Point Disappointment & Potters Ridge Trail 10.24.2023

 Our quest was to find the legendary picnic table on the Point Disappointment and Potter Ridge Trail.  Tales were told of its exquisite beauty, that there were hammocks to lay in, a gazebo unter which to shelter, and even a food truck.  Our merry bad of 12 followed a rock trail, down, down, down into the Valley of the picnic Table, but alas, we were thwarted by the evil hike leader who called "time" and made us turn back.  Much like the name of this hike, we were disappointed but look forward to a renewal of the quest to sit on the elusive picnic table.  

If you would like to see some very nice pictures taken during this hike, click here or on the photo above.  

Mabbitt Springs Trail 10.17.2023

 I wasn't able to attend this hike, but from what I hear, it was a great hike.  There were 11 hikers that attended this hike and the weather and views were exceptional.  The hike was about four miles in length and not too difficult.  There was one issue where three of the hikers did get separated from the group and were lost for a short period.   Thankfully they were in cell phone contact and everyone was reunited.  One of the lost hikers was quite disturbed however and may not hike with us again.  This points out the importance of the hike leader setting a pace that is suitable for even the slowest hikers.  If the group becomes strung out, it is important for the leader to stop periodically and check to see that the sweeper is in contact and that everyone is accounted for.  

If you would like to see a bunch of pictures taken during this hike, click  here.  

Raccoon Mtn. Live Wire 1&2 10.14.2023

 The Ring of Fire Solar Eclipse hike was a pleasant fall hike.  Weather was good with low temperature and humidity.  We started at the top of Raccoon Mountain at the East Overlook and descended to the river-side trailhead via the Live Wire 1 & 2 Trails.  Once we left the overlook, we hiked about 2/3 the distance to the bottom and stopped long enough to have our snacks.  Just short of exiting the trail shortly past 1 pm, the eclipse took place, but the only thing we noticed, was a slight dimming of the light.  The sky was partially cloudy and we were on the western side of the mountain.  I think these two factors led to the limited eclipse experience - along with being quite a distance east of the line of totality.  I believe we encountered only 3 trail bikers on the hike.  It was an easy 7+ mile hike.

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

 

Joyce Kilmer & Huckleberry Knob 10.10.2023

 This was quite a hike.  It was a long drive to the destination but once there the hikes were thoroughly enjoyable.  the first hike was Joyce Kilmer of  " I think I shall never see poem as lovely as a tree" fame.  He was a war veteran and ended up writing one of the most remember poems.  This hike took the 17 of us along a very nice 2.7 mile trail.  Next we did the Huckleberry Knob trail.  This 1.7 mile trail went from 5300' to 5600' and had everyone puffing.  Conditions were much better than last time we hiked this trail when we almost froze to death.  The views were incredible and everyone looked in every direction.  

If you would like to see a bunch of  pictures taken during this hike including maps and altitude graphs, click here.  

Cloudland Canyon 10.7.2023

 The cold front on Saturday came through as predicted and we shivered as the wind chilled us at Cloudland Canyon. But what a relief from the hot, humid days of summer! We started our adventure at the Bear Creek backcountry trailhead and hiked down the rocky path to easily cross the nearly dry Bear creek. Except for one short rock scramble, the path was an easy meandering through the forest with leaf color just beginning. Nearly missed the overlook into the canyon, but some other hikers showed us the way. We sat on the rocky rim edge, enjoyed the scenery while eating lunch and resting. Returning on our journey, we encounter a few ascents, huffing and puffing up the trail to an elevation gain of around 1600 feet and distance of 8.25 miles.

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