Elsie Holmes Nature Park 7.23.19

Today’s hike was a short one of only 2.26 miles.  I would rate it as easy except for one short uphill section.  It rained all morning and even a little on us as we waited at Food City.  Buy the time we hit the trail the rain had stopped and we remained dry for the hike.  There were 11 of us on this hike even though the threat of rain was constant.  We made a nice little loop with some of it being along side of the South Chickamauga Creek, which was flowing nicely and very muddy.  We did see a very nice example of a Eastern Box Turtle.  About half way through the hike most of us had peeled off our rain gear and hoping for the slightest breeze.  Following the hike we went to lunch at Drakes.  The lunch was great except the waiter really go our tickets fouled up.  The hike lasted 1 hour and 50 minutes with a moving average of 3.2 mph. 

If you would like to see some pictures, maps and an altitude graph click here.  If you are trying to view the pictures on the TTA website and having problems, please go directly to the BLOG at www.sdctta.blogspot.com.

Rainbow Falls, Ocoee, 7.20.19

The hike to Rainbow Falls in the Ocoee was a great hike. It's a shame that only 2 of us were able to enjoy it. We arrived and departed the trailhead at around 9:30. The temperature was pleasantly bearable, however, the humidity was not quite as obliging. The temperature remained in the upper 70's to low 80's due to the tempering effect of the canopy and overcast skies. Though it was a short 3.4 mile hike, it provided us with spectacular views and a trail that was in really nice condition. We crossed the creek twice before arriving at the falls. There was some water in the creek, but we managed to cross without getting wet. We were the first ones on the trail going in and when we exited the trail, we met approximately 35 to 40 hikers going in. I'm always surprised by the number of hikers who decide to hike in hot and humid conditions and wait until the afternoon to set out, when conditions are at their most challenging – maybe that's the draw. We finished the hike just before noon and I think we timed it perfectly. About 5 miles into the drive back, we encountered heavy rains. I'm not sure if the hikers we left on the trail got caught in the downpour, but I wouldn't be surprised if the did. This would be an excellent Tuesday hike in the fall.
If you would like to see some pictures of this hike, click here.  If you are trying to view the pictures through the TTA website and having trouble, please go directly to the BLOG at www.sdctta.blogspot.com.  Google Chrome is the preferred browser.