Rainbow Lake to Edward's Point 6.5.18

What a hike!  We started off early so as to avoid the heat and this was the perfect decision.  The temperature, under clear blue skies, was entirely suitable for the entire distance.  We started off with 15 hikers and picked up two along the way that stayed with us the entire hike.  We saw other groups and couples on the trail.  Although this hike was rated as moderate-severe, I would rate it as severe for our group.  There were a lot of difficult steps and rocky areas.  The distance was only 4.2 miles, but going was steadily uphill and while the return was obviously downhill, the very end of the hike was about 1/2 mile uphill again.  All in all the group of tired hikers had a very good time.  If you would like to see some pictures as well as a map and graph of the hike, click here.  Remember, there are three types of hikers, those that have fallen down, those that are going to fall down and those who are going to fall down again!

Natl. Trails Day 6.2.18

Where was the Soddy Daisy Chapter.   John and I were the only ones to show for the guided trail hike at Booker T. Washington S.P.  Shame Shame!  Now that I've got you feeling guilty, I'll describe the hike. 
The hike was led by a Booker T. Washington "Ranger" named Robert  and assisted by a  part time student/ranger  named Joseph.  There were two hikers from our club ( Earl and John)  and six other hikers who showed up to hike.

The hike leader was very informative and was filled with park/nature information and quiz questions /( and answers) when we didn't know the answers.  We learned multiple things about the park and lake as well as some good trivia questions about State wildlife.  The hike was very enjoyable.  I'd guess we hiked about 3 miles. I believe everyone had a good very good time. No pictures were taken.  

White Oak Mtn. 5.26.18

I guess the weather scared everyone off  today. Or maybe it was the holiday weekend.  Anyway there was 5 of us on this easy 3 1/2 mile hike. We took Rolling Green trail to the top, onto Pine trail coming down.   The trails were easy but it was getting pretty humid out so, we just enjoyed being out with good company without exhausting ourselves.  Just as we got to the cars it started to rain.  I guess summer is here. Since there is only one picture, please click on the "Hikers" picture if you would like to see a closeup.

Harrison Bay S.P. 5.22.18

It was a nice day for a hike.  Although it was overcast and threatened rain, the rain never materialized.  I have to admit it was a bit humid though.  We had 15 hikers on the easy rated 4.5 mile hike.  The trail meandered around Harrison Bay as you can see by the map included with the photos.  There was a king snake and a frog spotted, but of course I didn't see either one.  The altitude of the hike ranged from 654 to 674 feet.  Big whoop de doo.  Following the hike, 10 of us ate lunch at the Dockside restaurant right at the Harrison Bay Marina.  If you would like to see some pictures, click here.

Flipper Bend 5.19.18

Three hardy hikers (John. Gloria and Tom) pertook of Saturdays' (hike in the clouds).  We departed the trailhead at approximately 8:30.  The temperature was about 67.  It began raining shortly into the hike and continued until we almost reached the loop part of the trail at the 2 mile mark.  This first part of the hike was the most difficult.  The trail was rocky, muddy and rainwater was turning the trail into a running stream at points.  We entered the loop part of the trail and continued for approximately a mile and a half to the first overlook.  Not much to see because it was still very foggy.  We then continued to the 2nd overlook which was halfway into the trail and had our snack.  The overlook was pretty much overgrown due to the lack of traffic to it after the fire a year and a half ago.  The fog began to clear and we were able to see a bit more of the view as compared to the 1st overlook.  The temperature began to rise and we continued our hike along the loop back.  We ran into a navigation problem when passed under the power lines on the return loop.  We couldn't pickup the trail blaze when we passed under the lines.  We ended up entering and unmarked trail we thought would get us back onto the main loop.  It did that but we turned the wrong direction on the loop and ended up back under the power lines.  We lost about half to three quarters of an hour and added approximately one and a half miles to our 8 plus mile hike.  Once we were headed in the right direction we had no problem staying on the trail.  All in all it was a good hike.  We had several sections where we got our cardio workout.  The views were a little obscured at first.  There were some flowers in bloom – mountain laurel I think.  We exited the trail at 1:45 and estimated the hike at 10+ miles.  This hike is rated as severe.  If you would like to see some pictures, click here.