WNC>9th Annual John Rock Hang: July 20-22 2018

**Trambo** · 06-18-2018, 13:21

I love collecting firewood. The bought stuff is just too expensive, and although it's just a mile, I wouldn't want to hike it in. As it sits, I am pondering on what extra communal gear to bring. I'm considering bringing a large tarp and a solar lighting kit to create a community area for people to congregate in. I'm also considering what stove that I want to bring.

It's either a super high speed seek outside titanium backpacking stove (that's brand new still and needs a proper "burn in", or I'll bring a dutch oven and grill/smoker setup that I've been waiting to test out.

**El Gordo** · 06-18-2018, 18:15

We had a great time at this hang last year! Unfortunately, I'm out of position (stuck in NJ) this time around.

**Tacoma96** · 06-18-2018, 18:41

Originally Posted by Trambo

I love collecting firewood. The bought stuff is just too expensive, and although it's just a mile, I wouldn't want to hike it in. As it sits, I am pondering on what extra communal gear to bring. I'm considering bringing a large tarp and a solar lighting kit to create a community area for people to congregate in. I'm also considering what stove that I want to bring.

It's either a super high speed seek outside titanium backpacking stove (that's brand new still and needs a proper "burn in", or I'll bring a dutch oven and grill/smoker setup that I've been waiting to test out.

Sounds great. Sometimes we have a community tarp set up and sometimes not. Usually everyone goes to there own tarps and waits out the afternoon showers that occur. I will be giving my titanium stove a break this hang and trying out my new jetboil flash that I bought for fathers day. We always need someone to maintain the fire when needed.

Originally Posted by El Gordo

We had a great time at this hang last year! Unfortunately, I'm out of position (stuck in NJ) this time around.

EG sorry you cant make it. Hey theirs always JRH 10 next year I am sure.

**Gqgeek81** · 06-18-2018, 19:17

I have secured Friday-Sunday off of work.

**Cajunracer** · 06-19-2018, 06:58

I am trying to make this one. I have driven through the area a bunch of times and have not had the time to stop and spend the night. Another plus is the ride from Chattanooga to the site looks like it will be awesome on the bike. Not planning on taking any major roads. As always, if anyone wants to borrow some Sierra Madre gear, let me know. I can bring up to 4 setups on the bike.

**Slugger** · 06-19-2018, 08:23

Originally Posted by Smckinney0031

This could work, there may be 2 of us coming but she will not be able to carry much weight due to back issues. Neither of us are really in the best shape so I dont want to try to pack too much to pack back.

I'm the same way...a handful of titanium in my lower back, torn ACL in my knee (that the Navy docs declined to repair), and bad feet. When I did the hike in last year I just took my time, observed the forest wonder around me while I rested and before I knew it I was in the Enchanted Forest! Yes there are some uphills but it is do-able for just about anyone. We have serpas that will assist if needed.

**Trambo** · 06-19-2018, 09:32

having sherpas available is always a plus. There area few things that I'm considering bringing for the camp, but that I don't want to pack in myself. An example is my heavy dutch oven and grill combo. I've thought that I could keep it all together in the back of my car, and that if we want to use it, that someone could easily go down with my key grab it and lock my car back up. I figure the same thing for the people who are going to have difficulty with the hike. Just have the stuff easy to find, and the 1 mile hike is nothing for some of these people.

**Biker Bob** · 06-19-2018, 10:40

Cajonracer

Up the Ocoee from Ocoee to Ducktown is indeed a good ride except on the weekend. From Franklin to Highlands on 64 is another good ride again depending on tourists. Turn left at Ducktown and follow 68 to Tellico, then take Cherohala over to Robbinsville and continue 143 to 28. Go toward the Nantahala Gorge and take Wayah Bald south toward Franklin for additional twisty road riding on the way. Just got home from Turtletown Sunday so guess I should be responsible for a while.

**peeeeetey** · 06-19-2018, 17:25

Me and the wife are prepping as we speak.

**peeeeetey** · 06-19-2018, 17:29

Originally Posted by Slugger

I'm the same way...a handful of titanium in my lower back, torn ACL in my knee (that the Navy docs declined to repair), and bad feet. When I did the hike in last year I just took my time, observed the forest wonder around me while I rested and before I knew it I was in the Enchanted Forest! Yes there are some uphills but it is do-able for just about anyone. We have serpas that will assist if needed.

No need to push yourself, although the wife always asks me where the fire is that I have to be in that much of a hurry. I need to learn to calm down and enjoy the hike. I tend to get mission oriented sometimes.