South Chick Levy

2.5.13  Today there were eleven hikers in all.  The hike started out a little cold but soon warmed up as could be determined by hikers shedding clothing.  This hike is not the most exciting hike to be had, but it goes by a swamp area just loaded with different kinds of water foul.  We saw a duck that was later identified as a Northern Shoveler we think.  There were also some joggers and bicyclists  In this relatively short hike the group became quite spread out since some slowed to look at the birds.  Part of the group went a total of about 5 miles while others only went 4.6 miles on this easy hike.  By clicking  on the South Chickamauga Levy above, you can see a few pictures of the hikers and surroundings.

Through Hikers

2.6.13  Linda Hixson, Jo "Someday" Swanson, "Hillbilly Bart" Houck, Bob McGavock.  Some members of the Soddy Daisy Chapter of the TTA met Someday and Hillbilly Bart at Nikki's Restaurant for lunch and to bid them a good journey.  Their goal is to be the first people to completely transverse the new Great Eastern Trail.  They started out near the Florida border and had reached Chattanooga.  They had already hiked 290+ miles and were still going strong.

Oswald Dome

2.2.13   There were 16 hikers and a beautiful golden retriever on this cold hike.  Hikers from Hiwassee and Cherokee chapters joined the Soddy Daisy Chapter for this difficult hike.  It was an all-out assault on the Dome.  Even Mother Nature couldn't keep the hikers from the summit.    A mini-blizzard tried to repel hikers near the top but determination and will prevailed.  Before they completely froze, they had a quick lunch at the top before heading down.  All-in-all it was a great hike.  For a few pictures, click on the Oswald Dome tab above.  

Riverwalk 1.28.13

1.28.13  Today we had a group of 8 hikers.  This was one hike or should I say walk where you didn't have to stare at your feet the whole time.  Since we didn't have to stare at our feet the whole time, we made up for it by talking.  There was joyful chatter throughout the entire walk of 5.3 miles.  We started at the dam and walked toward S. Chickamauga Creek.  We had to take a detour since part of the walkway was flooded.  The day was very dreary with mist in the air.  Absolutely no sunshine!  The only wildlife we saw were the obligatory blue herons, other walkers, joggers, and bicyclists.  Of course, at the end of the hike we decided to go and eat so this time we chose 2 Square and had a good lunch.  I would rate this walk as easy.  For a few dreary pictures please click on the Riverwalk tab above.

Laurel Falls 1.26.13

1.26.13  I wasn't able to go on this hike.  There were eight hikers and the weather was cold and overcast.  Everything went OK, at least as far as I know.  Thanks George for the pictures.  I think the distance was about 5 miles and I would rate this hike as moderate.  To see the pictures, click on the Laurel Falls tab above.