Stinging Fork Falls

Lora and I decided to hike the Stinging Fork Falls part of the Cumberland trail. We went in off Shut in Gap Road on top of the mountain. We went to the overlook first and then down to the falls. We followed the Cumberland trail along Little Soak Creek for about two miles before we headed back out. It was a beautiful day of hiking. On the way out we checked out the new section of the Cumberland trail that isn't opened yet. Yea, new trail!

Pictures:

Frozen Head State Park - Chimney Top

Lora and I headed out to Frozen Head State Park for the weekend. We started up the Chimney Top trail after a group of Boy Scouts. We got past them by the time we crossed Rocky Fork Branch and started one of the many climbs. The snow kept getting deeper and deeper as we climbed enjoying the views. When we got to the top, we met more day hikers that were out enjoying the day as well.

When we got to Spice branch, we took it to the Spice Branch campsite to spend the night. There was not much snow at the campsite and we enjoyed the evening around a nice campfire looking at the clear sky with stars.

The next morning we hiked on to Judge Branch and took the loop with the Old Mac back to the car. We got off the trail early enough to catch a church service in town before heading off the Knoxville to meet Dad and Mom for a birthday celebration dinner. Happy Birthday Dad.

Pictures:

Chili Chilly Hike 2020

Marietta and Jim hosted their 18th Chili Chilly Hike, on a chilly sunny day. The Caldwell Rim Trail in Sewanee was the hike for the 26 or 27? hikers from several TTA chapters. And one pretty hiker sporting the famous Candy Corn Shorts. It's a pretty trail with a few creek crossings that a few folks got at least one foot wet trying to cross. We followed the bluff above the northernmost section of Lost Cove. The sunshine was beautiful especially after all the rain we've had.

After the hike we gathered at the Poteets' beautiful home for the chili lunch. 3 chili selections and so many sides, delicious cornbread, and oh my goodness the brownies, yumm! Lots of other tasty desserts too. There were lots more folks at the house that were not on the hike. About 40 total. Thanks to Jim and Marietta for a wonderful day!


Pictures:

Backyard walk

Lora and I were off and we got snow so we did a walk back through the woods behind our house along the creek. By 2:00 that afternoon the snow was gone!

Pictures:

Oregon 2020

Well the gang headed to Melanie's for a get together. Dan, Deanna, and McKinley were already in Oregon, Dad, Mom, Lora, Marjorie, Niles, and I flew in and drove to Melanie's for the night. It was great to be together and hear those ever so sweet giggles of grand babies.

The next morning we caravaned up to Black Butte where we were staying the week at one of Jagon's Dad's places. After we all settled in, we headed over to the slopes of Hoodoo Ski Area. Where there was some snow board action, snowshoe action, and snowman action going on. Deanna and family joined us afterwards for dinner and a fine evening of catching up on our lives.

Friday was tubing day at Hoodoo. We did some exciting trips down the mountain in groups of two and three.  Afterwards we headed back to the house and later took a hike around Suttle Lake. It's a beautiful mountain lake and a nice hiking trail with views of the mountains as well. We got back just late enough for Jagon to be worrying about us, but technically it was before dark that we got off the trail. Some smear games were played after dinner.

Saturday we got up and headed to Smith Rock State Park, There were a lot of climbers out there which I have to admit it is a climbers paradise. We hiked around the mountain and then came back over the top. Beautiful area for sure. More card games.

Sunday we headed back over to Hoodoo where Marjorie tried skiing for the first time and excelled at it. Lora and I played with grand babies and did some more snow shoeing. Deanna and family had to head back that afternoon. We did the Superbowl party. Jagon supplied us with an unlimited amount of food for the game. 100 + wings and things.

Monday we headed out to do some waterfall hikes. We started at Cline Falls State Scenic View Point which was a nice area reminding of the the bad lands of North Dakota. From there we headed to Tumalo Falls. The road was closed for the winter so we had a two and a half mile hike in to the falls on a snow covered road bed. The hike was beautiful as well as the falls. Melanie spoiled Mom by taking her shopping while we did this hike. Jagon's mom stopped by after our hike and we got to visit with her for a while.

Tuesday we hiked around Black Butte Ranch and then did a major cleanup of the house before we headed back to Melanie's house. We are so blessed to have such a wonderful loving family! Time with them is priceless.

Pictures: