Lula Lake 8.13.18

It was a relatively cool morning for mid August, particularly when we got to the trailhead. The Lula Lake rep was there to greet us and we were most appreciative because, unlike the throngs who come on the open weekends, we had the whole place to ourselves. After pulling a few weeds in our adopted butterfly garden we hit the trail, climbing up the Middle Trail to the Bluff Trail. After enjoying the beautiful view of McLemore Cove we continued along the Bluff to its end and returned down the mountain on the Turkey Trail to the South Creek Trail which is like walking through a tropical rain forest. Having worked up an appetite 9 of us gathered at the Café on the Corner for a spectacular lunch. The last picture is of Donna and Gloria finishing up what remained of Trish's Homemade potato chip nachos. A good time was had by all.
If you would like to see some very nice photos, click here.  More photos added 8.21.18!

Sluder Lane 8.11.18

Three hikers from the Soddy Daisy club completed the Sluder Lane hike of about 5 miles. The weather was pretty nice warming up, but still  nice by the time we finished. The three hikers were George, Tom, and John. We ran into three other hikers  who were hiking from the same trailhead but going to the Soddy Gulf ( probably about 9 + miles).

I would rate our hike as moderate. We had planned to go to Deep Creek (which would have added about a mile and one-half), but decided not too due to a drinking water shortage.

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

Pocket Wilderness 8.7.18

There were nine of us intrepid hikers on this easy 3.6 mile hike which lasted about 2 hours and 45 minutes.  We had expected it to be hot, but since we were under a canopy of trees and down in a canyon, it was surprisingly cool and delightful.  We walked along Henderson Creek for some distance and then abruptly turned and climbed to a higher spot on the edge of the gorge.  We then hiked until we came to where they are building a new bridge over Laurel Creek.  This was as far as we went.  We were kind of disappointed that we did not see Laurel Falls itself, but since the bridge is due to be finished in about four weeks, I am sure we will have another chance.  The hike back was uneventful, but good conversation was had by all.  Following the hike, about six of us tried a new place for lunch, the Rustic Pail Lunch Cafe and Ice Cream Shop.  While not looking like much it was a delightful surprise.  Everyone's lunch was superb.  Following lunch someone suggested ice cream and it looked so good that everyone tried some and wow was it good.  Without hesitation I can say everyone had a great time.  If you would like to see some pictures, including maps, click here.  I also want to thank John for contributing to the pictures. 

McGill Creek 8.4.18

On this hike there were only two hikers ( George and John). 

We decided to hike the McGill Creek trail section between the Roaring Creek Trailhead and the new bridge recently completed over McGill Creek. The hike distance was about 5 miles and would be rated as moderately strenuous.  The new bridge is aluminum, looks good, and feels very sturdy.

Today's weather was very nice, but as the uphill climb out of the McGill Creek area showed,  it was pretty humid.

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

Savage Gulf Loop 7.31.18

Seven hardy souls braved the threat of rain and hiked the Savage Day Loop on Tuesday, July 31st. We left Durham Street under low hanging clouds and arrived at the trailhead under beautiful blue skies. However, about 2/3 of the way through the loop, the sunshine disappeared and we pulled out our ponchos to protect against two fairly brief showers. The falls did nor reward us with much water but John showed us a picture he had from the last time he was there and it was running full.

The hike was followed by an excellent lunch at the Dunlap Café.

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