Join the hardy souls on a camping trip in Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area at Bandy Creek, E-II Loop. This is a fantastic area with lots to do and the facilities are among the best available – covered pavilion with fire place, tables, BBQ grills and electricity, and private heated bathhouse with hot water showers.
While you are there you can enjoy the area, hike on several trails, ride your bike and take a guided horseback ride. Horseback riding requires reservations. If you are interested in horseback riding you make your own reservations. Members have had a good experience with Southeast Pack Trips. Their web site is http://www.southeastpacktrips.com . The Big South Fork web site also includes some horseback riding options. For these go to the park web site, http://www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/horsebackriding.htm
Biking is great in this area and all you have to do is bring your own bike and lots of energy. Several of the campers had a great ride last year.
We will repeat the process used for the last several trips - each camper bringing all of their own supplies – food, cooking equipment and their own cooking. The charge will be $15 per night per camper which hopefully will cover the cost of the reservation, firewood for the pavilion, bottled water and ice at the pavilion. Kids 12 and under come free. The group camp site rate has been raised from $75 per night to $100 per night and now to $125 per night. We set the $10/camper rate when the group rate was $75 per night.
On Saturday we may have a potluck evening meal if enough of you are interested. The Saturday evening meal sharing has been an enjoyable event the last several camping trips. A little more time to socialize.
I plan to have my Friday evening meal at Bacara’s Restaurant, a place where we have often eaten on Friday when camping at Big South Fork.
If you are camping please send your check, $15 for each person for each evening, with your completed reservation form. The checks will not be deposited until after September 25th when we decide if we have a sufficient number of campers. If there are not enough campers you will be notified and your check will be destroyed. Your check and completed registration form must arrive by September 25th to allow time to cancel the reservation without having to pay a large penalty if there is insufficient interest.
Make out your check to Tom Cressler and send it and the registration form to 8616 Wimbledon Drive, Knoxville, TN 37923.
The Saturday hike will be Twin Arches and Twin Arches Loop and Hazard Cave. We will leave the pavilion at 9:30 EST and the trailhead at xxx. If you want to come just for the hike on Saturday there is no charge. Just be at the pavilion before 9:30 EST
That is the plan.
What I need from you, on or before 4:30 pm September 25th is a check and the completed registration form:
- If you plan to camp: how many persons for each night and a check ($15 per person per night)
- If you want to join me at Bacara’s Restaurant Friday evening I need to know how many will be going so I can make reservations. Bacara’s does not accept credit cards – only cash or check
- Your interest in taking part in a potluck meal Saturday evening.
- If you are only going to come for the Saturday hike you need to let me know and give me a contact telephone number in case the hike is cancelled or changed.
Again, I need your completed registration form and check on or before 4:30 pm September 25th .
If too few intend to camp the group reservation will be cancelled. For those who responded I will let you know if camping has been cancelled. If it has not I will send driving and camping information to you by email.
If you have questions you can contact me at [email protected].
(Registration form to be included with in an email in August)
