Enterprise South 7.30.19

This hike was a relatively short and easy one at 4.2 miles.  The 14 hikers departed the parking lot at the visitors center and followed the main path.  This well maintained path led us to the hidden lake, more like a small pond, then around the lake and return.  We did manage to lose three hikers as the group became spread out.  By backtracking, we found the wayward individuals and everyone was OK.  The weather cooperated with temperatures not so high under an overcast.  Looking at the altitude graph it looks hike a tough hike, but if you look at the scale, we only changed a few feet in altitude.  Following the hike most of the hikers went to the local City Cafe and had a very good lunch. 
If you would like to see a few pictures from this hike, including map and altitude graph, click here.  If you are trying to view the pictures directly from the TTA website and having problems, please go directly to the BLOG at www.sdctta.blogspot.com
This weeks joke is for Tammy as she often mentions she enjoys the jolks. 
Setting up Camp:  The loaded mini-van pulled into the only remaining campsite.  Four children leaped from the vehicle and began feverishly unloading gear and setting up the tent.  The boys rushed to gather firewood, while the girls and their mother set up the camp stove and cooking utensils.  A nearby camper marveled to the youngsters's father, "That, sir is some display of teamwork."  The father replied, "I have a system -- no one goes to the bathroom until the camp is set up."

Ocoee, Rock Creek Trail, 7.27.19

  What was suppose to be an 8 mile hike from the trailhead to Dry Pond Lead, turned out to be an 8.6 mile in and out from the trailhead.  We had some difficulty locating the trailhead due to its overgrown and obscured parking and kiosk.  By the time we discovered the trailhead, we decided to do an in and out instead of staging the vehicles.  By doing so, we ended up doing a longer and more strenuous hike.  Thankfully, the weather was good enough to allow for a great hike.

We departed the trailhead at 10:20 and began the almost 3 mile ascent to the high point of the trail. This part of the hike reminded me of hiking Frozen Head – a steady relentless climb with little or no level or down slopes.  The temperature when we left the trailhead was in the pleasant 70's and we didn't seem to feel the humidity.  As we ascended the climb, the temperature rose along with the humidity.  It was however, still bearable.  After arriving at the apex of our hike, we began the descent to Rock Creek and arrived there at approximately 12:35.  We had our snacks and began the return to the trailhead at 1:00.  The ascent to the top of the trail was a shorter but much more steep a climb out.  The trail was well maintained, but not blazed except for a short distance outward bound.  We exited the trail around 3:20 – tired but all glad we made the hike.

It was a strenuous 8.6 mile hike.  I plan on returning in the fall and either hike from the other end of the trail in and out to Rock Creek or hiking the entire Rock Creek loop.

 If you would like to see some very nice pictures, including a map, click here.   If you are viewing the  pictures through the TTA website and having trouble, please go directly to the BLOG at www.sdctta.blogspot.com.