It's the eve of our Teton trip and I'm giddier than a school girl at a middle school dance. We have all of our supplies meticulously organized on our dining room table and are just finishing stocking up before we pack it all up this evening. A couple of things I'm really glad we've accumulated for these types of trips include the Osprey pack air porter, Sawyer water filter (though Aaron wants to buy a pump instead, says its too slow), and my 15 degree sleeping bag. The air porter bag was an accidental gear purchase that turned out to be a great mishap. We bought it last year for our trip out to Glacier thinking they were rain covers, but when we opened them up at home, we commented how handy it would be to be able to fly our packs out already packed up. That works, so long as you don't exceed the 50 lbs required by the airline.
We have some new gear for this trip - in particular a set of three new dry bags as we will be going at it via canoe. Our itinerary is as follows:
Fly in Wednesday afternoon, camp in/around Gros Ventre camp ground.
Thursday morning, pick up rented canoe, paddles, life vests, etc and drive to the String Lake trailhead where we will pack up the canoes and set out
By Thursday afternoon we will have portaged over to Leigh Lake and to our campsite #13 for Thursday night
Friday morning we will pack up the canoes again and head to the north end of Leigh lake, where we will stash our canoe and hike on foot to Bear Paw Lake for a 2nd night of backcountry camping.
Saturday we canoe back to String Lake and crash at The Alpine House for a luxurious end to our trip.
Sunday, July 7, 2013
Sunday, June 2, 2013
Ocoee Whitewater Rafting and Camping
Hot summer sun and rafting are the perfect mix, and when we discovered through a friend that a Groupon was available to raft the Ocoee river with Adventures Unlimited, we jumped on the opportunity. It had been ages since I'd been to the Ocoee - probably since middle school - and it's only a three and a half hour drive from Nashville so this was an easy weekend trip. We headed down with several of my coworkers and spouses and set up camp Friday night at the outpost. Only two notables regarding camping - 1) Adventures Unlimited's campground is not the best maintained I've seen and the toilets were dysfunctional all weekend and 2) we tested out our new Eno double nest sleeping system in lieu of a tent and loved it. The new mosquito nets allowed us to slumber comfortably under the shelter of a tarp we hung overhead.
Saturday we departed for the river with our guide Alec, a dreadlocked and rather serious fellow who was quick to point out errors in our paddling technique. Aaron and I found this a bit funny, as the drama with which he imparted these messages presumed that we could be in real danger if we didn't follow his instructions. After the Gauley, the Ocoee is a cake walk, and our guides at the Gauley had been a hell of a lot more fun. Regardless, Alec managed to get us down river without any pins or flips so that was good I guess. During the Olympic section of the Upper Ocoee we hit a massive hole and I was chucked out of the raft. Below you can see the painful progression of this mishap. A bystander on shore threw me a rope and I was quickly able to get to the side and to safety. Sort of pissed I lost those gold sunglasses though...
Here's a video of our progression through one of the river's Class IV rapids as well as an additional video of our guide Alec showing off.
Saturday we departed for the river with our guide Alec, a dreadlocked and rather serious fellow who was quick to point out errors in our paddling technique. Aaron and I found this a bit funny, as the drama with which he imparted these messages presumed that we could be in real danger if we didn't follow his instructions. After the Gauley, the Ocoee is a cake walk, and our guides at the Gauley had been a hell of a lot more fun. Regardless, Alec managed to get us down river without any pins or flips so that was good I guess. During the Olympic section of the Upper Ocoee we hit a massive hole and I was chucked out of the raft. Below you can see the painful progression of this mishap. A bystander on shore threw me a rope and I was quickly able to get to the side and to safety. Sort of pissed I lost those gold sunglasses though...
Here's a video of our progression through one of the river's Class IV rapids as well as an additional video of our guide Alec showing off.
