2010

January 9 - 16	WILDERNESS WILDLIFE WEEK -- Hikes and Programs in Pigeon Forge, TN
March 6 - 7	MT. STERLING FIRETOWER OVERNIGHT BACKPACK -- Backpack to the top of 5,842 ft Mt. Sterling and camp overnight in the Smokies.  SMFS*
March 27	A DAY OF EMERGING PLANTS, SHRUBS, AND TREES -- Explore the Smokies and learn about plants at various elevations as they emerge.  SMFS*
April 2 - 9	WEEK OF HIKES -- Hike by day, enjoy luxury by night at beautiful Snowbird Mountain Lodge in Robbinsville, NC.
April 18 - 24	NATURE STUDIES:  EARTH WALK -- CONVERSATION WITH A NATURALIST-- A week of natural history and hiking at the John C. Campbell Folk School in beautiful Brasstown, NC.
May 1	SPRING WILDFLOWERS AND WALKER SISTERS' HOMESITE DAYHIKE -- Dayhike during spring wildflowers in the Smokies; visit historic homesite and school. SMFS*
May 28 - 30	PHOTOGRAPHY:  CAPTURING NATURE WITH A NATURALIST -- Learn to use your camera while observing nature at the John C. Campbell Folk School in beautiful Brasstown, NC
June 27 - July 3	PHOTOGRAPHY:  CAPTURING NATURE WITH A NATURALIST -- Learn to use your camera while observing nature at the John C. Campbell Folk School in beautiful Brasstown, NC
September 10 - 17	COLORADO 2010 -- Dayhike and travel among the majestic Colorado Rocky Mountains in a small group trip. GOAT**
October 2	CATALOOCHEE GHOST TOWN DAYHIKE-- Enjoy the beautiful Smoky Mountains while dayhiking . --SMFS*
October 10 - 16	NATURE STUDIES: NATURAL HISTORY HIKES:  Animals and Plants -- A week of nature at the John C. Campbell Folk School in beautiful Brasstown, NC
October 23 - 24	CHARIT CREEK HISTORY HIKE WITH OVERNIGHT LODGE STAY  -- A gentle fall walk in the Big South Fork area, with an overnight stay at a rustic lodge --SMFS*
October 30 - November 5	WEEK OF HIKES -- Hike by day, enjoy luxury by night at beautiful Snowbird Mountain Lodge in Robbinsville, NC
Plan now for 2011:
July 2011	ALASKA 2011 -- Fabulous scenery, dayhiking, touring, and ocean nature cruising in a small group trip. See Alaska up close and hands on! --GOAT**

*SMFS --   Smoky Mountain Field School in cooperation with the

      National Park Service, Great Smoky Mountains National Park
      and University of Tennessee

**GOAT -- Great Outdoors! Adventure Travel

info@gowithgoat.com

WILDERNESS WILDLIFE WEEK

Spend January 9th - 16th in the winter wonderland of the Great Smoky Mountains. Enjoy daily seminars and lectures, evening presentations, guided hikes and walks. All free of charge! This is the 20th year for the event and the Zachry's 16th year to participate -- and the event expands each and every year.

Hikes led by Joel and Kathy Zachry: January 10th and 15th
Programs by Joel and Kathy Zachry: January 10th, 11th and 13th

For More Information
http://www.mypigeonforge.com/

 

MT. STERLING FIRETOWER      OVERNIGHT BACKPACK

Early enough to have a wintertime experience; late enough to witness the coming of spring!  This overnight backpacking trip begins off Old NC Highway 284 around 3,800-ft and at the east end of the park and ends 2.7 miles later atop Mt. Sterling at 5,842-ft.  The 60-ft abandoned tower, completed in 1933 by the Civilian Conservation Corps provides stunning 360-degree views on a clear day.  Though steep, with a continuing rise in elevation from the trailhead to the summit, the path is tempered by the good footing found on the old roadbed.  At 2.3 miles into the climb the trail levels out considerably as the final approach is made along the Mt. Sterling Ridge Trail.  Group size is limited to eight and camping is at site #38.  Join your experienced winter hiking guides as they share interesting stories and useful tips on hiking and camping in the region.

Instructors:  Joel and Kathy Zachry, both M.S., are your husband and wife leaders with more than 50 combined years of backcountry identification and hiking experience.  They completed section hiking the 2,175 miles of the Appalachian Trail in 2005.

