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2017 Eclipse Backpacking




The Basics:
Event Type:Backpacking
Event Location: near Lake Burton, GA   Backpacking: 2017 Eclipse Backpacking  National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Sun, Aug 20 2017  10:00 am >> Mon, Aug 21 2017 6:00 pm  (Carpool Departure: 10:00 am   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Wed, Jun 21 2017 9:30 pm
Registration Cut Off: Thu, Aug 17 2017 4:44 am
Event Duration:1 Days 8 Hours
Difficulty Rating:D3: Moderate
Distance:4 Miles
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Mark
Lisa
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Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:12
Minimum Group Size:4
Number Registered So Far: 10 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Itinerary:

Sunday: We will arrive at the trailhead and hike approximately 2 miles to our campsite. The first mile follows a scenic creek leading to a pretty waterfall. The second mile is more rugged and may require a bit of bushwhacking. The second mile also contains a wet water crossing (hence the water shoe requirement). We'll set up camp and scout out our prime viewing spot for Monday's eclipse. We'll be camping near a larger waterfall with a swimming hole.

Monday: After a leisurely morning and breakfast, we'll pack up and head to our prime viewing location.

2017 Solar Eclipse: We will arrive at our eclipse viewing location in time to enjoy lunch and experience the eclipse. During a total solar eclipse, "...the moon blocks out the last sliver of light from the sun, and the sun's outer atmosphere (the corona) becomes visible. Skywatchers report seeing great jets and ribbons of light, twisting and curling out into the sky" according to Space. com.  Since we will be in the path of totality (the area about 70 miles wide in which the moon blocks out the sun), the area inside the moon's shadow will be cloaked in twilight and will be a very peculiar feeling to experience in the middle of the day. This is called the "American Great Eclipse" as skies will be darkened from Oregon to South Carolina. We will be very close to the centerline of the eclipse path. We will start noticing the partial eclipse at 1:08 pm. Full totality at our location will begin at 2:35 pm and last for approximately two and a half minutes.

The total hiking distance will be 4 miles with about 600 feet of ascent.

Backup venue: The TLs will have another backup venue in case the weather and/or cloud cover will not be suitable at our first choice location for the eclipse viewing. The other venue may be in Tennessee, would have a similar hike difficulty and would be in the total eclipse path. However, it would require an alternate carpool location, a longer drive time, and slightly different schedule. We should have a reasonable idea the day prior to the event as to whether there is a possibility the event location will have to be changed. Therefore, flexibility is imperative. If "playing it by ear" poses a problem for you, then please do not register for this particular event.

 


Required Items to Bring:
  • Tent or hammock
  • Sleeping bag and pad
  • Rain gear (just in case)
  • Backpack
  • Rope and bear bag to hang food or a bear canister
  • Headlamp
  • Plenty of water (2 quarts minimium)
  • 1 dinner, 1 breakfast, 2 trail lunches or snacks
  • Good hiking boots/shoes
  • water shoes
  • Layered clothing appropriate for the expected temps
  • Cash for your carpool driver
  • A good attitude
Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.
  • Camera
  • Binoculars
  • Eclipse glasses
  • Insect repellant
  • Change of clothing for the ride home
  • Deodorant
  • Good, bad, clean, and dirty jokes
  • Water filter
  • Stove cooking setup
  • Swimwear/towel
  • Hat/sunglasses
  • Hiking poles

How to Get There:
Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):170Mile(s)
Carpool Departure Time: 10:00 am
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:
* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.


Cancellation/Partial Attendance:   Please review the AOC cancellation policy.