Dollywood

We were invited to spend a few days with our cousins at Dollywood. We sure had a great time with them. Got to see every show in Dollywood plus the Lumberjack show.

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Christmas 2023

We went over and picked up Dad and Mom. We enjoyed a few days with them. We Celebrated dinner with Lora's Mom, the Smith Family, and then cousins. Christmas day we celebrated with Uncle Leroy's family. The day after we celebrated with my Aunts and Cousins in Pigon Forge. The next week we celebrated in Atlanta with our Nephew and Niece. 

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TTA Backpack at Hobbs Cabin

 

We had 8 campers for the backpacking trip to the Hobbs Cabin campsites. Campsites #6 and #7 were reserved. We started out at 9:00 am CT on a chilly Saturday morning from the Savage Gulf Ranger Station. It warmed up pretty quickly though for the 5.9-mile hike on the North Rim Trail starting from the Savage Gulf Day Loop. We set up camp and filtered water from the spring behind the cabin. Unfortunately, there was a campsite fire ban due to the drought. We ate an early dinner and sat around Bryan's camping candle. It was a clear night though and the stars were beautiful. 

The next morning, we were up at daylight and left camp around 7:30 am CT for the longer hike back on the North Plateau Trail. Backpackers were Jean Breuer, Craig McBride, Lora McBride, Andy Meeks, Sara Pollard, Bryan Tauchen, and Carl Westman. 

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TTA Red River Gorge

We joined the TTA for a trip up to the Red River Gorge in Kentucky for a few days. We camped in the Middle Prong Campsite. On day one we hiked to the Natural Bridge and looped around and down Devil's Gulch.

Day two we hiked the Double Arch trail and Auxier Ridge trail loop. Afterwards we had a campfire in the campground. 

Day three we hiked the Pinch-Em Tight trail to Hanson's Point and back. Afterwards we hiked to Gray's Arch and back. Dinner at the Mexican resturant.

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Cumberland Gap TTA

We went to explore the Cumberland Gap and hike with the Plateau Chapter of TTA. We left a day before them. We stopped in Clinton TN for lunch on the way up and then camped at Wilderness Road campground. After we set up we hiked the Lewis Hollow trail up the side of the mountain from the campground. We checked out Skylight cave and continued to the top and intersection of Ridge trail.

Friday we went to Wilderness Road SP just down the road. They were having a reinactment day at the Martin's Station where we got to talk to one guy that was in on the original building of the station at the park. He told us that while they were building, the park hired indians to attack them while they worked. It was a really interesting park to explore.

After the SP we went into Cumberland Gap. We got a tour of the historic church there and then hiked up the mountain to the Furnace, Gap Cave, Cumberland Gap, Ft. Foote, Tri-State Peak, and Ft. Farragot. We met some of the TTA hikers on the trail. After that we went back to Cumberland Gap and walked around town and hiked the trails to rails trail to the old train tunnel and back. That night we met the TTA at Nineteen19 Bar and Grill for dinner. Really good food!

Saturday we met with the TTA and hiked the Cumberland Trail from Eagle Bluff to Tank Springs. It was a good hike with friends. After we collected our cars from the shuttle we met them at the Sundquist WMA at the Hatfield Knob Elk viewing tower. THEY said follow the GPS. So we along with a lot of road buggies traveled some horrendous four wheel drive roads up to the tower. Afterwards of course we found a good road to drive back on.

Sunday we headed home stopping in Spring City for lunch at the park.

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TTA annual meeting at Natchez Chase State Park

We camped at Cub Lake for the meeting. The hikes and meeting place was the Pin Oak lodge. By the time we got our camper set up and got to the trailhead, we were a half hour late. We hiked the Northern loop of the Red Leaves trail from Pecan Road. The trail for us started at the site of the 3rd largest pecan tree in the world, which is no longer with us. We hiked to Maple Creek Lake and then looped back to the Pecan Tree. We caught up to our group just before finishing. After dinner at the camper, we went back to the Lodge for visiting followed by an after party at Libby and Nancy's cabin.

Saturday we got up and joined the group for a hike on the Southern part of the Red Leaves trail going to Browns Creek Lake and Pin Oak Lake. Nice views and got to see a snake as well. Group pictures. After dinner at the camper, we headed over for the annual meeting and auction. Afterwards back to the after party.

Sunday we got up and hiked around Cub Lake before heading home. Great weekend with great people.

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Gilbert Gaul Trail TTA

 

We had 11 hikers to hike the Gilbret Gaul Lake Trail at Fall Creek Falls State Park. The fall leaves were beautiful around the lake, and it was a cool morning to start our hike. We hiked the loop trail counterclockwise, so we had views of the lake almost the entire time. 

