This is a collection of stories that happen in my life. Enjoy life and make the most of every moment.
Lora and I headed South and hiked the North Chickamauga segment of the Cumberland trail to just a little past the second set of stairs. We had not been out here in a long time so the second set of stairs was new to us. Last time we had to cross the creek with a cable and climb down a ladder.
We saw lots of lizards today. The wildflowers were blooming and we saw chipmunks, butterflies, and lots of birds including a woodpecker. It was a great day to be out.
We got some Nephew time in this weekend. Garrett brought his girlfriend, Savanna, to visit at Dad's. We got some good one on one time in. We did the Pigeon Forge Chuck Wagon Cookoff, the banana split at Mel's Classic Diner, and a hike on the Porters Creek trail on Saturday. Sunday we headed off and toured the Cate's Cove with a hike out to Abram's Falls and a hike out to Spruce Flats falls on the way home. Had dinner in Townsend at the Peaceful Side Social Brewery which was amazing.
Lora and I went over to Fall Creek Falls SP and hiked the Link trail from the road to the lake and back. It was a beautiful day to hike. We passed the campsites and did a short distance along the lake seeing the Kamarat and Geese.
17 hikers led by Deb went to Big South Fork to hike at Leatherwood Ford. We did the loop and two overlooks. I stayed to hike with Sally to the Angel Falls portage. Got to see hepatica blooming on this trail!
We went to the Pocket Wilderness in Dayton. We explored the area around the Coke Ovens, Monkey Head falls and then hiked to Laural Falls for lunch. Nice day out.
Lora and I joined Joan for a hike at Savage Gulf. We started at the ranger station and hiked toward the Dinky Line campsite. It was a beautiful day with temperature in the 20's. We could only hike until lunch do to family plans. Sara hiked out with us.
Tuesday we got up and hiked to the top of Table Rock Mountain. Beautiful sights from up on top. It was a 7.5 mile round trip which did include some climbing plus the hike to the trailhead from the campground. We met the chainsaw ranger at the top cutting trees out of the trail. We ate lunch on the rock while watching Ravens and another large bird flying around. At the end of the trail there is a overlook of a lake and a waterfall out in the distance. On the way down we stopped and talked to a young lady that looked like she was out of the 70's with all the bling, fake eyelashes, and permed hair. Very nice young lady from Myrtle Beach. When we got back we had dinner and enjoyed a campfire.
Wednesday, after a long hike the day before, we hiked the two mile loop around the lake and got to see the CCC lodge. From there we stopped by the visitor center to register and then went to see the Hagwood Mill / Petroglyphs Historical Site. Pretty cool, plus they had other buildings including a still, blacksmith shop, and cabins. From there we traveled to Sassafras Mountain which is the hightest spot in South Carolina. It is right on the North Carolina border with a 360 view. From there we headed to the Wildcat Falls at a roadside park. We hiked the trail to see three different falls or cascades. We drove through the rest of our park and then hiked the Mountain Laurel Trail which is also part of the Palmetto and Elec. Co. trail. We got to see two hawks and an Eagle. Another evening around the campfire.
Thursday we woke up hacking and coughing. We were suppose to visit my cousin that evening, but had to cancel. We hiked the Pinnacle Mountain trail. We saw Mill Creek Falls, Bald Knob overlook, and then the steep climb to the Pinnacle summit. We were tired after this hike of 8.4 miles plus the hike to the trailhead and to the falls. No fire tonight.
Friday we got up and hiked the Carrick Creek trail of 1.9 miles plus the hike to the trailhead. Beautiful with the way the water ran along all the different rock formations. We packed up and headed home.
New Years Day hike on the Roaring Creek segment. Spring is in the air with 75 degree weather. We saw two snakes, a butterfly, numerous grasshoppers, and a violet in bloom.
