Happy Birthday! My present involved an approximate 7.5 mile walk during a break in the rain on Saturday the 5th. Dudes! and Dudettes! It was a beautiful walk which began at the gate along the road going up to the School House Gap trail. On the way up the road I passed one of the owners of this property that borders the park. I had met Jim last fall one of the times when I hiked from this trail head shortly after I moved to Townsend. At that time, as he leaned against his truck, he told me how sorry he was to see the development of the area he grew up in and pointed to a "retreat" being constructed off on a not so distant mountain, noting the noise, erosion, and destruction of trees. The picture of the house with this posting is where Jim was born.
Along the walk I noticed bunches of fat squirrels, some birds and was "flagged" by a deer. "Flagged" is a deer hunters term used to describe the vertical tail of a spooked deer during which all you see is the white tail.
Along the walk I noticed bunches of fat squirrels, some birds and was "flagged" by a deer. "Flagged" is a deer hunters term used to describe the vertical tail of a spooked deer during which all you see is the white tail.
The first 1/4 mile plus of road leads up to the trail head and Schoolhouse Gap. Every time I walk up, or back down, this roadway I'm blown away how beautiful Tuckalechee Cove is.
The School House Gap trail was quiet from the recent moisture and being that this is a dual use trail for horseback riders as well, it is also wide and free of downed trees etc... . These equestrians should police after themselves. Better yet, have no reason to pick up after themselves! I noticed empty cans and bottles, things not likely to be carried by someone on their feet and damn if your going to smoke while you ride or hike carry out your butts people! I used to smoke and backpack and it is not a problem to carry a Ziploc to place your butts in after carefully rolling out the fire and fully extinguishing it. My former hiking partner and I even reused our butt bag on the next trip. I get frustrated by folks seeming mental disconnect. When for example, they say, "Oh, isn't this beautiful", while they peel their candy bar wrapper off and leave it along the trail or throw the plastic bottle out the window! Are my words congruent w/ my actions? Enough.
Turkey Pen Ridge was a really cool trail and I will use it as part of what looks like would be about a 12-14 mile RT loop I'm scouting. More about that later. This route was mostly moderate w/ some difficult spots mainly in a few somewhat extended inclines. W/ patience and fluids this route is very "doable" even for the novice hiker. Peace,
The School House Gap trail was quiet from the recent moisture and being that this is a dual use trail for horseback riders as well, it is also wide and free of downed trees etc... . These equestrians should police after themselves. Better yet, have no reason to pick up after themselves! I noticed empty cans and bottles, things not likely to be carried by someone on their feet and damn if your going to smoke while you ride or hike carry out your butts people! I used to smoke and backpack and it is not a problem to carry a Ziploc to place your butts in after carefully rolling out the fire and fully extinguishing it. My former hiking partner and I even reused our butt bag on the next trip. I get frustrated by folks seeming mental disconnect. When for example, they say, "Oh, isn't this beautiful", while they peel their candy bar wrapper off and leave it along the trail or throw the plastic bottle out the window! Are my words congruent w/ my actions? Enough.
Turkey Pen Ridge was a really cool trail and I will use it as part of what looks like would be about a 12-14 mile RT loop I'm scouting. More about that later. This route was mostly moderate w/ some difficult spots mainly in a few somewhat extended inclines. W/ patience and fluids this route is very "doable" even for the novice hiker. Peace,
Hey Dude, didn't know it was your birthday! Good to see you spent it in an appropriate manner.
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