In another installment in our Outdoor Series, David Brill will present his slide show of his Team’s 2001 summit of Alaska’s Mt. McKinley, North America’s highest peak.  Team member and National Geographic photographer Bill Hatcher’s slides will be center stage for Dave’s presentation.

Prior to 2001, Dave was well known for his book…“As Far As The Eye Can See”.  Which he penned after he thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail in 1979.  Preferring not to just publish a journal of daily activities he chose to treat his readers to the possibilities of growth of the human spirit. He has been a long time supporter of Little River Trading Co and has shared his AT experiences with us and our outdoor community here at the Shop.

Dave was kind enough to answer some questions for me prior to coming out on April 11th…

LRTC- Dave, thanks for sharing your experiences with us now and in the past.  It is very exciting to see someone who meets these kind of challenges personally.

When did you begin the planning for the trip to Mt. McKinley?

DB- Well the idea started developing in the 90′s. Mountaineering is such an undertaking alone, add to that writing and publishing it took until 2001 before my then current projects were completed and I was ready, fortunately National Geographic was as eager about the idea as I was.

LRTC- How many people were on your team?

DB- we started out at nine people.  One person had to back out at the beginning for personal reasons, and another at approximately twelve thousand feet, got altitude sickness.  Our guides from Rainier Mountain Inc. take no chances and he had to abandon the climb. I was one of seven people who reached the summit.

LRTC- I imagine group dynamics are ever changing under such extreme conditions…how did your group do maintaining a teamwork atmosphere?

DB- Basic requirements like food, water and shelter are in some of the most extreme conditions on Earth, at times the temps fell to -40F.  Once you’re on the Mountain you eat and sleep very close to one another.  Teamwork is not just a word up there…you quite literally have each other’s lives in your hands.  To the person, we never lost sight of where we were and what we meant to one another. That made the adventure that much more special and forged lifetime relationships.

LRTC- what adventure do you see for yourself next, another expedition in mountaineering?

DB- having just retired from The University Of Tennessee last fall I am looking forward to more adventures and writing about them, but reaching the summit of McKinnley  has satisfied the mountaineering desire in me. I count that as one of my most challenging and rewarding experiences. I just returned from hiking the 90 miles or so of the Benton MacKaye Trail in Smokies.  I really enjoy the mountains so I’ll see what life has in store for me in the future.

Join us Wednesday April 11th at 6:00pm and meet David Brill for yourself!

Cheers

Cable/Wire
Metal
Computers
Laptops
LCD monitors
CRT monitors
DVD/CD drives
Keyboards/Mice
Printers
Hard drives
Cable boxes
Mother boards
Speakers
I caught up with Marvin Peeks, president of e-Cycle and asked him a few questions.

LRTC- Marvin, what began your passion for recycling computers and their parts?

e-Cycle- I spent 15 years in Mortgage Banking having owned one of the largest Brokerages in Knoxville. When I closed my company in 2010, the idea of e-Cycle began, we opened later that same year.

LRTC- What is e-Cycle exactly?

e-Cycle- Hardware is advancing so quickly these days, and more and more people are either upgrading, or replacing broken systems. As an effort to keep these potentially harmful components from our landfills we looked around saw a need in the local community, and a business opportunity that we are passionate about and decided to fill them.

LRTC- What is the most unusual piece that has been brought in for recycling?

e-Cycle- Hmmm….There have actually been items that we didn’t even know what they were so I couldn’t even tell you it’s name!

LRTC- Do you ever get any re-usable pieces?

e-Cycle- We do get re-usable items. Many are donated to some of the non profits that we work with. We also donate to a non-profit that provides complete computer systems to needy families. To date, they have donated over 1400 systems. Our website also shows those in need that we have donated to.

Many thanks to Marvin for answering a few questions and for coming out on our commUNITY Day to collect.

Look for the e-Cycle truck as it rides the roads keeping East Tenn. a little bit cleaner!

But, before you get all the way to Metcalf Bottoms Picnic area is the Metcalf Bottoms Trailhead.  This is one of the ways to Little Greenbrier School.

When the residents of Little Greenbrier asked Sevier County for a teacher, the county replied that if they would build a proper schoolhouse, the county would pay the teacher’s salary.

The land on which the school was built was donated by Gilbert Abbott, and the hewn Yellow Poplar logs were provided by Ephraim Ogle and built into a one room 20′ x 30′ building on a stone foundation. The  Classes were held from 1882 – 1936 with 39 different teachers throughout.

When school wasn’t in session the building also served as a Primitive Baptist Church, which established the cemetery you’ll see there.

During the summer a volunteer, dressed in period costume, brings the Little Greenbrier School to life.  An easy day, this makes a great family activity and can show today’s youngsters how life was for early settlers to the area.

If you Google lightning images you will find some amazing pics, which is kinda cool cause to catch lightning with a camera (can’t say on film anymore) one must set up with a tripod and special settings on your camera.

Wikipedia has the science info behind it…Fulmunology (ist) The science and those who study lightning.  Probably the most famous fulmunologist…Ben Franklin, who incidentally is credited with inventing the Lightning Rod   

Since they have been keeping records in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, lightning strikes are, on average, thought to be responsible for two forest fires per year.

Their Wildland Fires policy states “Under the fire management plan, lightning-caused fires that do not threaten valuable property or human life are allowed to burn in some areas of the park if conditions are favorable. The purpose of this policy is to restore park ecosystems to a more natural condition which existed prior to European settlement of the region. From 1997 to 2000, approximately 1,000 acres burned under this policy.”

Though I love to watch lightning I always give it the respect that it is due…be safe!

Appalachian Bear Rescue

While electric/hybrid cars are not abundant…their popularity is growing as their prices come down and gas prices go up and as environmental questions are answered about electricity production and battery recycling. Auto producers take an active role in the environmental impact the batteries pose. http://www.marketwatch.com/story/toyota-starts-battery-recycling-business-2010-10-27

Bob has answered some questions for us…we’ll announce when the chargers are in and ready to use.

LR- How will the station work?

BBSI- Every new electric vehicle owner is mailed a Blink Network access card.  If they chose to activate it, they can use that card to start the charging sequence at any Blink EV charger in the United States.  Because the all-electric Nissan LEAF will soon be built entirely in Smyrna, Tennessee, our state was chosen to host several of the pilot installations of public charging stations in the US Department of Energy’s “The EV Project”.  These will be part of a study to determine where, when and how often electric vehicles owners choose to charge their cars away from home.

LR- About how long will it take to charge a battery?

BBSI- The charging time varies with vehicle battery capacity and level of discharge.  For example, the all-electric Nissan LEAF has a battery large enough to provide a range of about 100 miles on a full charge.

Most of the full charging cycles will take place overnight at the owner’s home.  The use of public chargers is expected to be mainly for a range boost while parked for some other activity during the day, while shopping at Little River Trading Company or off on a Cycology-lead bike ride for example.  If someone is coming from a longer distance away, that boost charge for an hour or two provides a little extra “range certainty” for the return trip home.

LR- How did the Appalachian Bear Rescue get associated with the charging station(s)?

BBSI- We’ve personally been supporters of Appalachian Bear Rescue for many years.  In addition to our work with electric vehicles and renewable energy, Black Bear Solar Institute was founded to provide a source of ongoing income for the rescue, rehab and release back into the wild of orphaned or injured black bear cubs.  EV drivers using the charging stations will pay a small hourly convenience fee to use the stations, and this revenue will go toward building a new facility for the cubs.   Black Bear Solar Institute is currently searching for land in the Townsend area for this new facility.

LR- Where all are your stations located?

BBSI- Besides the two EV chargers which will be located at Little River Trading Company / CYCOLOGY BICYCLES, there are two already operating at the Clayton Events Center at Maryville College and two visible from the bike path in front of the Townsend Visitors Center, plus businesses in Townsend, Pigeon Forge, and Knoxville. We are also in discussion about sponsoring the installation of EV chargers at several Tennessee State Parks.   Most of The EV Project charging stations are going into the larger cities in Tennessee.  We’re working to bring EV charging to the Smoky Mountain area and make it possible for EV drivers from surrounding areas to come take advantage of the many activities available in Blount County and the Smokies.

LR- What other projects does Black Bear Solar Institute have in the works?

BBSI- We have a 62,000 Watt solar electric array ready for installation which will produce enough electricity to provide approximately $20,000 annually toward running the black bear rescue facility.  Sponsorship by businesses or individuals of one or more of the 264 solar modules in that array will help fund construction of the new home for the cubs.

Calderwood Lake boat ramp is in great shape and easy to get to.  Once you’re in the water down river left is Slickrock Creek.  There is a backcountry trail here too, Slickrock Creek Trail, this is a popular backcountry hike that is considered strenuous but a beautiful area to see.  There are several campsites on the creek.

Farther down river right is the tunnel on Calderwood.  I first heard about this tunnel from a Customer.  In my mind I pictured…probably the same thing you are right now, a long dark dangerous place.  The paddle through the tunnel is less than 50 feet  and I felt in no danger while paddling through.

You should always check the TVA website for release schedules

so you can be informed before you set out.  The height of the mouths of the tunnel change with the reservoir release.

Paddling this lake is one of the reasons I love kayaking.

One of the newest developments of this area is the decision by the GSMNP, to preserve the area by  leaving 18 of the cabins which are dangerous and off limits to the public, a substantial fine will be levied for entering them.  And as reported  by WBIR, the Appalachian Clubhouse, originally built in 1934, will be renovated and available to rent.

