperature greater or equal to 104 degrees, along with neurological dysfunc tion like confusion and trouble walking. “At 104 degrees, proteins in our cellular makeup start to break down. You are essentially cooking,” he says.
EDITOR’S NOTE: We want to extend a special thank you to our local medical experts, Dr. Chris Moore and Dr. Doug Gregorie, for contributing to our Trail Survival series over the past six months. Their insight and eagerness to educate our readers — as well as us — are so appreciated!
If you do find yourself experiencing the symptoms of a heat illness, whether heat exhaustion or heat stroke (headache, nausea, rapid heart rate, lightheadedness, weakness, malaise), you need to find a way to reverse the process as quickly as possible. “The longer your temperature is elevated, the more damage is being done,” Gregorie warns. Here are some strategies to cool down a victim of heat illness:
ABOUT OUR EXPERT Doug Gregorie completed a fellowship in Wilderness Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital and is now an attending physician at Erlanger Health Center’s Emergency Department. He’s the director of Wilderness Medicine at UT College of Medicine-Chattanooga Department of Emergency Medicine, as well as an assistant professor and associate residency program director for the Department of Emergency Medicine at UTCOM-Chattanooga.
First and foremost, stop any exertion. Find shade. Get out of any binding, sweaty clothes or anything that’s insulating and holding in heat. Drink fluids. If nauseated, sip the water; otherwise, take in fluids as quickly as you are Ifable.available, get into a cool body of water. If not, even spritzing with water and fanning is better than nothing. Monitor for signs of improvement with less severe symptoms. If no improvement, or the presence of severe symptoms, get to definitive care as soon as possible.
This is the final installment of our educational series on common outdoor injuries or dangers and what to do about them. Visit getoutchattanooga.com for anything you might have missed.
REACTING TO HEAT ILLNESS
41Ma y 2016 GET OUT CHATTANOOGA TRAIL SURVIVAL: HYPERTHERMIA
BE PREPARED
LOCAL FATHER RUNS THE BIGGEST RACE OF HIS LIFE FOR DISABLED DAUGHTER FOR ANGELMAN BY KELSIE BOWMAN CHRIS RAY COMPLETES HIS FIRST HALF MARATHON, THE LASTBATTLEFIELDCHICKAMAUGAHALF,FALL. 42 GET OUT CHATTANOOGA May 2016
PHOTOGRAPHYHOOD/INNAMORATAMELODYPHOTO:
43Ma y 2016 GET OUT CHATTANOOGA
THE RAY FAMILY: MICHELLE, ADDIE, CHRIS, MERCY AND GRACIE, FROM LEFT.
After his early morning workout, Chris heads to his recruiting job with MRI Network by 8:30 a.m., works until lunch — when he puts in another vigorous workout by running around his office building, swimming at the YMCA or biking at Enterprise South Nature Park — and then goes home to spend time with his wife Michelle and three daughters: Gracie, 12, Addie, 9, and Mercy, 4. “I really try to sacrifice a little bit of sleep or really put in a hard workout during my lunch hour instead of taking time away from the family,” says Chris, seated at his kitchen table. Until recently, he spent his evenings collecting trash for a local apartment complex as a second job, but “the girls missed him,” Michelle says as she bustles around the family’s kitchen, stopping for a mo ment to affectionately touch Chris on the shoulder. “Addie wouldn’t go to sleep without himEvenhere.”inthe best of circum stances, Addie usually only sleeps an average of six hours a night, and that’s with the help of medication. She was born with Angelman syndrome, a rare neuro-genetic disorder characterized by develop mental delays, seizures, lack of speech and more. So, though she’s the size of a typical 9-year-old, Addie’s brain is developmentally more like a 6-month-old’s, give or take a few months. She toddles hap pily around her farm home, pacifier firmly in her mouth, all while being carefully watched over by her parents and sisters. “All in all, [Ironman] is about going through the grind because our life is somewhat like a grind, especially at times,” muses Chris. “I’m sure everybody’s is, but there’s defi nitely times we struggle with some things that are probably a little out of the ordinary be cause of Addie’s condition.” Beating the Odds Michelle describes Addie’s birth as the easiest and most triumphant event. “She was born in one hour from start to finish on the bathroom floor,” she says, quickly adding, “We meant to have her at home. I’m a home-birth midwife.” The ease of her birth was not telling of what was to come. Michelle, who makes a living teaching women how to nurse their babies, was having trouble nursing Addie. At 4 months, her pediatrician said Addie was in danger of failing to thrive. He cut a large hole into the nipple of a bottle and directed Michelle to feed her thatAtway.8months, Addie was overweight. “The child was so fat that I took her back because she couldn’t sit up,” jokes Michelle. “Her doctor said, ‘Oh my, now you have the opposite problem, but I think there’s something wrong.’ Chris and I thought that, too. At 8 months old she wasn’t sitting up, she wasn’t babbling, she wasn’t do ing any of the normal stuff.” Doctors and geneticists threw around various diagno ses that didn’t quite seem to fit. Michelle went out and bought a computer just to do her own research, and that’s when she came across the extremely rare Angelman syndrome.
