Weed Wrangle 3.1.2025

 National Weed Wrangler Day March 1, 2025

 The National Park Service and Reflection Riding sponsored local weed wrangling at the Kiddie Trail on Lookout Mountain Tennessee.

17 folks showed up to support clearing invasive privet and honeysuckle along the trail.

 Acres of clearing impacted near the trailhead at the base of the mountain and offers easier access and visibility for hikers and trail runners climbing  up and down popular Lookout Mountain.

90% of a relationship is deciding where to eat.  

Bauxite Murky Marsh 2.25.2025

 This Tuesday morning, 23 hikers (a record-breaking attendance for me!) met at this trail in Apison, TN.  It was a great morning for a hike! As we arrived, the temperature was in the low 30’s but quickly jumped into the 50’s by the time we finished. After hiking in about 1.5 miles, it was decided we would break into two groups (racers – faster hikers & pacers – slower hikers).  Both groups trekked about 2.6 miles to the top of the bluff and enjoyed a short break before returning along Rolling Ridge Trail and back to the Murky Marsh Trail to begin our decent to the main trailhead.  All in all, everyone seemed to enjoy getting out on this very pleasant morning and exploring this newer trail. The total hike was about 4.5 miles with 300+’ elevation gain.

 Several folks asked about the history behind Bauxite Ridge.  This is what I found:

The site was a large mining operation back in the 1930’s and 1940’s.  Bauxite was discovered back as early as 1906.  Bauxite is a sedimentary rock with relatively high aluminum content and is the main source for aluminum.  It appears the land was later gifted to Southern Adventist University around 2015 and they created about 12 miles for hiking/biking and also now maintain these trails.

If you would like to see some very nice pictures click here or on the picture to the right.  

Don't die a virgin. Terrorists are up there waiting for you!

Laurel Snow 3.1.2025

 I don't have a hike report from this hike, but if I get one, I will add it to the post.

If you would like to see some pictures taken during this hike, click here or on the picture to the right.  

Soddy Gorge North 2.2.2025

 Saturday was forecasted with a low possibility of rain. You know how it is – if 1 hiker says let’s go, the others fall in line and like 3 little ducklings, we did. We waddled our way up the north Soddy gorge trail and turned right at the big rock that is covered abundantly in purple phacelia in the spring. (There is also a sign for those who think 1 rock looks like another.) About 2 miles in, we flew over some big boulders as water crashed down the bluff. Unfortunately these ducks landed in an angry briar patch off the trail. With fierce determination and bushwhacking, we regained our trail.

Next on the path was a magnificent rock house. We stopped to access our briar patch wounds; a few ruffled feathers amongst the blood. Continuing on, the bluff sprinkled water on us – what duck doesn’t love the water! Up and up we trod until there was no more trail. Where did it go? About 20 feet below us, we could see the path. Well, ducks certainly don’t like to backtrack, so of course, we slid down the side of the bluff using our orange webbed feet as rudders and brakes.

Our next adventure was a waterfall bursting from the top of the bluff directly on the trail. We could walk behind the falls or through it. Well, 1 duckling said let’s go through and as you know, ducklings line up and follow the lead duck. We went through, quacking, water rolling off our backs, then ascended the rickety wooden stairs on the other side.

The rest of the hike was a nice waddle through the pine forest, a few streams to fly over, and enjoying the cascading Board Camp creek. And it never rained.

We put in 8 miles with an elevation gain of 1148 webbed feet.

If you would like to see some really nice pictures taken during this hike, click here or on the picture to the right.  

Nihilism, there's nothing like it!

Chickamauga Battlefield 2.4.2025

 Twenty one hikers gathered at the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitors Center in Georgia to tackle the East Loop Bramble Trail.  We started out on a cloudy unseasonably warm morning to follow a relatively flat winding figure eight trail covering 4.8 miles.  We passed many monuments honoring the 34,000 casualties of Union and Confederate forces that occurred over the two and a half day Civil War battle in September 1863.  The trail was somewhat muddy in spots, but otherwise and enjoyable occasion on these solemn grounds,   Afterwards, eight of us enjoyed fellowship and dining for lunch at the popular Park Place restaurant in Ft. Oglethorpe.  Dave Graham, Hike leader. 

If you would like to see some very good photos taken during this hike, click here or the photo to the right.  

My neighbors listen to awesome music, whether or not they like it!