Sun, Nov 4 2007 - Dayhike in the S. Cumberland Recreation Area in TN (View Original Event Details) Trip Leader(s): Christopher Bolton, Paula Schubert Participants: Cyndi, Jacquie M., Kelly Harris, Lee Harris, Tracey Steiner, Anja Krusel, Bruce, Chris Wallace, Denise Millon, Charina, Michelle, David, Tony C, Laurent Roussel, Christopher Bolton, Paula Schubert

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Write Up:
Fiery Gizzard Trail Follow-up

With an extra hour of sleep, the day started off well. Everyone seemed to show up to the car pool around 7:15 or earlier, except for the couple of slackers that strolled in around 7:25, AKA The Trip Leaders. None the less, we were all signed in, split into separate vehicles, and on our way by 7:35. Our regrouping stop at McDonalds went as planned, potty break and super slow customer service, and then we were on our way again. At the beginning of the trail we met up with the last two of our crew, Lee and Kelly that had arrived a day early to camp out. After everyone strapped on their boots and checked for enough food and water, the adventure began.

The drought has affected much of the southeast, including our trip as we passed our first dry waterfall, Hanes Hole Falls. This was to be expected as it was dry the week before. Next we came across a tree lying over Black Canyon and Lee faced his fears by walking out onto large tree along with me (man I am a bad influence). Next stop was Chimney Rock where the group took a little break to explore the beautiful rock structure. A small adventure bound clan climbed to the top to get a better view. Lee, Kelly, Denise, Michelle, David, Cyndi, Laurent and I celebrated the small climb with group shots. The most difficult part of the climb for me was shuffling about 5 camera's for the picture without dropping one.

Next stop was Sycamore Falls. Here you could also see the effects of the drought, as the falls were but a trickle. It held promises of a good swimming hole however, and must be visited again in the spring when water was more abundant and the weather more inviting. Our hike continued along the stream and creek bed (where the stream went underground) to the Fruit Bowl. Here Cyndi easily scaled the large boulders like a professional while the group gathered up and prepared to move on. Next on the tour everyone stopped for a bit while a few of the clan explored a couple of small caves. Then came the mile of rocks. This part of the journey was tough on the knees and ankles as you had to strategically place each step on sharp, large and sometimes moving rocks. The good news, the rocks finally ended, the bad news, the "arduous" climb began. Though not as bad as we may have remembered it the week before, it still was a challenge to a few in the group. But our goal was not far ahead, and we were rewarded with a natural bridge and finally a magnificent view from Raven Point. There we ate lunch, took some pictures, and started our journey back.

Before heading full force onto our trail back, our very tough, gung ho, outdoorsy girls stopped for a potty break at Raven Point Campsite at a PITT TOILET. I have been in the woods many times, but I have never seen a line for a toilet in the WOODS!!! Finally, we were on our way and made it back to the trail head without incident.

All in all, it was a good adventure and one that I was very happy to co-lead with Paula. I want to thank everyone for coming out and sharing this pocket of glorious nature with us and look forward to the next adventure.

Christopher


The human spirit needs places where nature has not been rearranged by the hand of man. ~Author Unknown

Picture links:

Chris and Paula's Pics

Lee's Pics

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