By Gilbert Treadwell (Rockman)
Part of the NOWAC program includes a 3 day 2 night backpack. This year we hiked on the Chattooga River Trail north from Highway 76 near Clayton to Sandy Ford. The hikers were Chad Long, Mathew Patterson, Adon Draluck, Doran Draluck, Malik Dufor and Mikal Dufor. Staff was Daniel Peters, Don Dollar and Gilbert Treadwell. Tuesday was clear and beautiful, although quite warm. After breakfast at main camp, we gathered gear and hikers. We piled into two vehicles and made our way to the Chattooga River trailhead just over the South Carolina line. We crossed back over the bridge and headed north into the woods. Along the way we looked for teaching opportunities. Tree species identification through leaves or bark; bird identification through a visual sighting or a call; and rock identification with the stories they tell. We hiked about six miles to camp one.
Off came the packs and we all jumped into the river. After the refreshing dip, camp was set up and meals created. Since NOWAC-ers are graduates of BROP, we expect them to do more for themselves and their teammates. The hikers worked in pairs to set up their 2 person tents (generously loaned by REI). The hikers were supplied with water filters to obtain clean water from a nearby creek, which they used to cook their dinners. We looked for opportunities to instill Leave No Trace ethics such as using existing trails and campsites, hiking single file, proper human waste procedure, using established fire rings and pack it in pack it out. We spent the evening time around the campfire to conclude a great day one. Wednesday was clear, beautiful and warm. After breaking camp we headed north about another 6 miles, to Dicks Creek Falls. We set up camp and then trekked over to admire the falls for a refreshing swim. This hike is great for several reasons: the access, woods, just the right amount, not too much difficulty and especially for the chance to get in the water. After dinner, and making a fire, Chad led the campers in a great discussion on respect for women.
Thursday we hiked to the pickup point to await Schwartzie for our ride back to camp. Several of the hikers were first time hikers. Although we checked their gear on Tuesday before leaving base camp, we missed gear that they didn’t need, like a 2 lb. bottle of body wash. The lesson was learned is, everything you put in your pack, you carry on your back from start to finish. Two pounds is a lot of unnecessary weight to carry on a backpacking trip. On the way back we rewarded the hikers with some ice cream to acknowledge a job well done.
