Abrams Falls

 

Got to take Dad out for a hike in the Smoky's. It was a beautiful day and lots of people.

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John Litton Farm Loop TTA

  

I hiked with Deb and the Plateau TTA chapter. It was a beautiful day to hike in the Big South Fork, just a little misty. 5 of us had the woods mostly to ourselves. We ate lunch in the top of the barn at the farm.

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Thanksgiving 2021

A trip to the Ponderosa for Thanksgiving. We got in a couple of hikes and a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner. Lot's of love shared.

Saturday we gathered with Nick, Amy, Paul, Mitsi, and Mom. Love was shared over another wonderful dinner.

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Alabama

After finishing our Uncles roof we packed up and headed to Alabama. We camped at Noccalula Falls Park and Campground in Gadsden. It is a city park which was quite amazing. The waterfall was right there, they had lot's of hiking/biking trails, and a day use area open to the public. It was a very clean park. We set up camp and then hiked the Gorge trail to the water fall. It was beautiful. After dinner we hiked across the creek to the Day Use Area to see what all they had. We had a nice campfire and listened to the coyotes. 

Day two: 

We got up and had a zoom meeting. Afterwards we hiked the Cascade trail to the Leftwich trail back to the Cascade trail to the Family Loop trail and back to camp for lunch. After lunch we went back and hiked the Black Creek trail to the Bluff trail and down to the double bridges. We saw three beaver and a heron. We hiked the Creek Path to Witch's Brew to Dog Hill to Pathkiller to Whatley trail to Family Loop and back to the camper. We had a snack, Craig took a nap, and then we collected firewood. After dinner we went down to the falls to at all the Christmas lights they had up in the Day Use Area. We had a nice campfire and listened to the coyotes.

Day three:

Waterfall day. We headed out to see Griffin falls which is located on 221. It is a 40' falls which is just a steep climb off the road. Beautiful except for the trash that people leave everywhere. From there we headed to High Falls Park to see a 35' fall but it is all the way across Town creek. Very nice to see. The couple that runs the area is very nice. We had lunch at the fall. On the way back Lora came across a black snake and a lizard. She didn't scream at the lizard! 

After that we headed to Lake Guntersville State Park. We drove to the overlooks and then tried to hike to the fall but never found it. Sometimes it is dry. Then we walked to the cave to check it out. It was funny that we could see a face in the picture of the cave, but could not see it when we were just looking at it. There is a fenced area that has some goats, donkeys, and ostriches in it. There is no sign or information at all about it.

From there we headed back to camp for dinner and a campfire.

Day four:

We got up and hiked the James D. Martin Wildlife Park in Gadsen. This is a nice walking trail/boardwalk along the river downtown. Lot's of birds. After that we packed up and headed West. We stopped in Cullman and visited the Ave Maria Grotto. Pretty amazing to see with a great story behind it. We bought a loaf of Monk's bread. Yumm! From there we headed on to Double Springs, AL and Bama Campground. Steve just took over this campground which used to be a horse camp about four months ago. He and his crew are putting a lot of work into this place. They were extremely nice and helpful while we were there. They have lots of horse trails to hike as well. We had dinner and a nice campfire for the evening.

Day five:

We got up and hiked Caney Creek Falls just North of our campsite. They closed the trailhead so you have to go down the road to the next driveway and go all the way to the house in the back. You are welcomed to park there for a donation. You can even visit with his cow. It's about a mile in and very pretty to see. From there we headed to Natural Bridge Park in Haleyville. If you don't type in "park" you will end up at the post office like we did. Beautiful place to explore. On the way there we passed a huge Confederate flag on the side of the road so we stopped on the way back to see. It was a park dedicated to the Confederate army. After that we stopped in Double Springs for some supplies and then headed back to the campground. We hiked the horse trails along the creek going to the water fall and then back to the cave. 

Day six:

We got up and tried to see Dismals Canyon in Phil Campbell, but they were not open yet. So we drove to see the Rock Bridge Canyon. We stopped at Hodges Equestrian Park in Hodges, AL where we found out that the park has been closed for two years. They offered us the opportunity to hike their horse trail in that area to see the bluffs so we took it. It was beautiful. From there we drove back to Dismals Canyon and explored it. It was a little expensive, but a pretty place to see. Then we drove out to Sipsey Wilderness on the way back and hiked to Turkey Foot falls and Mize Mill Falls. Very nice! Back at camp for a good night around the campfire.

Day seven:

We got up and headed North to Cherokee and set up at Mulberry Creek Campground near the Tennessee River. This is a nice place ran by a young couple. It is a relatively new campground and is very clean. After setting up we headed off to the Cane Creek Nature Preserve in Tuscumbia. Faye meets you at the parking area and provides all the information that you need. Very pretty Canyon with a water fall and other features on their well taken care of trails. They even have restrooms and drinking water along the routes. We did about four miles to the Blue hole and back. 

Day eight:

We drove to Wheeler National Wild Refuge in Decatur, AL. We saw lots of ducks and even more Sand Hill Cranes. We walked the boardwalk trail and then ate lunch. Then we drove to Monte Sano State Park in Huntsville and hiked the North Plateau Loop trail. From there we drove to Parnell Creek campground for the night. It's right by the highway and you can hear traffic/trucks all night. 