Before the sun’s warmth reaches the Ray family farm on its hilltop in Ringgold, Georgia, Chris Ray is already pedaling furiously on his trainer or running on his treadmill. As one of the thousands who will plunge into the Tennessee River at the swim start on May 22, Chris is preparing for his first Ironman event, the upcoming 70.3.
She called the doctors and, after some convincing, they ran the very expensive test for the syndrome. As Michelle expected, it came back posi tive. “I already knew and was so sure, but I don’t think Chris was quite prepared for the news. He about passed out on the floor,” she says. “All we had heard were ter rible things [about AS],” says Chris. Doctors and therapists said Addie would never walk. She’d live off a feeding tube. She’d basically just sit in a corner and drool. “Look at her with those flowers. I can hear her laugh ing,” Michelle says with a smile as she gazes out the kitchen window at the girls playing on the swing set in the backyard. Gracie and Mercy have given Addie a fistful of wildflowers to enjoy while they push her on the swing. “She likes to move all the time; all day long, every day. She loves roller coasters — anything with speed. If she’s not moving, she’s not happy.” The therapists were wrong, says Michelle. Addie can walk, though she can’t run. She can eat on her own — especially if it’s junk food, much to the chagrin of her clean-eating parents. She can laugh and interact and love. “They can all do that,” Chris says, referring to other kids who are diagnosed with AS. “The doctors just didn’t know.” Running the Race Over the past couple years, both Michelle and Chris became interested in running and, subsequently, triathlons. They started with the Sports barn Sprint last summer (which Michelle had to miss at the last minute because a client went into labor) and another sprint in Athens. The initial goal was to get in shape, but soon they both fell in love with the sport, and set their next big goal as the Ironman 70.3.Itwas Addie’s love of speed and movement that first gave Michelle the idea to start push ing her in a special stroller during their races. Whenever they can — like at the Cupid’s Chase in February and the Dash for Down Syndrome in March — they’ll borrow the very expensive stroller re quired from a nonprofit called Team Triumph and include Addie in on the action. The benefit is twofold, Michelle says: It raises awareness of AS, and “Addie loves to roll and to move, and she can’t [on her own]. She can hardly walk. RAY FAMILY LIKES TO RACE TOGETHER.
44 GET OUT CHATTANOOGA May 2016
THE
Q: WHAT’S YOUR BEST EVENT?
What is AS?
According to the Angelman Syndrome Foundation, AS is diagnosed in 1 in 15,000 children. It’s a relatively new discovery; the genetic factor involved in the diagnosis was only identified in 1997. Symptoms include varying degrees of developmental delays, seizures, a happy demeanor, lack of speech, and a delayed ability to walk as well as balance issues. » Learn more: Visit angelman.org.
CHRIS RAY TAKES ON A 10K TRAIL RACE. 45Ma y 2016 GET OUT CHATTANOOGA
A: “Definitely not running,” Chris laughs. “I really do enjoy the bike but I think it’s going to wear me down because it’s so long. So if you’re talking about being in the mix or close to it, it’ll probably be the swim.”
She’s never going to run. So, we do it for her.” Due to a knee injury, Michelle is disappointed to have to sit out the upcoming Ironman 70.3, and Chris says he can’t actually bring Addie along with him on his Ironman journey this May. She would have to be signed up as a physi cally challenged entrant and the family wasn’t able to do that this year. “We consider that to be the long-term goal,” he says. Upon hearing herself being discussed, Addie stops playing in the living room, walks up to Chris and grabs his arm with a bigChrissmile.does plan to bring her along in a smaller triathlon coming up in Cohutta, Georgia.
»
Q: WHAT DO YOU SEE AS YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE?
Chris Ray: Q&A
A: “It’s probably going to be the last 5k on the run. Even though I started running before I started anything else, it’s my weakest event. I have a really hard time with cramping. I did the Chattanooga Half Marathon [in March] and the Chickamauga Battlefield Half Marathon [last November] was my first one. The last 3 or 4 miles it was a struggle just to get through it because of the cramping. We’re trying to work through it with my nutrition plan.”
A: “I’ve lost 26 pounds from July of last year,” says Chris, adding that he feels so much better as well. “Since I started racing, I don’t even know what I weighed because the scale that stops at 350 wouldn’t weigh me. So I probably weighted 360 pounds and now I’m at 293.”
Addie will even be able to join him on a small raft for the swim and in a bike trailer for the ride, as well as in a stroller for the run. It’s a lot of extra effort on Chris’ part. Triathlons are exhausting enough when the athlete is only responsible for heaving their own body across the finish line. But to both Chris and Michelle, it’s worth it. “It’s about the pure enjoy ment,” says Chris. “When the horn or the gun goes off at the start of a race, Addie just giggles all the way. She loves passing people. If the race is a loop, she’s smiling and giggling when people come back. I feel like her happiness doing that makes other people out there happy.” Michelle adds, “I want people to know they can do whatever they want no matter what kind of adversity they face. We have really hard stuff. If we can make the time to train … anyone can.”
CHRIS RAY COMES OUT OF THE WATER DURING HIS FIRST TRIATHLON LAST SUMMER, THE SPORTSBARN SPRINT.
