Swan Cabin Mountain Retreat - Fri, Oct 19 2007

REGISTRATION & PAYMENT REQUIRED: Once you've reviewed the event details, and decided you'd like to join us, you MUST sign up at the bottom of this page. This is a paid event with payment managed through the AOC. Please read the event description carefully for details; you will be given payment instructions after you sign up. Late payments are NOT accepted for this event, in any circumstance.



Swan Cabin Mountain Retreat


The Basics:
Event Type:Overnight
Event Location: Joyce Kilmer Wilderness, N.C.
Date(s) & Time:Fri, Oct 19 2007  5:00 pm >> N/A  (Carpool Departure: 7:00 pm   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Fri, Sep 14 2007 12:00 am
Registration Cut Off: Tue, Oct 9 2007 11:59 pm
Event Duration:Through Monday
Difficulty Rating:D1: Easy
Trip Leader(s):
Charlie Cottingham
Ben Taratoot
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Member Cost:$25.00/Person (See Detailed Cost Info Below)

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:25
Minimum Group Size:2
Number Registered So Far: 16 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: Yes

Itinerary:
Join Charlie and Ben at Swan cabin for the peak of the fall colors! The rustic, historic Swan cabin is located on the highest peak of the Joyce Kilmer wilderness. Beds are rustic rope-bunk style plus is a large porch and a wood burning stove. Our agenda will include cookouts and stargazing. The Joyce Kilmer wilderness offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activities.

On Saturday Charlie will lead an optional day hike from the Cabin to the craggy “Hangover” overlook, with dramatic fall foliage views of Clingman’s Dome and the Smokies to the north and Lake Santeetlah to the south. Nearby waterfalls include spectacular Bald River Falls and Falls Creek Falls.

Please read the important details below thoroughly:

There will be a pre-trip meeting on Tue. October 16, from 6:00 until 8:00 PM in the main lobby of the Atlanta Marriott Century Center Hotel. It is located near spaghetti junction at 2000 Century Boulevard NE, Atlanta, GA 30345. Look for us just outside Kicks Lounge. We will discuss what to bring and organize meals & carpools.

This is a rustic cabin with no running water or electricity. There is a flushing toilet. The parking lot is only 20 yards from the cabin, so pack car- camping style. There are only 10 rope bunks, which will be given on a first-come-first-served basis. The other 15 people may camp on the lawn or find floor space as they please.

Meals are officially a "free-for-all," so bring whatever you want to eat and whatever you need to cook it. However Charlie will organize a potluck for those who wish to participate. We'll discuss this at the pre-trip party. Also there is a grill which everyone is welcome to use, and we will fire it up nightly.

Dogs are welcome. However, in the interest of our sanity we are limiting the total number of dogs to 10. Therefore, before bringing your dog you must check with Ben. Obviously your dog must be well behaved and friendly toward dogs and people.


Required Items to Bring:
Food in a cooler with plenty of ice. 6 gallons of bottled water. Layers of clothing. Sleeping bag & pad 2 packages of firewood 		Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.
Tent, etc. if you don't plan to use a bunk Flashlight Paper towels & tissue Matches Hiking boots & day pack if you plan to hike

How to Get There:
Event Directions:From Atlanta take I-75 north to I-575 north. Go approximately 70 miles to Blue Ridge, GA. By the McDonald's, turn left onto GA-5. Go approximately 14 miles to McCaysville, GA. Cross the Toccoa river bridge and you are in Copperhill, TN. Turn left on TN-68. Go about 36 miles to the Cherohala Skyway turnoff in Tellico Plains, TN. In Tellico Plains turn Right onto TN-165 (at the big Cherohala Skyway sign) and take it about 24 miles eastward to the TN/NC line at “Beech Gap” near the “Unicoi Crest” scenic overlook. From the “Welcome to NC” sign continue about 1.9 more miles on the Skyway to its junction with Forest Service Road FS-81 on your left. Turn Left down the hill onto FS-81 and go about 4 miles eastward to the “Wolf Laurel/ Swan Cabin” sign at Forest Service Road FS-81 on your left. Make a sharp Left turn up the hill (northwest) onto FS-81 (Wolf Laurel Road) and go about 2.5 miles, to the “Swan Cabin” sign that normally should be here on your right.
Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):170Mile(s)
Carpool Departure Time: 7:00 pm
Carpool Location:   Log in for location
Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions
Carpool Cost: Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $68.00 using a reimbursement rate guideline of $0.400 per mile. The total amount should be divided by the number of people in the vehicle, including the driver. This is a guideline, not a rule, for drivers but the cost should not be higher unless there are extenuating circumstances.

Notes:
Important information for paid events in which payment is managed through the AOC:

     - Payment must be received by the payment due date and prior to participation in the event.

     - Some paid events require a minimum number of registered participants. If that number is not met, the event will be canceled and refunds will be issued to those who have already paid.

     - Third-party vendors often require damage deposits. Each registrant agrees to be liable for and required to reimburse the Atlanta Outdoor Club for any withheld deposits due to the actions of or damages caused by that registrant.

     - No partial payments. All registrants must pay the posted Member Cost regardless of any agreement you may have with any party involved in the event.

     - Read the event description carefully for additional information, and contact the trip leader(s) with any questions.

* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.

Cost & Payment:
Member Cost:$25.00/Person
Cost Includes:Three nights stay at the Swan cabin.
Payment Cut Off:Payment must be received by the AOC on Tue, Oct 9 2007.
Make a Payment:Click here for the details. PLEASE PAY AFTER YOU HAVE SIGNED UP BELOW.

Cancellation/Partial Attendance:   Please review the AOC cancellation policy.
*Note: If you cancel before the sign-up deadline, you will receive a full refund. After the sign-up deadline, you will lose your entire payment unless you find someone to replace yourself.