Just for that comment, I'm leaving the rain at home!
hahaha
Like Stevin said, we try to meet up around 8:00 to 8:30ish so we can air-down, make a gameplan and roll out. We have to pick up park permits and get updates on trail conditions too. Sometimes the mining company may decide to drill in a certain area so they will shut down any nearby trails for safety reasons.
OH and although several stores and gas stations around Oak Ridge and Oliver Springs sell the park passes, I ask that you do not buy from them. I found out earlier this year that NONE of the money they collect actually goes back to the park. Only the Snak Shak at the trailhead donates all money to the park itself. This is part of the reason why CC had to up their entry fees this year.
There is a Motel 8 and Econo Lodge like 10 minutes away that's cheap and the Super 8 offers a small discount to those going to the park. I usually come in late Friday night, crash in the motel, wheel all day than head home that afternoon/night. There's also a good campground nearby that has nice facilities if you would want to camp. I always say I'm going to but then it rains like 4" everytime I go up there.
Bring 'em on. Hopefully we won't need his winch and if we do, hopefully it won't be for the same reason that I had to get winched the last time. hahaha
That's completely up to you. If you already had your mind set on lift shackles and the funds ready to buy then go ahead and do that. We can always loan out one of the FRS radios so that everyone has something.
Not a problem. I enjoy it no matter how mild or wild I take it that day.
Ideas for lunch?
Grill out at the windmill overlook?
Brown bag it?
Leave the park for something in town? (this could take up to 2 hours out of the trail time depending on where we are in the park).