This is a collection of stories that happen in my life. Enjoy life and make the most of every moment.
Today's hike was at Flipper Bend. We did both loop trails. They have done a lot of work on the Clear Creek trail as it look like a lot of wind damage clean up. This trail is still one that you really have to watch the trail markers. There are a lot of crossing trails/roads and old markers are still visible after making reroutes. It is still a wonderful place to visit.
Plateau, Upper Cumberland and Murfreesboro Chapters 27 members in total showed up for an 8 plus mile on the CT: McGill Creek segment. Hike went beyond the beautiful waterfall. It was a strenuous and very technical hike but well worth the effort. If I missed naming a Chapter I apologize.
Tammy led a great hike on the Cumberland Trail. We ran a shuttle with a few cars to Shackleford Park then started the hike at Signal Point. There was a 15% chance of rain in the afternoon, but that didn't discourage 18 hikers. It started perfect crisp and cool. The trail down into the creek gorge is in rough shape. We crossed the Middle Creek bridge and lost a couple of hikers for a little while. Then the rain began off and on for the rest of the hike. We had a quick lunch at Edwards Point with a great view of the Tennessee River gorge. With the rain, the temperature started dropping. The trail from there to Mushroom Rock was along the rim and easy with lots of small rock hopping creek crossings. Mushroom Rock was our signal to exit the CT to hike the last mile to the park. The trail from the park to Mushroom Rock was wet and muddy. You have to watch the blazes for this park. They are red from the CT to the park.
Today's hike included the loop trail at Foster Falls and then the trails at Denny Cove. Waterfalls were beautiful after last night's rain. We did some trail maintenance rerouting water off trails. Another wonderful day.
Unfortunately Deanna and her family could not join us this year. We had a wonderful family time in Tennessee. Everyone arrived before Christmas. There was hiking, shopping, and game playing. Marjorie and Cameron showed up last and we celebrated on Thursday night. We got gifted by Mom and then opened socks.
Lora and I headed home for a Smith family breakfast on Christmas Eve at her sisters house and another Smith gathering for dinner at the fellowship hall. Christmas day I returned to the folks house to spend time with Marjorie and Cam. They left Monday after Christmas. Lots of Blessings for Christmas.
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Our annual chapter Christmas party involved two things we enjoy as hikers - being outside and sitting around a roaring fire. Jay Brain hosted the party at his lovely home in Murfreesboro. Jay grilled hamburgers and Joe Campbell provided barbecued ribs as well. Jay had two fires going - one on his patio and another in his backyard surrounding by interesting rocks and beautiful landscaping. We had appetizers, lots of side items and delicious desserts. We all had a great time!
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Deb led a great hike to Laurel Falls and Bryan overlook. It had rained some before this hike so there was water in Richland Creek and Laurel Creek. The falls was pretty. a few hikers had never been here before. They really enjoyed the beauty here. The climb to the overlook up thru the rocks was a little challenging. We rock hopped across the creek to reach Bryan Overlook but it was too windy to eat lunch there. A cold wind too. We backtracked to the campsite and ate lunch in the sunshine. Going back down thru the rocks was a little more challenging but we made it safely with scooting and sliding on our butts.
8 hikers lots of smiling faces.
