7.30.11  Nancy Jo, Caroline, George & Earl.  To all of you out there, you missed a great hike.  First we did part of the Black Mountain Loop so we could see both of the major overlooks and then we started down the trail.  At the second overlook, we found a Geo Cache and poked through the items that people had left.  We signed the log book and left a couple of items.  It was overcast so the temperature was not bad.  Best of all, most of the trail took us slightly down hill.  There were ripe blackberries all along the route so we easily had our fill.  We finally got to the cave, but it was posted for white nose disease so we didn't go in.  But we had a delightful lunch next to a stream just outside of the cave.  From there the trail was not well marked, so we were a little concerned that we had strayed off course, but we were OK and came out of the woods right where we were supposed to.  I would rate the hike as easy and a distance of 5.4 miles.  For a few pictures, click on the Black Mountain tab above or click here.

Chickamauga Battlefield

7.27.11  Today it was just Nance Jo and Earl.  It is too bad that nobody else showed up.  Although it was very hot, most of the hike was in the woods and shade.  The hike was delightful and we saw a several deer and two babies, still with spots, cross directly in front of us.  Of course I didn't get a picture, but you can see several pictures of cannon and monuments if you click on the Chickamauga tab or click here.  The length of the hike was 5.75 miles and I would rate it as easy. 

Cloudland Canyon

7.23.11  Nancy Jo, Sara H., Sara B., Jean, Will, McBob, John, George, Earl.  Beautiful day for a short hike.  The West Rim Loop was only 2.6 miles.  There are several overlooks where you can look into the canyon.  We did not do the extended finger of the West Rim.  After the hike we drove to the main parking lot and had lunch.  From there, some members hiked down to the two falls.  I would rate the hike as easy.  For a few pictures click here or on the Cloudland canyon tab above.