Outdoor Chattanooga News And Events

Tuesday, October 23, 2012 - by Ruth Thompson
Haunted Canoe and Hay Rides Oct. 26
Outdoor Chattanooga will host a Haunted Canoe and Hay Ride on Fri., Oct. 26, from 6 to 10 p.m. at the City of Chattanooga's Greenway Farm. The family event will feature a short hay ride on Greenway Farm, followed by a fully guided canoe raft trip to encounter the ghosts and goblins that haunt N.
Chickamauga Creek. No canoeing experience is necessary. Cost is $15 per person and includes all canoeing gear and guides. Cash and check only, please. No credit cards accepted. The later you come, the spookier it will get. first come, first served. For more information, email or call Outdoor Chattanooga at (423) 643-6888.  
 
More Outdoor Chattanooga Events and Activities
NO Rapid Learning Roll Practice Oct. 23
Due to Fall Break and scheduled maintenance on the UTC Maclellan Gym indoor pool, we will not host our Rapid Learning Whitewater Program roll practice on Oct. 23. We'll be back on schedule Tues., Oct. 30. To learn more, email Outdoor Chattanooga or call (423) 643-6888.
 
Women's Wellness Hike Oct. 28
Outdoor Chattanooga and the Chattanooga Trekkers will host an urban hike and self care experience for women only on Sun., Oct. 28, 4 p.m. at Outdoor Chattanooga, 200 River St. in Coolidge Park. The free event will start with beginner Tai Chi exercises and self care activities, then move on to a six mile urban walk through North shore neighborhoods. Led by clinical social workers Valerie Radu and Kathy Purnell, the event's focus is on getting women to care for themselves as much as they care for others. Pre-registration is required. To register, email or call Outdoor Chattanooga at (423) 643-6888. Bring money if you want to join a post hike dinner on the North Shore.
 
Rapid Learning Roll Practice Resumes Oct. 30
The Rapid Learning Whitewater Program will resume weekly kayak roll practice on Tues., Oct. 30, with two sessions at 6 and 7 p.m., at the University of TN, Chattanooga's Maclellan Gym indoor pool. The practice focuses on learning the basics of whitewater kayaking in a safe, still water environment. All equipment and instruction is provided. First time attendees may participate for free. After that, membership is $50 per year for individuals, $75 for families. Kayakers with all of their own equipment may purchase a special one day membership for $5 at each roll practice. For more information, email or call Outdoor Chattanooga at (423) 643-6888.    
 
Bike2Work Nov. 2
Outdoor Chattanooga will host our monthly Bike2Work breakfast for bicycle commuters on Fri., Nov. 2, from 7 to 8:30 a.m. at Waterhouse Pavilion in Miller Plaza, at the corner of Market St. and M.L. King Blvd. All bicycle commuters, including those using the Bike Chattanooga Bicycle Transit System, are welcome. Fresh baked goods from Greenlife Grocery, coffee from Velo Coffee Roasters and door prizes from River City Bicycles make the breakfast special. Co-hosted by the River City Co. To learn more, email or call Outdoor Chattanooga at (423) 643-6888.
 
Head of the Hooch Nov. 3 & 4  
We tell you to come check out the Head of the Hooch rowing regatta every year and this year spectators have the added bonus of the Bike Chattanooga Bicycle Transit System to get around the race venue. The nation's largest single day regatta will be in Chattanooga on Sat. & Sun., Nov. 3 & 4 for two full days of rowing. Thousands of participants from all over the U.S. will compete on the 5,000 meter course along the south shore of the TN River. Spectators see the action for free, from the TN Riverwalk's Curtain Pole Rd. entrance to Ross' Landing in downtown Chattanooga.
 
More Events and Activities
The "Ins and Outs of Blueways" Oct. 24  
The S. Chickamauga Creek Greenway Alliance will welcome TN State Scenic Rivers Administrator Jan Polansky at their monthly meeting on Wed., Oct. 24, 12 noon at Wally's Restaurant in East Ridge. Polansky has been a key advocate for the creation of blueways and "Park and Float" areas across the state. She will give the gathering an update on ongoing blueway creation and identify some issues to consider when establishing these water-based trails. The public is welcome. To learn more, email Sandra Kurtz.
 
United Way's Moonshine Mud Run/Run with the Zombies Oct. 27
The United Way will host the Moonshine Mud Run and Run with the Zombies 5K on Sat., Oct. 27, beginning at 8 a.m. in Trenton, GA. The 5K mud run features 12 obstacles and a few undead surprises in the woods around Lookout Mtn. and Lookout Creek. The event also features a kids' race, sled pull and a costume contest. Registration is open through Fri., Oct. 26.
 
Festival of Jack 'O Lanterns at CA&NC Oct. 27 & 28
The Chattanooga Arboretum and Nature Center will host their annual Festival of Jack 'O Lanterns on Sat., Oct. 27, from 2 to 9 p.m. and Sun., Oct. 28, from 1 to 7 p.m. at their property on the base of Lookout Mtn. The event will feature hayrides, pumpkin carving, guided hikes, animal presentations, music, outdoor movies, as well as horse and buggy rides, pony rides and canoe trips on Lookout Creek (extra charge). Festival admission is $12 for adults, $10 for children, kids 3 and under get in free. Discounts apply for CA&NC members. To learn more, call CA&NC at (423) 821-1160
 
Alzheimer's Challenge Cycling Benefit Nov. 3
Chattanooga cyclists will honor local cycling legend Hugh Worthy when they participate in the Alzheimer's Challenge on Sat., Nov. 3, at Old Stone Fort Historic Park in Manchester, TN. The fundraising ride features 15, 30 and 62 mile routes designed for all levels of cyclists. Riders will enjoy pre ride bike checks, themed rest stops, SAG support and a post ride BBQ celebration next to Old Stone Fort Park's scenic waterfalls. All riders. In exchange, riders agree to raise a minimum of $150 for the Alzheimer's Association.
 
