Little White Oak Mountain; a Saunter

We are the Sloth Hiking Team: “We will get there when we get there.” We dare to go where the ‘real’ hike groups don’t !!
John Muir didn’t like the word ‘hike’. “We ought to saunter through them reverently, not 'hike' through them.”
We are going to explore Little White Oak Mountain near Mill Spring, NC; Up to 12 ppl are welcome to join us.
Hike Distance: 3.0mi Loop; Accum ascent: 680 ft (most on the inbound)
Pace: 1.5mph – because I’m an ol’ Codger.
Difficulty: Established trail; shared with Mtn Bikers. Continuous climb w/ steeper descent.
Masticating will be ‘in motion’.
Drive time: 20 min; 20 mi 1-way
Apprx return time: 2 pm (=4.0 hrs)
Carpool contributions appreciated. $2.00 suggested
Weather Check: Mills Spring, NC
Weather cancellations will be posted at 6:30am.
WAITLISTED PEOPLE WILL BE ADDED AS DRIVERS SIGN ON.
I currently have 3 driver(s) (=12ppl)
We suggest open windows while carpooling. Only you know your own health status so judge accordingly if an event may endanger your health or the health of others.
Please bring an extra pair of shoes to avoid bringing your muddy shoes into the driver's car at the end of the hike.
Incessant prattlers will be assumed to be having an affair. My attempts to quiet the prattlers has failed. This has become a ‘social networking’ event.
THIS IS A DOG-PARTICIPANT HIKE. This event is NOT for those who are uncomfortable with the antics of fun-loving dogs. Dogs (and Masters) required to be ‘on-leash'. Small (lap)dogs may carpool. Large dogs will drive themselves.
DESCRIPTION;
Remember - hikes led by ‘the Curmudgeon’ tend to have challenging surprises.
Mountain Trolls are thieves; Zip your backpacks tight.
The hiking trails include stream crossings through a beautiful wooded area right behind Polk Middle School. Clearings along the trail offer striking views of the sky and treeline. including the summit of Little White Oak Mountain.
I have NOT been previously; we are ‘exploring’.
The Plan:
Pretty Flats loop (south half; inbound; 0.37mi; 2-way)
The Escalator (0.7 mi; 2-way)
Ripsaw Cove Loop (1.0 mi; 1-way)
Laurel Loco (short section to…)
Live Wire Tr (optional) (0.5 mi; steep downhill; 1-way)
Pretty Flats loop (north half; outbound; 0.37mi; 2-way)
All hikes are at your own risk. You are responsible for your OWN safety and adequate equipment.
Waiver: : The organizer of this event is a volunteer and not a professional guide. The function of the organizer is only to organize this event. There are certain risks inherent in any outdoor activity. Each participant, by signing up to attend this event, agrees to release from liability the leader(s), Hendo Fun Friends, its Partners, Affiliates, and members for any accident, injury, illness, or personal loss which might occur while participating in this activity or while traveling in any vehicle during this trip. Each participant further agrees to abide by the rules and regulations concerning safety, to follow instructions of the leader(s), and not to become intentionally separated from the group. The leader(s) also has the right to use any images collected on this trip for recording on website photo collections.
gordie's contact: CurmudgeonHiker@gmail.com
(before day of hike): 828.393.0297 (talk & text)