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Outdoor Recreation

Posted by on Thursday, March 21, 2013 in Archives, News.

MAR 29 – 30   (Fri. – Sat.)
BACKPACKING @ Great Stone Door, SCRA, TN
Cost: $45   /   Sign-up by:   Mon, Mar 25 /   Pre-Trip Meeting: Tue, Mar 26 at 5 PM

The Stone Door / Alum Gap loop is a classic route for backpacking.   This 9.2 mile trail, with its variety of terrain, is great for beginners.   Highlights will include the Great Stone Door and other awesome overlooks.   We will also see up to four waterfalls, including the impressive Greeter Falls.   Estimated trip duration:   3 pm Fri. -€“ 9 pm Sat.

MAR 30   (Sat)
WHITEWATER KAYAKING @ Clear Creek, TN
** This trip is for Beginner Kayakers **
Cost: $75   /   Sign-up by: Mon, Mar 25 /   Pre-Trip Meeting: Wed, Mar 27 at 5 pm

If the March showers bring us enough rain, then we-€™re off to paddle the beautiful waters of Clear Creek. This is a fantastic destination for beginner paddlers looking for something a bit more challenging than the Hiwassee. The consistent elevation drop and exciting turns through the boulders make for an exhilarating day on the river.   Experience is necessary and a solid roll is a must.   This trip is limited to the first 6 people who sign up.   Estimated trip duration:   7 am to 10 pm.

Note: There will be two pool sessions available to participants of this trip to work with kayak instructors on your roll prior to the trip.   Participation in at least one of these sessions is mandatory:   Wed. March 20 or Wed. March 27 from 7:00 -€“ 9:00 pm.

APR 5 – 6 (Fri. -€“ Sat.)
CLIMBING & CAMPING @ Jackson Falls, IL
>>>   This trip is for Intermediate to Advanced Climbers <<<
Cost: $65 /   Sign-up by:   Fri, Mar 29 /   Pre-Trip Meeting:   Tue, Apr 2, at 6 pm

Join the VU Outdoor Rec. Program as we head to the mid-west climbing location of Jackson Falls, IL.     This trip will offer participants the opportunity to test their climbing skills on bullet hard sand stone cliffs.   We will depart Friday night to camp out and spend the duration of our Saturday climbing.   Jackson Falls offers a plethora of climbing styles to push your prowess and abilities.   Price includes all technical climbing gear, instruction, group camping gear, transportation and food while on site. ***Note: Participants should be able to comfortably climb 5.8*** Estimated trip duration: 5 pm Fri. -€“ 11 pm Sat.

APR 6  (Sat)
STREAM CLEAN-UP @ Harpeth River State Park, TN
Cost: FREE! /   Sign-up by: Fri, Mar 29 / Pre-Trip Meeting:  Tue Apr 2, at 5 PM

The Harpeth River State Park has many access points.   This time we will help pick up trash near creeks that flow into the Harpeth River.     This trash was  left by the  flood of 2010.   After that, we may help plant saplings into pots  to grow for the planting season next spring.    Gloves, tools, trash bags and lunch will be provided.   Afterwards there will be an optional hike to a nice overlook.   Estimated trip duration:   8 am -€“ 5 pm.

APR 7 (Sun)
HORSEBACK RIDING @ JuRo Ranch, Mt. Juliet, TN
Cost: $52    /   Sign-up by:   Fri, Mar 29   /   Pre-Trip Meeting:   Wed, Apr 3, at 5 pm

Located less than an hour away, the JuRo Stables will provide us with a 1.5-hour horseback ride.   We will ride on wooded trails, across creeks, and possibly to Percy Priest Lake. Check out their horses at www.jurostables.com.   After the ride, we will have a picnic lunch at a nearby park before returning to VU.   The tip for the guides is included in the trip fee.   Estimated trip duration:   9 am -€“ 2 pm.

APR 7   (Sun)
LAKE CLEAN-UP / CANOEING @ Cordell Hull Lake, TN
* Free! *    /   Sign-up by:   Fri, Mar 29   /   Pre-Trip Meeting:   Wed, Apr 3, at 6 pm

At points during our hike along the north side of the lake we have noticed trash washed up on the former shorelines from the summer before.   By canoeing around the lake, we can stop and pick up trash, using the canoes to do the hauling.   This is a pretty area worthy of our time.   Beginners are welcome.   All paddling equipment is provided.   Estimated trip duration:   8 am -€“ 5 pm.

APR 12-13 (Fri. -€“ Sat.)
WHITEWATER RAFT & CAMP @ Ocoee River, TN
Cost: $112   /   Sign-up by:   Fri, Mar 29   /   Pre-Trip Meeting:   Tue, Ari 9, at 6 pm

Whitewater rafting on the Ocoee River is packed with fun and excitement on back-to-back rapids!   After camping out Friday night, we will be guided down the mighty Ocoee in rafts of 5-6 paddlers each.   As a bonus, the Ocoee River is located in a beautiful gorge.     No experience is necessary. The tip for your guide is included.   Estimated trip duration:   6 pm Fri. -€“ 7 pm Sat.

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To sign up for a trip, come to the Outdoor Recreation Center (ORC), located on 2600 Children’s Way, kind of behind the Student  Rec. Center, and pay a deposit or the full amount of the trip.     The ORC accepts cash, check, and the Vanderbilt Commodore Card.   For more info on trips, workshops, and equipment rentals, check out the web at www.vanderbilt.edu/outrec.

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Outdoor Recreation Hours:
Mon and Fri 12 noon – 6 p.m.
Tue, Wed, and Thu 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
www.vanderbilt.edu/outrec