Tree I.D.101 at Chattanooga Arboretum and Nature Center Nov. 6-8  
The Chattanooga Arboretum and Nature Center will host a three day Tree I.D. 101 course Tues. - Thurs., Nov. 6-8. The course, which is designed for everyone from teachers to amateur naturalists, will include classroom and field work on the identification and preservation of trees. Cost is $150 and includes all materials, lunches and snacks. Pre registration is required. Email or call Dr. Jean Lomino at (423) 821-1160, ext. 108 to learn more or register.
 
News
Nashville Wins "Bicycle Friendly Community" Status  
In an announcement last week, the League of American Bicyclists gave 28 U.S. cities their first "Bicycle Friendly Community" (BFC) designations. One of the new designees was our neighbor to the north, Nashville, who attained Bronze status. Congrats, Music City! The League awards BFC's at five levels (Diamond, Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze) and, with this year's diverse round of applicants, there are now 242 BFCs in 47 states.
 
The Good News and Bad News for Federal Biking and Walking Funding  More from the League of American Bicyclists: interpretations for local municipalities and states on how to get funding for bicycle and pedestrian facilities through the new Transportation Bill.   
 
A New York Times profile of University of the South (Sewanee) ecologist David Haskell's Zen approach to nature.
Last Week's Web Hit  So how well do you know how to navigate in your sea kayak? Here's a great resource from Great Lakes paddler Bryan Hansel.   
 
Upcoming Events . . .  
November
10                     Upchuck 50K/11-Miler                           
                         Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon/Half Marathon/Jr. Marathon
10-11               TN River Gorge Overnight Kayak Trip
17                    Jingle Bell 5K Walk/Run for Arthritis                         

December
1                     
Cleveland 5K Jingle Bell Jog
2                     
Run for Hope
9                      
Chattanooga Whiskey Run
15                    
Lookout Mtn. 50 Mile/10K

  
Happy New Year! - 2013 
It's that time again. Please send us your 2013 events, programs and activities. We'd love to get them in our newsletter. Here's what we have got so far:
March, 2013
23                   
Rock/Creek River Gorge Trail Race

April, 2013
6                     
Out Run the Police
20                   
Outdoor Chattanooga Outdoor Expo & Gear Swap

May, 2013
4                     
Childrens Hospital Dragon Boat Festival
18                   
Scenic City Marathon and Half Marathon 
                        Chattanooga Tour de Cure
25-27               USA Pro Cycling Championships

June
1                     
National Trails Day
14-16              
Chattanooga Mountains Stage Race
15                    Color the Curve Chattanooga                        
August
10                   
Still Hollow Trail Race

September
15                   
Southern 6(k) Trail Race and Kid K

October
5                     
Rock/Creek Stump Jump

November
17-21              
TN Recreation and Parks Assoc. Conference Chattanooga

Fishing Report From The TWRA

Here is the fishing report from the TWRA: Caney Fork: Fishing is good. Several trout are being caught in period of no flow, while fishing with flies.  Some nice browns have been caught near Carthage while using spoons and spinners. Center Hill: Fishing is good. Water temperature is 83; lake is fairly stable. Lots of nice bass are being caught at night on soft-plastics ... (click for more)

Tennessee Combats Menacing Hogs Using Technology Powered By Verizon’s Network

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) has turned to innovative technology to assist landowners with controlling wild hogs—a costly nuisance for state residents and a danger to the environment.  Frequent trap visits by wildlife officers to monitor hog activity are the most costly phase of the Agency’s control efforts.  Live streaming video enables wildlife officers ... (click for more)

Claude Ramsey To Retire As Deputy To The Governor

Governor Bill Haslam on Wednesday announced that Deputy to the Governor Claude Ramsey will retire at the end of August to spend more time with his wife, children and grandchildren in Chattanooga. He said the former Hamilton County assessor and then county mayor "has been integral to me on several key initiatives, including civil service reform, economic development efforts, workforce ... (click for more)

Westfield Gives Emotional Testimony About Fatal Shooting Of Friend Bernard Hughes; Niece Of Police Captain Denies She Set It Up

An emotional Timothy Westfield on Wednesday told a Criminal Court jury how he was shot and how his friend Bernard Hughes was murdered almost three years ago at the British Woods Apartments. And Myra "Booby" Collier, the niece of Chattanooga Police Capt. Edwin McPherson, denied that she was involved in setting up the robbery.  Westfield identified Harold Francis "Bam" ... (click for more)

Our Criminal Justice System Is Broken

Today’s news that after a man was shot while coming to the aid of a friend, four were arrested (including two 13-year-olds) for robbery and attempted murder, followed by additional news that one of those arrested had previously pled guilty to aggravated burglary and was given a three-year suspended sentence, is further indication that our system of criminal justice is absolutely ... (click for more)

Roy Exum: The Colonel: ‘Tell My Sons’

In the Broadway play, “The Civil War,” there is an emotional song called “Tell My Father,” the words that a dying Union soldier on a distant battlefield asked to be delivered when the other troops got back home. The reason Lt. Col. Mark Weber sang that very song with his oldest son Matt was because the highly-decorated officer was fighting Stage IV intestinal cancer at the ... (click for more)