Lula Lake 6.12.18

This was an unusual day for our club.  Instead of hiking this day, we became gardeners.  Donna worked her magic and made a deal with the Lula Lake Land Trust that if we would do some gardening, they would allow us to do some hiking, in the future, when the park would normally be closed.  Nine of us then went to the park and were joined by a horticulturist from the Aquarium and did some weeding!  There is a small garden that has been planted with various flowering plants to attract butterflies.  It was in desperate need of watering and weeding.  It only took us about 1.5 hours to weed, mulch and water the garden.  Following this we went on a short walk to the waterfall and back.  It was a beautiful day, but the falls were not at their maximum.  Following the walk, all of us went to the On The Corner restaurant and had a very nice lunch.  If you would like to see some pictures, click here. 

Heiss Mtn. 6.9.18

Three diehards, or 2 diehards and 1 individual of questionable judgement, showed up for what was listed as Heiss Mountain to Sluder Lane but ended up to be Heiss Mountain to Stacked Rock.  What was listed as an eleven mile hike, turned out to be about 8 miles.  We departed from the trailhead at approximately 8:15 am.  The weather was bearable with higher humidity and possible thunder showers late in the afternoon.  We made our way to the first bridge at Big Possum Creek with little fanfare.  The ascent along the way to Perkins Point is where it began to get more difficult.  The temp began to rise along with the humidity.  Along this part of the hike one of our hikers decided he would drop back and meet us on our return trek.  Two of us continued to the second bridge at Little Possum Creek.  At this point I was given the option to continue or turn back.  In retrospect I should have opted to return.  We made our ascent to Stacked Rock.  At this point I realized I may have erred on how much reserve I had to make the trek back.  We turned back at this point and returned to Little Possum Creek bridge and had our lunch.  We began our ascent up to Perkins Point.  For me this was the most difficult part of the trek back.  We made 2 more major descents and ascents on the return to the trailhead.  The temperature and humidity continued to rise.  Along the trail back we ran into a trail runner who was going to do the entire trail from the trailhead to Retro Hughes and back.  John and I said if we were 10 years younger we would gladly join him.  We continued our exit (at a considerably slower speed).  Sounds of approaching thundershowers failed to deliver any moisture.  At one point I passed under a rock outcropping and stuck my head under the cascading water - it was wonderful.  When I reached Little Possum Creek bridge, I flashed on scenes of marathon runners who collapse within sight of the finish line because they have exhausted all the glycogen in their muscles.  That's the way I felt.  Just before exiting the trail we saw a young woman lounging in a pool of water under a waterfalls.  She seemed to be the only sane person on the trail this day.  We exited the trail at approximately 3:15 pm. 

Heiss Mountain continues to be a challenge for me.  I learned on this trip to make sure I have enough liquid to remain hydrated, get plenty of rest prior to attempting to hike this trail (I logged 9.5 miles the night before while attending The Riverbend Festival.  This trail is above all challenging and rewarding if you respect it's challenges, especially in the summer.  If you would like to see some photos of the hike, click here.