Cameron and I are proposing a bit of a different clave in Western North Carolina this Fall and would like to hear from interested folks as to picking the best dates for everyone if there is sufficient interest.
UPDATE: this Clave is now planned as a three night event Thurs-Fri-Sat nights October 16, 17, 18, folks hiking in and camping/fishing any or all days.We're fishing the South Mills River, twelve miles of Wild Trout water that due to the walk-in offers miles of lightly-pressured fishing for big browns as well as rainbows and native brookies. The trail begins at the Cradle of Forestry near the fish hatchery and follows the river to Hwy 280. The South Mills evolves from creek-ish to small river size along the way.
The hiking is mostly down grade and not particularly strenuous. One option under consideration is to have a shelter and cooking gear already set up midway so that participants can keep their pack-in gear to a minimum- bedding, clothing, etc.- and concentrate on fishing.
We may enjoy the prospect of one or more trout meals on this trip. The seasonal weather is typically excellent- comfortably cool at elevation above 2000'- and the river is situated in a pristine protected area offering outstanding wild trout habitat.
Glad to hear any comments and suggestions. Let's go wild in October!
Kevin/middlemac
LINKS follow, check back for updates:
http://www.cs.unca.edu/nfsnc/resources/millsriver.pdf Useful +2MB pdf file describing significant 2000 state and area TU chapter restoration of the SoMills trail.
http://www.ncgameandfish.com/fishing/trout-fishing/nc_aa033803a/index.html Brief article describing fishing on the South Mills, scroll to: Wild Trout.
http://www.mountaintravelguide.com/Hiking%20Trails/North%20Carolina/Transylvania/South%20Mills%20River%20Trail.htm Trail notes for the South Mills
but I've got a few logistical issues to deal with if I have to get my feet wet
too often.
including the two sons (my flyfishing nephew Patrick, who some met at the Davidson clave, is
also most interested). I'm hoping this number will grow, and not diminish!
