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| Senior Trailblazers on Lookout Mountain |
Yes, that is snow under our feet. This was another one of those days when we meet at 9:00am instead of 8:00am, and I wandered around impatiently this morning, because I don't know what to do when my schedule gets skewed. Finally it was time for us to meet at the Senior Center, and lo and behold, on a rainy day with a hike that is nobody's favorite, twelve of us showed up!
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| Melanie with our limited view behind her |
We planned to do the trails on Lookout Mountain and then head over to the Stimpson Reserve area to add another few miles to the day. When we started out, the rain came and went, but it wasn't bad at all. Then when it picked up, we stopped to put on our rain gear. Richard is showing Shirley, our newest member, how his rain skirt works.
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| "You just wrap it around like this," says Richard |
It does the trick, and the shower curtain that it came from probably never saw as much moisture as it has as his rain skirt. We walked in the rain and managed to keep from slipping on the patches of ice on the trail. There were some treacherous spots, but our trekking poles made all the difference.
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| Reaching for the sky |
I thought this magnificent tree, covered with moss, looked a little like a creature reaching up toward the heavens. Like I said, there wasn't a whole lot to take pictures of on our hike today. We climbed up to this waterfall, where we stopped to have lunch. The rain had lessened at this point.
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| Waterfall on Lookout Mountain |
It was pleasant, but by the time we started back down the trail, the rain again picked up considerably. When we got back to the trailhead, we decided to skip the second part of today's scheduled hike and just call it a day, having covered what Al called a "high five" distance (a little more than five miles). The rain gave us just the impetus we needed to stay in our cars, warm and cozy, instead of more trekking around in the rain for no good reason.
It was still a very good day, and it's always pleasant to get outdoors, no matter what the weather, when you've got good rain gear and good friends with whom to share the experience.
:-)
It does look like there is a creature in that tree.
ReplyDeleteDetermination is your second name I believe, Jan.
I hope your rain gear id working! Five miles is no small walk in the park:)
ReplyDeleteIt is always a source of admiration tor me when I read how scheduled your daily life is. You fill a lot into e very waking moment. It is close to Chtistmas now and I am taking this time to wish you happy holidays.
ReplyDeleteAlways nice to get outdoors, no matter where or how far you walk.
ReplyDeleteWe had just a very light rain mid morning and then I guess it just skipped on up north to you. sorry about that.
ReplyDeleteI did have to grin a bit about you pacing because you couldn't start at 8:00. I didn't even get out of bed until after 8.
I hated eating in the rain when my sandwiches got wet. fortunately we're in a dry area.
ReplyDeleteLove that tree.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, the outdoors is balm for the heart isn't it?
Rain or no rain it's still good to get outside!
ReplyDeleteWow! You and your band are the most intrepid group of hikers I know. Good for you and your amazing group. I love that tree too. Just looking at your photos made me feel a little chilly though.
ReplyDeleteYour new rain gear must be working well or you would have mentioned it, I would think. Rain on ice sounds treacherous to me. Nature is healing, though, that's for sure. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm impressed with all the high tech gear and outerwear. The photos are great; I almost feel like I am there :-)
ReplyDeleteYou are all such troopers! Literally and figuratively!
ReplyDeleteMaybe Richard will start a new trend in rainwear.
ReplyDeleteRain or snow I could deal with. Not sure about both at the same time. Had to smile at your pacing at the late start. I do the same when luncheon date is moved to a later time. Funny how just one hour different can mess a person up:)
ReplyDeleteRain, snow, and chilly? I'd need a cup of tea to keep me going. However, I couldn't tell if it was chilly as everyone seemed bundled up, but Richard who had on short sleeves?
ReplyDeleteLove the waterfall. Have a great Christmas and New Year!
ReplyDeleteAs always, dramatic scenery and hey, merc is retro, that may explain the change in time.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait for my husband to retire, so we can move up near Bellingham and join your intrepid group! Your beautiful pictures on flickr are inspiring.
ReplyDeleteI love the Moss covered tree reaching WAY UP and also the waterfall. Much too cold here to be out walking, so am doing other things and busy with visitors. Oh, I miss walking today....perhaps tomorrow.
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