Day nine:

We got up this morning and drove to the Sauta Cave National Wildlife Refuge in Scottsboro. We visited the cave and then walked some of the roadbed. Saw an eagle flying overhead. From there we headed to Pisgah Gorge Falls in Pisgah, AL. This is a very beautiful gorge and the waterfalls are awsome. It is located in the Pisgah Gorge Civitan Park. They have hiking trails along the rim to see the falls. We went back to the campground, packed up, and headed home.

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Cloudland Canyon TTA

I was supposed to meet the hikers at the Visitor Center, but the parking lot was crowded, and needing to pee I stopped at a side road with a gate and ran into the woods. Then on to the trailhead. Sara called to see where I was. I called Craig to let him know I made it there. The other hikers came thru to park at the trailhead a little further thru the parking area so I moved my car to where they parked. When I got my parking pass I couldn't find my wallet...panic!!! Back to the other parking lot, back to the potty stop in the woods retracing my steps, called the visitor center to see if someone found it in the parking lot. Called the place I stopped on the way there. Called on Jesus to have mercy and help me find it. Called on a friend to help me pray. Tore the car apart looking for it. Pulled everything out of my daypack and SAW THE WALLET I had put in a ziplock with my headlamp and lighter.....Phew, thank you Jesus.

Called to see where Joan and Sara and the other hikers had gotten to on the trail. Marietta kindly waited for me on the West Rim Trail while the others hiked down and back up the 600 steps to see the waterfalls. The leaf colors were vibrant in a lot of the trees, and the ones on the ground left a color filled carpet for us to walk on. Overlooks on this trail are just beautiful. I spotted a couple of hornet nests really high in the trees. Those hornets must be expecting a lot of snow. Weather forecasters. The sky stayed clear until the last section of our hike. The clouds rolled in, the wind picked up, but we didn't get rained on. It was a beautiful hike. 

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Pickett State Park

Day one: 7.55

Ladder trail 0.95

Lake trail 1.55

Island trail 0.3

Hidden Passage trail 3.75

Double Falls trail 1.0

Day two: 11.3

Double Falls trail 1.0

Hidden Passage trail 1.3

Tunnel trail 1.0

Rock Creek trail oop,s 2.0

Rock Creek trail 1.0

Rock Creek Loop trail 5.0

Day three: 7.25

Rock Creek Loop trail 2.5

Rock Creek trail 1.0

Tunnel trail 1.0

Hidden Passage trail 2.75

Total miles: 26.1

Lora and I headed to Pickett State Park for a three day backpack. We started off with some shorter trails in the park before heading out on the Hidden Passage trail. We parked in the campground and hiked the Ladder loop trail, the Lake trail, and the Island trail. Then we drove over to the Hidden Passage trail and took the backpacks. We hiked to Double Falls campsite for the night. After dinner we crossed the creek to view the falls. Didn't want to have to cross first thing in the morning.

We got up and hiked back up to the top and then took the Tunnel trail back down to the Rock Creek trail. The sign pointed both ways, so thinking we were at the Rock Creek Loop trail we went through the tunnel and crossed the creek four times when we realized we were going the wrong way. Oops! Back the way we came and through the tunnel again. My Bad! We hiked the Rock Creek trail on to the Rock Creek Loop trail. We did it counter clock wise so we would end up with water at camp. On Massy branch we saw our first and only other backpacker. He was through hiking the Sheltowee Trace. We stopped on Rock Creek for our second night. We heard some owls tonight.

We got up and continued on the Loop trail then crossed the creek for the Rock Creek trail. We crossed again to catch the Tunnel trail and then took the Hidden Passage trail by the group camp and on to the car. 

 Pictures:

Father/Son Trip 2021

We headed over on Sunday for the start of our Father Son week. When we got there the Mead's were all ready there. Steve and Kathy arrived shortly afterwards. We had a great visit and celebrated Carol's birthday.

Monday the ladies headed out and we drove to Ace Gap for our hike. We did four miles in and out to enjoy the woods. Colors are not really out yet. We did the ice cream social on the way home. 

Tuesday we headed out and drove the parkway including the new part to Wears Valley, which Steve had not seen yet. We hiked an in and out on the Little Greenbrier trail. Another beautiful day of hiking. 

Wednesday we started projects. This year we had a deck to repaint/repair and a motorhome with a roof leak. The challenge was on and we got started.

Thursday Lynelle came in and we had some rain so slow on the projects but we got to visit some more.

Friday was rebuilding some of the deck parts and Saturday was pure painting. Lots of activities and family bonding time.

Pictures:

Savage Gulf TTA

Joan and Sara led a great hike to Savage Falls and South Rim Trail in South Cumberland SP today. Weather was fabulous, finally felt like fall. Water was hike due to rain on the mountain the last two days.  Really beautiful. I didn't finish the hike, after a couple of hours I hiked back to the Ranger Station, met about twenty hikers along the way out, about twenty more in the parking lot getting ready to hike in. Saturday in the Park!