 

Saturday and Sunday, March 6 - 7
Instructors: Joel and Kathy Zachry
UT's Smoky Mountain Field School Course #10WI901   Fee: $98         *Registration fee is non-refundable
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
(Meet at trailhead off Old NC 284 at Noon, Saturday)

Register online at http://www.outreach.utk.edu/smoky or call (865) 974-0150.

 

A DAY OF EMERGING PLANTS,     SHRUBS, AND TREES

This early spring day is a perfect time to experience and learn about emerging vegetation at various elevation levels within the park.  We’ll carpool and explore afoot at a leisurely pace from the area around Sugarlands Visitor Center to the Clingman’s Dome road, weather permitting.  Learn to identify early emerging primitive greenery; discern evergreen members of the Heath family, including Azalea, Dog Hobble, Mountain Laurel, and Rhododendron; and end the day with the ability to identify several of the park’s impressive tree species.  Terminology will be basic to a general understanding and repetitive sightings will instill them into memory.    

Instructors: Joel and Kathy Zachry, both M.S., are your husband and wife leaders with more than 50 combined years of backcountry identification and hiking experience.  They have led Field School sessions since the early 1980s.

Saturday, March 27,  10:00am - 5:00pm
Instructors: Joel and Kathy Zachry
UT's Smoky Mountain Field School Course #10WI916 Fee: $49
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
(Meet on the front porch of Park Headquarters Building, adjacent to Sugarlands Visitor Center.)

Register online at http://www.outreach.utk.edu/smoky or call (865) 974-0150.

BEAUTIFUL SNOWBIRD MOUNTAIN LODGE:
WEEK OF HIKES

Hike by Day, Luxury by Night!   As winter gives way to spring, you can enjoy your stay at beautiful Snowbird Mountain Lodge, nestled in the mountains of Southern Appalachia in Graham County, NC, just eleven miles from Robbinsville, NC. This historic lodge, built in the late 1930's and early 1940's, offers a complete package of a multitude of outdoor activities paired with wonderful accommodations and cuisine. Joel and Kathy Zachry will be the Hike Leaders for the week of April 2 - 9. Each day will bring a hike in the neighboring mountains. Evening natural history and "show-and-tell" presentations will also be made during the week.  Once you visit Snowbird, you will want to make it an annual pilgrimage!

Saturday - Friday, April 2 - 9
Hike Leaders/Naturalists: Joel & Kathy Zachry, guiding at Snowbird since 2003
Learn more online about Snowbird Lodge at http://www.snowbirdlodge.com/ or call (828) 479-3433 or 1-800-941-9290.

 

NATURE STUDIES:  EARTH WALK -- CONVERSATION WITH A NATURALIST

Join your instructor, who is a biologist and photographer, for a week of natural history. Daily field experiences include "walk and talk" local hikes to learn plant and animal identification with a focus on spring wildflowers and opportunities to capture them on camera. We will discuss bears, hogs, other local animals, their history, and their regional stories. Good physical fitness is required (ability to walk one to two miles at a time over moderate terrain).

Sunday - Saturday, April 18 - 24, 2010
Instructor: Joel Zachry, JCCFS Instructor since 2002
Course Tuition: $527
John C. Campbell Folk School, Brasstown, NC
http://www.folkschool.org/
Register online or call (828) 837-2775 or (800) 365-5724.

SPRING WILDFLOWER AND WALKER SISTER'S HOMESITE DAYHIKE

The wildflowers of spring were a sign that winter had passed and life would be easier for the Walker sisters. Join your experienced naturalist guides for an easy three-mile hike to learn about emerging flowers, plus trees, and the lives of these legendary pioneers. Two connecting trails will lead us from Metcalf Bottoms to the historic Little Greenbrier Schoolhouse and on to the famed Walker sisters’ homesite where the “Five Sisters” lived off the land. This is a great opportunity for a family nature outing or time to spend with a friend to learn from the experts.  Instructors: Joel and Kathy Zachry, both M.S., are your husband and wife leaders with more than 50 combined years of backcountry identification and hiking experience.  They have led Field School sessions since the early 1980s.

