Cloudland Canyon West Rim 10.29.19

What a beautiful day for a hike.  The day was clear and cool, just the way you wanted it for a nice hike at Cloudland Canyon.  There were 18 of us on this 5.2 mile hike which I would rate as easy/moderate because of the distance.  It took us 3.5 hours to complete the hike.  I think that this was the first time we misplaced some hikers before we even left the parking lot!  After some serious mathematical calculations including several repeated head counts the problem was resolved and we headed off into the unknown.  Actually it wasn't to unknown as several of us had hiked this trail before.  The views were absolutely beautiful with the leaves having turned into all of the fall colors.  After returning to the parking lot we headed off to lunch.  Some of us chose Chinese food and others a sandwich shop, both of which were located in the Walmart parking lot in Tiptonia. 
If you would like to see a bunch of photos of this hike including maps and altitude graph, click here.  If you are viewing the pictures through the TTA website and having trouble, please go directly to the BLOG at www.sdctta.blogspot.com. 
This weeks joke...How many of you hikers have telekinetic powers?  Raise my hand!
I was the kid next door's imaginary friend.
When I was ten, my family moved to Chattanooga, TN.  When I was twelve I found them. 
I ran three miles the other day.  Finally I said "Lady keep your purse". 

Hiwassee River 10.26.19

We hiked in a beautiful place today in the Hiwassee River Gorge area that is also a heavily trout stocked stream just above Reliance, Tennessee. I have spent many saturdays in the past wading and fishing in this stream.  John Politte

It was a nice day (cloudy, but no rain) for walking down the stream side of the river from the Appalachia Powerhouse to an area just upstream of the bridge crossing the Hiwassee at Reliance. Members of our 4 person crew estimated the hike as about six miles in length.

We lunched at a nice streamside spot, listening to the sounds of rapids as we talked.

If you would like to see some 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.  

Booker T. Washington 10.22.19

There were 18 hikers on this relatively easy 4 mile hike at Booker T. Washington State Park.  It started off relatively cool but soon began warming up.  At every opportunity, hikers were removing sweaters and jackets as we moved along.  It was an absolutely beautiful day for a hike and the views across the water were beautiful.  There was plenty of chatting as we moved along and the hike leader stopped at enough locations that everyone got to see the views.  As you can see from the map, attached, the trail meandered along the water almost the whole way.  Along the way we found a very cold American Bullfrog (see pictures).  Since he was cold and sluggish he had no choice but to cooperate and allow us to examine him.  Some hikers asked the difference between a frog and a toad.  Frogs generally live near water and have smooth shiny skin whereas toads can live in dryer surrounding and have rough warty skin.  Following the hike we went to Ankars for subs or salads.  If you would like to see some pictures, including maps and altitude graph, 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.
This weeks joke...Some mornings it just doesn't seem worth it to gnaw through the leather straps!
I used to think that the brain was the most wonderful organ in my body.  Then I realized who was telling me this!

TTA Annual Meeting Hikes 10.20.19

I have included two hike descriptions in one post this time which this blog is not really set up for so bear with me.  These hikes took place in conjunction with the annual TTA convention which had hikes this year in the Frozen Head area.  The first hike is to Black Mountain Crest Loop.  As you can see, it was a little foggy and only two participants.  If you would like to see a few pictures of this hike you can click here.  The second hike was the Honey Creek Loop.  It was a strenuous hike, but exceptionally beautiful.  If you would like to see a bunch of pictures from 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.

Laurel Falls 10.15.19

The weather has certainly cooled down.  It was in the 60's when we started our hike.  By the time we reached the upward climbing portion of the hike, the hikers were already peeling off outerwear.  I would rate this hike as moderate as once we turned off the main trail and headed toward the falls it was a steady climb of about 1.5 miles.  Not to worry, we're a tough bunch!  The distance of this hike was 5.21 miles and it took us 3 hrs and 36 minutes.  Once we reached the falls we stopped, rested and had a snack.  I have been hiking to these falls for many years and this was the first time they were completely dry!  Even Henderson Creek, which we followed at the beginning of the hike, was down to a trickle.  If you would like to see some photos of this hike including a trail map and altitude graph, click here.  If you are trying to view the photographs through the TTA website and having trouble please go directly to the BLOG at www.sdctta.blogspot.com.  Google Chrome is the preferred browser. 
This weeks joke...  If you are seeking creative ideas, go out hiking.  Angels whisper to those going for a hike!  A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing!