{"id":380,"date":"2017-03-06T00:23:27","date_gmt":"2017-03-06T00:23:27","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/southernhighlanders.com\/new\/?p=380"},"modified":"2018-01-13T15:43:52","modified_gmt":"2018-01-13T15:43:52","slug":"moco-mojo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/southernhighlanders.com\/new\/2017\/03\/06\/moco-mojo\/","title":{"rendered":"Moco Mojo"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>There is plenty of unhiked terrain at Frozen Head and we are getting it in prior to the imposition of a tax to backpack there set to implement April 1. \u00a0Recognize this guy? \u00a0Yep, it is Licklog, aka Rev. Grady. \u00a0He is back on the trail with the SouthernHighlanders. \u00a0It was a perfect backpack.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-381 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/southernhighlanders.com\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/tn_P1070011.jpg\" alt=\"tn_P1070011\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"http:\/\/southernhighlanders.com\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/tn_P1070011.jpg 600w, http:\/\/southernhighlanders.com\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/tn_P1070011-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>This is the MoCo Mojo. \u00a0Be prepared, it is infectious. \u00a0We were exposed to it last Monday night following a presentation by the Morgan County Tourism alliance. \u00a0They asked us to stay after the County Commission Tourism committee meeting. \u00a0It is a nice little song.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1140\" height=\"855\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Umarqf8kt4Y?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-384 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/southernhighlanders.com\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/strava-chimney-tops-profileokokddd.jpg\" alt=\"strava chimney tops profileokokddd\" width=\"1476\" height=\"717\" srcset=\"http:\/\/southernhighlanders.com\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/strava-chimney-tops-profileokokddd.jpg 1476w, http:\/\/southernhighlanders.com\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/strava-chimney-tops-profileokokddd-300x146.jpg 300w, http:\/\/southernhighlanders.com\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/strava-chimney-tops-profileokokddd-768x373.jpg 768w, http:\/\/southernhighlanders.com\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/strava-chimney-tops-profileokokddd-1024x497.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1476px) 100vw, 1476px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Last time we approached the Mart&#8217;s Field campsite from Spicewood Trail. \u00a0So this weekend we made the ascent of Chimney Tops, which is the most precipitous in the park. \u00a0You can see from the elevation profile I mapped via Strava. \u00a0If you haven&#8217;t used Strava, I highly suggest it. I was shown this app from a mountain biking friend and have been using it for the past year over at the Urban Wilderness. \u00a0When you pass someone, for instance on the trail, Strava will tell you who it is, provided they are on Strava. \u00a0It is a free app and calculates all manner of data. \u00a0Now that I am seeing its value in the backpacking world, it will have even more utility. \u00a0Probably not good GPS in the Smokies but Frozen Head is definitely in network. \u00a0Here is where you can download. \u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.strava.com\">http:\/\/www.strava.com<\/a><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-385\" src=\"http:\/\/southernhighlanders.com\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/tn_P1060987-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"tn_P1060987\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"http:\/\/southernhighlanders.com\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/tn_P1060987-300x225.jpg 300w, http:\/\/southernhighlanders.com\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/tn_P1060987.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>They don&#8217;t call it Frozen Head for nothing. \u00a0We climbed right out of the visitors center and it was steep.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-386\" src=\"http:\/\/southernhighlanders.com\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/tn_P1060974-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"tn_P1060974\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"http:\/\/southernhighlanders.com\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/tn_P1060974-300x225.jpg 300w, http:\/\/southernhighlanders.com\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/tn_P1060974.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-387\" src=\"http:\/\/southernhighlanders.com\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/tn_P1060977-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"tn_P1060977\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"http:\/\/southernhighlanders.com\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/tn_P1060977-300x225.jpg 300w, http:\/\/southernhighlanders.com\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/tn_P1060977.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The scenery was beautiful and we passed but a few hikers.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-388\" src=\"http:\/\/southernhighlanders.com\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/tn_P1060978-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"tn_P1060978\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"http:\/\/southernhighlanders.com\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/tn_P1060978-300x225.jpg 300w, http:\/\/southernhighlanders.com\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/tn_P1060978.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The views, however, were incredible. \u00a0This is where they conduct the Barkley Marathon. \u00a0I can see why.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-389\" src=\"http:\/\/southernhighlanders.com\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/tn_P1060989-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"tn_P1060989\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"http:\/\/southernhighlanders.com\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/tn_P1060989-300x225.jpg 300w, http:\/\/southernhighlanders.com\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/tn_P1060989.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>That is the top of our climb. \u00a0You probably noticed our ascent was 2575 feet in 5.1 miles. \u00a0I made it in two hours, 14 minutes. \u00a0There were steep sections.<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-390\" src=\"http:\/\/southernhighlanders.com\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/tn_P1060994-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"tn_P1060994\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"http:\/\/southernhighlanders.com\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/tn_P1060994-300x225.jpg 300w, http:\/\/southernhighlanders.com\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/tn_P1060994.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>I was glad to see the back side of our old campsite, Mart&#8217;s Field. \u00a0Of course, Laurel and Longstreet had been there for 20 minutes.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-391\" src=\"http:\/\/southernhighlanders.com\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/tn_P1060970-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"tn_P1060970\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"http:\/\/southernhighlanders.com\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/tn_P1060970-300x225.jpg 300w, http:\/\/southernhighlanders.com\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/tn_P1060970.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Grady came strolling in a short time later. \u00a0He was cursing me for picking the hardest trail in Frozen Head. \u00a0He was reminded of why he hasn&#8217;t backpacked with me in a while, I&#8217;m sure.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-392\" src=\"http:\/\/southernhighlanders.com\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/tn_P1060997-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"tn_P1060997\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"http:\/\/southernhighlanders.com\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/tn_P1060997-300x225.jpg 300w, http:\/\/southernhighlanders.com\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/tn_P1060997.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-393\" src=\"http:\/\/southernhighlanders.com\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/tn_P1070001-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"tn_P1070001\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"http:\/\/southernhighlanders.com\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/tn_P1070001-300x225.jpg 300w, http:\/\/southernhighlanders.com\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/tn_P1070001.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>We had the campsite to ourselves. \u00a0I am convinced there is zero backpacking pressure in Frozen Head. \u00a0Which is why we are battling them over their upcoming backpacking tax. \u00a0The Morgan County Commission has supported our efforts to propose legislation to the TN State Delegation asking them to halt all backcountry fees in the State of TN for good. \u00a0It is a long shot but we are trying to stop these egregious fees. \u00a0You pay taxes for use of this land, help the Southern Forest Watch stop the backpacker taxes. \u00a0www.southernforestwatch.org. \u00a0How can you assist? \u00a0For one, if you buy via amazon, please use this link. \u00a0.5% of your purchase will go to support our efforts to hold public lands managers accountable.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/smile.amazon.com\/ch\/46-1509528\">http:\/\/smile.amazon.com\/ch\/46-1509528<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-394\" src=\"http:\/\/southernhighlanders.com\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/tn_P1070017-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"tn_P1070017\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"http:\/\/southernhighlanders.com\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/tn_P1070017-300x225.jpg 300w, http:\/\/southernhighlanders.com\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/tn_P1070017.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The weather was completely perfect. \u00a0No wind with which to contend this time.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-395\" src=\"http:\/\/southernhighlanders.com\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/tn_P1070010-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"tn_P1070010\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"http:\/\/southernhighlanders.com\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/tn_P1070010-300x225.jpg 300w, http:\/\/southernhighlanders.com\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/tn_P1070010.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-396\" src=\"http:\/\/southernhighlanders.com\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/tn_P1070020-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"tn_P1070020\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"http:\/\/southernhighlanders.com\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/tn_P1070020-300x225.jpg 300w, http:\/\/southernhighlanders.com\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/tn_P1070020.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>There is plenty of dry wood at Mart&#8217;s Field. \u00a0I discovered that the Mart&#8217;s family lived there until the 70s and we gathered water from the actual site of their home.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-397 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/southernhighlanders.com\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/tn_P1070026.jpg\" alt=\"tn_P1070026\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"http:\/\/southernhighlanders.com\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/tn_P1070026.jpg 600w, http:\/\/southernhighlanders.com\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/tn_P1070026-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Sunsets are clearly magnificent at Mart&#8217;s Field.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-398 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/southernhighlanders.com\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/tn_P1070025.jpg\" alt=\"tn_P1070025\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"http:\/\/southernhighlanders.com\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/tn_P1070025.jpg 600w, http:\/\/southernhighlanders.com\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/tn_P1070025-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-399\" src=\"http:\/\/southernhighlanders.com\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/tn_P1070032-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"tn_P1070032\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"http:\/\/southernhighlanders.com\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/tn_P1070032-300x225.jpg 300w, http:\/\/southernhighlanders.com\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/tn_P1070032.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>\u00a0If you are one of those twisted scholars of Highlander Lore, you are familiar with the Pink Fleece. \u00a0The Pink Fleece was an adornment reserved for Highlanders who exhibited extreme cowardice or un-manly attributes. \u00a0Over the years, several backpackers\u00a0were\u00a0required to wear the pink fleece. \u00a0One backpacker\u00a0threw it into the fire after being forced to wear it and it was retired. \u00a0Now we resurrected that garment for Longstreet, the shivering dog. \u00a0I used to hike with a lot of shivering dogs.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-400\" src=\"http:\/\/southernhighlanders.com\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/tn_P1070038-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"tn_P1070038\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"http:\/\/southernhighlanders.com\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/tn_P1070038-300x225.jpg 300w, http:\/\/southernhighlanders.com\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/tn_P1070038.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-401\" src=\"http:\/\/southernhighlanders.com\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/tn_P1070051-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"tn_P1070051\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"http:\/\/southernhighlanders.com\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/tn_P1070051-300x225.jpg 300w, http:\/\/southernhighlanders.com\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/tn_P1070051.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>\u00a0On Sunday morning, or as Kristofferson calls it, &#8220;Sunday morning coming down.&#8221; \u00a0Here is what that looked like.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-402 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/southernhighlanders.com\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/tn_s2spicewood-descent.jpg\" alt=\"tn_s2spicewood descent\" width=\"600\" height=\"375\" srcset=\"http:\/\/southernhighlanders.com\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/tn_s2spicewood-descent.jpg 600w, http:\/\/southernhighlanders.com\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/tn_s2spicewood-descent-300x188.jpg 300w, http:\/\/southernhighlanders.com\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/tn_s2spicewood-descent-80x50.jpg 80w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-403 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/southernhighlanders.com\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/tn_spicewood-descent-mileage.jpg\" alt=\"tn_spicewood descent mileage\" width=\"600\" height=\"197\" srcset=\"http:\/\/southernhighlanders.com\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/tn_spicewood-descent-mileage.jpg 600w, http:\/\/southernhighlanders.com\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/tn_spicewood-descent-mileage-300x99.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Sunday mornings stats were, 4.4 miles in one hour, 40 minutes. \u00a0Not bad for a bunch of old men and young women.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-404\" src=\"http:\/\/southernhighlanders.com\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/tn_P1070053-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"tn_P1070053\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"http:\/\/southernhighlanders.com\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/tn_P1070053-300x225.jpg 300w, http:\/\/southernhighlanders.com\/new\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/tn_P1070053.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>\u00a0 Grady killed it off the couch. \u00a0Another outstanding weekend.<\/p>\n<p>Now for a bit of update on Spring events. \u00a0Many have been asking about my next climb, as there usually is one. \u00a0Well, believe it or not, there isn&#8217;t. \u00a0In a week and a half, Laurel and I are flying to Paris, then heading down to the French Alps for a week of skiing in Chamonix. \u00a0That will be my Spring climb. \u00a0We got great deals on airfare, $550 r\/t out of Knoxville. \u00a0So we had to do it. \u00a0However, my climbing mate from Cho Oyu last year and Mustagh Ata in 2011, Andrea Rigotti, is leaving for Everest in a week. \u00a0He has been training for years to climb his dream mountain and I am experiencing it vicariously through him. \u00a0I hope to post updates on his ascent here. \u00a0Andrea is an Uber fit dude. \u00a0He trains like an Olympian and will be more prepared to tackle Everest than anyone I know. \u00a0He will be using the logistics of Arnold Coster, my expedition leader on Muztagh Ata. \u00a0So stay tuned. \u00a0I hope folks are getting to enjoy this weather.<\/p>\n<p>John<\/p>\n<p>Here is a link for you bike enthusiasts.\u00a0\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bikemunk.com\/cycling-software\/\">https:\/\/www.bikemunk.com\/cycling-software\/<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>There is plenty of unhiked terrain at Frozen Head and we are getting it in prior to the imposition of a tax to backpack there set to implement April 1. \u00a0Recognize this guy? \u00a0Yep, it is Licklog, aka Rev. Grady. &hellip; <a href=\"http:\/\/southernhighlanders.com\/new\/2017\/03\/06\/moco-mojo\/\">Continued<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/southernhighlanders.com\/new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/380"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/southernhighlanders.com\/new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/southernhighlanders.com\/new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/southernhighlanders.com\/new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/southernhighlanders.com\/new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=380"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"http:\/\/southernhighlanders.com\/new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/380\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":969,"href":"http:\/\/southernhighlanders.com\/new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/380\/revisions\/969"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/southernhighlanders.com\/new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=380"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/southernhighlanders.com\/new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=380"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/southernhighlanders.com\/new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=380"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}