Saturday, May 1,  10:00am - 3:00pm
Instructors: Joel and Kathy Zachry
UT's Smoky Mountain Field School Course #10SP957 Fee: $49
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
(Meet in the right-hand parking lot from Little River Road just inside Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area.)

Register online at http://www.outreach.utk.edu/smoky or call (865) 974-0150.

 

 

PHOTOGRAPHY:  CAPTURING NATURE WITH A NATURALIST

Come for an intense, but relaxed, weekend and learn to use your camera more effectively while observing nature. We will take local, casual walks and learn how to best capture the beauty nature holds on camera. Learn about plants of late spring and take home not only pictures, but also a greater appreciation of flowers and animals, if we see them. All levels welcome; bring your 35mm camera (film or digital).

Sunday - Friday, May 28 - 30, 2010  (Weekend)
Instructor: Joel Zachry, JCCFS Instructor since 2002
Course Tuition: $299
John C. Campbell Folk School, Brasstown, NC
http://www.folkschool.org/
Register online or call (828) 837-2775 or (800) 365-5724.

PHOTOGRAPHY:  CAPTURING NATURE WITH A NATURALIST

Discover how to use your camera more efficiently while learning about the flora and fauna you photograph. We'll capture nature through local, casual walks to a variety of settings, using the camera to find the intricacy in nature often missed. We'll also discuss equipment, printing resources, techniques, and balance it with natural history for a well-rounded view. All levels welcome; bring your 35mm camera (film or digital).

Sunday - Saturday, June 27 - July 3, 2010
Instructor: Joel Zachry, JCCFS Instructor since 2002
Course Tuition: $527
John C. Campbell Folk School, Brasstown, NC
http://www.folkschool.org/
Register online or call (828) 837-2775 or (800) 365-5724.

COLORADO 2010: 

DAYHIKE AND TRAVEL IN THE

COLORADO ROCKIES

 

Join us for a SMALL GROUP trip to the Central Colorado Rocky Mountains!

Dayhike into spectacular scenery

Hike at 7,000’ to 12,000’+
Visit historic Leadville silver mining area
Observe wildlife 
Enjoy pristine mountain streams
Hike among the quaking aspens
Walk through the red rock formations in the Garden of the Gods
...and much more!

Dayhike and Travel in the Colorado Rockies Enjoy seven days of nature in the beautiful and rugged Colorado Rocky Mountains.  Join in our small group tour of central Colorado and dayhike amid mountains ranging from 7000’ to 14,000’ peaks.  Enjoy fabulous scenery, beautiful wildflowers, and local culture in small mountain towns. 

The Colorado Rockies in the early fall – there’s nothing else like it!

September 10 - 17, 2010
Instructors: Joel and Kathy Zachry, who have led trips to CO since the early 1980's
7 Days of Nature  ALL INCLUSIVE - ground transportation, lodging fees, meals, admissions, group equipment & skilled leadership
Trips begin and end in Colorado Springs, CO.

 

Contact info@gowithgoat.com for more information or call 865-376-3785 for more details and availability.

 

CATALOOCHEE GHOST TOWN HIKE IN THE SMOKIES

Spend an early fall day exploring the former Little Cataloochee settlement region where little has changed since the late 1800s. This is an easy to moderate 5.4-mile round trip walk along the old community roadway where your experienced naturalist guides will share their knowledge of area history and the natural features that were cherished by early settlers. The journey passes historic structures including the 1864 John Hannah cabin with its chimney of handmade brick and 29-inch puncheon floorboards.  See the 1889 Little Cataloochee Church and peruse the nearby cemetery tombstones of many children and youth. As you walk, be on lookout for occasional hog wallows, bear and coyote scat, and abundant plant life to add to the discovery. Weather and time permitting, we will turn around to complete our trip at the Dan Cook cabin with stone walls still standing from the old apple house. Instructors: Joel and Kathy Zachry, both M.S., are your husband and wife leaders with more than 50 combined years of backcountry identification and hiking experience.  They have led Field School sessions since the early 1980s.

Saturday, October 2,  10:00am - 4:00pm
Instructors: Joel and Kathy Zachry
UT's Smoky Mountain Field School Course #10FA900 Fee: $49
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
(Meet at Little Cataloochee Trailhead off old NC Highway 284 - Mt. Sterling Road.)

Register online at http://www.outreach.utk.edu/smoky or call (865) 974-0150.