After the hike we met in the new lodge restaurant for a planning meeting and tour of the facility. The Highland Rim and Murfreesboro chapters are hosting the 2024 Annual Meeting there October 25-27. 

The hikers were Jay Brain, Jean Breuer, Anna Lina Buckley, Joe Campbell, Joan Hartvigsen, Craig McBride, Lora McBride, Sara Pollard, Georganne Ross, J. C. Saunders, and Cindy Watson. Meeting us in the restaurant for lunch and attending the meeting coordinated by Patty Deen were Eleanor Gilchrist, Susan Gonzalez, and Clare Zisk.

After the hike, Lora and I hiked around the falls.

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Virgin Falls Anniversary Hike

Our anniversary hike today was Virgin Falls which we have not hiked in a few years. It's was also the longest hike that we have hiked most of the summer. It was beautiful even though the water level was down. It was the first time that I have ever seen the Caney Fork River low enough to ford.

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Adam's Wedding

We headed to Michigan for Adam's wedding. We picked up the folks and headed north with the trailer. We camped at Lake Loramie SP in Ohio on the way. Wednesday we arrived at Steve and Kathy's where we dropped the trailer and stayed the night. Thursday we headed North to Manistee and checked in at our B&B. The rest of the family arrived and the visiting began. The wedding was on Saturday so there was a lot of beach time, fishing, talking, and walking. We headed home on Monday staying at East Fork SP near Cincinnati. 

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Honey Creek Plateau TTA

 Deb led 13 hikers on the Honey Creek Loop.  Two went out at the overlook, the rest of us enjoyed the whole loop. One hiker showed us how to tuck and roll, hopefully no lasting injuries. We climbed up rocks, down rocks, thru rocks, crawled, used ropes to go down two different rocks. No water at the waterfalls today and the creek was low. No water shoes required. What a beautiful hike this is. 

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TTA Savage Gulf Day Loop Trail- Will

What a great day for a hike! We gathered at Savage Gulf for a wonderful stroll through the woods. Not much water in the falls, but some great views of the gulch. The weather was beautiful and cool. The lazy designated hike leader coerced several of the hikers to lead portions of the hike and they did a fantastic job. There were ten hikers today which is just about the correct amount. The duration of this hike was two hours and twenty minutes with a distance of 4.3 miles.

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Lora's 60th Birthday Trip

For Lora's birthday she wanted to go to Fort Payne's Boom Days. We had camped in Mentone before at Tranquility Campground so we got reservations there. We headed out Friday for a couple of nights. After we got set up at the campground we hiked around their pond and then over to DeSoto Falls. After dinner we headed over to Ft. Payne and listened to "Chasing Payne" and "Night Moves" doing a tribute to Bob Seger.

Saturday we headed out in a light rain to the Little River Canyon. We hiked to Little River Falls and then took the Little Falls trail down to the river. The water was low so you could walk across the river on the rocks. We went to the Little River Canyon Rim Parkway and had lunch. Afterwards we drove the parkway checking out the overlooks and hiking Beaver Pond. Then we headed back to Fort Payne to see "Boys in the Band" do a tribute to Alabama and then Sammy Kershaw, Aaron Tippin, and Collen Raye.

Sunday we got up and went to DeSoto State Park and hiked to four different dry waterfalls. Lack of rain is a problem.

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Twin Rocks, Piney Falls SNA TTA

 Deb led a great adventure hike on a hot August morning. We had to climb thru and over trees as we hiked toward the Twin Rocks. I managed to gouge a hole in my leg from a stick as I was manuvering thru the limbs. We made it up the steps at the Rocks but the view is not as good in the summer with all the leaves on the trees blocking. We took the other part of the loop down, hoping to avoid downed trees. It was better. 

Then on to Piney Falls. When we reached the lower falls we walked in the creek to reach the upper falls, then swam in the pool at the base of the waterfall. Cold clear water and fish were swimming with us. Lunch and then the climb, cable assisted up the bluff wall. 

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Window Cliffs SNA

Sara Pollard led 8 hikers on the 5 mile round trip to Window Cliffs. It was hot, but the cool stream crossings felt good. Everyone made the 18 crossings without falling in! We met several other hikers on the trail and one hardy trail runner. The abundance of wildflowers were beautiful. There's even an electric charging station in the trailhead parking lot now. Hikers were Jim Barritt, Jay Brain, Joan Hartvigsen, Cheryl Heckler, Lora McBride, Sara Pollard, Marietta Poteet, and J. C. Saunders. 