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Mushroom Rock to Signal Point TTA

 

Deb led a great hike from Signal Mountain HS area, trail goes to Mushroom Rock. Then followed Cumberland Trail to Signal Point. It was a beautiful hike. Gotta love those rocks in the Tennessee River Gorge section. Great views of the river and surrounding ridges and forest. A quick moving black snake nearly scared the pee out of me. And yes I screamed... Cynthia found some ripe persimmons for us, yummy. There were some mushrooms that looked like brown velvet. Cindy found a lions mane. The wooden steps going up to Signal Point need a little work, some of the steps are missing. 

Fun group of hikers. Thanks to the short hike folks that moved our cars to Signal Point for us. 

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Deep Creek in the Smoky Mountains

Deep Creek Trail: 7 miles

Pole Road Trail: 3.3

Noland Creek Trail: 2

Noland Divide Trail: 7.9

Lora and I headed to the Smoky Mountains for our Anniversary hike. We started at Deep Creek campground which was absolutely packed on this Sunday afternoon. Right off the bat, when dropping our trash into the dumpster I also dropped my map. I asked Lora to hold the heavy lid up so I could retrieve the map with my hiking poles. After dropping it once, I got it up on top of the trash pile when Lora let go of the lid and smashed my head. I did manage to retrieve the map even though I couldn't see anymore and had a bad headache.

For the first backpack of the season it didn't take long to wear ourselves out. The humidity was high so the sweat just poured off me. We hiked to campsite #58. There was a couple at the main site so we camped across the trail at a smaller site. We got set up, washed up, and had time to collect fire wood. We enjoyed the evening by the fire and listened to an owl.

Day Two:

We got up and had a good breakfast. Started off refreshed which turned into sweat quite quickly. We hiked up to the Pole Road Creek Trail where we found a couple of sleeping bags leaning up against the sign. We crossed Deep Creek and headed up the trail which was a little overgrown. We had plenty of water crossings, but the water felt good. We saw another sleeping bag along side the trail which was a little wore out by critters. We stopped before the trail connection for lunch enjoying the views from up high with some color showing. 

We stopped at the Noland Divide Trail for a break. A trail runner came along and visited with us a couple of minutes and then took off the wrong way. Lora stopped her and asked her which way she was suppose to go. She showed her the right trail which made me very proud of her. 

We did the steep downhill to campsite #61 along Bald Creek. They still had the signs up where the campsite  had been closed for bear. We set up, washed up, and collected firewood. Lora let out one of her famous screams and then I heard other voices. She had her mind on those bears when our new neighbors showed up. 

We had time to sit by the creek where I spotted a Hellbender Salamander. It was really cool and Lora got to see it too. Second one we have seen ever. Later we got more neighbors. We visited with Quincy and Kendall by the fire. They had seen a Timber Rattler coming out of it's skin a few hundred yards before getting to camp. He was a horse Jockey and she worked with the race horses as well. 

Day three:

We got up and headed out. We visited with the other two ladies that camped with us before we left camp. On the way back up to Noland Divide we saw the snake skin on the trail. I have never seen the amount of bear scat on the trail as we did on this one. They were huge piles too. Right about snack time Quincy and Kendall passed us by on the trail. Later they would pass us again as they had stopped at the Lone Pine overlook. 

Over all it was a good hike. We were tired but enjoyed the beauty and peace of being out on the trail again.

Pictures:

Ohio trip

 Last minute trip to Ohio to see Valerie. We left on Saturday and camped just North of Cincinnati at Olive Branch Campground in Oregonia. Really nice park with cute decorations.

Sunday we headed up to Punderson State Park which is East of Cleveland in Newbury. Another nice park. As soon as we set up, we headed to Cleveland to see Valerie. We did dinner and explored Forest Hill Park where we got to see Hawks, geese, and a very large buck. 

Monday we picked up Valerie and headed to Edgewater Park where we spent the day. It was so great to be able to spend time with her! That night we got back in time to walk the park and see everything.

Tuesday we headed North and drove the coast of Lake Erie. We stopped at Lake Erie Bluffs to walk the beach. Lora actually got in the water. Heading into Pennsylvania, we had lunch at Presque Isle SP and then headed South through Pennsylvania. We ended up staying at Oil Creek campground which is another really nice campground and located right next to Oil Creek State Park which we explored. We hiked to Pioneer Falls, Egbert Farm, Benninghoff Farm, and then walked the campground when we got back. They even had a maze in the campground. Deer everywhere.

Wednesday we went back to the park, hiked Miller Falls, Plum Dungeon Falls, and Miller Farm. We picked apples from their trees. We went back to get camper and then headed South. We stayed at Mirror Lake Campground in New Florence. Nice clean park. They had a camper decorated for Holloween which had some huge figures out front. We had some serious storm clouds come in as we walked around the lake.

Thursday we drove to Buttermilk Falls Natural Area to see the falls. Then we headed to the Flight 93 National Memorial which was way cool! Amazing how quite the visitor center was with all the people....just taking it all in again. What a feeling. It really hit hard! 

On the way back to the camper we stopped at the Glessner Covered Bridge and ate lunch. We picked up our camper and headed South to Blackwater Falls SP. in Davis, West Virginia. We hiked to the falls and then enjoyed a campfire. We saw groundhogs, herons, and had deer in camp.

