Immodium Falls 8.24.19

Six hikers traveled to the Retro Hughes Road Trailhead for an in-and-out hike to Immodium Falls on Little Possum Creek. The hike was a little over 9 miles and was moderately strenuous.

The weather was good with temperatures in the upper 80's and the skies were partly cloudy.

Upon arriving at Immodium Falls and looking the area over, we decided to lunch on the boulders below the falls. The falls were running at just a trickle.

After our lunch, we hiked back to our trailhead by early afternoon. 

If you would like to see some nice pictures of this hike, click here.  If you are trying to view the pictures through the TTA website and having trouble, please go directly to the BLOG at www.sdctta.blogspot.com

Rock Creek 8.20.19

Twelve hikers gathered on this easy, but rocky 3.3 mile hike.  It was to be a clear, hot day, but in heavily forested woods for some shade.  This hike was to be staged with cars at both the Upper Leggett Road Trailhead and the Lower Leggett Road Trailhead.  As you can see from the altitude graph the hike was mostly down hill.  The hike started off very well but soon went terribly wrong.  At about 0.4 miles into the hike one of the hikers took a spill.  Unfortunately, her foot caught between the rocks and this created the problem.  Upon looking at her ankle, it was apparent something was wrong.  We wrapped the ankle but it was not possible for her to stand.  At this point we had to call for help.  Luckily, we were within phone range and help was immediately dispatched.  In short order a team arrived with a very experienced paramedic who took over immediately and very professionally.  While administering care and starting an IV he spoke to her in a manner that kept her calm yet he was able to ascertain the information he needed to properly treat her.  She was bundled up in on a stretcher (see picture) and carried out to the ambulance.  Some of the hikers returned to the trail head while six of the hikers continued onward.  Following the hike four of the hikers had lunch at Home Folks.  It turned out from the X-rays that she broke three bones in her ankle.  We are all definitely wishing her the best. 
If you would like to see some pictures taken during this hike, including maps and altitude graph,   click here.  If you are trying to view the pictures through the TTA website and having trouble, please go direct to the BLOG at www.sdctta.blogspot.com.  Google Chrome is the preferred browser.

No joke this week. 

Grundy Day Hike

Six hikers traveled to explore the Grundy Forest Day Loop with a spur to Sycamore Falls. After circling Tracy City a couple of times, we found the trailhead. Entering the forest, we hiked past a large rock house, 500 year old hemlocks, down rock steps and across a bridge to see the first of 3 waterfalls. Up and down some rocks and roots and over another bridge, the Little Fiery Gizzard creek joined the Big Fiery Gizzard creek and gushed down Black Canyon. After passing Chimney Rock towers we arrived at Sycamore Falls to rest and have a snack. Retracing our steps, we hiked out of the canyon to finish the Grundy Day Loop, passing by Hanes Hole Falls. The hike was about 4.5 miles, completed in 3 hours.
If you would like to see some very nice pictures of this hike, click here.  If you are trying to view the pictures through the TTA website and having trouble, please go directly to the BLOG at www.sdctta.blogspot.com.  The preferred browser is Google Chrome. 

N. Chickamauga Creek 8.10.19

This hike was a good one. We hiked at a nearby location that offers beauty and some challenging  terrain. Four hikers made the hike, which was about 9.5 miles in length.

Our hike was the North Chickamauga Creek Gorge from the park trailhead to the campsite at the confluence of Cooper  and the North Chickamauga Creeks; and then we returned.

We lunched before our return hike to the trailhead. The return starts with the most rigorous part of the trail ( about a 1 mile climb to more level parts of the trail).

Overall I'd rate the hike as moderately strenuous with about half the hike being rated strenuous. The actual hiking time was a little under 5 hours.

Views along the trail are beautiful; and a significant part of the hike is along the creek bluffs that allow one to look into the deep gorges. The creeks that flow into the canyon are still flowing well.

If you would like to see some pictures of this hike as well as a map, click here.  If you are trying to view the pictures through the TTA website and having trouble, please go directly to the website at www.sdctta.blogspot.com.  The preferred browser is Google Chrome.

Annual Picnic 8.8.19

Trish arranged another great day for us.  I wish I knew her secret for always having a great day in store for everyone when she makes the arrangements.  As you can see from the pictures, we had a great turnout and everyone enjoyed seeing each other at a venue other than on a hike.  Trish has the perfect location at her home for this type of gathering and all of us surely do thank her.  Of course we can't forget Gloria and her husband for the great BBQ.  Each year they provide us with a scrumptious dinner.  If you would like to see just a couple of pictures, click here.  If you are trying to view the pictures on the TTA website and having trouble, please go directly to the BLOG at www.sdctta.blogspot.com.  Google Chrome is the preferred browser.