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Frasier Canoe Trip

 

A quick trip out to Frasier for a canoe trip. Got to see an Eagle!

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Cummins Falls, Washmorgan Hollow, The Boils TTA

 

Deb led another great day of adventures. I met the group at Cummins Falls after my GPS took me on a merry tour of backroads from 111. The new Mack Prichard Visitor Center is really nice. John ID'd several mushrooms, even scoring an old man of the woods. We adventured on to Washmorgan Hollow WMA for a creekbed walk to a waterfall. There are steep slopes 200 to 300 feet that drop to the hollow. The last adventure was swimming at the Boils WMA where the water was refreshing. A spring bubbles up from the ground to feed cold water into the river. We had lunch here. What a beautiful day!

I stopped in Sparta to visit Farmers Storehouse. I got good advise from the miller there. He milled flour for me, and I got a sourdough starter kit. The I stopped at Brockdell Amish Produce, and found beautiful wildflowers by the road there.

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Little Cedar Mountain TTA

 

As you can see from the pics it was quite foggy as we started this 3.8 mile hike. Our hike leader Tammy knew exactly where we were going so the fog was no problem. It quickly cleared and we had a very nice but humid hike. We took a short snack break where we could see thru the trees and see Nickajack Lake. We then continued thru the very lush and green forest with very interesting rocks. It was slippery at times as everything was damp. Randy and I climbed up on a rock to see the lake and bridge, and got to see an eagle!

15 hikers today.

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Michigan 2023

We took Mom and Dad up to Michigan. We had a busy itinerary to work with. We took two days going and coming. Our first stop was Lake Loramie SP in Ohio. This a beautiful and clean park which we enjoyed walking around. The next day was up to Steve's where we celebrated Betty's 93rd birthday. 

Friday we headed to Adam and McKinsey's house in South Haven MI. They have a wonderful place there. On the way back we checked out Saugatuck and Holland MI. 

Saturday we headed over to Grand Blanc where we visited Aunt Micki and celebrated her 90th birthday. It was wonderful getting with our cousins.

Sunday we headed to Elk Lake to see Aunt Janelle and Uncle Greg. We had a wonderful visit with them. Monday we visited friends and relatives in West Branch and then back to the lake. Tuesday was our down day before heading South on Wednesday. 

Wednesday we stopped at the Famcamp in Dayton OH on the AFB. Thursday we made it home.

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Harrison Bay SP

 

Lora and I had a quick three night vacation at Harrison Bay SP. We saw lots of wildlife, swam, canoed, hiked and got some fishing in. It was a beautiful park and we really enjoyed it.

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TN river Dayton

 

Took a trip to Dayton and put in at the boat ramp. Right off we got to see a duck with her young chicks. Then we got to see two really young fawns on the bank. Lot of beauty on the river.

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Barren Fork Collins TTA

Wayne Yancey led 10 kayakers down the Barren Fork & Collins River in McMinnville. There was a chance of thunderstorms later in the day so we got off the river before the rains came. The water was refreshing and we made several stops along the way for folks to cool off. We saw several turtles, cows and a herring. Also, some pretty wildflowers on the banks. We had a few ripples to guide our kayaks through but nothing challenging. Kayakers were Jim Barritt, Joan Hartvigsen, Tony Jones, Nancy Juodenas, Gary Kimbrell, Craig McBride, Lora McBride, Sara Pollard, Jan Safavi, Cindy Watson, and Wayne Yancey

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Dry Creek Falls Trail

 

Ranger Stuart Carroll led us on the new segment of trail in the Bridgestone Natural Reserve Area. It connects with Dog Cove Trail and Lost Creek Trail. We met in the parking lot for Lost Falls and cave and shuttled to the Dog Cove Trailhead not too far away. It's a pretty trail with rock features and two waterfalls. Found lots of huckleberries along the way, a cool beetle, a hornet nest and lots of fungi. And still some pretty wildflowers. There wasn't a lot of water at the waterfalls but still pretty. Had a late lunch at the second falls. 12 hikers counting the Ranger and one dog. 

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Barren River Lake SP

Did a four night trip up to Barren River Lake SP in Kentucky. Random search North out of the rain pattern paid off. We got there on a Wednesday afternoon with a light rain coming in shortly after we arrived. We did get all set up in the dry. We walked the campground that evening and did a driving tour of the park facilities. We found blackberries!

Thursday we got up and hiked half of their bike trail up to the Peters Creek trail and back. Then after lunch we took the canoe out and went West along the State Park up to the beach area and back. After that was a little sunning and some swimming. Campfire that night.

