This was one of our longer hikes.  I would rate this 6.2 mile, 4 1/2 hour hike as easy-moderate.  The moderate part is because of the distance, temperature and one moderate up-hill section.  It was definitely a very humid day with not a breath of air flowing.  The thirteen hikers were soaked with perspiration at the end. We met some of the hikers at Reflection Riding and then drove to the Gazebo.  This was a good plan as this removed about 1.5 miles of an already long hike.  Skyuka Springs was flowing, but the amount of water was quite low.  At the springs, we enjoyed a break for a snack.  Five of the hikers left us and returned at this point.  Just as we ended the hike, the rains came.  Lucky we were at our vehicles before it rained hard.   I took a couple of group pictures at the springs, but for some reason, they just weren't there when I downloaded all of the pictures.  I have no idea why.  I guess someone was not smiling!  Anyway if you would like to see some pictures of the hike including a couple map pictures and an altitude graph, click here.

Club BBQ 09.13.18

Oh what a good time we had.  Trish again was hosting the annual BBQ at her house with the ever present Donna taking care of the details.  Thanks to both of you.  What a spread we had.  There was BBQ Brisket, BBQ Chicken, BBQ Ribs and my personal favorite BBQ Pork.  Of course there were salads, breads, chips, pineapple something or other which seemed to be a favorite of everyone and of course George and Sarah brought their home made icecream, Yum! I think it goes without saying that everybody had a good time.  News of this event must be spreading because there were members present that I had never seen before and some that hadn't been on a hike in years.  There might have even been a couple of interlopers!  If you would like to see a few pictures of the event, click here.  If you have trouble opening the site try copying this link to your browser and opening it from there.
 https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipNPt7oYbIAV74LBePcLWWKq2CTGgppL19Vp3-3doHTBMsKzO5dkvtIta6UBN8iCvA?key=cTh5UjNZbXBhbUFIZTkycWlrR0k1dmVnSnU4VUhB

Benton Falls 9.11.18

Another fabulous hike presented by Trish.  We had a rather long drive up to the trail head.  It was quite foggy on the way up the last 7 miles but once we broke through the fog layer there were only high clouds blocking the sun.  This was fine as it made for a much cooler hike than normal.  The only problem was that the fog obscured the overlooks on the way up.  However, on the way back down the fog had lifted and we had some really beautiful views.  The the problem was condensation on the camera lens which ruined some of the pictures.  The total distance of this 2.5 hour hike was 3.5 miles and I would rate it as mostly easy with a couple of moderate areas.  The falls were absolutely beautiful as you can see by the pictures.  At the falls most of the hikers had snacks and lunch.  On the way back, we took a slightly different route which made the hike a loop and more interesting.  Everyone of the 14 hikers had a great time I think.  If you would like to see a bunch of pictures including a map and altitude chart, click here. 

Raccoon Mtn. Small Intestine 9.4.18

On this hike we had one of our largest groups.  There were a total of 18 hikers and I personally think it was because they knew what a great hike leader they would have.  I can't say enough good things about today's leader.  He had everything under control, made frequent stops and even had 18 hikers when the hike was over!  What a guy!  Anyway, this rated easy hike lasted about 2 hours and 12 minutes and covered 3.8 miles.  The trail meandered around the woods and it was almost all in the shade with a little breeze, which was good since it was quite warm.  Judging from all the chatter, everyone had quite a good time.  Following the hike most of the hikers went to La Altena for a very nice lunch.  If you would like to see a few pictures, click here.  Just a reminder, you can see the pictures by clicking on the title of the blog, on the picture on the blog or clicking "here". 

Leggett Road to Rock Creek Bridge 9.1.18

The description of this hike is rather short.  Probably because the writer was too exhausted to say anymore!  Today, there were five hikers on this moderately strenuous 5 1/2 mile hike which lasted about 4 hours. We lunched at the Rock Creek bridge.  The hike was from the Upper Leggett Road trailhead to the Rock Creek bridge and return.

Luckily for us, the temperature and the grade increased together for the last mile or so of the hike. This helped us to really appreciate the cold drinks we purchased at the first "stop n' go" we encountered on the way home. I believe everyone enjoyed the hike.

If you would like to see a nice selection of pictures, click here.