FamilySherpa
Trail Wise!
Tangled up in Rhododendron
Posts: 1,791 
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Post by FamilySherpa on Jul 14, 2015 8:59:34 GMT -8
First trip report of the new southern forum!
July 11-12 Cherokee National Forest Sycamore Creek Trail
This would be our son's first time hiking with a pack on a backpacking trip and our daughters first time on a backpacking trip. The problem for us has always been that 1 of the kids had to be carried up the trail. This would be his first time hiking in, but his little sister needed to be carried, so that leaves me to act as family Sherpa and carry all the gear. How am I supposed to get all this stuff in that backpack?
Well, somehow I did. Completely maxed out an 80L pack. That pack carries a heavy load so well. Can't exactly say the same about my hips.
We stopped at Tellico grains on the way through town to grab a loaf of bread and a few sandwiches to throw in the top of our packs for lunch.
When we arrived at the parking area there were rumblings of thunder in the distance, so we hopped out of the car, geared up the dogs, and gathered our packs. We snapped a quick picture and we were on our way.
We made it to camp just in time for the rain, so we quickly strung up a tarp to take shelter and eat some sandwiches while the clouds did their thing.
The rains let up about an hour later and so we set up the tent, the kids threw some rocks in the creek and got nice and dirty in the mud. Mom went to put sister down for a nap and my son mentioned that he wanted to go fishing. I strung up the rod and let him pick a dry fly. He picked a yellow neversink caddis. Wouldn't have been my choice, but probably the easiest for him to see and keep afloat without much trouble. This would be his first time fishing with a fly rod without any help.
Then as luck would have it, it happened. Right as he was about to pull the fly out of the water to cast again, a fish hit the fly, and he inadvertently set the hook. It is a miracle the fish stayed on, because I had forgot to show him how to bring it in. First he went for the reel, I told him to pull the line, but he couldn't manage, so he just used the rod to drag it in.
A fine looking brook trout.
He was worried about the hook removal process. Did it hurt the fish, did the fish tell its friends that hooks hurt, etc etc. He said he wanted to let it go back to its family, so we let it swim off, and in an attempt to end things on a high note and save some anticipation for the next trip, we headed back to camp.
Cheers, 
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Post by rwtb123 on Jul 14, 2015 10:40:06 GMT -8
Thanks for posting.I've followed a few hikes along the Benton Mackaye trail which I noticed was nearby.
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Post by starwalker on Jul 14, 2015 20:05:40 GMT -8
That was cool.
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Post by ashepabst on Jul 15, 2015 8:22:21 GMT -8
thanks for this! this is gonna be very helpful in convincing the missus that ours is ready for an overnight.
how does momma like the carrier? is that a Dueter?
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FamilySherpa
Trail Wise!
Tangled up in Rhododendron
Posts: 1,791
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Post by FamilySherpa on Jul 15, 2015 8:36:41 GMT -8
thanks for this! this is gonna be very helpful in convincing the missus that ours is ready for an overnight. how does momma like the carrier? is that a Dueter? Yep, its the dueter kid carrier 3. We've both worn it. Its great for day hikes, but really doesn't carry very much gear under the seat, so it isn't a great help for overnight trips.
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VAN
Trail Wise!
Posts: 133 
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Post by VAN on Jul 15, 2015 11:18:38 GMT -8
Awesome! love that a fish was caught!
Always nice to see people out with their kiddos It's still too buggy and hot but come this winter I think mine will be old enough to attempt another backpacking trip without having to carry anyone (just the gear).
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schlanky
Trail Wise!
Lead singer, driver of the Winnebago
Posts: 452
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Post by schlanky on Jul 15, 2015 15:43:35 GMT -8
Great report, ulight. Looks like a trip you'll all remember for a very long time.
That's an impressive amount of gear you hauled. I still can't figure out how you got that couch in your pack.
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Post by joshwtuttle on Jul 18, 2015 19:01:47 GMT -8
Awesome trip! I've seen Tellico Grains on Tennessee Crossroads, looks like a cool place. But most importantly...where's that beer brewed?
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Post by trinity on Jul 18, 2015 19:31:34 GMT -8
Outstanding report. The bar has been set high.
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FamilySherpa
Trail Wise!
Tangled up in Rhododendron
Posts: 1,791
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Post by FamilySherpa on Jul 20, 2015 5:38:54 GMT -8
Awesome trip! I've seen Tellico Grains on Tennessee Crossroads, looks like a cool place. But most importantly...where's that beer brewed?
We always find an excuse to stop at Tellico Grains when we are coming through town. Firestone Walker brewing company is in California.
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Post by brownmouse on Jul 25, 2015 17:14:31 GMT -8
Cool trip report! Thanks for sharing. You have a beautiful family!
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Post by tipiwalter on Jul 26, 2015 8:59:07 GMT -8
Thanks for posting.I've followed a few hikes along the Benton Mackaye trail which I noticed was nearby. The Sycamore Creek trail IS the BMT---same trails, different names. Thanks for the trip report. I was camping on the Sycamore too but later on July 13-14-15 on my way from the fish hatchery to Whiggs Meadow and beyond. My first night was a mile up Sycamore at a low camp and my second night was at "Hobo Camp" about 3.5 miles up past a switchback turn to switchback 4 below the Whigg dirt road hike. BTW, this fellow walked right up to my tent while I was eating dinner and got 10 feet from me before taking off up the hill.  |
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FamilySherpa
Trail Wise!
Tangled up in Rhododendron
Posts: 1,791
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Post by FamilySherpa on Jul 27, 2015 5:11:32 GMT -8
My first night was a mile up Sycamore at a low camp and my second night was at "Hobo Camp" about 3.5 miles up past a switchback turn to switchback 4 below the Whigg dirt road hike. BTW, this fellow walked right up to my tent while I was eating dinner and got 10 feet from me before taking off up the hill. Walter, I've camped several times at the place you call hobo camp. Know it well. I'm surprised that bear got so close to you. All the bears I've encountered in the national forest were very very scared of humans and wouldn't even get close enough for a photo.
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FamilySherpa
Trail Wise!
Tangled up in Rhododendron
Posts: 1,791
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Post by FamilySherpa on Jul 27, 2015 11:43:04 GMT -8
Cool trip report! Thanks for sharing. You have a beautiful family! Thank you brownmouse. I was fortunate to trick such a great woman into marrying me.
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