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Handbook/ 1932/ Smoky Mountains Hiking Club

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  • and distances, and we will enjoy contriving the humble make-shifts with which to meet the emergencies of the trail—we will absorb the heat, and thrill to the soft flutter of the flames of a camp fire, freshly lighted. Are we strong—does life throb in us with such vigor that we can call these things good? Our hearts must be stout to brave the slashing force of the wilds. We mutt howl our defiance when the wilderness howls; we must rage when it rages; we must meet its most savage moods with its human counterpart—the savage, under discipline, within us. If we can do this, then it is safe to go and nature's friendly, winsome hours will be golden—and the toil and pain and fear will blend with the sheer delight into an experience of the richest hue. Certain details of the hike follow: SUNDAY, Aug. 7. at 7 A. M. Leaving Knoxville, we will drive to Cosby, there taking the new highway for 4 or 5 miles to its intersection with the White Rock trail. There we will park the cars and start hiking, with a good view of White Rock ahead of us, which is just V/i miles away. _ From White Rock are views of the Pigeon River v: i'cy and English Mountains in one direction, Guyot and the Greenbriar Pinnacle Lead in another, and the mountains of North Carolina on the eastern side. After having lunch with the Club members on the short hike, we will follow the State line for 21/2 miles to Low Gap (4842) feet), and there pitch our tents for the first night. MONDAY, Aug. 8. Monday morning we continue west along the State line. From the trail we have some good views of Guyot and the mountains and valleys of North Carolina. Camp will be made near Guyot Monday night. TUESDAY, Aug. 9. Tuesday morning we will see the views from the tower on Guyot (6620 feet) at which time the State 43
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