Raccoon Mountain 9.20.2022

 This time of year always brings some great weather. This hike was no exception with outstanding weather and clear blue skies.  There were 16 of us on this hike and this included several new hikers who are always welcome.  We hiked in a loop for about 4.3 miles which took us just about 2.5 hours.  The hike was relatively easy but unfortunately, the view points were pretty well hidden by the trees.  Right after the hike we went to the East Overlook for those hikers that had not seen a really great view of the Chattanooga basin.  Unfortunately, it was a bit of a hazy day but the view was still great.  Following the hike our social director and now probably our lunch coordinator (a very special and important job) suggested the Mayan restaurant downtown.  Usually we shy away from downtown due to the parking but there was plenty of parking available.  The meal was great with some unusual items.  

If you would like to see some photos taken during this hike, a couple of maps and an altitude graph, click here

Boyd Gap to the Old Copper Road 9.13.2022

 Did you ever have one of those days!  Mine started off just fine, but as soon as we started the hike I realized I had left my GPS on from the night before and the batteries were now dead.  Well so much for capturing a map of this hike.  Then, a little further on, I reached for my cell phone.  It was not in my pocket!  As you are all aware, losing a cell phone is a disaster in this day and age.  Did it fall out while I was messing with my GPS?  I thought I remembered it being there earlier, but not now.  So for the rest of the hike I wonder where I had dropped it.  So it goes...

Anyway, the hike was great and the weather was perfect.  There were 14 of us on the easy 5.3 mile hike along the Ocoee River.  The hike lasted 2.5 hours.  We were right where the Olympic White Water event took place.  The river was very low as can be seen in the attached pictures and running very clear.  I broke off of the hike to accompany one of the hikers who had a blister problem and we waited at a picnic table near the river to be picked up later.  Luckily they didn't forget us and when the hike was over we went to the Local Goat in Ooltewah. for lunch.    Oh, I did find my phone, it was still on my dresser at home!  

If you would like to see a few pictures from this hike, click here.  

Mushroom Rock 9.6.2022

 I made a mistake today, not my first one, but it was a doosey.  I almost led the hikers the wrong way on the trail.  Luckily a more experienced hiker set me straight.  This hike was a relatively short hike from Signal Mountain High School to Mushroom Rock.  It is mostly down hill so quite easy. It was a hike to show newer members Mushroom Rock which if you haven't seen it you probably should.   After looking at the rock we decided to add a little distance by hiking along the Cumberland Trail for about a half mile and then turning back.  It was very humid, but thankfully the temperature was in the low 80s.  I think that this hike was enjoyed by everyone of the 10 hikers.  The distance total for the hike was 3.9 miles and took about 2.5 hours.  Following the hike we decided to have lunch, which is surely the highlight of the hike for some, at McAlister's at the foot of Signal Mountain.   

If you would like to see a few pictures, click here or on the picture to the right.  

Rock Island 9.3.2022

 Our hike was at Rock Island, where water pours out of the rocky cliffs creating many spectacular waterfalls and cascades!  We began our hike at the Blue Hole trailhead, descended stairs and rocks from the rim of the bluff, down through waterfalls to the rocky shore of Cane Fork creek.  Climbing back to the rim was challenging, trying to figure out where the trail was in the streams of water rocks. Next, we hiked through the forest gorge on Eagle trail, followed by a very pleasant woodland walk on the Collins River trail where we lunched.  After a brief stop to see the springhouse and cotton mill building, we drove over the river and through the woods to hike the Downstream and Upstream trails along Caney Fork creek and view the amazing Twin Falls.  By then we were tired and hot.  Next time, we will start at the Upstream trail and play in the refreshing water!  We hiked 7.5 miles with an elevation gain of 1217 feet.  

If you would like to see some beautiful pictures taken during this hike, click here.  

Flat Top Mountain Flower Picking 9.3.2022

  No hike today!  On this outing we decided to do something different.  Instead of a hike, we decided to go to a zinnia and sun flow farm.  It was absolutely beautiful.  I've never seen such tall healthy zinnias.  Not that I knew what a zinnia look liked you understand.  If you look at the pictures, you will see what I mean.  Also, there was a section where there were a couple of different varieties of  Sun Flower.  The farm was beautiful and the view fantastic.  Following the zinnias, we went to Shufords BBQ and picked up sandwiches and wagon trained to Pats lakefront home, sat on the edge of the lake and enjoyed our BBQ.  An absolutely great day with perfect outdoor weather.  

If you would like to see a whole bunch of flower pictures, click here.  If you aren't interested in flowers, don't bother.