Tue, Dec 13 2022 - Sope Creek Loop Around (View Original Event Details) Trip Leader(s): Memphis Russ, Joyce T. Participants: Lee W, Jan T, Evy, Memphis Russ, Joyce T., Marina, George B, Allan, Dan R, Linda C, Gerrilyn, Gary 'L', Barbara L., Doug, Dave R

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What happens at Sope Creek stays at Sope Creek - - sort of. As always, we left on time, even though one of the trip leaders was missing. That trip leader, being a runner, soon caught up with the group and took over the lead.

That take-over had unexpected consequences. Let's just say that the rocks along the creek proved too dangerous to cross (though we made a valiant attempt), so that our quick thinking trip leader abandoned the creek rocks in favor of a climb straight up the hill to the main trail, which he knew was somewhere up there. Up there it was . . . very up there . . . but we all made it safely and were grateful for being on a real, safe trail. That didn't last too long, though. Before we knew it, we were back down by the creek, making our way up and down some challenging boulders. That rascally trip leader made an inadvisable turn, putting us right back down where we didn't want to be. So straight up the hill we went again through wet slippery leaves, rocks and roots till we again reached a real trail.

All of the challenging hiking we did took a lot of time and effort, so that we covered only 4 miles instead of the planned 5 in our allotted 2 hours. But we got a good workout in those 4 miles, and enjoyed a great weather day. ~ Joyce