Booker T. Washington 10.22.19

There were 18 hikers on this relatively easy 4 mile hike at Booker T. Washington State Park.  It started off relatively cool but soon began warming up.  At every opportunity, hikers were removing sweaters and jackets as we moved along.  It was an absolutely beautiful day for a hike and the views across the water were beautiful.  There was plenty of chatting as we moved along and the hike leader stopped at enough locations that everyone got to see the views.  As you can see from the map, attached, the trail meandered along the water almost the whole way.  Along the way we found a very cold American Bullfrog (see pictures).  Since he was cold and sluggish he had no choice but to cooperate and allow us to examine him.  Some hikers asked the difference between a frog and a toad.  Frogs generally live near water and have smooth shiny skin whereas toads can live in dryer surrounding and have rough warty skin.  Following the hike we went to Ankars for subs or salads.  If you would like to see some pictures, including 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 website at www.sdctta.blogspot.com.
This weeks joke...Some mornings it just doesn't seem worth it to gnaw through the leather straps!
I used to think that the brain was the most wonderful organ in my body.  Then I realized who was telling me this!

TTA Annual Meeting Hikes 10.20.19

I have included two hike descriptions in one post this time which this blog is not really set up for so bear with me.  These hikes took place in conjunction with the annual TTA convention which had hikes this year in the Frozen Head area.  The first hike is to Black Mountain Crest Loop.  As you can see, it was a little foggy and only two participants.  If you would like to see a few pictures of this hike you can click here.  The second hike was the Honey Creek Loop.  It was a strenuous hike, but exceptionally beautiful.  If you would like to see a bunch of pictures from 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.

Laurel Falls 10.15.19

The weather has certainly cooled down.  It was in the 60's when we started our hike.  By the time we reached the upward climbing portion of the hike, the hikers were already peeling off outerwear.  I would rate this hike as moderate as once we turned off the main trail and headed toward the falls it was a steady climb of about 1.5 miles.  Not to worry, we're a tough bunch!  The distance of this hike was 5.21 miles and it took us 3 hrs and 36 minutes.  Once we reached the falls we stopped, rested and had a snack.  I have been hiking to these falls for many years and this was the first time they were completely dry!  Even Henderson Creek, which we followed at the beginning of the hike, was down to a trickle.  If you would like to see some photos of this hike including a trail map and altitude graph, click here.  If you are trying to view the photographs through the TTA website and having trouble please go directly to the BLOG at www.sdctta.blogspot.com.  Google Chrome is the preferred browser. 
This weeks joke...  If you are seeking creative ideas, go out hiking.  Angels whisper to those going for a hike!  A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing! 

Bird Mountain Loop Trail 10.12.19

Today we traveled to Frozen Head State Park for a seven mile hike on the Bird Mountain Trail, which peaks out at 3010 feet of elevation. We had seven hikers  today - ( three were from the Chattanooga area, two were from Monterey, and two were from the Knoxville area).

The weather was overcast and pretty cool with temperatures about 40 degrees at noon but up close to 60 degrees by the hikes end (and after a nearly 2000' drop in elevation).

We lunched at a picnic table  (in the middle of the woods - but on the trail) about 40% of the way thru the hike.

This hike was similar to last weeks Spicewood Trail hike at Frozen Head. This hike had an ascent of 1850 feet, mostly in the first part of the hike.

If you would like to see some really nice photos taken during this hike, including a map, click here.  If you are trying to view the photos using the TTA website and having trouble, please go directly to the BLOG at www.sdctta.blogspot.com.  Google Chrome is the preferred browser.  

Benton Falls 10.8.19

There were 15 of  us on this easy 3.5 mile hike to Benton Falls and then a loop back to the parking lot.  The hike lasted about 2 hours and 20 minutes with a moving average of 2.4 mph.  The weather really cooperated during this hike.  Finally it has cooled off.  Today we hiked in the mid 70's which is much better than the mid 90's of our last few hikes.  It was overcast during much of the hike, but it seems that it is often overcast when we hike here.  The hike took us to the falls, which due to the draught was just a trickle, but still quite beautiful.  Here we stopped for a brief snack.  On the way we ran into a dog with her GPS collar on.  She stayed with us a ways until her owner finally got her back.  We were to later find out that she belonged to a group of bear hunters. The hike was delightful and there was considerable chatter along the way. After the hike 12 of us went to Puleo's Restaurant, which is one of my favorites as they have great fish tacos.  Please note: for those hikers with foot issues I have included a picture that has suggestions for how to lace your shoes if you have various foot conditions.  
Tammy's views;

Tuesday was a wonderful fall day to hike to Benton Falls. The trailhead began at the Chilhowee campground in Cherokee National Forest. The morning started cool with a hint of fog but we warmed up hiking the sandy flat path. After walking about 1.5 miles, we descended a rocky stairway to the base of the 65-foot falls as Rock Creek spilled over the cliff. The rhododendrons framed the entire area. We returned by way of the Redleaf and Arbutus trails, traversing about 3.5 miles total. We were also accompanied by a friendly 4-legged hiker. She was supposed to be hunting bear but instead was hunting snacks. 

If you would like to see some pictures taken during this hike as well as trail maps and an 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.  The preferred browser is Google Chrome.
This weeks joke....The guitar of the noisy teenager at the next campsite makes excellent kindling.