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!)
