Jan 21 Sipsey Wilderness - 9:30-10:00 am

[Joshua Szulecki]

So, what are everybody's hiking plans for this coming holiday weekend, if any?

I'm considering some dayhiking up in Sipsey/Bankhead, probably Caney or Turkey Creek, if alone, or I might consider Eagle Creek if I had some company. Might even make it a double-header and hit Gregg's Two Falls in LRC, too. If anybody is interested, let me know. I'd probably go Saturday and Sunday, leaving Monday for recharging.

[Big Dumb Admin]

I split this topic because it had gone completely off topic but needed to be addressed.

jo7hs2, Man I would love a local hike this weekend. where should we go?

[Joshua Szulecki]

Not sure... Unfortunately (for me), it looks like it is going to be sunny until Monday, which precludes all but very early and every late waterfall photography.

I'm thinking of a few different things that might be interesting for a chance for a group hike, no matter the size and abilities of the group.

1) A quick visit to Kinlock Falls before or after hiking around the Kinlock area, as it would be nice to see the shelter.
2) Turkey Creek Canyon. Nice, easy, little history, little waterfalls (maybe), and a place a lot of people never see due to lack of official trail
3) Little River Canyon Carhike. Visit Little River Falls (poking around for bottom access), locate and visit Gregg's Two Falls, and scope out the Eberhart Point Trail
4) Oak Mountain.

For a little adventure, I'll offer Eagle/Little Ugly Creek as an interesting day-bushwhack. A 30-45 minute scramble over deadfall in and out, fairly easy going in the canyon, possibilities for either a 2-4 hour hike, or all day. If you own Alabama's Canyon's you probably already know how pretty it is.

I'll see what generates interest, as it is still early. Feel free to suggest alternatives!

[Skippy]

Hey Guy's, I will probably try and go with you on the dayhike,just let me know where and when?

[Magic City Matt]

Cool Man, does anybody have a particular day they would like to go?

[Lesley]

Either Sat or Sun would work.  I have to work on Monday.

[Joshua Szulecki]

I'm also good with Saturday or Sunday. Saturday is supposedly going to be breezy.

Does anybody have any feelings on where in light of the suggestions I've made, or for some other location?

[Skippy]

Saturday would be better for me,but if Sunday works better for everyone else I can make that to.
Wherever you guys want to go is fine with me,I have only been to Sipsey 3 times and have made the loop on the main trails,so I'm good with anything.

[Joshua Szulecki]

I'm going to suggest that we do something in Sipsey/Bankhead, since I know a lot of us probably don't spend as much time there as we would like.

As I've mentioned above, I have three suggestions that could be fun. The first suggestion, the Kinlock Area, is probably the easiest option in terms of hike distance. I've never visited the Kinlock shelter because I wasn't comfortable with the trail alone, but I think it would be an interesting thing to see. Total distance covered wouldn't be much, and there would probably be time for somethign else. The second suggestion, Turkey Foot Canyon, is another area that I've scouted, but never fully explored. The hiking is supposed to be very easy, although there is less of a "trail" than the first option. Since I had to cancel the previous Turkey Foot hike, I'd like to make that up at some point. The third suggestion is an adventure. 100% bushwhack, so winter is the very best time. A 30-45 minute descent along the drainage leading into Eagle Creek, then easier going along Eagle and Little Ugly Creek. Not strenous, but lots of ways to twist an ankle, and LOTS of deadfall in the drainage. Several waterfalls, all of small-moderate size for Alabama, and all with relatively small drainages (like Turkey Foot) so nothing spectacular with the drought. And of course, there is always Caney Creek, or one of the official trails.

We probably wouldn't have any company in Turkey Foot or Eagle Creek. Kinlock and Caney Creek will almost certainly have visitors on a holiday weekend, unless it ends up being very cold.

I offer these suggestions, but I have no strong preference, and no requests besides the existance of a waterfall somewhere on the hike.

[Magic City Matt]

Alright well Saturday it is. I will go ahead and link this thread to the calendar and change the title so others that may be interested can get involved.

[Joshua Szulecki]

Saturday will work great for me. Now we need a location and a time!

[Skippy]

Hey Guy's,Just heading back to work(last nite on call )and checking to see when and where we are going?  Just post time and place where to meet  and I will see ya there!!

[Joshua Szulecki]

Should I assume that this Saturday forecast for Double Springs...

"A 40 percent chance of snow before noon. Cloudy, with a high near 36. North wind between 10 and 15 mph."

...is going to freak the Alabamians in the crowd out? Sunday instead?

[Lesley]

The weather doesn't freak me out. I'd like to go see Turkey Foot Canyon. If there are any mild to strong feelings about the day or place, I'm flexible. But I wanted to start nailing down some solid plans.

merles

[Joshua Szulecki]

I was leaning towards a trip to Turkey Foot Canyon, too, and then if anybody is interested, maybe a quick hike to the Kinlock Shelter afterwards. Any objections or strong feelings about a different location?

[Magic City Matt]

I'm good. So here is where the rubber really meats the road. Does everybody wanna meet up at Warrior Trading Post? And what time to we wanna get this show on the road?

[Joshua Szulecki]

I'm good with meeting at either the Warrior Trading Post or the Sipsey Picnic area, as they are both around the same driving time from Birmingham. The trading post is 20 miles extra for me, but the ride through Jasper and Double Springs feels like an eternity, so it isn't an issue.

I'm open with pretty much any time, accounting for the 1.5 hour drive, of course.

How does Saturday (weather permitting), Warrior Trading Post, at 9:30-10AM, Turkey Foot Canyon sound? Too late, too early? 

