First United Methodist Church Men’s Spiritual Pilgrimage

November 16-20, 2011

4-Day, 4-Night Wilderness Backpacking Expedition

The Briefing

This is a 4-day, 4-night wilderness backpacking adventure.  It will test you physically, emotionally and spiritually.  It will not be easy and you should train in advance.  However, it could be one of the most fulfilling experiences of your life!  You SHOULD train in advance!

The Guidelines

Each man will travel in a 3-person triad determined in advance.  Each man is responsible for getting his own gear and the equipment for his triad  (loaner equipment available).  You must be 18 or older to participate.

The Mission

Wednesday, Nov. 16: We will depart from FUMC at 5:00 PM and drive to Buffalo Mountain Base Camp near Jonesborough, TN. We will have bunkhouse lodging for the night.

Day One: 7.9 miles Thursday morning will start with a great hot breakfast at base camp.  Then we shuttle to Hughes Gap trailhead (4,040 ft.) and make our way to an old apple orchard.  We will set up camp here for the night.

Day Two: 8.2 miles Today we climb up and over Unaka Mountain, the high point of our trek at 5,180 ft.  The dense, evergreen forest of red spruce trees is dramatic and a little eerie.  We will descend almost 1,000-feet to Deep Gap.  We will find a campsite at the edge of the trees for the night.

Day Three: 7.9 miles After an easy grade to Beauty Spot Gap, we have a series of moderate downhill slopes through Indian Grave (3,360 ft) and Curley Maple (3,080 ft) Gaps.  We will pass a couple of small springs and a small stream along the way to the Curley Maple Shelter and our last night in the wilderness.

Day Four: 4.2 miles The last day starts with a sharp switchback on a steep south-facing slope.  We will quickly reach the noisy Jones Branch and follow it into the Nolichucky Gorge.  The drivers will shuttled to the cars.  When they return, we load up and make the 30 minute drive to Johnson City for an all-you-can-eat dinner and joyous recap of the adventure!  Everyone should arrive back in Huntsville by 9:00 PM

P Chris Holden will serve as your Expedition & Spiritual Leader.  He will be leading a mission briefing each morning and a de-briefing each evening at camp.

The Cost

$275.00 per person includes:

• Guided 28-mile, 4-day, 3-night backpacking adventure
• Lodging Wednesday night & hot breakfast Thursday AM
• All food and snacks for the trail
• Hot showers post-hike at Uncle Johnny’s Hostel
• All-you-can-eat dinner in Johnson City, Tennessee