Emerald Bay

5.29.12  Larry, Gail, Renee, Nance Jo, Earl  What a fine hike!  Larry lives very close to Emerald Bay and he agreed to give us a tour of some undeveloped woods near his home.  We were sure glad he knew his way around as the area was crisscrossed with trails and very easy to get lost in.  Not a real danger as you could always find your way out, but if you wanted to be the least bit oriented and see as much as possible you needed a guide.  Larry was excellent and new the local history well.  We saw a toad, and box turtle right off the bat.  Then the trail led us down by the lake and along its edge.  There were the remains of some old homesteads  which you can see in the pictures.  I was photographing the beginnings of a Black Walnut (see pictures) when I heard the distinct sound of a rattlesnake in the deep grass.  I didn't actually see him, but I'm pretty sure I was close to it.  Needless to say, I moved away quickly.  I would rate the trail as easy-moderate.  The length of the hike was about 3.0 miles.  I had some difficulty with my GPS, but this is a good estimate.  For a few pictures, click here or on the Emerald bay tab above.