Friday we got up and hiked Balsam Fir, Pendleton Trace trails to the Pendleton overlook. Saw lots of deer. We hiked Spudder Track and back to campground. Saw ravens. Then we headed South. We ate lunch at Elkins City Park. We camped at Watoga State Park in Marlington. We decide to hike the one mile trail to the Ann Bailey Lookout Tower before dinner. It was straight up all the way......both ways I think??!! Late dinner and then we went to the Ranger presentation which they made rootbeer cake in a dutch oven. It was actually good. 

Saturday we walked the campground before we headed out. We stayed at the Ridge Runner Campground in St. Paul Virginia. They had a lower campground that was right on the road. We couldn't get power so they told us to go to the upper campground which is much prettier. Steep gravel road to get up there. We had a walk then enjoyed a campfire with lots of stars.

Sunday we hiked at the Clinch River State Park. We had to get home so we drove on back with a quick stop to get hugs from grandbabies and Melissa in Knoxville.

Pictures:

School House Gap

Took Dad out for a hike in the Smokey Mountains.

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Damascus

Lora and I headed to Damascus Virginia to celebrate her birthday. We camped at the Hipcamp Bear Claw Holler. The owners were wonderful and spoiled us. There was a hammock and seats down by the creek that we got to try out. We had us a campfire night one appreciating the cooler weather.

The next morning we headed to Damascus and did a little hiking waiting for our 10:30 start on the Virginia Creeper trail. They hauled us up the  mountain and we rode bikes 17 miles back to town. It is a beautiful bike ride and we really enjoyed it. Afterwards we did some more exploring before heading back to the camper. Got in another campfire.

Wednesday morning we got up and headed to the Grayson Highland State Park. We hiked four different trails, visited with a few folks, and saw the ponies. Another beautiful day. When we got back to the camper, it was raining. Got some reading done.

Thursday we headed home with a quick visit to historic Bristol TN.

Pictures:

Willow Grove Campground

 We headed to Willow Grove Campground on Dale Hollow Lake for a few days to hike, swim and canoe. Arrived there Wednesday evening, set up camp and put the canoe in the water. Made a quick trip to the marina to get bread and ice because Somebody forgot the bread and cooler. Beautiful sunset, lots of stars. Saw one shooting star.

Thursday we hiked the Accordian Bluff Trail to the Bluff.  We got tired of the spiderwebs and heat, then went canoeing. When we flipped the canoe over we found a frog had taken up residence. Craig chased him from one end to the other, jumping in and out until he finally stayed out. Got lots of reading time in, and a couple walks around the campground. When the sun set we did a little night fishing. And Craig caught two. Lora got lots of casting in. 

Friday we hiked on the lakeshore to Accordian Bluff. The lake level was way down which made it easy to go around the inlets. Saw and eagle, a hawk, herons and an osprey. Lora found a nice fishing lure on the rocks at the point. On a walk around the campground and boat dock Lora found a nice fishing lure.  Did some more night fishing and Lora fished with her newly found lure and caught a really nice tree limb.... Saw a shooting star and enjoyed the peaceful night.

Saturday we walked to the marina and admired all the boats, houseboats and cars that carried all the people to get on those boats and houseboats. More reading, and swimming. Then an afternoon thunderstorm brought on a nice nap. Temperature cooled and we got another hike in on the Bluff trail. More night fishing and another beautiful sunset. 

Sunday we walked the campground, loaded up the canoe, went swimming one more time, packed up and headed home. Got there in time to have dinner with Nicholas and Amy, Mitsi and Paul, and Mom, who fixed dinner with banana pudding for dessert.  

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Frozen Head TTA

Joan planned a camping trip at Frozen Head camping at Flat Fork Campground. She had some issues come up and missed this trip. The rest of us carried on. I got there and set up my hammock between #6 and #7 campsites. Joe got there, then Sara, the Patty and Chuck. We got our hiking gear and headed to the trailhead to hike the Judge Branch Loop. Just a little way up the trail it started thundering and the sky turned black. I remembered I hadn't set up my tarp over my hammock, so I skedaddled back to the car and campsite to take care of that. We planned for me to come back, hike the opposite way they were going, to meet up with them. I did that but never met up, they hiked the same direction I did. They beat me back to the parking lot...

Nice campfire, didn't wake up to see the meteor shower.

Thursday we hiked from our campsites to the trailhead at the end of the road. It's not too far to the waterfalls which didn't have very much water, but were scenic anyway. Out and back was about three miles. Then we met up with Mark and Bill to hike the Rocky Fork/CT/Chimney Rocks/English Mt trail. Bill had to turn back after we got a little ways up the first climb, so Mark led the rest of the hike. It was hot and humid but we sweated it out anyway. We came up on some trail workers, swinging blades to cut the overgrowth on the trails. We made sure they knew how much we appreciated their hard work. They were excited to see hikers using the trail! The volunteers said they didn't think anybody ever hiked the trail with all the overgrowth along the trail. We let them know it was hiked a lot more in colder temps. When we finished the trail, we drove to Lancing to a really cool brewery out in the country,  Lily Pad Hopyard Brewery   They have a great menu and it's a great atmosphere. I had a 3 cheese Puffin with grapes, others tried the pork tacos. Back at camp, campfire, then me Sara and Joe drove to the Rocky Fork field to watch the meteor shower. We had warm pavement to lay on to see the awesome show in the sky! 