Q: YOUR INITIAL GOAL WAS TO GET FIT. HOW’S THAT GOING?
Ironman Chattanooga 70.3 Watch for Chris Ray out on the course! Ironman 70.3 is hitting the Tennessee River and the streets for the second year in a row May 20-22. Check out vendor booths with exclusive Ironman merchandise in the days leading up to the race on the 22nd, when you can watch as thousands of Ironman hopefuls strive toward the finish line. Find a schedule of events and other need-to-know information at ironman.com. Find out how you can help the Ray family purchase a special racing chair for Addie so she can stay in the action with Chris at gofundme.com/Addiesnewwheels.
46 GET OUT CHATTANOOGA May 2016
UNDER ONE
47Ma y 2016 GET OUT CHATTANOOGA
Brian Morris and Marc Radloff spent most of March stranded in Tanzania, their broken-down Land Rover saddled with film equipment, parachutes and hang gliders. Fortunately, they were able to find a place to sleep for $7 a night. Still, they were running out of money and were 1,300 kilometers from Uganda, which was supposed to be their next destination.
ONE SKY
BY SUNNY MONTGOMERY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY HERE-IS-WHY
48 GET OUT CHATTANOOGA May 2016
Paragliding in Sossusvlei, Namibia Sossusvlei, Namibia
A young orphan suffering from cerebral palsy takes his first flight. “Here is a kid that is used to just trying to survive, and we helped give him this pure moment of joy,” says Morris.
The men met while flying in Ten nessee. Radloff noticed Morris had a South African flag embroidered on his harness and struck up a conversa tion. They became fast friends over their shared experiences and dreams of returning to Africa. Soon, plans for One Sky began to develop.
IN UGANDA , the plan was to connect with Amani ya Juu, a nonprofit fair trade organi zation that teaches African women to design and produce handcrafted goods. Proceeds for the products help support the women, many of whom have lost their families to war or disease.Morris, a hang-gliding instructor, and Radloff, a paraglider pilot, had a less conventional approach to enrich ing the women’s lives: They planned to take them flying. This was but one component of One Sky Project, a yearlong African venture founded by Morris and Radloff. It began as simply a means to com plete the No. 1 entries on their bucket lists. For Morris, that was hang glid ing Table Rock in South Africa. For Radloff, it was paragliding Mt. Kili manjaro in Tanzania. Both had been born in South Africa. Morris moved to Lookout Mountain, Georgia, at age 6. Radloff relocated to the States in his early“This20s.was our homecoming,” Morris says of the project.
Along the way, they hooked up with videographers Suzy Beck and Jona than Fambrough. As the team grew, the project evolved.
49Ma y 2016 GET OUT CHATTANOOGA
“Why not try to give back to the communities we fly in?” thought Morris.Andso its mission expanded to comprise three components: First, to fly Table Rock and Mount Kiliman jaro. Second, to enrich the com munities they traveled through by connecting with nonprofit organi zations — for example, Amani ya Juu in Uganda, Mufindi Orphans in Tanzania, and Ikhaya la Themba, an after-school program, in South Africa. Morris and Radloff would take the nonprofits’ clients flying; Beck and Fambrough would produce pro bono short films to help market the causes. Orphans in Tanzania cut up for the camera.
50 GET OUT CHATTANOOGA May 2016
The third component of the project was to film a full-length documentary about the trip. They budgeted $30,000 for the project, which included post-pro duction costs. Through Kickstarter, they raised $22,478. They supple mented with sponsorships from gear companies such as Flytec, Sup’Air, Airtime Solutions and Goal Zero.Last January, the crew arrived in Africa. Since then they have trav eled to six countries, taken 18 locals on tandem paraglider flights and 70 children hang gliding. When their car broke down in March, they were down to $1,000. “I have no idea what we’re going to do,” Morris says in regards to the project’s dwindling funds. “We under estimated the amount of the time it would take to shoot enough video to cover a good story, as well as the time it would take to traverse the African continent.”Onething is certain, Morris better consider updating his bucket list. By April, the Land Rover was running again, but not well enough to make the trip to Uganda. So the crew head ed south. At the time of print, Morris was in Cape Town, awaiting the right weather conditions to fly Table Rock. With his eyes to the sky, he is hopeful. » To follow One Sky Project’s developments visit oneskyproject.com.
The children at Mufindi Orphans pose with Morris and Radloff before being given the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to fly. Karas, Namibia
Ikhaya la Themba, which translates to “Home of Hope,” is an after-school program in Cape Town, South Africa. Many local schools in the area are overcrowded and understaffed. The mission of Ikhaya is to bolster children’s education. Subjects are re-taught, a hot meal is provided, and children are given a safe place to play with a jungle gym and soccer Forfields.more information visit iklethemba.co.za.
51Ma y 2016 GET OUT CHATTANOOGA
THE ORGANIZATIONS
Mufindi Orphans is a nonprofit organization located in Tanzania that provides shelter, nutrition, education and medical care to children and families affected by the HIV/AIDS crisis. According to UNAIDS.org, as of 2014, between 550,000 and 1,800,000 Tanzanian children ages 0-17 have been orphaned due to the disease. Founded in 2005, Mufindi Orphans also does community outreach to help curtail the spread of HIV. For more information visit mufindiorphans.org.