[Lesley]

I like it!

[Skippy]

I'm not sure  where the trading post is?I will be coming down Hwy 160 (Hayden exit) and there is a park and ride at that exit .I do know where the picnic area is at Sipsey.

[Joshua Szulecki]

Okay, well the weather isn't going to be an issue probably...

"Saturday: A chance of snow before 2pm, then a chance for flurries. Cloudy, with a high near 36. North wind between 10 and 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible."

Unless your tires are bald, a half inch of snow is nothing, and it probably wouldn't stick to the road anyway. It will however make the hike beautiful.

But Skippy not knowing where the place is could be an issue. Can somebody post directions, or would you everbody rather meet at the Sipsey Picnic Grounds, which I'm guessing we've all been to?

[Magic City Matt]

So this is something I really need to point out. Don't take directions from me. Most of the time I cannot find my way out of a paper bag. I will try to get Suz and Les to post some directions to Warrior Trading post. I will however update the title.

[Joshua Szulecki]

At what weather level, if any, does Alabama expect us (or require us) to stay off the road? I mean, if it snows an eight of an inch, they don't close the roads, right? Just curious...

I don't expect any trouble, but I certainly don't want a ticket because some officer who sees snow once every ten years thinks I should stay home.

[Magic City Matt]

As far as I know even if the close the roads you can still drive though I would not suggest it. I will check for road closure with Alabama Department of Transportation that morning and post here if anything comes up. Do not risk your car, your insurance, or your lives just for a hike. 

• Anybody who is coming on this needs to keep in mind hunting season is still on as well and we need to wear your Orange.
• Definitely pack some sensible emergency gear like Emergency Reflective heat blanket and first aid gear as well as plenty of water and warm clothing.
• I am going to assume we will be there through lunch so pack a sandwich or grab something at the Trading post.

I am pretty excited about a bit of snow. Seems like forever since I have seen any. And as my coworker put it "If it is wet and falling from the sky, I'm happy"

[Magic City Matt]

Everybody i am going to move this into the Hikes and Events board. I will leave a tracer post in general though.

[Joshua Szulecki]

Weather Update:

They are currently predicting 2-4 inches of snow between the US-80 and I-20 corridors. 1-2 inches north and south of the highways, and lesser amounts further out. Double Springs is looking at around 1/2inch of snow, totally managable. Those of us coming from Birmingham need to pay close attention in the morning to determine if it is safe to head out.

http://forecast.weather.g...oduct1=Winter+Storm+Watch

Since it is currently 50 in B'ham, and 42 in Double Springs, I'm guessing no road accumulation is expected, but I haven't heard anything yet.

I'm still planning on going.

[Skippy]

Are you guys planning on going 278 to Double Springs?

[Joshua Szulecki]

For the Warrior Trading Post, no, I'll be coming in on I-65 and Al-157. If we were meeting at the picnic grounds, I'd take my usual route US-78 to AL-195. I've never been to the trading post before, but it is at the intersection of AL-36 and AL-33.

http://maps.google.com/ma...6&iwloc=addr&om=0

Where are you coming from?

[Skippy]

Ok,I'll just meet you guys at the picnic area because it will be better for me to come 278 thru Cullman to Double Springs

[Skippy]

My bad,I figured the Warrior Trading Post was in the Warrior area just before Hayden.

[Joshua Szulecki]

Wait, so where are you going Skippy?

[Skippy]

Never mind,I just googled the directions and it's not really out of my way.I will just meet you guys at the Warrior trading post

[Suz]

If we meet at Warrior Trading Post in Wren, there are restrooms, hot coffee, a trail map that is floor to ceiling to get everyone oriented.  They also have an eclectic mix of food and souvenirs.
Directions to Warrior Trading Post from Birmingham easiest route.

I-65 to 157.  Ramp right Turn left, going North on 157 toward Moulton.  Continue on 157 through Morgan County, into Lawerence County  20-25 miles from Cullman.  Look for AL 36 to Danville around the Speake area.  Turn left at the flashing lights onto Hwy 36.  Follow 36 until it tees into HWY 33.  Warrior Trading Post is on your right.  This is Wren, AL.

I think you could also take 278 from I-65 to Double Springs and take 33 North.  It is longer and windyer, but also more scenic.

[Suz]

There may not be flashing lights, but it is a well marked intersection on the downside of a hill and you have a turning lane and median.  Less than a half mile on 36 is a 4 way stop at Speake High Schoo, then 5-10 miles to the junction of 33. 

[Joshua Szulecki]

Well, I'll be at the Warrior Trading Post around 9:30 tomorrow morning.

[Suz]

Weather permitting, looks like Mike, Hadley, and me, maybe the pups...

[Joshua Szulecki]

I'll be leaving my dog at home, I think. If there is even a hint of snow, wet ground, or falling precip it just wouldn't be fair to him. He's a trooper, but at his size, wet and cold is downright dangerous.

[Skippy]

Is everybody still planning on going?

[Joshua Szulecki]

I'm still going. The weather seems to be staying south of Birmingham entirely as of right now, and I don't expect any trouble as far north as Sipsey.

[Skippy]

Ok, I am going to go too,I will be leaving in the next 30 minutes

[Magic City Matt]

No road closures.

We are going

here in a bit

Yawwwwwnnn


http://www.dot.state.al.u...ergencyroadclosures.aspx/

[Suz]

I'm going!

[Joshua Szulecki]

So far it isn't even snowing in Birmingham. Damp, yes, snow no.

I'm leaving in the next 20-25 minutes. Look for a big guy and a dark pontiac with very out of town plates.