Sat, Jan 9 2016 - The long way to Blood Mountain via Coosa backcountry (6AM carpool) (View Original Event Details) Trip Leader(s): Erik Participants: Erik, Chuck R, Jane, SherryO, Mike Pawloski, Aaron, Joe

Quite glad that we did not cancel the hike on account of weather ... because the temperature was just right and the rain held off!

We hiked Coosa CCW from Vogel park. The group set off on a brisk pace, faster than anticipated, for the first leg of the hike. The climb up to Coosa bald slowed us down and lifted us up into the low hanging clouds. We stopped at 8.5 miles for lunch, and then climbed our way up Slaughter mountain. WOW. That was a strenuous climb! Then we detoured up the Duncan Ridge trail, to the AT and onto the top of Blood mountian, and then back down and to Vogel.

The trail was empty. We saw two long-distance trial runners, a family, and had a nice talk with a group of young/new hikers at the Blood mtn shelter. 

The rain held off just until we got back to the cars, which was several hours earlier than we expected to return.

Overall, a great hike and a good way to start 2016 on fresh legs.