Booker T. Washington Wilderness Trail 1.5.19

We had been having a lot of cloudy and rainy days lately, but today was beautiful.  It started out cold and crisp, but by halfway through this 4.5 mile hike, all 9 of us were peeling outer layers of clothing off.  Thankfully there were only a few muddy spots along the way that presented no problem.  The few streams had bridges although they were really slippery.  As you can see from the photos, the day was clear and sunny.  At the beginning of the hike there was large branch precariously suspended above the trail that everyone carefully avoided.  We did see a large turtle shell in the brush that was left for others to see, although in hindsight I wish I would have picked up and cleaned for a display.  Near the end of the hike someone spotted a small bat hanging precariously from a bush along side the trail.  It did not take well to being disturbed.   I think it was an Eastern Small Footed Bat.  I would rate this two hour hike as easy although Jean did keep up a fast pace.  The moving average was 2.6 mph.  If you would like to see a few pictures, click here.  There is also a couple of maps and an altitude graph.  Although the graph looks like we were really climbing a descending a lot, you can see by the actual height that the climbs were only a couple of feet. 

Lula Lake, Bluff Trail, 1.1.19

HAPPY NEW YEAR  As is the chapter's custom, we did a New Years day hike.  This time the hikes leader was Nancy.  She did a wonderful job of keeping us all together and even stopped on the difficult portions for everyone to rest.  There were 14 of us on this 4.2 mile hike and everyone agreed it was a great hike.  The hike lasted just about three hours and I would rate it as easy-moderate.  It was a very overcast day, but no rain.  The trail was very wet, covered with leaves and somewhat slippery.  The falls were magnificent with lots of water from all of the rain we have been having.  The average speed was 2.3 mph.  On top of the bluff we all had a nice break and snack.  I think all of us returned and we didn't get lost once.  If you would like to see some pictures, click here.  Thanks to those who sent in additional pictures.  There is also a map of our trek and and altitude graph. 
If you would like to see a couple short videos, click on the following links.
Video 1
Video 2
Video 3

Raccoon Mtn. East Rim Trail, 12.29.18

George was or hike leader on this hike and it was a great hike.  The weather started out a little cool and overcast but proceeded to warm up and gradually became clearer.  I would rate this 5.5 mile hike as easy as the elevation changes were minimal.  We had seven hikers on this hike and our average speed was 1.9 mph.  The hike lasted just short of three hours.  We had some beautiful overlooks and even saw a couple of mountain bikers.  The official photographer again had difficulties with his camera.  Something about formatting the memory card, so there are only a few pictures.  There are a couple maps showing where we were and the trail as well as an altitude graph.  If you would like to see these, click here. 

Harrison Bay S.P. 12.22.18

What a glorious day for a hike.  After 2 days of rain and gloom, it felt so good to be out in the sun hiking on a trail.  We knew going into the woods that there would be flooded trail sections, but it wasn’t as bad as I thought it might be. With some clever off trail maneuvers, we were able to avoid water and mud.   No one lost a boot in the mud, and no white water crossings were needed.  This was a 4.5 mi. easy hike which followed the in and outs of the river bank all the way.   If you would like to see a few pictures, click here.