Amani ya Juu, which means “peace from above” in Swahili, was founded by Chattanooga native Becky Chinchen. With locations in Uganda, Kenya and Liberia, the organization was founded to teach marginalized women practical business skills such as design, stitching, management and bookkeeping. The women produce handbags, jewelry, stationary and more, handwriting their names onto each tag. Then, the goods are sold online or shipped to Amani’s Chattanooga storefront at 420 S. Willow St. As Morris explains, “We were able to take $10 and feed over 20 women. When someone buys a dress for $100, that will feed 20 of these women for a week and a Forhalf.”more information visit amaniafrica.org.
CAMPINGGUIDE
52 GET OUT CHATTANOOGA May 2016
GOOD TO KNOW: If you happen to be out at Defeated Creek in late May, check out the Uncle Jimmy Thompson Bluegrass Festival in nearby Granville, Tenn., on May 28. Local blue grass acts will rock the stage from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m.
T hey say having too many choices is a good problem to have, but if you’re looking to go camping in the Southeast, the sheer number of options can be staggering. Looking for something waterfront? What about a site you can bring the whole family to? Maybe you’re looking for a more backcountry, personal experience in Appalachia? Then again, maybe you want a campsite with a great view of the natural splendor of Great Smoky Mountains National Park? The possibilities are endless. We at Get Out love camping, so we decided to help narrow down your search. Still, you’d better buckle in. There’s a lot of camping out there.
FAMILY FRIENDLY
BY SHANE FOLEY BLEDSOE CREEK STATE PARK 400 ZIEGLERS FORD ROAD GALLATIN, TENN., 37066 WHY615-452-3706WELOVE
IT: Bledsoe Creek State Park is a reserved, humble park with reasonable rates of $20$25 per day and some of the best birding, hiking and crappie fishing in the state. Picnic tables and grills make it easy to enjoy the company of neighboring campers, and the sites are all ADA compliant, making them accessible to those with disabilities.
53Ma y 2016 GET OUT CHATTANOOGA
DEFEATED CREEK PARK 140 MARINA LANE | CARTHAGE, TENN., 37030 | 615-774-3141
WHY WE LOVE IT: If you and your family can’t decide on what to do, stopping at Defeated Creek Park should keep everyone happy. Seriously, this park has everything — 12,000-acre Cordell Lake features 381 miles of shoreline, and that’s only the start. The site rou tinely holds special events and giveaways for kids, and people of all ages are wel come.
IT: Despite being only a few minutes from numerous restaurants in neighboring Manchester, Old Stone Fort’s heavily wooded sur roundings give it a distinct secluded feeling. While RV sites are available, staying at Old Stone Fort really feels like you’re in the great outdoors instead of a campground. Gentle nearby nature trails give children the perfect oppor tunity for day hikes and observing the native bird population.
JULIAN WHY828-963-591136.1424°ASHEVILLE,RIDGENORTHMEMORIALPRICEPARKONTHEBLUEPARKWAYFROMMILEPOST297N,81.7457°WWELOVEIT:
The Enota Mountain Retreat is an educational nonprofit that informs campers about organic farming and living. Besides featuring excellent hiking 1.5 miles from the Appalachian Trail, Enota Mountain has organic produce for sale, opportunities for kids to feed local farm and rescue animals, and a covered outdoor kitchen to cook up some of the fresh food you get on-site. Cabins and RV/tent sites are available.
AMENITIES: Mountain biking, swimming, tennis and volley ball courts, horseback riding, fishing and boating are just a few of the options you’ll have at this impeccably maintained campground. Laundry servic es and electrical hookups are available. The campground, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, has over 150 RV- and tent-friendly sites.
PRICING: $15 nightly and $28 daily for the standard electric site; premium group shelters go for $50 nightly and $100 daily.
OLD STONE FORT STATE PARK 732 STONE FORT DRIVE MANCHESTER, TENN., 37355 WHY931-723-5073WELOVE
Adja cent to the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, Julian Price Memorial Park is part of the largest recreational area along the parkway. Excellently designed hik ing trails, guided walks, carriage rides, fishing and canoeing are available. A 300-seat amphitheater onsite is home to numerous educational lectures, eve ning campfires and theatri cal productions throughout the summer and fall.
ENOTA WHY706-896-9966HIAWASSEE,1000RETREATMOUNTAINHIGHWAY180GA.,30546WELOVEIT:
PRICING: If you’re looking to camp in the backcountry of the Smok ies, you’ll need a permit from the National Park Service, which can be obtained online. Nominal fees typi cally accompany the permits.
CAMPING GUIDE CONTINUED OVERLOOKCOMMONSCREATIVE/FREDLYFISH4PHOTO: 54 GET OUT CHATTANOOGA May 2016
GOOD TO KNOW: The steep hike up to the peak can be tax ing despite being paved, so those with disability, young children and the elderly may struggle to make the ascent. Thankfully, Cling mans Dome Road features numerous spots to pull off and appreciate the view. DOME 35.5628° N, 83.4985° W | 865-436-1297
WHY WE LOVE IT: The Dome is the high est point on the Appalachian Trail at 6,643 feet. The site offers breathtaking views on clear days of seven different states from the observation tower, affectionately referred to as the “fly ing saucer.” The colder, misty weather that permeates the peak enables a gorgeous coniferous forest of sprucefir to flourish. We can’t overstate the view from the third-highest point east of the Mississippi River.
CLINGMANS
AMENITIES: Although the AT has very little in the way of convenience, the steep trail up to the observation tower is paved, making it easier to ascend after a day of rugged backpacking.
CHEAHA MOUNTAIN 19644 HIGHWAY
LOOKING GLASS ROCK 35.3037° N, 82.7935° W 828-877-4423 (PISGAH CENTER FOR WILDLIFE EDUCATION)
DELTA, ALA., 256-488-511136258
WHY WE LOVE IT: Nestled in the heart of Talladega National Forest, Cheaha Mountain features a wheelchair-accessible walkway to the best overlook for miles. The site is more unique among the other Overlook sites on the list due to its lodge, restaurant and recreational activities and amenities available near the peak.
TRAY WHY34.8012°MOUNTAINN,83.6838°WWELOVEIT: The Appalachian Trail makes its way through Tray Mountain, offering up stunning vistas along the ridge to the peak. Twisted mountain laurel create a natural tun nel for much of the hike, and a side trail from the grassy campsite takes hikers to the beautiful, cozy High Shoals Falls. 281
WHY WE LOVE IT: The gorgeous gran ite, balding face of Looking Glass Rock can be seen from a long stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina, and the view from the Rock is even better. Birders should rejoice as well. The mountain is a popular nesting spot for the peregrine falcon.
55Ma y 2016 GET OUT CHATTANOOGA
BIG FROG MOUNTAIN 34.9995° N, 84.5294° W WHY WE LOVE IT: For reasons unknown to us, Big Frog Mountain has a very low usage rate, meaning the unmarked trails and camping opportu nities will typically be sparsely popu lated. Cozy rhododendron tunnels and crisp streams dot the landscape on the mountain, which features some of the best vistas to show off the natural beauty of the Cohutta Mountains in Tennessee and Georgia.
BONES CANOE AND CAMPGROUND 16520 BAKERVILLE ROAD HURRICANE MILLS, TENN., 37078
AMENITIES: Every campsite has a great view of the river, and fire rings and bathhouses are available for campers. Creekside cook outs are commonplace, and a great way to meet neighboring campers. Fishing, swim ming, kayaking and canoeing opportunities abound on the creek.
WHY931-823-4155ALLONS,985CAMPGROUNDLILLYDALELILLYDALEROADTENN.,38541WELOVEIT:
HONEYCOMB CAMPGROUND 188 CAMP GROUND ROAD GRANT, ALA., WHY256-582-988235747WELOVEIT:
Dale Hollow Lake is renowned for its stock of trophy-sized smallmouth bass, including the undisputed world record caught by David Hayes in 1955: an 11-pound, 15-ouncer. If you think you’ve got the skill to break a world record, Dale Hollow Lake might be your place. If smallmouth isn’t your game, the lake is also abundant with largemouth bass, crappie and muskie. Nearby, the Obey River features quality brown and rainbow trout for fly fishermen.
WHY WE LOVE IT: Pinewood Canoe and Camp offers just about everything on the water front you could want. Natural gravel bars on Piney Creek make for great pit stops during a float down the river to fish, swim or even just relax in the warm sun. Swim ming holes abound throughout the site, letting campers pick their preferred level of seclusion. Although Piney Creek isn’t exactly a mighty river, we guarantee you’ll have a good time on a float down the river in your kayak, canoe or inner tube.
AND
CAMPING GUIDE CONTINUED WATERFRONT
PINEWOOD CANOE CAMP 2011 CASH HOLLOW ROAD | NUNNELLY, TENN., 37137 | 931-729-1042
1030CAMPGROUNDOLDMARSHALL HIGHWAY ASHEVILLE, N.C., 28804 WHY828-658-0772WELOVE
IT: The sleepy French Broad River paints a picturesque image of nature for camp-goers. Tubing, fishing and tennis are just a few of the activi ties at the campground, which has spacious sites for both RVs and tents. Cabin rentals are also available. The real draw, though, is the brief drive to scenic Ashe ville, putting you in the perfect spot to enjoy the great outdoors and one of the finest cities in the Southeast.
PRICING: $20 per night for RVs for two peo ple; $15 per night for campsites with elec tricity for two people, with a $7.50 charge for each additional person and a $5 charge for each additional child.
Make no bones about it, Bones Canoe and Campground is distinctly wild. Camping is allowed anywhere on the property, and you’ll get a full outdoors experience at the site. While there is an office and space is available for self-contained RVs, the campground will give you a much more natural camping trip than one to a lake with a fully stocked marina.
