Winter 2009-2010 Sipsey/Bankhead Hike Facilitation Thread

[Joshua Szulecki]

I was notified that my summer-fall thread was getting a little outdated.

Here is the new winter thread. It should not include spring, since this spring's hiking season is expected to be a doozy with all the potential orchid locations I have to check out, and I'll be dealing with those less publicly, for the safety of the plants.

The following Sipsey/Bankhead hikes have already come up:
- Hubbard Creek downstream (Timeframe: early January, weather permitting)
- South Caney Creek below the lower falls (Timeframe: unknown)
- North Caney Creek (various sections, Timeframe: unknown)
- Cane Creek Preserve (Timeframe: January)
- White Creek Re-do for photography (Timeframe: when there is no ice, but good photog conditions)
- Parker Branch (Timeframe: whenever)

I'm suggesting the following Sipsey/ Bankhead hikes:
- Shangri-La Falls ONLY hike, for photography (Timeframe: when condition suitable)
- Hubbard Creek upstream (Timeframe: whenever)

Please suggest other ideas, as we'll see where things go. Refer to the TN-specific thread for TN suggestions.

[weathermansam]

I am very much toying with the idea of hiking hubbard downstream this weekend, maybe an overnighter, possibly solo.  Curiosity is getting the better of me, and with the rain tonight, and a high in the low 50's on Sunday...

[jaybird]

I was notified that my summer-fall thread was getting a little outdated.

Hey, I think the word "outdated" is getting a little outdated.  Can you get with Websters and see what else y'all can come up with?  Ok, thanks.  You have been notified. 

[Pathfinder]

Jaybird, how about "beyond the date of expiration" if you like.

[Joshua Szulecki]

I am very much toying with the idea of hiking hubbard downstream this weekend, maybe an overnighter, possibly solo.  Curiosity is getting the better of me, and with the rain tonight, and a high in the low 50's on Sunday...

Not a solo trip I'd recommend.

I'd be willing to go on Jan. 2nd, although I'd need to do it as a daytrip that weekend. It *might* be a better idea to wait until the water goes down, however.

[Joshua Szulecki]

Anybody interested in an Eagle Creek/Little Ugly hike on President's Day/Washington's Birthday weekend? That is February 13-15th.

No firm details, just an idea. I'd rather do it later in the year, but wildflower season is going to interfere this year. 

[weathermansam]

   There's a better chance of me willingly walking up behind a mother grizzly and her cubs with an air horn in each hand and letting loose than me hiking on Valentine's Day.  The females don't take kindly to such ideas, even with peace offerings that involve lots of chocolate. 

[Joshua Szulecki]

It would probably be February 13th. I tend to shoot for Saturday hikes.

[DavidR]

 There's a better chance of me willingly walking up behind a mother grizzly and her cubs with an air horn in each hand and letting loose than me hiking on Valentine's Day.  The females don't take kindly to such ideas, even with peace offerings that involve lots of chocolate. 

Hahahaha, well spoken my friend.

[jaybird]

What's Valentine's Day? 

[SmokeDiver]

What's Valentine's Day? 

It's just another day to enjoy being single! Get lots of pics of those orchids this Spring Joshua. I'll be hitting Sipsey again around February.

[Joshua Szulecki]

SmokeDiver,

Don't worry! I'm already planning several weeks of orchid chasing in April, May, and possibly June. I'll definately be looking in Alabama, Indiana, Tennessee, and Virginia. I have confirmed locations in each state, and I have personally seen populations in all but Virginia. I'm considering some looking in Illinois (C. candidum, white ladyslipper, my favorite) or Ontario (Ram's Head Orchid), depending on finances and logistics, and Kentucky may get a visit as well, presuming I can find a potential Cypripedium kentuckiense location, otherwise I'll be forced to make a much longer trip to the only confirmed location I currently am aware of, which is several hundred miles from here. That may wait until next year, however. I'll be prepping my camera gear, and even the Pacemaker Speed will likely make an appearance at short-hike locations.

But seriously, as a note to all, I won't be publicly annoucing the orchid specific hikes, but people who have hiked with me and are deemed to be trustworthy will likely get private invites several weeks in advance of trips. All the more reason to go on one of these hikes.

Jay,

I'm with you man, what is Valentine's Day? The only holiday I care about between now and summer is First Trout Lily Day.

[jaybird]

I've got a population of trout lilies in the TNF that hasn't failed in the last 15 years to bloom in the last week of January or the first week of February.  Nope that's not a typo.  I looked back in my pics just now and the latest they've ever bloomed is 2/11.  There are some rare white ones mixed in with the yellow ones.  It's a sacred spot.

[Joshua Szulecki]

I've never seen the white ones!

[JC785]

 There's a better chance of me willingly walking up behind a mother grizzly and her cubs with an air horn in each hand and letting loose than me hiking on Valentine's Day.  The females don't take kindly to such ideas, even with peace offerings that involve lots of chocolate. 

Same here the wife would be upset, unless I can talk her into a romantic Valentine's day backpacking trip, haha yea right!

[Jackalope]

Same here the wife would be upset, unless I can talk her into a romantic Valentine's day backpacking trip, haha yea right!

There's always Valentine Pond!

[SmokeDiver]

I had to be a pessimist, but is this cold rainy winter going to be bad for skeeters in the Spring? I know it affects mosquitos and ticks but I can't remember if it's in a good or bad way.

[WolfVanZandt]

A couple of years ago, I ran into a big patch of great lady slippers at Pine Mountain in Georgia.

[Joshua Szulecki]

Wolf... Can you edit that to not give such a precise location in the clear? Those plants are at risk for poaching, especially in states like Georgia, where they aren't very common.

[Joshua Szulecki]

Anybody up for some Sipsey/Bankhead on Saturday, January 16th?