Whatever your reason for visiting this historic district, when you see remnants from a bygone era you won’t be able to help feeling a visceral connection to the area, it’s people and be glad it’ll be around for your kids to enjoy too.

Rick Bost is a local rock climber, former rep for the Access Fund, East Tenn Climbers Coalition (ETCC).  We have partnered with Rick on many clean up events and fund raisers.  I caught up with Rick as he was headed to his next climbing trip.

LRTC – What/when got you started climbing?

RB – I started climbing in 1997.  After working on a big project at work, I needed a release. I went to the gym learned a few things met a bunch of great friends and have been hooked ever since.

LRTC- Where do you climb?

RB – I started climbing at the Obed in TN and still love climbing there however, mostly I climb at the

Red River Gorge in Kentucky. It’s only about 3 hours away and has almost 2500 routes.

LRTC – What’s the most exotic local where you have climbed?

RB -  I am typing this on the airplane.  I am heading to a small island in Greece just off the coast of Turkey.

LRTC – Do you have to work out to stay fit to climb or does climbing keep you fit to climb?

RB – Yes, I work out almost everyday. I run, bike several times a week and climb in the gym once a week and climb both weekend days. I feel like I have to work out and cross train to see improvements.

LRTC – What are some climbing organizations to be a part of in the climbing community?

RB – Locally the ETCC is the climbing organization for the Obed and nearby areas. TheSoutheastern Climbers Coalition(SECC) and the Red River Gorge Climbers Coalition are active near Chattanooga and Red River Gorge Kentucky respectively. The Access Fund   is our National Climbing Organization, based in Boulder CO.

LRTC- What advice would you give someone just getting into climbing?

RB – Try hard, have fun.

Check out our climbing inventory, next time you stop by, if you’re interested in getting started.  While rock climbing is primarily thought of as an outdoor sport, there are some indoor gyms nearby , The University of Tenn has an indoor facility as does River Sports Outfitters in Knoxville.  Believe it or not rock climbing is becoming more and more mainstream.  You will see climbing on tv shows, in commercials and, yes, local high school climbing teams.  Maryville High School has a rock climbing team.  They have recently completed an indoor wall on their campus for school competitions.  Their climbing coach, Jack Pipenbring, is a local adventure sport enthusiast.  We hope to have an interview from him up soon.

Here I’ve asked Matt to share a little about himself, Dancing Bear and his love of the outdoors.

LRTC - How long have you been in the hospitality business?

MA- I graduated with a Hospitality Management business degree and moved to Vail, CO in 91.  After 9 years with Hyatt Beaver Creek and Vail/Beaver Creek Resorts, my wife Christy, and I moved back to Maryville where I worked as  General Manager of Blackberry Farm.  In 04, Blackberry Farm and I purchased Dancing Bear Lodge.  So, including the restaurant and hotel jobs in college–23 yrs.

LRTC – As a native to Blount County, how often do you get out to play in your own backyard?

MA – Not as often as I would like.  We are very fortunate to have endless outdoor activities in our area.  However, when I have the time, I prefer to be on my bike with my buddies.   Nothing compares to riding right here in East TN.  Plus, we have one of the best bike shops right here in Maryville that will take care of all your cycling needs.

LRTC – What’s the biggest change you’ve seen in our community?

MA – The incredible growth in cycling.  When I first started riding in 05, I pretty much knew everyone else on the road with the exception of a few joy riders.  Now, there are hundreds of cyclists on the road and it is wonderful to see training racers, group rides and joy riders all enjoying the awesome Blount County roads.

LRTC – Matt, what sets Dancing Bear Lodge apart from other places to stay when coming to the Great Smoky Mountains to play?

MA – Dancing Bear Lodge is a full service destination resort with the best food in our area.  There are numerous places to stay in the Smoky Mountains, but not many with our combination of service, food, location and accommodations.  Plus, we love the adventure traveler, and being a cyclist I expect our guests to put their bikes in their rooms!

LRTC – I know you have an extraordinary chef, can you tell us a little about him?

MA – Jeff Carter, Chef Jeff, as we call him, is exceptional.  Not only is he an award winning Chef, he is a great person and a joy to have on our team.  He started cooking with his dad as a young man, went to culinary school, learned under the best in the industry at Blackberry Farm and then came to Dancing Bear Lodge to open our restaurant.  He loves finding the best local ingredients from the farmer’s market and local purveyors and turning whatever the season gives him into an incredible menu our guests continue to rave about.

Join us for Backpacking 201 as Jody Brown clinics us on “how to lighten your pack“.

Jody has not only backpacked all over the Smokies and nearby forests but has also climbed and summited several big mountains.  He has seen the value to lightening his pack and what that means to your overall trip benefit.

Join Jody as he shows you how to trim your pack down as you take your backpacking to the next level.  Packing and the packs themselves will be discussed.  Jody will look at shelters, sleeping bags, the kitchen and show you how he has gotten his pack weight under 20 lbs! See you there!