Saturday Gahutti Backcountry Trail

 

Although we shortened the loop from the initial 7.9 miles to 5.3 miles the hike was still challenging. We took the shortcut since it was evident that even with the trail being shaded the day was going to get quite hot.

The trail was clear and well marked and there were some outstanding views to be had.

Wednesday Urban Hike

We changed things up a bit last night and did an almost five mile urban hike from North Shore crossing the Walnut street bridge and through downtown. The route took us along a portion of the Trail of Tears to Ross's Landing and past the police officer's memorial.

 

Along the way a lively discussion ensued about our Holy Mother and how remarkable her life must have been to remain sinless even in her day to day thoughts.

We encountered a number of homeless individuals and it served as a reminder of how grateful we should be for all God has blessed us each with. Perhaps the next time we do this we will incorporate our call to corporal acts of mercy by bringing along something to give them such as protein bars or water.

New Monday Start Point

Moving the start point of the river walk one access point south enabled us to explore the area a bit closer to downtown.  

 

 

Placed all throughout this section near the museum of art are various sculptures and artistic displays. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We managed to get some hills in as we approached the museum which gave us a great view of the river and Walnut Street bridge before heading down the sidewalk switchback to Ross's Landing.

 

Saturday at Cherokee National Forest

 

Despite the forecast calling for substantial rain we were blessed with a wonderful morning. There were enough clouds to keep the temperatures down and just enough sun to make it cheerful.

 

AllTrails lists this as 6.8 miles but we actually clocked close to 8 miles in three hours! The loop route was a combination of multiple trails so navigation was a bit of a challenge.

 

 

Ah sweet solitude, we encountered only one mountain biker and a handful of other hikers. Mike noted that this will be an awesome place to return to once the leaves change.

What a way to finish - lunch at the Gazebo Overlook

 

Wednesday Evening At Harrison Bay

 

With the days getting shorter we had to find a new venue for our evening hike. 

This week we gave the Bay Loop in Harrison Bay State Park a whirl. The park stays open for hikers until 10pm whereas most others close at dusk. The loop is just a bit over 4 miles, is very flat and comfortably wide. We didn't see a lot of cyclists but there are quite a few roots to catch an unwary toe.

 

The trail loops around the shores of the bay so there is always a wonderful waterfront view.

 

 

 

 

 

 Thanks to Amanda and Mike we kept a respectable pace and finished in just over 90 minutes.  

 

 

Tiny Saint on Monday Walk

 

Another beautiful morning on the river and one of our regulars gave me a "Tiny Saint". Thank you Amanda for this cute treasure, I'll definitely find a prominent place on my pack to always carry our patron saint!!

Click here to see the website. 

Also I was asked what the "Ten Essentials for Wilderness Travel" are that I ask people to bring on our more remote hikes. It isn't exactly ten specific items, more like ten categories of things to have in case one gets stuck for the night (or longer). 

The Sierra Club of San Diego has offered an extensive 10 week course on wilderness travel since 1957. The list to the right is from this course.

Click here to see course details. 

On a personal note, although I carry a Garmin GPS, I always also have a suitable topo map of the area and a compass in case batteries die or other electronic failure. 

I will probably create a separate detailed post in the future of my specific 10 essential items.