Fri, Oct 8 2010 - AOC 10th Anniversary Backpacking, Elk Rutting, Photography, Fall Foliage Weekend (View Original Event Details) Trip Leader(s): Jaime, Lisa Maldonado Participants: Lisa Maldonado, Jaime, Kristi, Laura Judy, John Salazar, Scott Ragland, Hannah, Michelle Spence, Michael Chandler, Terry, Karen VH, Melissa M, Rafiq, Brad, Charlie Cottingham, Jason Flake, Lauren E, Jill Pellerin

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Write Up:
 p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Times; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; The Cataloochee Elk Backpacking weekend turned out to be a success with perfect weather, Elk Bugling and hiking. Eighteen members participated in this event. We began the weekend carpooling to Cataloochee Valley in the Great Smoky Mountains. Upon arrival we went directly to the fields and watched Elk before sunset. A few people enjoyed their dinner at the elk field. We then backpacked about two and a half east miles to campsite #39 the Pretty Hollow site, were Terry Murphy and Kristi Eide where waiting for the group. They had a wonderful fire going which helped us to find the campsite in the dark. After set up we enjoyed a few snacks and stories around the campfire. Morning came fast as I set the time to begin our hike to the elk fields for 6:00 AM. Yes, Jaime and I did get up at 6 AM to wake the group. I know this will shock many. It was a nice hike in the dark to the fields where we where surrounded by the Great Smoky Mountain haze and Elk bugling. We then proceeded to the barn area where everyone cooked breakfast. After breakfast we hiked the Boogerman Trail and part of the Caldwell Fork Trail for a total of almost eight miles. We then went back to the big barn field to cook our dinner. After dinner we watched the elk until after sunset. Jaime and I had to hide behind a tree at one point to avoid being impaled by a very large angry Elk. The ranger was not very happy with us. As darkness approached we hiked back to camp for more campfire stories and a long game of catch phrase. Fun was had by all. We woke at various times and packed up for the hike out. A few early risers left to see the elk as the sun came up and cook breakfast by the field. This will be an annual event. Thanks to everyone for joining with an adventurous positive attitude and making this event a great success.

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