Friday me and Joe went hiking while the Deens went to the Brushy Mountain Prison and Sara headed home. We hiked the North Old Mac trail to Panther Gap, saw the Rockhouse, then to the Lookout Tower, and down Chimney Top to Spicewood Branch Trail where we had a lot of slick rocks and a little trail dancing. Good day of sweating out toxins and swatting gnats. Back at camp everyone was gone, Joe was spending another night, I had lunch then headed home.

Thanks to Joan for a great trip at Frozen Head State Park!

Pictures:

Head of the Sequatchie TTA

 Deb led 22 of us on the Selby Loop, the  Warrior Path Loop to Devil Step Hollow Cave, part of the trail to Brady Mountain, and part of the trail to Stinging Fork. It got a little warm climbing the mountain after lunch. Hiking toward Stinging Fork we found the end of the trail, where the digging had stopped. This is a beautiful segment of trail, the views will be awesome in winter. Coming back down the rock steps I found a slick rock and landed not so gracefully on my butt, managing to whack myself in the back of the head with my hiking pole. At the end of the hike I got in the river and scrubbed the mud off, and cooled off. Saw some pretty flowers and interesting fungi.

Drove out East Valley Road and saw some beautiful views of surrounding mountains. 

Pictures:

Greeter Falls TTA

Marietta led us on the Greeter Falls loop at South Cumberland SP. It was a warm humid day, but beautiful hike. Boardtree Falls to Alum Gap to Greeter Falls to Blue Hole. Not too many folks in the creeks. Our lunch spot was at the Falls where we left two hikers to cool off in the creek.

On to the swimming hole, where Joe and I couldn't resist the refreshing coolness of the creek. Splish splash. 

Thanks Marietta!  

Pictures:

Burnt Mill Bridge TTA

Plateau Chapter, Deb led us on the Burnt Mill Bridge Loop in the Big South Fork. My first time on this trail. The recent flood  here took out part of the old bridge, and had washed the trail clean. It wasn't too hot today, the company was great, and it's a pretty trail. Lots of wildflowers grow here, will have to check it out in springtime. After lunch we drove to Zenith River Access where Bill Harris told a little of the history of this old mining community. Down the roadbed to the older sign for the river access, the sign had been chewed on and scraped by a big ol bear. We saw huge footprints in the sand. Also found some pretty wildflowers growing here. Leather Vasevine and Thimbleweed. 

And Ice Cream after the hike!

Pictures: 

Notchy Creek Campground

Lora and I took Dad and Mom on a camping trip for Fathers Day. We went to Notchy Creek Campground for two nights. They were calling for some bad weather, but we had two beautiful days on the lake. It did rain the last night, but we had just finished grilling.

Pictures:

Roan Mountain SP / Warriors' Path SP

We arrived at Roan Mountain State Park to find two 21' Escapes, one Casita, one Oliver, and one Parkliner. It was like having an Egg rally. After we got set up we did the walk around the campground and tried to meet everyone. Tom and Linda, Bill and Erlene were the two in Escapes. We were invited to join them around the campfire tonight. We contiued our hike around the campground. There are two loops up top and then a camper loop, a tent loop, and a group camp down on the bottom. A lady stopped and told us to look for deer in the evenings in the fields around the pool area. She said that there were around 30 of them. So during our walk we looked for them as well. We hiked the Riverside trail and then joined everyone around the campfire. The excitement for the night was the Synchronous Fireflies along the creek. We thought they were only in the Smoky's.

Tuesday morning we got up and headed up Roan Mountain. We hiked to the Roan High Bluff first for a morning view. Then we hiked to the Roan High Knob Shelter. Just before we got there a large Black bear came down to the trail in front of us and gave us a look before heading down the trail the same way we were going. We soon came across another couple heading towards us and they never saw him. So we went up to the shelter and the high knob itself before returning to our car and lunch. From there we stopped by the gardens that only had a couple of blooms on them and then headed on to Carvers Gap to hike the balds.

On the way up we heard a bass. We found a lady playing the bass with her two daughters singing and playing the mandolin. They were up there for a photo shoot so we got to listen for a couple of songs.  We hiked Round Bald, Janes Bald, and up to Grassy Ridge. There were lots of people out hiking today. We saw Ravens, deer, Azalas, Jacks, Rhododendron, and violets.

After we got back we went to visit the Miller Homestead. A really nice place to see. We went up to the overlook and cemetry as well. From there we went to the Gristmill Visitor center to check it out and get icecream. We hiked the Peg Leg Mine trail. Then we stopped at Cates Hole to see what was there. Nice swimming hole and the trailhead for a couple of trails. Later we visited with fellow Eggers and then went with Park Manager Ranger Monica to see the Synchronous fireflies and Blue Ghost fireflies.

Wednesday we went and hiked the Moonshiners Run and Turkey Trot trails from Cates Hole. After that we relaxed around the campsite as our fellow Eggers stopped and visited us. We walked around the campground again visiting with the Host and saw that another Casita had arrived. We saw a family of 5 groundhogs, and deer today. We went back down to the group campsite to watch the fireflies with our fellow Eggers.

Thursday we got up and headed to Warriors' Path State Park. We were early so hiked the Lakeshore Trail while we waited for our site to open up. We picked up a life jacket from the shore and turned it in at the Camper store. We set up camp, ate lunch, and then headed over to Duck Island to relax in the sun and swim. It appeared that I also took my wallet to swim with me, but it did not come back with me. Bummer. We ate dinner and then walked the park. We saw deer, ducks, geese, turtles, and fish. That night we had our own campfire.

Friday we hiked the Riverbank trail to the bridge and then hiked the Devils Backbone and Fall Creek Loop trails. Really nice views and pretty area to hike. We saw more fish, turtles, and a heron.

Pictures:

South Carolina II

Lora and I got the opportunity to go back to South Carolina for a few days. We started out with a trip to Lake Tobesofkee Recreational Area in Macon GA. We stayed the night at their campground. It was a very nice and clean campground. We enjoyed their beach which was patrolled on a regular basis. Very nice.

On day two we headed back to Camelot  Equestrian Farm in St. Helena Island, South Carolina. We had been here two years ago and were eager to go back. We stayed three nights with some wonderful neighbors. One couple was from North Carolina and the other from Tennessee.

After setting up camp we headed over to the beach. Usually we would just walk, but I messed up my back before leaving TN and was a little on the wimpy side. We came back to camp for dinner and then went back to the beach that night. On the way we checked out the Coffin Plantation, the drive was lined with live oaks, spanish moss hanging all over. The house at the end must have been the plantation mansion.  That night we enjoyed a campfire with the neighbors. Lora was looking at the Big Dipper when she noticed weird lights in the sky, telling everyone LOOK UP! There were what looked like satellites, numerous, all in a row flying low in the sky. Alien Invasion? After hearing the neighbors story about weird driving experience on the road earlier, thinking Aliens had taken over someone's car....well you just never know. Miss Google said Elon Musk satellites. Hmmm. 

Day Three

We got up and headed to Port Royal to check it out. We went to the Cypress Wetlands and did the walk around the wetlands. We saw lots of different birds and a couple of gators. Very nice people that we visited with as we walked. There is a little historic area here too. From there we went to the Port Royal Boardwalk and Obervation Tower. We watched a fisherman catch a shark and sting ray. From there we had lunch in the Lenora Park and then walked a ways on the Spanish Moss Trail. Time to head back to the beach for the afternoon. That evening we enjoyed another campfire with the neighbors.

Day Four

We got up and headed back to Port Royal. We went to the Widgeon Point Preserve. They have some nice trails here. We did the loop and saw lots of trees and swamps. Crabs everywhere and one Eagle nest. From there we went down to the Fishcamp and checked out the fishing boats. Then we checked out the Traveling Buoy Park, and had lunch at the Fort Frederick Cultural Heritage Preserve. We were visited by an eagle and a red tail hawk. By then it was late enough to go back to the beach. Tonight we had the campground to ourselves and just watched the stars and fireflies. We got to see turkeys with babies, and deer.

Day Five

We packed up and headed Northwest to the mountains. We camped at the Cartoogechave Creek Campground in Franklin North Carolina where we had stayed before. It was basicly a day of travel today. We walked the campground and visited with people then watched the stars and fireflies.

Day Six

We got up this morning and headed into the National Forest. We hiked two short hikes to Mooney and Laurel Falls. From there we headed on home.

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Fall Creek Falls Lake Trip

Lora and I went to Fall Creek Falls to canue the lake. We had talked about it for years, but never got around to it. It was a beautiful day. We got to see fish, turtles, snakes, geese, and ducks. We did about six miles. Afterwards we went down to the swimming hole, caught some more sun and had a cookout for dinner. 

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Annual Tennessee River Gorge Paddle

Joan's annual Tennessee River Gorge Paddle through Prentice Cooper State Forest. We went from the Suck Creek boat ramp to the Raccoon Mountain boat ramp. It was a wonderful day out on the water. We got to see some Eagles as a bonus. It was Joan, Tom, Craig, and Braedon.

Braedon Fishing

Got the oppertunity to take Braedon out fishing. The fish weren't biting, but we had a great time swimming and catching turtles. We went to Sale Creek.

White Oak Loop BSF

 

Lora and I headed to Big South Fork to spend the weekend. We drove to Bandy

Creek and then hiked the North White Oak Creek Loop. We crossed Bandy Creek and took the left branch of the trail to hike clockwise. We crossed 297 and then turned back West onto the Cumberland Valley Loop and then South on the White Oak loop to camp on the West fork of the Coyle Branch. The next morning we decided to hike out so we could go to Dunlap and listen to music at Valley Fest. We hiked back North and took the Cumberland Valley loop back to the North White Oak Loop and back to Bandy Creek.

We drove to Dunlap to the Valley Fest and got to see Track 145, Stars and Bars Band, Keith Burns, Cody McCarver, and John Schneider.

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50th Anniversary of the Cumberland Trail

 

Hikers, trail builders, and supporters from TTA chapters, the Cumberland Trail Conference, and other organizations came together to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Cumberland Trail, April 30th. Trail history, development, support, music and hikes were enjoyed at the Head of the Sequatchie facility of the Trail. Pictured are plateau musicians Tater and Friends, Park Manager Bob Fulcher, Trail founder and namesake Justin P. Wilson, State Parks Operations Director Mike Robertson, Tennessee Federation of Garden Clubs President Maggie Burns, and oral historian Joey O'Dell. Photos include the "spring" origin of the river as it emerges from a cave and views from the Selby Ridge Lodge. Murfreesboro chapter attendees were Craig and Lora McBride, Sara Pollard, and Patty and Geoff Hull.

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Roaring Creek Backpack

 

Lora and I decided to backpack the 9 mile Roaring Creek Segment of the Cumberland Trail. We left our car at the trailhead and headed in. We got to see the new bridge over Gilbreath Creek and from there on was new trail to us. There are some nice overlooks, rock outcroppings, and water sources all along here. We hiked to the end of the trail and then backed up to Sale Creek where we could hang two hammocks up just upstream from where the trail crosses. The next area back to camp would be around MM 8 where there is a flat Glade that has numerous creeks running through. This time of year the ticks were crazy and the trail was on it's way to being overgrown. Lot's of wildflowers.

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Rock Island State Park

 

We headed over to Rock Island State Park for the day. The weather was great. We climbed all over the rocks and then ate lunch. From there we headed over to the Collins River trail and hiked the three mile loop. Then we headed to the beach which we found was underwater as the lake was up. We toured the campsites looking for Egg campers and then went back to the rocks to soak up some sun.

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Prater Place

 

Wanted an easy hike today to look at wildflowers. Prater Homestead is part of Fall Creek Falls State Park. We had been a couple time before, neither of us remembered the big climb along the way. Saw the entrance for Camps Gulf Cave for the first time. Pigeons were roosting above the entrance. Lots and lots of wildflowers blooming. Saw Synandra and Dwarf Larkspur today. We had Hemlock Falls to ourselves for a long time. On the way out there were several hikers looking for a waterfall. One lady had a boquet she had picked along the way. Oops. One family had a one month old baby with them and weren't carrying any packs. Another couple hadn't ever been there and had nothing with them either. We reminded them it was 3.5 miles in and then 3.5 miles out. No water, left it in the car. Good Luck everybody!

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Duskin Creek

Lora and I headed up to the Piney Creek section of the Cumberland trail. We started at Duskin Creek and hiked to the Piney River Picnic Area on the trail. It was loaded with wildflowers. We stopped at Spider Den for lunch which had lots of flowers as well. 

Blue Cohosh, Dwarf Crested Iris, Baneberry, Red Trillium, Gaywings, Wood Vetch, Little Brown Jugs, Chickweed, Foam Flower, Spring Beauties, Phlox, Yellowroot, Barren Strawberry, Anemone, Wood Sorrel, Alumroot, Cumberland Spurge, Mandarin, Firepink, Perfoliate Bellwort, Jack in the Pulpit, Purple Phacelia, Red and Yellow Buckeye, Mayapple.

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Guild Trail

Today's hike the Guild Trail on Lookout Mt. Chattanooga. This is a beautiful wildflower trail. I can't tell you how many we saw. We started at the trailhead off 58. We went under the Incline Railroad and past Ruby Falls and continued through the parking area back on the trail past the Upper Truck trail. It is mainly old roadbed. 

Flowers: Buttercups, Little Brown Jug, Columbine, Vinca, Periwinkle, Purple Violets, Wood Sorrel, Wild Geranium, Phlox, Anemone, Blackberry, Trillium, Yellow and Sweet Betsy, Wild Parsnip, Mayapple, Chickweed, Eastern Star, Yellow Stargrass, Solomons Seal and False, Perfolate Bellwort, Blue eyed grass, Pinkster Azalea, Sage, Crossvine, Jack in the Pulpit. 

Foster Falls

Lora and I headed out to Foster Falls for an afternoon hike. We had lunch in the parking lot and then hiked the trails. It was a beautiful day for hiking. 

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Lost Creek Falls/Virgin Falls

Wildflower hike with waterfalls on a beautiful sunny day! We started at Lost Creek Falls and wildflowers were everywhere, we saw Jack in the Pulpits. So much rain lately, falls were magnificent! We were the only ones parked at the trailhead. We strolled along looking at the blooms. Stopped at Rylander Cascades and found Purple Phacelia. More of it was along the trail to Virgin Falls on the big boulders. They were covered with blooms. We had a hiker with two dogs pass us, we leapfrogged all the way to Virgin Falls. More water there than we've ever seen. 

Flowers: Jack in the Pulpit, Bishops Cap, Foam Flower, Little Brown Jug, Wild Ginger, Star Chickweed, Sweet Betsy Trillium, one Southern Red Trillium, Yellow Trillium, Long spurred Violets, Blue Violets, Yellow Violets, Purple Phacelia, Phlox, Trout Lily, Allegheny Spurge, Pennywort, Anemone, Hepatica, Squaw root, Spring Beauties, Dwarf Ginseng, Buttercups. 

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CT - Ozone Falls Segment

                                     

It was the perfect day for a hike. The day was sunny and temperatures in the upper 50's. We left a vehicle at the Ozone Falls parking lot and shuttled to the top of Black Mountain to begin our hike. Early spring wildflowers were scarce, but there was lots of water coming over Ozone Falls. The shallow streams were beautiful because of all the recent rains, and steppingstones made it easier to cross them. We enjoyed our lunch beside a small stream. The new steps leading from the bottom of the falls to the top are nice. Hikers were Jay Brain, Craig McBride, Lora McBride, Sara Pollard, Georgeanne Ross, and Wayne Yancey. 

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Heiss Mt. Trailhead

 

Lora and I head out to the Heiss Mt. trailhead for a morning walk. It is a beautiful day and spring flowers are out. We had lunch at Perkins point and then came back. Places to go.

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Savage Gulf

 Got 10.5 miles in at the Savage Gulf today. We did the day loop and then a loop using the Mountain Oak trail. It was a beautiful day.

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Signal Mountain

 

Lora and I headed out to Signal Mountain for a hike. We started at Signal Point and hiked to Edward's Point. It was a beautiful day for hiking. We even soaked up a little sun.

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Indian Boundary Camp TTA

 

Joan, Michael and Sara planned a joint chapter camping and hiking weekend in the Cherokee National Forest, at Indian Boundary Overflow Campground. Those three plus Marietta, Joni, Paulo, Nancy, and me. Surprised so many wanted to go with cold nights forcasted. Most were there on Thursday and hiked around the lake trail. I got there on Friday morning in time to hike with them. It sure was a beautiful day to start hiking. Flatts Mountain trail had spectacular views of Citico Creek Wilderness. Back at camp the temperature dropped fast so we got a fire going before it got dark. Joni came in after dark and got set up. 

Saturday's hikes were Falls Branch, which had old growth forest and a beautiful 70 foot waterfall; Mud Gap to Whiggs Meadow with 360 degree views and good spot for a nap in the sun; Huckleberry Knob which seemed to be really popular. Two balds and great views from 5580 feet up. Highest point on the Skyway. Also saw frog eggs in a mudhole! Michael, Paulo and Sara said their goodbys after the  hikes.  Another cold night with a good fire to enjoy the spectacular star show. Piled on the extra 0 degree quilt, expected temps in the low 20's. Woke up too warm during the night, but got to listen to owls while I cooled off. 

Sunday morning, let's get that fire going. Not sure how cold it got, at 8 am it was 32.  Pack up, caravan to Bald River Falls Trail, managed to find parking for all 5 cars. We found wildflowers blooming! hepatica and something we couldn't ID, plus trilliums with buds, no blooms yet. Very exciting. We hiked as far as the creek crossing and turned back. Had lunch at the campsite by the river. As we were leaving the parking lot, kayakers were in the river, some were going up the first drop of the falls to kayak down it. Very exciting!  

I know we burned lots of firewood and I'm glad it was car camping so everyone could bring extra blankets and quilts. Nancy showed me her new van she bought for traveling. It will be outfitted soon with insulation, a bed, kitchen, and storage. Can't wait for the Van warming camping trip! 

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Greeter Falls/Big Creek Rim TTA

 

A beautiful day sunny and warm, met the hikers at Greeter Falls parking area in Altamont. Did a little key swapping for the group to split up and meet at the Stone Door. We all went to Greeter Falls, some of our hikers left us a little further down the trail to go back to the parking area and go to the Stone Door for another hike. The rest of us hiked on to the Big Creek Rim and soaked up the sun and the views. We had one hiker that had never been to the Stone Door, so we had to go down and back up because if you're there, you should. We met the other hikers at the Ranger Station and then some of us did the Laurel Falls loop to see the pretty waterfall. It was great to be outside in the SCSP. 

On the way out of Altamont I was riding with the window down and heard frogs singing in two different little creeks. 

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Laurel Snow TTA

I knew the Plateau Chapter was going to Laurel Snow today, but I didn't make up my mind to go until this morning. I drove to the trailhead in time to catch them still in the parking lot. Deb let me sign in and tag along. It was a chilly start, but the mine we stepped into was humid and warm. We hiked to Laurel Falls stopping to appreciate all the beauty along the way. The spray from the falls was freezing on the trees and bushes in front of it. We hiked back down to the trail junction for Snow Falls and stopped for lunch. Then onward and upward to Buzzard Point. We didn't hike out to Snow Falls since all the creeks were high from all the snow and rain, we knew the creek would be higher than we'd want to try and cross. The views were gorgeous today with the cold air. 

Back at the parking lot I saw a beautiful Mustang, had to get pics. Saw other people admiring it too. 

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Black Mt. to Ozone Falls South Section

 

Lora and I headed back to Black Mt. to finish up the Ozone Falls segment of the Cumberland trail. We have already done the Northern half so we needed to do an out and back to get the Southern part. This part of the trail is really a pretty section with plenty of water sources. It is a bit steep going into the Basin Creek gorge and there is a couple of sections where there is no real trail so you have to do your own scramble. Not a wet weather hike for sure. There is a good overlook where the property owners had done a clear cut on the East side of the trail. There is some old trees along the trail as well.

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Hell's Kitchen

Lora and I took off to Graysville with half a day and did the hike into Hell's Kitchen off the Cumberland trail. This is a really cool place just to wander around at. You go around,inbetween, and over the boulders. I am sure that the climbers love this area.

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Grassy Cove Segment

 

Lora and I got our snow hike in today. We couldn't get up Black Mt. because of the ice on the road. Everyone else was turning around as well. We drove to the bottom of the mountain and decided to hike Brady Mt. It was a beautiful day of hiking in the snow and seeing all the beauty. 

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