Tuesday, June 24 - We left a little later than usual, about 10:20 AM and 68 deg. and arrived at Cloudland Canyon S.P. at 11:38 AM and 77 deg. after driving 41.6 miles. This was a short very easy trip with little traffic and nice scenery. The last part included some mountain driving. This is a very nice park with two main camping areas (east and west) and large well separated sites, especially on the west loop. We chose the west loop and set up on site 22. After setting up and dinner, we took a short hike on the west loop trail. It is very rugged with large rocks and steep drop-offs.
Wednesday, June 25 - Today we drove up across the Lookout Mountain Scenic Highway into Chattanooga to go to the Aquarium and check out some of the river walk. The drive was beautiful, with many twists and turns and high overlooks into the valley below. We really enjoyed the Aquarium which had two buildings. One was mostly the ocean and the other focused on rivers, from their source to the deltas and ocean. After we left the Aquarium, we went to River Bend Grill for lunch. Joan said it was the best hamburger she has had for a long time. We then hiked along the river and crossed on the Walnut Street pedestrian bridge over the Tennessee River. We stopped at Coolidge Park and watched the kids play in the water. It was a great day for it with temps in the mid 90s. We returned to the Aquarium area and decided to cool of by watching the I-Max theater presentation on dolphins and whales. We really enjoyed the show and felt we could reach out and touch them. On the way back to the campground we stopped at the Canyon Grill for dinner. Joan had pork roast and John had Walleye that they fly in overnight from Canada. The food was excellent and we called it John's birthday celebration, even though it was a few days early. We got back to camp and collapsed into our recliners on our site. If you want to see pictures of the Aquarium, click: http://picasaweb.google.com/johnjoanW/Chattanooga
Thursday, June 26 - The wind really came up during the night and we could hear it blowing in the upper canopy of forest, but thankfully very little at ground level. We thought a storm was rolling in, but it fizzled. We took our coffee around the campground loop and had breakfast. Today we stuck close to camp and got some things done. John cleaned the kayaks, car, and bikes, while Joan cleaned the camper. There were t. stormes in the area all day with some light rain added. However, nothing was very heavy. We met a nice couple from Temple Terrace, Fl, who were interested in our set-up, especially the tarp. They now tent camp with two teenagers and are looking to upgrade.
Friday, June 27 - We enjoyed hearing the barred owl in the night. He has become a regular for us here. We got in the truck and took our coffee over to the east rim overlook and enjoyed the view. We ordinarily do not drive to places in the park where we camp, but the other area is 3.2 very hilly miles away, so hiking or biking were not good options for a morning coffee walk. The view is wonderful and easy to see why this is called the Grand Canyon of the east. Of course we have not seen the other one yet, so comparisons are not possible. Many people pulled out today so the campground is fairly empty. I'm sure we will not be lonely by the weekend, however. Next weekend will be even busier.
Saturday, June 28 - We got up and had breakfast before taking our coffee on a hike on the West Rim Trail. This is the same trail we went on earlier, but we decided to take it farther this morning. We packed up our safety gear, extra water, and snack bars. The scenery is simply fantastic. After lunch, we drove to an area that is on the trout stream map we got of northern Ga. to see if we could find the streams and assess their condition for fishing. What we found was less than inspiring. Because the water levels have been so low, there is virtually no flow to Rock Creek or Chattanooga Creek. We gave up and headed back and on the way stopped to see if anyone was hang-gliding at a launching place on Lookout Mountain. It was too gusty, so we just enjoyed the beautiful scenery overlooking the valley. After supper we stopped and visited with a nice couple we met on the trail this morning. They live in Chattanooga, have camped in the area for a long time, and were very willing to share their experiences. We made it back to the camper from their site just in time to avoid getting drenched by a downpour that moved through the area. It really poured and gave the tarp and truck a much needed cleaning.
Sunday, June 29 - This morning we enjoyed a patriotic celebration at the Trenton United Methodist Church. The people there were very inviting and friendly and the service was excellent, with a small but quality choir and school-age kids who could really sing. The service included a recognition of those who have served in the armed forces and a slide presentation showing pictures of many who had or are serving. After church we went to Larry's BBQ buffet and had an ample quantity of his excellent food. It was all very fresh, hot, and well prepared.
Rain is still in the forcast for today, so we will hang low and stay close to the camper.
Monday, June 30 - Happy Birthday John. This morning we packed our hiking gear and set out for the Falls Trail. We drove over to the East Loop where the trail starts and after drinking our coffee while enjoying the East Rim Overlook, we headed down the trail. The mornings temperature was perfect, with a nice breeze. The front that brought us some needed rain also dropped the humidity and temp. This is a beautiful trail into the canyon, with hugh granite outcroppings and enormous trees. They have recently redone the trail and replaced the more gradual switchbacks with stairs that go more directly down. It was also great that there were very few people using the trail today. By the weekend, the crowds will increase. Sadly, some folks are not too careful about where they deposit their trash and butts. However, this is the most awesome scenery we have seen so far on this trip. We have many pictures to sort through and decide which ones to post. We met some really neat people on the trail and enjoyed chatting with them.