Friday we got up and hiked the other half of their bike trail. We searched out the horse trails and found out that they no longer keep those trails up. So we hiked the rest of the bike trail and saw two different owls and a hawk. After lunch we lazied up to the lake and relaxed. Campfire in the evening.

Saturday we went to the Brigadoon State Natural Preserve and walked their one mile trail. After that we went to Paradise Point Marketplace which is a tourest trap filled with all kinda stuff. Interesting place to stop by. Back at camp we found that our canoe had been moved and lucky for us who ever used it returned and tied it to a tree. So we paddled under the bridge and along the shore line for a lunch. Then we paddled back. Afternoon lazying by the lake. Campfire in the evening.

Sunday after our morning walk around the campground finishing off the blackberries, we packed up and headed home.

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Black Mountain to Ozone Falls

 

TTA Clarksville drove to Ozone Falls and picked up Carl from Scenic City TTA and me, shuttled to Black Mountian to start our hike. It wasn't too hot walking under a full canopy mostly in the shade. Lots of ferns, some huge, and Flame Azalea blooming all over the forest. Paul was a great leader, pointing out trees and explaining growth patterns, bark patterns and leaves. By the time we got to Ozone Falls there were lots of folks swimming in the creek and pool at the base of the falls. 7.2 miles. We said goodbye to Carl and I drove Cindy and Paul back to Black Mountain. There was a man with a young son in the parking lot locked out of their car. I loaned hima lug wrench to break out his back window. The yong son crawled thru the window and got the car unlocked. Seems like and expensive way to get into a car. 

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Morgan Creek segment of the CT

Today's hike was at Laurel Snow Pocket Wilderness checking out the new segment of Cumberland trail going to Morgan Creek. We hiked to the new Morgan Creek bridge and then a little further to see the mines. This segment, when completed will go to Hwy 30. Our excitement today was seeing a Mink carrying it's baby up the creek towards us.

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Stone Door TTA

Tony Jones led us on a wonderful hike at Stone Door. We went to the door which included an up and down the stairs, then off to Alum Gap campground for lunch. From there we took Laurel trail back to the Ranger station and did the Laurel Falls loop trail. 

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Dayton Canoe trip

 

Lora and I did a canoe trip in Dayton around the park area. We saw lots of wildlife and wildflowers. We didn't get all the turtles, cyote, and birds on film. 

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Devils Breakfast Table TTA

 

Deb led a great hike on the CT today. 16 hikers started, the short hike folks turned back before the first overlook. We started at the bridge where the Devils Breakfast Table is on Daddy's Creek. The bridge is closed to vehicle traffic, support under the bridge looks like its crumbling and a couple boards are missing.  The trail is mostly on the bluff overlooking the creek, with spur trails to gorgeous overlooks of the creek gorge. We walked along beside and between huge boulders, walked under a huge rockhouse. Had lunch at one of the overlooks enjoying the beautiful view. Saw a newt and box turtle and just a few wildflowers. 7.6 miles not counting the spur trails. 

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Hendersonville NC with TTA

We attended the TTA Spring gathering in Hendersonville NC. We had a great time with wonderful friends. We left Tuesday and stayed at the Red Gates Tent and RV park with the trailer. The TTA was staying at the Kanuga Inn. 

Day one we had signed up for the long hike with Betsy. We went to the Dupont State Recreational Forest and hiked the Five Falls Loop 11.2 miles. We saw the Winter Green, Grassy Creek, High, Triple, and Hooker Falls. After the hike we met the other hikers and had dinner at Haus Heidelberg German Restaurant in Hendersonville. 

Day two we had signed up for the moderate hike with Tom. Cat Gap to John Rock trail 5.6 miles. A beautiful hike along the Davidson river and up the mountain to the John Rock amazing overlook. Afterwards we visited Looking Glass Falls and Sliding Falls.

Day three we had signed up for the long hike with Betsy. We went to Gorges State Park and hiked to Rainbow and Turtleback falls. We watched the crazy locals slide down Turtleback. After that hike we took the short hike to Upper Bearwallow falls. After that we headed south to the Upper Whitewater falls. On the way back to the camper we stopped and checked out Toxaway Falls along Hwy 64.

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Moccasin Creek Segment CT

 

Today we checked out the new Moccasin Creek segment of the Cumberland Trial. We parked at the Moccasin creek bridge on Pine Creek Road. You walk back up the road a hundred yards on the East side of the creek to start the trail. It's three miles long right now. The rockwork that they did for the rocky areas were AMAZING. There is a nice camping area at the confluence of Moccasin Creek and Piney creek with a good swimming hole. On down the trail you climb up to a great view of the creek gorge. The trail ends as you drop back down into the gorge. 