The gorgeous white sandy beaches and well-stocked and maintained marina are enough to warrant a visit to Honeycomb. If you like it enough to stay longer, that option is available. Honeycomb offers campers the ability to rent out a campsite on a month-by-month basis at a reduced rate, making it the perfect place to settle down with your RV and enjoy the boating, fishing and barbecuing.
FRENCH BROAD RIVER
WHY931-209-5908WELOVEIT:
GOOD TO KNOW: If you’re around Pinewood over Memorial Day weekend, the camp staff is bringing nationally renowned coun try group The Corbitt Brothers for concerts the Friday and Saturday of Memorial Day weekend. Admission will be $10 for the event.
56 GET OUT CHATTANOOGA May 2016
Looking for a waterfront camping trip that’s a little more rugged than normal? We’d start by rec ommending the Tennessee Blueway, a 50-mile stretch of river through Chattanooga down through the Tennessee River Gorge, with dozens of put-in spots and primitive campsites available along the way. If you’ve done that and are looking for more, direct your attention to neighboring Alabama, home of the Alabama Scenic River Trail, the single longest river trail in America at 631 miles.
ALABAMA SCENIC RIVER TRAIL PADDLE IN
WHY WE LOVE IT: What’s not to love? Alabama has an incredibly diverse river system, rang ing from swift whitewater, swampy bayous and saltwater flows to and from the Gulf of Mexico. This variety of topography, coupled with the sheer amount of rivers there are to travel, means no two trips along the trail will be the same.
GOOD TO KNOW: It is possible to get through the locks at the dams on the Alabama River by contacting the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers station that runs each dam. Dams on other rivers, however, don’t have locks for boat ers to go through, so plan your trip accordingly. Dead-ends such as those are marked along the river.
AMENITIES: Depending on where on the river you are and where you’re going, conveniences could range from full-blown hotels to just stark wilder ness. What sort of camping you want to do on the trail is entirely up to your planning.
LITTLE RIVER MARINA AND LODGE 1780 COUNTY ROAD 102 CEDAR BLUFF, ALA., 35959 256-779-6461 However, depending on what section of the trail you want to paddle, you may want to research it yourself. For more answers, check out alabam ascenicrivertrail.com.
POWERALABAMAPHOTO:
57Ma y 2016 GET OUT CHATTANOOGA
WHERE TO PUT IN: Although there are hundreds of spots along the trail to put in and camp, we recommend the Little River Marina and Lodge, less than an hour and a half from Chattanooga.
PRICING: It would definitely be wise to bring cash with you depending on how long you’re planning on staying. Longer trips where you’ll have to go to a city to get food will warrant a cost. However, it’s entirely possible to bring all the food with you that you’ll need and camp out on public land along the rivers, meaning this trip could be completely free.
AMENITIES: There are a few shelters along the trail that will afford you some vestige of comfort dur ing your hike and get you off the ground at night.
BACKCOUNTRY
PRICING: Although there are no fees associated with doing this portion of the Appalachian Trail, bringing a few bucks along for food after the trip is done might be a good idea.
DAVENPORT GAP TO MAX PATCH ROAD APPALACHIAN TRAIL
COMMONSCREATIVE/ANOLDENTPHOTO: 58 GET OUT CHATTANOOGA May 2016 CAMPING GUIDE CONTINUED
WHY WE LOVE IT: One of the prettiest sections of the Appalachian Trail, the 19-mile trip from Davenport Gap to Max Patch Road really showcases the splendor of the region. The elevation along the trail changes from under 2,000 feet to nearly 5,000 feet over the course of the trail, so get ready for an invigo rating hike over some of Appala chia’s best bald peaks.
GOOD TO KNOW: Max Patch, the con clusion of this section of the trail, is an old logging campsite with some incredible views of the Smokies. If the backpacking portion isn’t for you, Max Patch Mountain’s peak is an excellent spot to set up camp or have a picnic. There is parking near the peak and an easy twomile hike in. | COSBY, TENN., 37722 | 865-436-1200
MOUNTAIN 34.778950° N, 84.70553° W WHY706-422-1932WELOVE
DAVENPORT GAP SHELTER COMMONSCREATIVE/FLORACBILLPHOTO:G.A.JASONPHOTO: LIESTMANJIMPHOTO: 59
GAHUTI TRAIL FORT
This is the perfect site for anyone looking for a romantic hike, or anyone who appreciates flowers blooming. The trail nearly explodes in native wildflower blooms throughout the months of April, May and into June. Historical sites are dotted along the trail, including the foundation of an old settlement as well as the Smoky Mountain Hiking Club Cabin from the 1930s.