Tuesday, July 1 - Both of us needed to have blood work done, so we headed into LaFayette, Ga (Pronounced laFAYet) because according to their web page, there is a Lab Corps there. It turns out that it is a doctor's office and we would have to have an appointment with the doctor first. We were able to get our hair cut, the oil changed in the truck, and have a very nice lunch. We ate at Ivy Cottage which is on Main street in an old house. The meal portions were about the right size for what we should be eating, but the desserts were huge. Joan had strawberry shortcake and John had vanilla bean cheese cake. Yum! We also drove down to the town's boat launch and fishing area, but it was rather disappointing. They really need a clean-up day there as garbage was strewn all around.
Wednesday, July 2 - We got up (not too early), had breakfast, and hiked the west rim trail from our campground over to the east ridge. According to the gps it was about 3/4 of a mile each way, mostly up or down. It was a very good and interesting trail with some scenic views and a small cave. We saw more people hiking today than we have since we got here.
Thursday, July 3 - We found a Lab Corp in Chattanooga, so we decided to go get our blood-work done and spend the day in the city. We found the office without too much trouble and got that taken care of. We then drove over and parked in the same lot we used when we went to the aquarium. We found out that there was an I-Max showing of Grand Canyon at 11am, so we walked down to the river until time to go. It was wonderful, with great action and beautiful scenery. We really had the feeling of being there. We've decided that we like the lushness of the east better than the bareness of the west. After the show we returned to the Big River Grill for lunch and repeated their awesome "Prime Burger." Yum! To help it settle we took a nice walk near the river. They have done a great job restoring this area and made it into a great resource for tourists and residents to use. We passed many who were biking, walking, or jogging. For dessert we headed over to a great ice cream shop where they mix up your choice with fresh ingredients. To die for! We decided to take the scenic route home and see if anyone was hang-gliding. We were treated to a young lady who was making her first jump. They undergo involved training before they can do this. After getting some last minute tips, she took her glider and ran off the edge of the mountain. She had a nice, but short, flight to the landing area at the bottom. You can view pictures of our day at: http://picasaweb.google.com/johnjoanW/Chattanooga
Friday, July 4 - We got up a little earlier this morning, had some coffee and breakfast, then headed out on the West Rim Loop Trail. This is a beautiful, two mile hike along the rim and then into the woods to return. We only saw a few people on the trail during the earlier portion, then many more during the latter. We got a great workout and really enjoyed the hike. We have now done all the main trails here in the park with the exception of the Backcountry Trail that has campsites for backpackers. We came back to camp and kicked back for awhile.
(Update) - We were invited by the hosts (there are two couples on this loop) to come to their site for a cookout. We enjoyed the conversation and the outstanding food. The chicken was done with an old family recipe, for which we hope to get the recipe. Even though the campground was full, it was exceptionally quiet for a holiday weekend. Amazingly, there were no fireworks set off in the campground. We went to bed at around 10pm and were not disturbed all night. Aren't we the exciting ones.
Saturday, July 5 - This morning we got up and took our coffee around the loops a few times. After breakfast we drove over to the East Ridge and just sat and enjoyed the view. About lunch time we drove down to New Salem just outside the park entrance and enjoyed a B.B.Q. that was put on by the Fire Department and the New Salem United Methodist Church. It was excellent.
(Update) - We decided to go into New Salem for their fireworks instead of watching them from an overlook at the campground. They also had musical groups performing, but the sound system was not up to the task and they were hard to hear. We really enjoyed the fireworks and a young family that was next to us. They had two young boys and a little girl who were really enjoying the light sticks and other toys the received from local election candidates. Even though we had gotten their fairly early, they parked us on the last row, meaning we were one of the last to be able to leave when it was all over. We just waited until everyone else was out, then took our turn. It was still a nice evening with only a very little sprinkle to keep things cool and pleasant.
Sunday, July 6 - We had to get up early and have breakfast to make the early service at New Salem U.M.C. It was a very good service and the folks there were very inviting. Their youth leader is also their pianist and was excellent. He introduced a new song, "I Want to Know You," which was one we sang at Trinity. Today was Communion Sunday, and we were glad to receive it. The pastor's message was on submitting to those in authority over us like our governments. He said we were first to submit to God, and that He establishes governments to maintain order.
(Update) - This evening we had a visitor. We were sitting under our awning on the camping pad when John happened to look over beyond the picnic table and see a copperhead. He said, "Whoa" and Joan asked "What?" He answered, "You might not want to know." Being the brave one, John got his campfire pokey stick and tried to shoo it away. It would have nothing of that and actually began to slowly move closer to John and the camper. John was ready to climb on the picnic table and asked Joan to walk down to the host's camper and call the ranger to come and take care of this thing. After a few minutes and the snake moving within a couple of feet from the camping pad, he arrived and asked if we wanted him to kill it. John said that if the snake were to move away, we would not have a problem with letting it go. But because it is so aggressive, it should not be allowed to remain a threat to us or other campers. The ranger tried to kill it with a shovel, but was not successful. He tried to kill it with his 22 cal. rifle, but was also unsuccessful. That's when our host got a 12 gauge shotgun he inherited from his grandfather and took the snake out. The snake was a little less than 3 feet long, but not as big as one they had dealt with near the restroom a couple of weeks ago.
Monday, July 7 - We took a coffee walk around the loops before breakfast, then did some early cleaning up and putting away in preparation for leaving tomorrow.
See pictures:
http://picasaweb.google.com/johnjoanW/CloudlandCanyonStateParkLookoutMtGaJune24July08
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment