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Spring Break 2010 Great Smoky Mountains National Park

With great excitement comes the announcement that one of our alternative spring break trips this year will be to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is by no mere coincidence that this park has the word “great” in its title. Spread across the border of Tennessee and North Carolina this park is arguably one of the most beautiful and expansive in the Southeast if not in the entire east coast. Containing 70 miles of the Appalachian Trail, this park has over 650 total miles of trails and unpaved roads for hiking. During our time in the park we will spend three and a half days working with the National Forest service. Unfortunately at this time we do not know exactly what our project will be; however, whatever the task may be it will be dirty, fun, and rewarding. As usual, there is no previous experience required.

The trip is open to 15 applicants. We will leave Saturday morning and have a relaxed day getting to our camp site, setting up camp, and exploring our setting. We will have the camp site from Saturday till Wednesday. Sunday through Wednesday mid-day will be our volunteer work portion of the trip. The details should be finalized over the next week and as soon as they are we will have them posted. Wednesday we will start our trek along a portion of the Appalachian Trail that will last us till Sunday morning. Since we will be staying within the park we will be provided shelters (lean-to’s) along the trail to stay each night. While the itinerary for the backpacking portion has not been set, each day will most likely fall around 6-8 miles. Finally, Sunday we will reluctantly leave the beautiful park and head on back home to the ATL.

As far as gear, Trailblazers will provide cook kits, stoves, and food (covered in the trip fee). The Park Service will also provide all necessary tools for our service. However, it is highly recommended that you bring your own pair of GOOD work gloves. You will also need to bring your own tent, backpack, sleeping bag, and clothes (the first three can be rented for fairly cheap from the Wilderness Outpost in the CRC). For more details on a detailed packing list, costs, itinerary, transportation, and deadlines look in the sections below.

Hope to see you there this Spring Break 2010!

Sincerely,
Lee Bouldin
Alternative Breaks Coordinator

Itinerary

Saturday, March 20th
8:00 am: Depart Student Center parking lot and begin driving up to Tennessee
1:00 pm: Arrive at Park, set up camp and chill
6:00 pm: Eat dinner and chill some more

Sunday, March 21st
8:00 am: Get up and eat breakfast, prepare lunches for trail work
9:00 am: Head out and work on clearing some trails
12:00 pm: Break for lunch
4:00 pm: Return to camp, clean tools, chill and cook dinner

Monday, March 22nd
8:00 am: Get up and eat breakfast, prepare lunches for trail work
9:00 am: Head out and work on clearing some trails
12:00 pm: Break for lunch
4:00 pm: Return to camp, clean tools, chill and cook dinner

Tuesday, March 23rd
8:00 am: Get up and eat breakfast, prepare lunches for trail work
9:00 am: Head out and work on clearing some trails
12:00 pm: Break for lunch
4:00 pm: Return to camp, clean tools, chill and cook dinner

Wednesday, March 24th
8:00 am: Get up and eat breakfast, prepare lunches for trail work
9:00 am: Head out and work on clearing some trails
12:00 pm: Break for lunch and head back to camp
1:00 pm: Shuttle cars around and start backpacking

Thursday, March 25th-Saturday, March 27th
Backpack

Sunday, March 28th
8:00 am: Get up and eat breakfast
9:00 am: Hike to cars and drive back to Atlanta

Important Dates

Application Deadline: February 12th
Selection Notification: February 19th
Fee Payment: February 26th

Transportation

We will leave Tech early on the morning of Saturday, March 20th to drive up to Great Smokey Mountain National Park and set up camp. We will drive back to Tech on Sunday, March 28th.

Costs and Expenses

$154

Packing Lists

Packing List

Service Project Items
*****Please keep in mind that your clothing will become very dirty******
 Long Pants (4)
 T-shirts (4)
 Socks (4)
 Warm Jacket
 Sun Hat
 Warm Hat
 Camp Clothing
 Boots
 Camera
 Money for Travel Expenses

Backpacking Trip Items

General
 Backpack (at least 3500 cubic inches)
 WATERPROOF Backpack Rain Cover
 20 Degree Sleeping Bag
 Sleeping Pad (i.e. ThermaRest)
 Flashlight or Headlamp
 Extra Batteries
 Liter Water Bottles (2)
 Lightweight Toiletry Kit (i.e., toothbrush, toothpaste, toilet paper)
 Lightweight Eating Utensil(s) (i.e. “spork”)
 Lightweight Bowl and Mug
 Trekking/Hiking Poles (optional)

Clothing
*****No Jeans, Cotton T-Shirts, or other Cotton Items!*****
 Wool Hiking Socks (2)
 Polypropylene Liner Socks (2)
 Quick Dry, Loose-Fitting Long Pants (2)
 Quick-Dry Hiking T-Shirts (2)
 Quick-Dry Long Shirt (1)
 Windbreaker or Warm Jacket (1)
 WATERPROOF Rain Pants (1)
 WATERPROOF Rain Jacket w/ hood (2)
 Sweater or Sweatshirt (1)
 Long Underwear Top and Bottom (i.e. Capilene or Wool) (1)
 Warm Ski Hat (1)
 Lightweight Liner Gloves (1)
 Warm, Water Resistant/Proof Gloves (1)

Footwear
 Waterproof Boots
 Lightweight Camp Shoes (i.e. sandals, running shoes)

Contact Us

If you have any questions, please contact Lee at:

lee.e.bouldin@gatech.edu