November 15th Hike Info and Vote for our Club's Name!

Our latest club meeting focused on the seven principles of Leave no Trace.  The kids were impressively knowledgeable about the do's and do not's of environmental impact while in wilderness areas, and were attentive and engaged in the discussion.

Our group discussion about Leave No Trace principles

Our lesson for the day

We started our meeting with a game of "Sprout Ball" and much fun was had slipping and sliding around on the wet open air gym floor while they played!

Sprout Ball was lots of fun!

Our next family hike is this upcoming Sunday, November 15, starting at noon.  We will be traversing part of the Little Cataloochee Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  The hike is an out-and-back excursion, 2 miles each way (so 4 miles, round trip) and the grade is gentle. This is a wonderful hike to learn about the history of the park, its prior residents, and the way they lived.  There are some surprises along the way that are sure to keep the kids interested in the journey!  Nancy will also be bringing a special "Raccoon Scat" snack for everyone to share, enjoy, and even learn from...and no worries, all the ingredients are edible and non fecal in nature. :-)

We would like to try an RSVP system for our hikes going forward, so as not to leave anyone behind.  Sign up here to RSVP for November 15 hike.

One important reminder about the national park--no dogs are allowed on their trails.

Directions to the Little Cataloochee Trail:  Travel down 276 as if you're headed towards Maggie Valley. Take a right at the light beside the Dollar General to continue down 276 towards I-40. Shortly before reaching I-40, turn left onto Cove Creek Rd and drive 6 miles to Cove Creek Gap at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park entrance (there will be park sign on the side of the road indicating that you're entering the park).  Continue on this road down towards Cataloochee Valley. When you reach a 4-way intersection, continue straight on NC 284, following the signs for Big Creek and Cosby.  Drive the dirt road for 6 miles until you reach the trailhead on the left, where there will be a park trail sign indicating the start of Little Cataloochee Trail.  Nancy and her family will arrive a bit early, so when you see our red Honda minivan, you'll know you're in the right spot!  Allow a good hour from downtown Waynesville, because it's slow going on the gravel roads.

We still need to vote on a club name!  You may vote below (parents, you're allowed to vote since you are a part of this club too!).  Please, only one vote per person.  We'll keep the voting open for a week, to allow everyone ample time to read this and cast their vote.

If the poll below only allows you to vote once and you have multiple family members who need to cast their vote, use this link instead.

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