Ft. Toulouse/Jackson - 12/22/2009

Hike: Ft. Toulouse/Jackson NHP - Tue., 12/22/2009, 09:15-11:15
Distance: 4 miles Rating: 5/5
Difficulty: Easy
Conditions: Temp in mid 40's. Gorgeous sunshine; bright blue sky. No wind.
Thoughts/Observations:
Lots of fauna today: deer, squirrel, and many, many representatives from Aves! Coosa and Tallapoosa Rivers are still quite high from all the recent rains. Could not hike the lowland trails near the Tallapoosa River - they were all under water! The mud left from the high water mark was a good 6' higher still. The sight around the boat launch on the Tallapoosa was particularly impressive. I have personally never seen the Tallapoosa that high. The normal placid surface and aquamarine color of the Tallapossa was replaced with a powerfully moving surface and a muddy-brown color.

LORD, YOU really stilled my mind and spoke peace, love, and joy to me today. Thank YOU for this magical place.

Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail - 12/21/2009

Hike: Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail, Mon., 12/21/2009, 11:17-14:00
Distance: 5 miles Rating: 5/5
Difficulty: Moderate
Conditions: Beautiful, bright blue day! Mild temps. Little to no wind.
Thoughts/Observations:
Got a late start on the trail today. Did not observe much fauna other than several passarines. Noticed that jeep was leaking water from underneath after I shut it off (about a half-cupful). May be water pump trouble. I decided to go ahead with the hike to let the engine cool enough to check the radiator level. (I checked the level after the hike and found it full. CHI-J got me home too! Thank YOU, LORD!)

Some spectacular views of Lake Martin! I felt the need to talk to GOD a little while on the south trail and the special rock altar overlooking the lake is just the place! I have dubbed it the Altar of the SON.

Found myself humming/singing the tune, "Start at the Manger Then Go to the Cross" throughout most of the hike.

Big Coldwater Creek is BIG!

How would you like to be kayaking today on Big Coldwater Creek???  This link will take you to the USGS real-time river data for Big Coldwater Creek.  The level is about as high as I have ever seen it...
http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?02370500

Hike - Mountain Creek

Hike: Fri., 12/4/2009, 13:00-15:00 - Mountain Creek, AL
Distance: 4.0 miles
Rating: 4.5/5.0
Difficulty: Easy
Conditions: Cool, partly cloudy, high fast-moving cirrus clouds, light breeze. Cool enough for long sleeves but not cool enough for a jacket.
Thoughts/Observations:
Haven't been able to get outdoors for several weeks - I do miss it.
Had the park to myself - except for passarines, squirrels, chipmunks, and skunks, but found it difficult to still my mind today. Found myself thinking a lot about Diane and what she's going through right now. I pray FATHER, that we will learn what YOU have for us in this situation. I pray for Diane's health and strength. Guide me to be the man YOU are calling me to be.