DATE CHANGE! Sam Knob; a Saunter

I HAVE MOVED THIS HIKE TO MONDAY SEPTEMBER 21! Please update your plan to attend.
Temps will be in low 80’s with sunny skies. (Thursday has cooler temps but we would be walking in heavy low clouds)

Darlene will lead to Sam Knob in the Black Balsam area of the BRPwy; Up to 12 of you are welcome.
After a ½ mile walk through the meadow. the climb is just shy of 400 ft. in ½ mile via several switchbacks on the trail. We pass a lush, young forest of mostly northern hardwood trees. There are many roots and rocky areas along the trail.
Lush vegetation grows near rock outcrops beside the trail, including blueberries, strawberries, sedges and grass, mountain laurel, Carolina rhododendron, and countless wildflowers including bluets. The trail will pass beneath some large rock outcrops, which lie just below the summit. We’ll reach a grassy, shrubby saddle between the two high knobs, and a large outcropping of snow white quartz rocks from a grassy meadow.
Difficulty: Trail Tread Condition: Moderately Rough; Constant moderate climb. Rocky.
WE WILL SPEND TIME FOR LUNCH AT THE TOP.
We are the Sloth Hike Team of WNC: “We will get there when we get there.”
**https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQ8H4EK2vt4**
Social ‘hour’ at 9:15 AM. tires roll at 9:30AM
Distance: 3 mi RT; Accum Ascent: 570 ft; Pace: 1.25mph
Drive time: 45min/ 23 mi 1-way
Apprx return time: 3 PM
Carpool contributions appreciated. $3.00 suggested
THIS IS A DOG-PARTICIPANT HIKE. This event is NOT for those who are uncomfortable with the antics of fun-loving dogs. Well trained dogs (you don’t have to yell) can be 'off-leash'. 'On leash' during the lunch stop. 'On leash' in vicinity of other hike groups. Small (lap)dogs may carpool. Large dogs will drive themselves.
Weather Check:
https://www.mountain-forecast.com/peaks/Black-Balsam-Knob/forecasts/1894
WAITLISTED PEOPLE WILL BE ADDED AS DRIVERS SIGN ON.
I currently have 2 driver(s) (=8ppl)
We suggest slightly 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.
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)
**Pics: https://www.flickr.com/photos/146993931@N05/albums**