Monday, May 27, 2013
Snowbird Backcountry Area, Nantahala National Forest
Ah Memorial Day, typically spent this holiday out on the lakes around Charlotte back when we lived in NC, but this year decided to take it to the woods. Our friends Cortney and Chris picked the spot - we would have gone anywhere given the forecast for the weekend. No chance of rain, sunny and mid 70's. Now that's my kind of day.
We arrived in Robbinsville, NC and met up at the Hungry Bear. Robbinsville is approximately 2 miles of road with gas stations, restaurants and super market. After I blew by the Hungry Bear by accident I realized it could not be located using a GPS. I stopped at a local gas station and to my astonishment, the natives had no idea what I was talking about. How do you miss one of the maybe 7 restaurants in your own town? Bizarre.
The drive in to the trail head is mostly paved, with one long stretch of gravel road that passes multiple creek side car-camping sites. It's a beautiful drive to get there, and I rolled down the windows for the boxers to stick their heads out and enjoy the breeze.
We began our hike here, selecting the path on the left (there are two at the trailhead):
Here are our friends Chris and Cortney and a shot of Aaron and myself...
Along the trail...
Then we came to the creepy abandoned van and almost decided to camp there. Fortunately Chris made it across the stream and informed us that an even more perfect site was situated just beyond where we had stopped. We crossed the creek to get there.
I believe it was the most grotesque affront to "leave no trace" I've seen when we got to the site. Someone had literally fashioned a table into the tree for cook prep and there were foils and wrappers scattered about. We did our best to pick up the debris we found, and made sure not to leave any of our own. It does beg the question: how much of other's people's trash should you pick up? We tried to get it all, but I resented that this was now our problem, and not the jerks who left it a mess in the first place.
Definitely enjoyed some good food and a nice camp fire. The hand held chain saw in particular came in handy as we gathered downed logs and trees from the area.
Night 1 was cold. Too cold to attempt the ENO hammock tent type contraption I had procured, thought we gave this a shot on day 2.
Day 2 we struck out on the trail to find a good fishing spot. I am continually told that we can find great fish using fly rods. I am continually disappointed when we catch no fish. Obviously my fly fishing abilities leave something to be desired. Here is the neat bridge we found:
Night 2 the doggies were exhausted. This was the most exercise they had enjoyed in a while.
When we woke on Day 3, the skies were overcast and we determined it would be best to head out and back home to Nashville, to enjoy a day of Arrested Development and grilling at home before returning to work. All in all, a great trek, great spot for camping right near the water, and a chance to catch up with old friends.
We arrived in Robbinsville, NC and met up at the Hungry Bear. Robbinsville is approximately 2 miles of road with gas stations, restaurants and super market. After I blew by the Hungry Bear by accident I realized it could not be located using a GPS. I stopped at a local gas station and to my astonishment, the natives had no idea what I was talking about. How do you miss one of the maybe 7 restaurants in your own town? Bizarre.
The drive in to the trail head is mostly paved, with one long stretch of gravel road that passes multiple creek side car-camping sites. It's a beautiful drive to get there, and I rolled down the windows for the boxers to stick their heads out and enjoy the breeze.
We began our hike here, selecting the path on the left (there are two at the trailhead):
Here are our friends Chris and Cortney and a shot of Aaron and myself...
Along the trail...
Then we came to the creepy abandoned van and almost decided to camp there. Fortunately Chris made it across the stream and informed us that an even more perfect site was situated just beyond where we had stopped. We crossed the creek to get there.
I believe it was the most grotesque affront to "leave no trace" I've seen when we got to the site. Someone had literally fashioned a table into the tree for cook prep and there were foils and wrappers scattered about. We did our best to pick up the debris we found, and made sure not to leave any of our own. It does beg the question: how much of other's people's trash should you pick up? We tried to get it all, but I resented that this was now our problem, and not the jerks who left it a mess in the first place.
Definitely enjoyed some good food and a nice camp fire. The hand held chain saw in particular came in handy as we gathered downed logs and trees from the area.
Night 1 was cold. Too cold to attempt the ENO hammock tent type contraption I had procured, thought we gave this a shot on day 2.
