Snow Falls 3.15.14

3.15.14    The Soddy Daisy TTA Chapter had a total of 9 hikers today as we met at the Soddy Daisy Ball Fields and then carpooled up to Dayton, Tn where we hiked the Snow Falls trail.  Our hike leader today was the very capable John Politte and with the side trip to Buzzard Point the hike itself was approximately 11 miles long and was rated as strenuous.  The day was gorgeous as it began partly sunny and in the mid 40’s when we met and by the time we hit the trail it was climbing into the low 50’s and heading towards the mid to upper 60’s, who could ask for more?  John & I struck out on a fairly fast pace so shortly into the hike the perspiration started flowing where some of the boys and girls were already stripping off their clothes or maybe it was just their jackets – not sure, with old age the memory is the first thing to go or so they say.   Well we arrived up on top and headed for Buzzard Point prior to traveling to Snow Falls and the overlook was outstanding although we didn’t spot the usual Black Buzzards circling the point as I had last July when I was backpacking Snow Falls.  Several of the hikers had previously stated that if Morgan Creek was up they would not attempt a water crossing to see Snow Falls.  So once we arrived at the creek it was going to be tricky to cross due to the depth of the water but 4 of us forged on across while the others stayed behind.  I was lucky enough to pick a path that didn’t get any deeper than my boots so my feet stayed dry as did most of the others.  At Snow Falls we stayed on top instead of hiking down to the bottom and viewing it from below so it meant several of us had to cross the creek again to gain a vantage point for viewing the falls as it was going over but it was well worth it.  Back in July when I camped out by the creek there wasn’t much more than a trickle of water flowing that day so this was a pleasant surprise.   After crossing the creek four separate times we had pushed our luck enough without anyone taking a fall so we headed back to the Snow/Laurel parking lot where we found it packed with cars and others enjoying the trails also.  I hope you had an opportunity to get out on a trail somewhere on Saturday and aid in the renewal of the body, mind & spirit! Oh btw I might mention that I brought home a hitch hiker in the form of a tick feeding on the back of my leg so I guess that means that we should start digging out the insect repellant for the upcoming Spring and Summer hiking season.  Happy Hiking Everyone!

Larry