IT: Only about an hour from Chattanooga, the sights you’ll take in while on this trail are among the best in the region. Traveling through some seriously remote Georgia state park land, you’ll cross numerous streams and different ecosystems while you ascend and descend the 4,000
AT
35.157732°VALLEYPANTHERTOWNN,82.998769° W WHY828-524-6441WELOVE IT: Panthertown Valley has some of the most immaculately kept trails in the area thanks to the Friends of Panther town nonprofit organization. Over 30 miles of trails complete with wild blueberries, eight different waterfalls and views that last for miles are at your disposal. 35.8290°SPARTA,FALLSVIRGINTENN.N,85.2950° W WHY615-532-0431WELOVE IT: An excellent first hike for beginner backpack ers, Virgin Falls rewards those who complete the trail with an awesome view of its namesake cascade. Interestingly, the fall flows out from an underground stream. After falling 110 feet, it flows back under ground again, making it one of the most unique waterfalls in our state. WHY865-436-120035.696728°NEARGREATCREEKPORTERSTRAILSMOKYMOUNTAINS,GATLINBURGN,83.388272°WWELOVEIT:
WHY423-239-8531WELOVE IT: Besides being one of the most pristine and gorgeous parks in our state, Warriors’ Path has much to offer those looking to get active. Opportunities for horseback riding and miles of taxing mountain biking trails will give the energetic camper a run for his or her money, while the Olympic-size pool located at the campground will give them the ability to cool off afterwards.
WARRIORS’ PATH STATE PARK 490 HEMLOCK ROAD KINGSPORT, TENN., 37663
205 HORSESHOE DAM ROAD WHITESBURG, GA., 30185
COMMONSCREATIVE/CLINTPHOTO: 60 GET OUT CHATTANOOGA May 2016
ters since 1972, the NOC is world-famous for providing the most intense, energizing possible. Whether you go for a day or longer, we guarantee you’ll have a great time. and motel on-site have you covered for any amenities you may want. Several fan tastic restaurants are nearby, and a local amphitheater often hosts live music and shows for your enjoyment. Hostel-style accommoda tions as well as raised plat form tents are available.
WHY770-834-9149WELOVE IT: This site perfectly blends the comfort of a cabin with the adventure of ziplining, kayaking, geocaching and climbing. Stay in furnished, relaxing lodges or your RV while experiencing whatever adrena line rush or activity you’re looking for. Falconry shows and demonstrations are also available for those looking to put the wild in wildlife.
GOOD TO KNOW: The NOC offers a number of instructional training courses as well, ranging from wilderness survival and medicine to raft guide training. A visit to the NOC might even set you up on a new career path!
BANNINGHISTORIC MILLS
PRICING: $200-$500 per night for a cabin. If that’s too steep, the Dogwood Motel has rooms for $80-$90 per night. Looking for something more earthy? The basecamp, ers stay, costs $40 every day. The outdoor activities range from $70-$200, depending on what you’re doing. Visit noc.com for more pricing information.
Not many camp grounds offer the opportunity to enjoy a relaxing campout with showers and laundry while also providing the chance to float down a whitewater river either with or without a guide. Naturally, Brookside scoffs at those other campgrounds. If you’ve caught the rafting bug, Brookside will defi nitely suit your needs.
WHY828-321-5209TOPTON,764ANDCAMPGROUNDBROOKSIDERAFTINGUS-19N.C.,28781WELOVEIT:
MULBERRY GAP 400 MULBERRY GAP ROAD ELLIJAY, GA., 706-698-286530540 WHY WE LOVE IT: Mulberry Gap is a mountain biking haven, offering up guided single- and multi-day tours of one of the premier trail systems in the Southeast. Whether you opt to stay in one of the roomy cabins, park your RV or pitch your tent, be sure to bring one thing: Your bike. If the cycling isn’t enough for you, whitewater pad dling, ziplining and yoga are just a few of the other possibilities. ADAMSSHANEPHOTO: 61Ma y 2016 GET OUT CHATTANOOGA
FALL CREEK FALLS STATE PARK 10821 PARK ROAD SPENCER, TENN., 37367
CRESSLERALANPHOTO:
62 GET OUT CHATTANOOGA May 2016 CAMPING GUIDE CONTINUED
WHY WE LOVE IT: If you’re looking for stars, Pickett is the place for you. In conjunction with Pogue Creek Canyon State Natu ral Area, Pickett became the first state park in the Southeast to be recognized by the International Dark Sky Association for its commitment to creating a dedicated space to view the heavens. Park representatives have worked with local com munities to limit the amount of light pollution, giving you the clearest view of the night sky in the state.
WHY423-881-5298WELOVE IT: Fall Creek Falls is beloved by many for a variety of reasons. Let us perhaps add another, then: Regions of Fall Creek Falls are the darkest in the state, making it optimal for stargazing. Officials at the park hold routine astronomy weekends where you can meet amateur and pro fessional astronomers and enjoy the sky together.
LAND BETWEEN THE LAKES 238 VISITOR CENTER DRIVE GOLDEN POND, KY., 42211
PRICING: $16 per day for a tent camp; cabins range from $60 per night for rustic to $130 per night for deluxe. A non-refundable $5 reservation fee is required for cabins.
WHY800-525-7077WELOVE IT: Land Between the Lakes is a sprawling natural recreation area, and much of it is dark enough to really showcase the Milky Way and the rest of the cosmos. Camping is avail able anywhere in the park, provided you have the proper paperwork. Also, the nearby Golden Pond Planetarium is a perfect opportunity for you to not just observe the stars, but to also learn something about them, too.