Day 2 we struck out on the trail to find a good fishing spot. I am continually told that we can find great fish using fly rods. I am continually disappointed when we catch no fish. Obviously my fly fishing abilities leave something to be desired. Here is the neat bridge we found:
Night 2 the doggies were exhausted. This was the most exercise they had enjoyed in a while.
When we woke on Day 3, the skies were overcast and we determined it would be best to head out and back home to Nashville, to enjoy a day of Arrested Development and grilling at home before returning to work. All in all, a great trek, great spot for camping right near the water, and a chance to catch up with old friends.
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Bluegrass Underground
I heard about it from a friend at work. "Hey did you hear about Bluegrass Underground?" he said. "No" I replied. "It's awesome, its this cave where they have bluegrass shows and its awesome because the acoustics are amazing and they always get top talent."
Google help me, I was online that very moment to research. What was this magical place I wondered, and how could I procure tickets to see it? Would it be far away?
Bluegrass Underground is a special concert series hosted in McMinnville TN's Cumberland Caverns. In these massive caverns, which were once mined for minerals used in gunpowder, a giant room titled "The Volcano Room" can seat up to 500 people over 300 feet underground. Acts play on selected Saturdays and tickets can be purchased online. They first started the Bluegrass Underground series in 2008, and since then PBS radio and now PBS television will broadcast selected shows from the illustrious cavern. You can read more about it here:
http://www.bluegrassunderground.com/
And here's a good pic:
It was a rainy Saturday this morning when we packed up and drove 90 minutes to McMinnville from Nashville, passing through Manchester en route. When we arrived, we entered an old souvenir shop filled with various crystals and shiny stones, t shirts and magnets. Here you can purchase a 10 dollar bag of dirt, then step outside to their customized washing station and drop your dirt into a small mesh tray. Here is how that went...(sorry, for whatever reason can't get these videos to imbed here today!)
As show time approached, we were told to walk through the woods to the cave entrance. There, a guide is required by their insurance company to walk each group through the cavern and into The Volcano Room. Along the way there are underground waterfalls and pools, stalactites and stalagmites, all lit in a ghostly pale yellow or blue or red. Then, at the end of a long tunnel, you begin descending into The Volcano Room. Somehow, someway, they have managed to electrically wire the entire place for sound and lighting, AND install plumbing so you have access to restrooms. A full concession stand serves the typical concert fare, and picknick tables line the back of the room where patrons can bring in their own food and beverage spread. The only thing not permitted is alcohol and smoking. Not sure how they monitor the alcohol thing, because if you brought your own in a Nalgene bottle no one would ever check or know. Suffice it to say, the show's at 1pm on a Saturday so at that point you're probably still in recovery from the previous night anyhow.
When Mountain Heart took the stage I wasn't sure what to expect having never seen them before. I was completely blown away by their talent. How many bands can boast a two fingered banjo player, one of the best vocalists I've EVER heard (no exaggeration) and a guitar, fiddle, bass and piano that blast through your body with such lightening fast speed it will make your head spin. Here's a snippet:
It was a fantastic way to spend a Saturday afternoon. We will definitely head back to the cave at some point.
Google help me, I was online that very moment to research. What was this magical place I wondered, and how could I procure tickets to see it? Would it be far away?
Bluegrass Underground is a special concert series hosted in McMinnville TN's Cumberland Caverns. In these massive caverns, which were once mined for minerals used in gunpowder, a giant room titled "The Volcano Room" can seat up to 500 people over 300 feet underground. Acts play on selected Saturdays and tickets can be purchased online. They first started the Bluegrass Underground series in 2008, and since then PBS radio and now PBS television will broadcast selected shows from the illustrious cavern. You can read more about it here:
http://www.bluegrassunderground.com/
And here's a good pic:
It was a rainy Saturday this morning when we packed up and drove 90 minutes to McMinnville from Nashville, passing through Manchester en route. When we arrived, we entered an old souvenir shop filled with various crystals and shiny stones, t shirts and magnets. Here you can purchase a 10 dollar bag of dirt, then step outside to their customized washing station and drop your dirt into a small mesh tray. Here is how that went...(sorry, for whatever reason can't get these videos to imbed here today!)
