Thursday Morning Hike - Swayback - 1/24/2013

Hike: Swayback Bridge Trail of Legends, Thu, 1/24/2013, 09:45-12:30
Distance: 5.5 miles  Rating: 4.5/5
Difficulty: Easy
Conditions:  Mostly cloudy to mostly sunny.  Upper 50s with light & variable winds.  Trails mostly dry and not crowded.
Thoughts/Observations:
Four mountain bikers on the trail but otherwise trails were wide open.  Observed many passarines (Cardinals were especially noticeable today.).  No otters, squirrels, or deer seen.

Refreshing hike!  The "firmament" shows forth GOD's handiwork.  Delighted to partake of it.

Gear List:

• MountainSmith lumbar pack
• ESEE 4
• 1 KleenKanteen of water
• Gortex hikers
• Jazz Videocam

Jefferson Quote -- Food for Thought

I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them.

-- Thomas Jefferson

Short Hike @ Mountain Creek, Monday, 1/14/2013

Hike: Mountain Creek, Monday, January 14, 2013, 11:35-12:30
Distance: 2 miles  Rating: 4/5
Difficulty: Easy
Conditions: Misting rain.  Trails wet/muddy from recent rains.  Mid to upper 50s.  Calm.  No one else on trails.

Thoughts/Observations:

Short hike due to weather (misting rain with more coming) and lateness of morning.  Many gray squirrels busy scampering around (as they often do).  Several vocal crows could be heard as I hiked into the park.  The creeks were swollen from the recent rains and the babble and gurgle of the rushing water was comforting.  Low lying areas were swampy -- I appreciated my Goretex hikers!

Tried out my new "cheapo" videocam.  This piece of gear is for those trail occasions when weather is inclement or conditions might harm my digitalSLR.  The quality of video is okay (not outstanding) (as you can see below), but then it was only $20.00!

Be sure to get out as much as you can and "Be Still"...  Observe GOD's hand at work all around you.  You will be glad you did.

First Hike of 2013 - Swayback Bridge in the Rain

Hike: Swayback Bridge Trail of Legends, Friday, January 11, 2013, 10:10-12:30
Distance: 5 miles  Rating: 5/5
Difficulty: Easy
Conditions: Cloudy.  Light rain at start of hike.  Wind mostly calm.  Trails wet.  Temp low 70s!  Lake surface in the sloughs was perfectly smooth and quiet.  No ripples or waves at all.
Thoughts/Observations:
Wonderful way to start 2013!  I almost did not go hiking due to the threat of rain, but decided to go anyway.  Good decision.  The trails were void of any other people (no one else wanted to be outside in the rain) which meant I had exceptional opportunities to view wildlife.  And the wildlife did not disappoint...

Observed large whitetail doe, small family of otters playing in one of the sloughs, chipmunk, gray squirrel, passarines, woodpeckers, and crows.  The small family of otters particularly impressed me with their antics, vocalizations, and their movements trying to get a better look at me...

The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork. 2 Day unto day utters speech, And night unto night reveals knowledge. 3 There is no speech nor language Where their voice is not heard.
Psalms 19:1-3 (NKJV)

Amen!