Ocoee, Rock Creek Trail, 7.27.19

  What was suppose to be an 8 mile hike from the trailhead to Dry Pond Lead, turned out to be an 8.6 mile in and out from the trailhead.  We had some difficulty locating the trailhead due to its overgrown and obscured parking and kiosk.  By the time we discovered the trailhead, we decided to do an in and out instead of staging the vehicles.  By doing so, we ended up doing a longer and more strenuous hike.  Thankfully, the weather was good enough to allow for a great hike.

We departed the trailhead at 10:20 and began the almost 3 mile ascent to the high point of the trail. This part of the hike reminded me of hiking Frozen Head – a steady relentless climb with little or no level or down slopes.  The temperature when we left the trailhead was in the pleasant 70's and we didn't seem to feel the humidity.  As we ascended the climb, the temperature rose along with the humidity.  It was however, still bearable.  After arriving at the apex of our hike, we began the descent to Rock Creek and arrived there at approximately 12:35.  We had our snacks and began the return to the trailhead at 1:00.  The ascent to the top of the trail was a shorter but much more steep a climb out.  The trail was well maintained, but not blazed except for a short distance outward bound.  We exited the trail around 3:20 – tired but all glad we made the hike.

It was a strenuous 8.6 mile hike.  I plan on returning in the fall and either hike from the other end of the trail in and out to Rock Creek or hiking the entire Rock Creek loop.

 If you would like to see some very nice pictures, including a map, 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.  

Elsie Holmes Nature Park 7.23.19

Today’s hike was a short one of only 2.26 miles.  I would rate it as easy except for one short uphill section.  It rained all morning and even a little on us as we waited at Food City.  Buy the time we hit the trail the rain had stopped and we remained dry for the hike.  There were 11 of us on this hike even though the threat of rain was constant.  We made a nice little loop with some of it being along side of the South Chickamauga Creek, which was flowing nicely and very muddy.  We did see a very nice example of a Eastern Box Turtle.  About half way through the hike most of us had peeled off our rain gear and hoping for the slightest breeze.  Following the hike we went to lunch at Drakes.  The lunch was great except the waiter really go our tickets fouled up.  The hike lasted 1 hour and 50 minutes with a moving average of 3.2 mph. 

If you would like to see some pictures, maps and an altitude graph click here.  If you are trying to view the pictures on the TTA website and having problems, please go directly to the BLOG at www.sdctta.blogspot.com.

Rainbow Falls, Ocoee, 7.20.19

The hike to Rainbow Falls in the Ocoee was a great hike. It's a shame that only 2 of us were able to enjoy it. We arrived and departed the trailhead at around 9:30. The temperature was pleasantly bearable, however, the humidity was not quite as obliging. The temperature remained in the upper 70's to low 80's due to the tempering effect of the canopy and overcast skies. Though it was a short 3.4 mile hike, it provided us with spectacular views and a trail that was in really nice condition. We crossed the creek twice before arriving at the falls. There was some water in the creek, but we managed to cross without getting wet. We were the first ones on the trail going in and when we exited the trail, we met approximately 35 to 40 hikers going in. I'm always surprised by the number of hikers who decide to hike in hot and humid conditions and wait until the afternoon to set out, when conditions are at their most challenging – maybe that's the draw. We finished the hike just before noon and I think we timed it perfectly. About 5 miles into the drive back, we encountered heavy rains. I'm not sure if the hikers we left on the trail got caught in the downpour, but I wouldn't be surprised if the did. This would be an excellent Tuesday hike in the fall.
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.  Google Chrome is the preferred browser.

Chickamauga Battlefield 7.16.19

It was a hot and humid morning.  Water was in short supply.  Delirium began to spread through the group of 15 hikers on this day.  Seriously, even though it was a level and pace slow, the heat and humidity began to take its toll.  Everyone had a good hike which I can always tell by the amount of chatter the group is making.  Trish and Gloria gave us a very nice history lesson about the trail we were on and the park in general which kept everyone entertained.  The distance of this hike was 4.1 miles and I would rate it as easy, but most of us should have carried more water.  Following the hike we all went to our regular place near the park, The Park Place Restaurant and had a well deserved lunch.  If you would like to see a few pictures, trail 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 BLOG at www.sdctta.blogspot.com. 
This weeks joke...
Several hikers are in a shelter on the AT.  A cell phone on a bench rings and a man engages the hands-free speaker function and begins to talk.  Everyone else in the shelter stops to listen.
MAN: "Hello"
WOMAN: "Honey, it's me.  Are you having a good time on the trail?"
MAN: "Yes"
WOMAN: "I'm at the mall now and found this beautiful leather coat.  It's only $1,000. Is it OK if I buy it?"
MAN: "Sure, go ahead if you like it that much."
WOMAN: "I also stopped by the Mercedes dealership and saw the new 2019 models.  I saw one I really liked."
MAN: "How much?"
WOMAN: $65,000."
MAN: "OK, but for that price I want it will all the options."
WOMAN: "Great! Oh, and one more thing.  The house we wanted last year is back on the market.  They're asking $950,000."
MAN: "Well, then go ahead and give them an offer, but just offer $900,000."
WOMAN: "OK, I'll see you later!  I love you!"
MAN: "Bye, I love you, too."

The man hangs up.  The other hikers in the shelter are looking at him with a mixture of annoyance and astonishment.  Then he smile and asks: "Anyone know whose phone this is?"

Board Creek 7.13.19

Saturday three of us left the Durham Street meeting place for an approximately 7 mile hike from Board Camp Creek @ Hiway 111 (on the Cumberland Trail) to the Soddy Gulf Park. It was a pleasant hike ( trending downhill) on a very nice morning. Most of the hike paralleled  Board Camp Creek (until we reached the Soddy Gulf  area). The temperatures were nice most of the way - only getting a little warm during the last hour of the hike

The trail condition was good. This was the first time I had been on the upper portion of Board Camp Creek in a few years and I was pleasantly surprised at its good condition.

I would rate this hike as moderate.

If you would like to see some nice pictures taken by the hikers, click here.  If you are trying to view the pictures through the TTA website and having problems, please go directly to the Blog at www.sdctta.blogspot.com