Early Spring Hike - Swayback TOLA - 3/19/2016

Hike: Mostly red trail at Swayback TOLA, Saturday, 3/19/2016, 08:30-11:30CDT
Distance: 5.3 miles  Difficulty: Easy  Rating: 4.5/5
Conditions: Mostly cloudy to partly cloudy.  Hi 50s to low 60s.  Trails wet/muddy in spots but not too bad.  One blow-down necessitated detour off-trail.
Thoughts/Observations:

Great day for a hike!  Avian chorus was in resplendent glory today! 

Pics to follow later...

Fort Toulouse Hike - 3/11/2016

Hike: Ft. Toulouse National Historic Park, Wetumpka, AL, Fri., 3/11/2016 08:30-10:30CDT

Distance: 3.2 miles  Difficulty: Easy  Rating: 4/5

Conditions: Mostly clear.  Warm.  Calm.  Trails blocked in some spots by construction/repair work (Arboretum closed; bridge to Tallapoosa River closed).  Bottom area very muddy.  Alternate route had to be taken to the confluence of Coosa/Tallapoosa Rivers due to high water.

Thoughts/Observations:

 

Nice hike.  Some beautiful early Spring plants blooming.  Birds singing and squirrels scampering.  River levels were high and trails muddy (and in some spots closed).  Still enjoyed the solitude, worship time, and early Spring scene.

Quote of the Day - 3/9/2016

 

“God assumed from the beginning that the wise of the world would view Christians as fools, and he has not been disappointed.
“If I have brought any message today, it is this: Have the courage to have your wisdom regarded as stupidity.
“Be fools for Christ. And have the courage to suffer the contempt of the sophisticated world.”

– The late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia

Quote of the Day - Nancy Reagan



"To my young friends out there: Life can be great, but not when you can't see it. So, open your eyes to life: to see it in the vivid colors that GOD gave us as a precious gift to HIS children, to enjoy  life to the fullest, and to make it count. Say yes to life."

-- Nancy Reagan

 

 

Well said Mrs. Reagan.  Well said...

Mixed Greens Hike - Swayback Trail of Legends - 3/5/2016

Hike: "Mixed Greens", Swayback Trail of Legends, Lake Jordan Alabama; Saturday, 3/5/2016, 07:30-11:30CST

Distance: 7.5 miles  Difficulty: Easy  Rating: 4.5/5

Conditions: Clear. Calm. Lake tranquil.  Low 40s to low 60s.  Trails very wet/muddy from recent storms.

Thoughts/Observations: 

Absolutely fantastic day for a hike.  Could not ask for more perfect weather.  Clear skies.  Calm.  Cool temperatures (but no rain and no wind).  Trails were wet and muddy in spots, but not a significant issue.  Since I got an early start, I had no other company on the trails until 10:30 or 11:00.  Encountered a few mountain bikers and several hikers.  Kudos to a Dad taking two small sons hiking; a Mom hiking with her two young sons; and a Dad with his young daughter -- glad to see these families out enjoying GOD's Creation.

Birds of all types were busy today.  Several different woodpeckers were tapping out their respective cadences.  No gray squirrels were observed today.

Enjoyed my time of worship, prayer, and introspection.  Getting ready for church tomorrow!

 

Hike Statistics from Ramblr App.

Slide Show of Hike (from YouTube).