AMENITIES: Over 30 miles of hik ing trails are available for camp use. Swimming on the sand stone cliff-surrounded beach is another possibility, but perhaps fishing, canoeing and kayaking on the scenic Arch Lake better suit you. Cabins ranging from rustic to deluxe are available for rent, and the campground has over 30 sites for more rugged campers.
OAK WHY205-620-2520PELHAM,200STATEMOUNTAINPARKTERRACEDRIVEALA.,35124WELOVEIT: At Oak Mountain State Park you’ll be inundated with things to do, from internationally rec ognized mountain biking to horseback riding, golf and everything in between. More importantly for you, local astro nomical groups regularly congregate at the darker areas of the campground for spectacular views of the night sky.
STARGAZING
PICKETT STATE PARK 4605 PICKETT PARK HIGHWAY | JAMESTOWN, TENN., 38556 | 931-879-5821
GOOD TO KNOW: The famed Perseid mete or shower will be taking place on Aug. 12. Pickett and Pogue Creek have orga nized a party to view the shower, with special guest Paul Lewis from the UT Space and Science outreach program.
DOLLMOUNTAINDOLLMOUNTAIN ROAD ELLIJAY, GA., WHY706-276-441330540WELOVEIT:Doll Mountain is renowned by locals as a premier location for being able to see the stars clearly. This is no mere stargaz ing spot, though. The beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains which encapsulate the campground offer up some great nature walks, and Carters Lake pres ents boaters and fishermen with ample opportunity to have a good time.
63Ma y 2016 GET OUT CHATTANOOGA The proud members of Home Builders Association of Greater Chattanooga take their commitments seriously to green building to sustainable practices to the environment to community 3221 Harrison Pike Chattanooga, TN 37406 423.624.9992 • www.HBAGC.net
COMMITMENTtoChattanooga
AMENITIES: For a campground, Camp Leconte doesn’t spare much expense. The treehous es and safari tents feature fresh linens and beds, along with coolers with ice and beverages already stocked. The RV and primitive camp ing sites have access to all features of the campground as well, including a heated swimming pool, hi-speed WiFi, bath houses and laun dry services.
PRICING: $30 per night for the primitive (that is to say, tent) sites; $50 per night for an RV hookup site; $120 per night for a safari tent; and $170 per night for a luxury treehouse. We recommend you make reservations online; the safari tents and treehouses are in high demand.
GOOD TO KNOW: The on-site trolley will take any visitor or “camper” directly to down town Gatlinburg for a day of shopping and fun. Camp Leconte is also in walking dis tance to Mills Park for a lovely hiking and picnic spot.
WHY WE LOVE IT: This is your chance to be outdoors in the literal height of luxury. Camp Leconte is one of the most well-renowned and sought-after locations in Gatlinburg. And who wouldn’t want to sleep in a treehouse? What about an open-air treehouse com plete with queen-size beds, a built-in shower and a bar becue grill? All while being close to the most popular attractions in town? No one, that’s who.
GLAMPING LECONTECAMPPHOTO: CAMP LECONTE 1739 EAST PARKWAY | GATLINBURG,
64 GET OUT CHATTANOOGA May 2016 CAMPING GUIDE CONTINUED
While we don’t particularly consider this to be camping, it is wildly growing in popular ity. For those not in the know, glamping stands for “glamor ous camping,” which can mean functional outdoor hotels complete with clean bedsheets, fluffy down pillows and heated pools. Even we have to admit this looks pretty fun. TENN., 37738 | 865-436-8831
65Ma y 2016 GET OUT CHATTANOOGA Buy. Sell. Trade. mckaybooks.com/McKayBooksChattanooga7734 Lee Hwy. Chattanooga, TN McKayBooksChattanooga | mckaybooks.com McKay’sIntune with yourmusicianinner Instruments • Books • CDs Movies • Games • Electronics 39858116 100-MILE RELAY THROUGH NORTH GEORGIA All proceeds benefit the Evitt Foundation evitt | foundation24SEPTSATURDAY general100.com | today!register
End of the TrailEnd of the Trail
PHOTOGRAPH: DMITRY SHISHKIN Hikers pause for a photo after traversing the Possum Creek Gorge Segment of the Cumberland Trail.
66 GET OUT CHATTANOOGA May 2016
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN OUTDOOR EDUCATION 1.800.SOUTHERN • southern.edu/graduatestudiesKidslearnbetteroutdoors Research shows it. You know it from experience. Now, get the degree that lets you do it better. SACS Accredited M.S.Ed in Outdoor Education Designed for classroom teachers and outdoor professionals right here in Chattanooga at Southern Adventist University. An entire M.S.Ed. in three semesters (choose a summer or winter/ fall sequence). Also available: professional recertification credit in math, language arts, science, and social studies using the outdoors as a learning laboratory. Summer Cohort now forming for June 12-26, 2016 Intensive
Photo by Forest Woodward courtesy Patagonia.
Proudly sold at your neighborhood Rock/Creek. Chattanooga 2 North HamiltonRiversideBroadShoreSt.Dr.Crossing Cleveland Frontage Rd. Ocoee Jump Frog Ln. Franklin* Galleria Blvd. *Coming Aug. ‘16 ROCKCREEK.COM/PATAGONIA
