Life Verse:

"...I have come that they may have life and that they may have it more abundantly." -- JESUS in John 10:10

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Hiking Barton's Beach Nature Preserve - 12/18/2012





Hike:  Barton's Beach Nature Preserve, Tuesday, December 18, 2012, 10:00-14:30CST
Distance:  6 miles    Rating: 4.5/5
Difficulty:  Easy to Moderate
Conditions:  Clear blue sky - gorgeous!  Unseasonably warm.  Calm.  Lots of rain over the previous weekend left some water standing in places but not overly muddy.  We did not have to divert from any trails.

Thoughts/Observations:

Hiking with my brother.  (Do not get to do that nearly enough.)  Today was his first time in this location.  I think he had a blast.

Many birds (as usual).  Also observed squirrel & rabbit.  Saw a moderate sized mammal off the Fern Trail -- it looked a lot like a skunk with a bushy tail but was lighter colored (no smell detected).

Wonderful place to hike.  Really enjoyed Secret Lake.  The palmettos, cypress trees, and Spanish moss engenders thoughts of a primeval forest.  The Cahaba River was swift moving and high today - as high as I have ever seen it here.

One hundred foot birding tower was a treat (as always) and a workout for the legs.  Glenn swears it was 200' high!

Enjoyed the outdoors and spending time with my brother!  Thank YOU, LORD.

Gear List:
  • MountainSmith Lumbar pack (ASK & 1st Aid Kit) 1L water
  • KaBar Eskabar
  • SOG Fasthawk
  • RedHead Gortex hiking boots
  • dSLR
  • Hiking pants & LS Shirt
  • Orange head do-rag (it is hunting season in the South you know!)


Saturday, December 01, 2012

Late Autumn Hike Swayback Bridge TOLA


Hike: Swayback Bridge Trail of Legends, Sat. 12/1/2012, 08:45-10:30CST
Distance: 4 miles  Rating: 4.5/5
Difficulty: Easy
Conditions: Bright, clear blue sky.  Calm.  Upper 60s.  Trails dry and in excellent shape.
Thoughts/Observations:
Great hike.  A few mountain bikers and trail runners on the trails.  Enjoyed the passerines, gray squirrels, and chipmunks - several stopped and watched me watching them!

My steps were cushioned by a deep carpet of brown and gray leaves.  Most of the leaves are down now.  The view into the forest is much deeper than during the spring or summer.  I should have brought binoculars.

"Joyful, Joyful We Adore THEE, GOD of Glory LORD of Love"!