Rock Creek segment of the Cumberland trail

 

Lora and I did the Rock Creek Loop from Upper Leggett Road. Beautiful day to get out and enjoy the weather. We added on the overlook trail. 

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Savage Gulf SP

Today's hike was at Savage Gulf State Park. We hiked out to the Rattle Snake overlook. With a little mistake, we hiked the day loop adding on to our out and back. On the way back we turned onto the day loop and hiked back around to Rattle Snake overlook. We tried to make it look like we did this on purpose.

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FCF Trash Pick up and Hike

 Jennifer led a GWHT event at Fall Creek Falls SP, co-ed edition. She and Tim, two other couples, and two ladies plus me, met at the Visitor Center to get instructions from the Ranger in charge of the event. One other volunteer was there. The Ranger gave us a list of the areas to tackle, trash bags and grabbers. We split into 3 teams. Our team picked up trash at the George Hole, and Nature Center. The big find of the day was when Holly found a DeWalt power tool in the leaves. The battery was still good. We turned it into the Ranger. We met back up at the Visitor Center to turn in our garbage and get pictures if the team and the Ranger. Lunch at the Nature Center, then the hike to the Falls and base of the Falls. A big group of young men were stripping down at the pool at the base, getting ready for a polar plunge. We watched as a few barefoot guys carefully made their way across the rocks to the falls, and in they went! Brrrrr     As we hiked our way back to the top, that group passed us at the top. Thankfully none looked like hypothermia got them.

Picture credits Jennifer and Mary

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Polly Branch Trail TTA

 

Betsy led a great hike on what was supposed to be a rainy day. It rained on the way to the trailhead, but stopped by the time I got there. 6 hikers with rain gear ready, started out to explore and see the waterfalls. Waded across the creek barefoot, as did a couple others, didn't bring my water shoes. Upper and Lower Polly Branch Falls were beautiful. When we got to the third waterfall, it was gushing water and had flooded the trail on the other side. We decided not to chance it, even tho Betsy tried to find a way to wade the Caney Fork instead....   Not today. Hiked back to the campsite for lunch beside another creek. It started misting rain as we hiked back, at the parking lot it was sprinkling a little. 

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Little Cedar Mountain, Girls Who Hike Tennessee

 

Dawn invited us to hike with her on an unofficial GWHT.  Jennifer, Dawn, LouAnn and I explored the moss covered limestone rocks, kind of eerie in the fog and drizzle. Beautiful and so interesting here, this treasure right beside the Interstate, and the Tennessee River. We did a figure 8 to see all the trails. Odd finds with a pair of toddler socks, then a pair of crutches abandoned? Hmmm. The river views were cool. Dawn said she and her dad had explored here lots, so it would be cool to come back and explore more.  Picture credits to Dawn and Jennifer.

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Soak Creek TTA Scenic City

 Tammy led a great hike at Soak Creek. We met at the Piney River parking area to arrange a shuttle for the 15 hikers. We started the hike at the Stinging Fork trailhead. Several folks had not been here before. The waterfall was beautiful today with lots of water. Then forward, following the creek, up and down the ridges. Saw quite a few hepatica leaves, a few violet leaves, and one buttercup blooming, jut a couple hundred yards from ice still below a rock wall.  Tennessee weather, cold enough for ice, warm enough to make flowers bloom.  

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McGill Falls

We had a warm Christmas and since our family gatherings were on Christmas Eve, we hiked Christmas day. By the time we got to the falls we were hot and sweaty. I jumped in to cool off and it was cold water, but it really felt good. It was a good hike and we only saw one other couple.

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Christmas 2025

Christmas started on Christmas Eve this year. Nick and Amy came up for a brunch at Lora's moms house. Later in the day we headed over to the Smith Family Christmas with 40+ family members where fellowship, dinner, and games took place. 

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Virginia Trip

 

Went to see Dad and Mom for a weekend. We celebrated my birthday with Lynelle and Jim. 

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Murfreesboro TTA Christmas Party

Tony Jones hosted the annual Murfreesboro chapter Christmas party at his beautifully decorated home. The chapter furnished the ham and turkey and everyone brought a side dish to share. Tony also provided his famous and delicious banana pudding. Some folks enjoyed their meal around the fire pit outside. Everyone got to meet our new chapter chair Cheryl Smith for 2026. 

Those attending were Jay Brain, Anna Lina Buckley, Joe Campbell, Johnny Eatherly, Katy Ginanni, Lynda Haynie, Sue Hulit, Tony Jones, Chris Manzione, Connie Matthies,  Craig McBride, Lora McBride, Sara Pollard, Georganne Ross, Lynn Rosser, Tim Rosser, John Ruth, Terri Ruth, Jan Safavi, Cheryl Smith, Martina Terrazas and her son Eduardo. 

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