As show time approached, we were told to walk through the woods to the cave entrance. There, a guide is required by their insurance company to walk each group through the cavern and into The Volcano Room. Along the way there are underground waterfalls and pools, stalactites and stalagmites, all lit in a ghostly pale yellow or blue or red. Then, at the end of a long tunnel, you begin descending into The Volcano Room. Somehow, someway, they have managed to electrically wire the entire place for sound and lighting, AND install plumbing so you have access to restrooms. A full concession stand serves the typical concert fare, and picknick tables line the back of the room where patrons can bring in their own food and beverage spread. The only thing not permitted is alcohol and smoking. Not sure how they monitor the alcohol thing, because if you brought your own in a Nalgene bottle no one would ever check or know. Suffice it to say, the show's at 1pm on a Saturday so at that point you're probably still in recovery from the previous night anyhow.
When Mountain Heart took the stage I wasn't sure what to expect having never seen them before. I was completely blown away by their talent. How many bands can boast a two fingered banjo player, one of the best vocalists I've EVER heard (no exaggeration) and a guitar, fiddle, bass and piano that blast through your body with such lightening fast speed it will make your head spin. Here's a snippet:
It was a fantastic way to spend a Saturday afternoon. We will definitely head back to the cave at some point.
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Falls Creek Falls
Amazing weekend camping and hiking in and around Falls Creek Falls State Park in TN. Gorgeous weather all weekend long and a heck of a way to kick off the spring camping season. All of the waterfalls and creeks are easily accessed from scenic overlooks so it was a convenient, if not a bit lazy way to see the sights. Here are some pics from the park. Enjoy!
Sunday, April 7, 2013
Hog Roast
Well folks, it was an eventful Saturday at the Hollar house. Despite illness earlier this week, we had a non refundable hog on order and something had to be done. As it was our first time attempting to smoke an entire pig, we were frothy with anticipation and excitement. What began as a box in our bathtub (too big for our freezer):
...was soon unwrapped and this sad looking grey pig was placed on the grill:
Now the next step was smoking ole Wilbur here into a fall apart, delicious mess. Aaron brewed up some of his famous Carolina style vinegar based sauce. Here is the recipe:
white vinegar
apple cider vinegar
hot pepper sauce
red pepper flakes
salt and pepper
brown sugar (dissolved in vinegar stove top with the remainder of the ingredients)
This delicious sauce was injected into the pig for the ensuing 10 hour period while it smoked slowly with hickory wood and charcoal. We got the smoker on clearance and it did us well. Here was the (nearly) finished pig:
It was quite a feast, and we ended up saving a huge amount of pork for the coming weeks. Nice kickoff to the first beautiful weekend we've seen in many months.
Friday, April 5, 2013
Pig Pickin
You could say we are finally coming out of hibernation. With the move to Nashville, and the purchase of a new home, we have been busy to say the least. But as winter thaws, we get restless and head back to the woods...or at least, the backyard.
This weekend we opted not to camp, and instead to stay home, cook a pig and watch the Final Four. Now, when I say “cook a pig” I mean, cook an entire pig. We ordered this 50 pound Wilbur from a local butcher about 2 weeks ago.
The original intention was to have a blow out house warming party with all my new coworkers and Nashville friends. We wanted to expose them to original eastern carolina BBQ. But alas, flu and pneumonia this week struck the Hollar household with a vengeance. In lieu of infecting all of our new friends, we opted instead to cancel the party. Unfortunately, it was too late to cancel the pig reservation. So...pig roast weekend it is! I have no idea how we will possibly store all of the cooked meat in our tiny freezer, but somehow we will have to make it work.
Hog roast begins tomorrow at 8am. Stay tuned for pics...
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