East Tennessee Mogul Mashers
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East Tennessee Mogul Mashers
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This is your invitation to join us for what we hope will be the first annual combined East Tennessee, Asheville, Palmetto Ski Club rafting trip. There is a lot more information below, but here are the particulars.
The date of the trip is Saturday, June 25th, 2011
We need to be on site at USA Raft by 8:30 AM to suit up. Their facility is located about two miles from exit 40 off I-26 in Erwin Tennessee. I will send the physical address to everyone that signs up so you can put it in your GPS.
You only need bring / wear the clothes and shoes you think are appropriate for the weather. They provide life jackets, paddles, rafts and everything else.
About 9:00 AM we will load on buses for a scenic 30 minute ride to the “put in” point upstream in North Carolina. From there we will enjoy a guided raft tour back to our point of origin.
This is a whole day trip. We will return to the point of origin in Erwin by about 3:30 or 4:00.
The trip will include lunch and some interesting side excursions (short hikes)
The cost of the trip including the raft, lunch, the guide, paddles, life jackets, and an event t-shirt is $82 per person.
If you want to join us, do two things.
First, send me an email as soon as you are sure you want to come. Send it to vicepresident@etmm.net Put Rafting trip in the subject line, and tell me how many spaces you want.
Second, a check payable to ETMM for $82 per person. Mail it do me at Dale Strother, PO Box 1575, Johnson City, TN 37605. Please include a note with the names of the people the check is for.
I have 28 spaces reserved, but they will go fast. This is probably the most popular time of year for rafting. It is early enough the water levels are usually great, but late enough to be nice and warm. Also, I will have to release any unreserved spaces a few weeks before the trip, so you will NOT be able to join us if you wait too long.
Now some other information
The company we are using is USA Raft. Their website is www.usaraft.net They have the largest operation on the Nolichucky. The route begins in North Carolina and comes through the Nolichucky Gorge. This is one of the most scenic areas of northeast Tennessee and western North Carolina. Much of the gorge is inaccessible except by the river. Depending on the river level you can expect class 1, 2, and 3 rapids (on a scale of 1 to 5). The guides are incredibly experienced, and to my knowledge have never lost a paying customer. You will have to paddle some, but this trip is suitable for all but the smallest child, or most senior citizen. There are seven passengers plus a guide on each raft. I was a raft guide on the Nolichucky years ago, and I promise you will have a lot of fun.
Lodging and Camping Some people may want to spend the weekend there so here is some lodging and camping information. Map of Campground click here.
If you want a hotel, I recommend the Holiday Inn Express at exit 40 on I-26 in Erwin Tennessee. This hotel about five years old, well run, and is located about two miles from the start / end point. They have a special price for customers of USA raft. The price is $64.99 for a room with two queens, or one king (bed). Breakfast is included in the rate. Their number is 800-304-7958. Their website is www.erwinepresshotel.com You can make your own reservation. Just be sure to tell them you need the USA Raft rate.
If you want to camp There is a very nice river front Camp Ground adjacent to the USA raft property. I’m staying there for the weekend. They have several different kinds of camp sites. There are river front camps sites, platform tents, cabins, and RV sites. Every site has a fire pit, and grill area. There is a clean shower house and all the usual facilities. Their website is www.nolichucky.com To be real honest, I am not impressed with their website but the campground is quite nice! I have also attached a PDF of the campground layout so you’ll have some idea of where things are. To make reservations, call 423-743-8876. A colorful former Marine (like me) who goes by LD will probably answer and take care of you.
Guess that’s it. If you have questions, send me a note. I’ll respond as soon as I can.
Take Care
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Send mail to Mark
Morgan with questions or comments about this web site.
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