NATURE STUDIES

NATURAL HISTORY HIKES:  ANIMALS AND PLANTS

Spend a week with a biologist/naturalist studying the natural history of the Southern Appalachians. Enjoy daily field trips to select areas for regional plants and animal signs. Explore nature in a non-technical manner while you learn about wildflower and tree recognition. We'll also discuss the area's mammals, including bears, and how to avoid dangerous encounters. Come away with a deeper appreciation for nature's gifts. Students should be in good health and able to hike easy-to-moderate trails of 2-4 miles per day.

Sunday - Saturday, October 10 - 16, 2010
Instructor: Joel Zachry, JCCFS Instructor since 2002
Course Tuition: $527
John C. Campbell Folk School, Brasstown, NC
http://www.folkschool.org/
Register online or call (828) 837-2775 or (800) 365-5724.  

CHARIT CREEK HISTORY HIKE WITH OVERNIGHT LODGE STAY

Discover the beauty of Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area on the Tennessee/Kentucky border. As you hike the moderate Twin Arches route for about eight miles over the two days, your experienced naturalist guides will point out and discuss local landscape features; fall flowers and trees; and identify animal signs along the way.  With time to explore the Arches, a wooden staircase makes for an easy climb to an overlook for a 360-degree view of the Big South Fork area.  The lodge, sitting in a beautiful pasture framed by magnificent bluffs, is accessible only by horseback or on foot.  For a peaceful, rustic experience, facilities are equipped with kerosene lamps and wood stoves. The lodge offers congenial accommodations and hearty meals. Space is limited, so sign up as a family or with a friend!

 Instructors: Joel and Kathy Zachry, both M.S., are your husband and wife leaders with more than 50 combined years of backcountry identification and hiking experience and have led Field School sessions since the early 1980s.

UT's Smoky Mountain Field School COURSE #10FA908       FEE: $ 115*
Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 23 - 24, 2010
Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area
(Meet at Bandy Creek Visitor Center, 10:00 a.m., Sat.)
*Registration fee is nonrefundable.

Register online at http://www.outreach.utk.edu/smoky or call (865) 974-0150.

BEAUTIFUL SNOWBIRD MOUNTAIN LODGE:
WEEK OF HIKES

Hike by day, Luxury by night! Enjoy your stay at beautiful Snowbird Mountain Lodge, nestled in the mountains of Southern Appalachia in Graham County, NC, just eleven miles from Robbinsville, NC. This historic lodge, built in the late 1930's and early 1940's, offers a complete package of a multitude of outdoor activities paired with wonderful accommodations and cuisine. Joel and Kathy Zachry will be the Hike Leaders for the week of October 30 - November 5. Each day will bring a hike in the neighboring mountains. Evening natural history and "show-and-tell" presentations will also be made during the week. Once you visit Snowbird, you will want to make it an annual pilgrimage!

Saturday - Friday, October 30 - November 5
Hike Leaders/Naturalists: Joel and Kathy Zachry, guiding Snowbird guests since 2003
Learn more online about Snowbird Lodge at http://www.snowbirdlodge.com/ or call (828) 479-3433 or 1-800-941-9290.

ALASKA 2011

See Alaska the way it was meant to be seen!

Plan now for next year's trip.

2009 marked our 21st year to travel to and guide trips in Alaska.  We are offering new places to visit as well as a new trip format for 2011.  More details to come!

Nine days of nature for an All Inclusive Rate!
Fee includes ground transportation, lodging fees, meals, attraction admissions, group equipment, and skilled leadership.

TRIP DATES:

July 2011

Alaska 2011 can best be described as a small group experience of touring and dayhiking, taking in the significant sights of Alaska. Lodging will be in hotels or in rustic cabins.  Time is planned for dayhiking and wildlife viewing in each diverse area. This is a superb package for the outdoor enthusiast!

 

Registration:
Early registration is essential to confirm participation. Travel arrangements and costs to and from Alaska are the responsibility of the participant. Our affiliate, American Express World Travel of Knoxville, can assist each registrant to assure the lowest fare and best connections. Applicants should request and return a Participant Information Form and submit the required deposit of $395 as early as possible.

Apply to:
Great Outdoors! Adventure Travel
104 Zachry Drive
Kingston, TN 37763-7007
phone 865.376.3785
fax 865.376.1401
or email info@gowithgoat.com.