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Cumberland Trail Hwy 30 to overlook

We checked out the new segment of trail from Hwy 30 to the overlook of Morgan Creek Gulf. We parked by the guard rail on 30 and crossed over to the trail. I climbs up a bluff wall and then is pretty easy hiking all the way to the overlook of the Gulf. A little over a mile.

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Soak Creek TTA

Tammy's report:

 Soak Creek trail has a great diversity of sights to see. We started at the Piney River parking lot and climbed over the metal gate at the entrance of a rocky ATV road. No signage, just the gate indicating the start of the trail. We walked along the bluffs towering on one side of the path and the cascading creek on the other side. After walking about 1.5 miles, there was a gap in the bluffs and white blazes directing us to ascend the bluff. And that is the signature of the Soak Creek Trail- going up then down the mountain side countless times. But the wildflowers entertained us along the way. The trail also wandered over flat areas next to the tumbling creek where we saw yellow butterflies flying along up the creek. Seeing the sign for Stinging Fork Falls was indeed a relief. We scampered over the rocks to experience the falls. In awe, we sat in the amphitheater, watched the water crash over the rocky cliff and fall into the creek below to the thunder of its own making. A late lunch, a photo-op and finished the trail by hiking up the wooden steps for one final ascent out of the ravine to the Stinging Fork Falls parking lot. We had the whole trail to ourselves until we got to the top of the ravine, where we met hikers coming from the parking area to see the falls. The parking lot was full. 

7 miles and 1700 ft elevation change. 

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Frozen Head Campout TTA

Lora and I joined the TTA for a campout at Frozen Head SP. Nine of us camped out at the Flat Fork campground. After we set up camp Joe, Lora, and Myself hiked out to the Panther Creek trail and hiked to the Debord and Emory Falls. That evening around four we hiked as a group to the Judge Branch trailhead. We hiked Judge Branch to S. Old Mac to the Interpretive trail. 

Saturday we met with the Scenic City chapter at the Panther Creek trailhead. Seventeen of us hiked Pather Branch to North Old Mac to Lookout Tower trail to the tower. We returned on the S. Old Mac trail and hiked back to the campground. 

Sunday we packed up and drove to the Lily Bluff area of the Obed river and hiked the Lookout trail, the Point trail, and ate lunch at the parking lot. After lunch we hiked the Boulder trail.

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Sitton Gulch TTA

Scenic City hiked at Cloudland Canyon starting at Sitton Gulch. My first time on this trail. Started with 17 hikers. Some were only hiking to the lower waterfall. The rest of us led by Carl climbed to the top of the canyon stopping at all the waterfalls as we climbed up. The falls were beautiful and the views from the top were breathtaking. The Fringe trees were blooming on the ridgetop. We walked out to the overlooks then made our way back to the gulch. There were lots of pretty wildflowers along the way. 

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Frazier Park TN river

Lora and I did our first paddle of the year putting in at Frazier Park. The water was way down so we were limited as to where we could go. We went up to Mud creek and then came back and went around the North end of the lake. 

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Collin's Gulf trail

Lora and I went to the Savage Gulf and hiked the Collin's Gulf trail. It was covered in wildflowers and we enjoyed the water falls too. We hiked past Horsepound falls and down to the creek crossing. We met the TTA Scenic City chapter on the trail.

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Shakerag Hollow TTA

 

Sara led a great hike at Sewanee, Shakerag Hollow, and Piney Point. It was a beautiful day and plenty of wildflowers to enjoy, along with waterfalls and views. Dwarf Larkspur was abundant in the hollow. Southern Red Trillium, and White Trilliums were along many hillsides. Celedine Poppy, Purple Phacelia, Cohosh, Spotted Manderin, Jack in the Pulpit, and the Dutchmans Britches were finishing for the season, some were still pretty. And a box turtle! 

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John Litton Farm Loop BSF

 

Deb led a great hike for Plateau TTA. We started on the road walk to get to the John Litton Farm Loop. It was windy in the parking lot, and was getting warm already. 16 hikers, 3 did the Loop, the rest went on toward the Grand Gap Loop. We truned around when it got too hot to continue. There were a lot of trees across the trail. Got to see a black spotted salamander, and a few wildflowers. The leaves of the Pink Ladyslippers are coming up. Saw Little Brown Jug and Wild Ginger, and Pussytoes. 

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