Swayback Hike 05/14/2016

Hike: Portions of the Black and Red Trails at Swayback TOLA, Saturday, 5/14/2016, 08:00-10:30CDT
Distance: 5.7 miles  Difficulty: Easy; Family & dog friendly  Rating: 4.5/5
Conditions: Upper 60s to low 70s.  Wind light.  Trails damp from recent rains but no standing water or serious mud.  Gorgeous Spring weather -- quite a few people on the trail by the time I finished.
Thoughts/Observations:
Passerines in abundance today (I really enjoy the Cardinal).  Their songs always lighten my spirit.  Squirrel and chipmunk busy scampering about.

Thoughts/prayers for several individuals and for services tomorrow.  Excellent time for worship, praise, and meditation.

Quick Hike @ Swayback

 

Hike: Gold Trail, Swayback TOLA; Saturday, 5/7/2016; 08:00-10:00CDT

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

Conditions: Low 60s to low 70s.  Calm.  Mostly sunny.  Trails mostly dry and in good shape.  Some vines beginning to encroach on trails and flying insects are busy.

Thoughts/Observations: 

Bird choirs were well represented today.  Great opportunity to get-out and enjoy GOD's Creation -- to commune with HIM.  Certainly was refreshing after two long weeks of outage work.  Cut the hike short to get back home to spend some time with Kathy in the backyard and finish preparations for Mother's Day on Sunday.

 

Notable Equipment:  MountainSmith lumbar pack; Merrill Moab hiking boots; OKC RAT5; Ramblr app; REI trekking poles.

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). 

Lakeside Hike - Swayback TOLA - Sat., 2/27/2016

Hike: Lakeside Trail, Swayback TOLA, Sat., 2/27/2016; 08:45-12:00CST
Distance: 4.7 miles  Difficulty: Easy.  Family and Pet friendly  Rating: 4/5
Conditions: Clear.  Beautiful blue sky.  Calm.  Lake was tranquil.  Low 30s at start headed to Hi of about 63 today.  Trails wet and muddy in spots from recent storms.  A couple of blow-downs due to previous stormy weather necessitated at least one minor detour.
Thoughts/Observations:
A little more comfortable hiking weather than yesterday due to calm winds.  Sky was clear and Lake Jordan was peaceful.  Only a couple of bass boats made an appearance.


Birds (of several different stripes) and gray squirrels were quite busy today.  Woodpeckers' cadence could be heard in several spots.

Encountered a few mountain bikers, a handful of other hikers, and a couple of dogs (both on leash -- and one of them needed to be on leash!).

Time of prayer and worship -- Hiking is a spiritual refreshing time for me.  It is cathartic to be immersed in GOD's Creation as I fellowship with HIM.

Ramblr link with Hike Stats and Pics!

GoPro video of Hike (YouTube)! 

Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail - Fri., 2/26/2016

Hike: Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail North Loop, Chimney Rock, South Loop Trails; Fri., 2/26/2016; 08:45-12:30CST
Distance: 6 miles  Difficulty: Moderate  Rating: 4.5/5
Conditions: Upper 30s to Low 50s; Wind: steady and moderate off the lake; trails in good shape; some white caps on the lake!
Thoughts/Observations: 
Absolutely PERFECT hike.  Thank YOU, LORD, for a wonderful day and hike!  Excellent time of worship and introspection.  Except for the occasional bird and one coyote, I had the trails all to myself today.

Tested out Black Diamond Alpine Ergo trekking poles -- five stars in my opinion.  Certainly made the ascents and descents easier to manage.  The Fjallraven Vida Pro pants were comfortable and certainly up to the demands of the trail.

“For you shall go out with joy,
And be led out with peace;
The mountains and the hills
Shall break forth into singing before you,
And all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.

Isa. 55:12 NKJV 

Ramblr Link to Hike Stats and Pictures!

Video Blog of Hike (YouTube video)! 

Gold Trail - Swayback TOLA - 2/20/2016

Hike: Gold Trail, Swayback Trail of Legends, Sat., 2/20/2016 08:30-11:00CST
Distance: 4 miles  Difficulty: Easy  Rating: 4.5/5
Conditions: Foggy to mostly cloudy.  Comfortable temps.  Light breeze.  Trails wet from recent rains.  A few muddy spots.  Saw no mountain bikers today, only trail runners or hikers.
Thoughts/Observations:
Quite enjoyable hike.  The moderate fog made for a mysterious hike.  Taking the Gold Trail was a treat.  It hugs the ridge line and offers panoramic views of the lake.  With winter at it's latest, and all of the leaves off the trees, one can see deep into the forest.  Some features are visible this time of year that you would never notice otherwise.

Several birds, including some noisy crows, were busy about spring preparations.  Woodland violets are blooming and I am getting spring-fever!

A good time of Worship and Reflection.  Thank YOU, LORD, for life and life more abundantly.

1 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.
⁴ Their line has gone out through all the earth,
And their words to the end of the world.
Psalms 19:1-4 NKJV

Ramblr link to hike statistics. 

VideoLog of this hike.

Lakeside Trail - Swayback TOLA 2/13/2016

Hike: Lakeside Trail Swayback, Sat. 2/13/2016 09:45-11:45CST

Distance: 5.8 miles Difficulty: Easy Rating: 4.5/5 

Conditions: Clear blue sky. Low 40s. Wind calm to moderate. Trails dry with a few muddy spots.
Thoughts/Observations:
A pristine blue sky was the backdrop for the entire hike today.  One could not have asked for a more perfect setting.  With cooler temps (lower 40s at start) and moderate winds the frog choirs were not active today.  Birds of all sizes were actively involved in "bird-business" though.  Their songs and squawking were joined by the trees moaning in the wind.  Altogether a wonderful hike.

I was glad to see the bright Northern Cardinal -- Spring is coming!

As I was hiking out the main trail toward the trail head, I met two families on mountain bikes.  They were riding in reverse order of age (youngest in the front).  I was impressed with the young girl's trail etiquette and presence of mind.  Upon seeing me she immediately yelled out to the riders behind "hiker ahead, move to the right".  There were about 6 kids from elementary age to teens with their two moms.  (Don't know why neither dad was present.)  Kudos to you both, Mom, for taking your children out on the trail!

Great prayer and worship time today.  Had the trails largely to myself.

Ramblr Link for my Hike Stats with some additional pictures. 

 Vlog of the hike (from Youtube).

 

Thought of the Day - 2/10/2016

 “Even if you’re on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there.”

 – Will Rogers

Fab Friday Hike @ Swayback

Hike: Lakeshore Trail Freestyle, Friday, 2/5/2016 09:30-12:30CST

Distance: 5.6 miles Difficulty: Easy Rating: 4.5/5

Conditions:  Almost perfect for hiking. Clear and quite cool. Moderate breeze. Trails wet from winter rains. No one else on trails. 

Thoughts/Observations: 

Bright azure sky contrasted by the gray and brown of the Southern winter forest was the setting for my hike today. I was serenaded by numerous birds and frog choirs. The forest itself joined the chorus as it swayed and moaned in the breeze. Altogether the forest & I worshipped our CREATOR. 

Ramblr link with Pics and Stats!

 GoPro hike video!

Hiking with the Brother - Smith Mountain Alpine Trail - 1/30/2016

Hike: Smith Mountain Alpine Trail, Lake Martin, Alabama, Sat. 1/30/2016  11:00-13:30CST

Distance:  3.5 miles  Difficulty: Moderate due to elevation changes  Rating: 5/5

Conditions: Perfect day for a hike! Low 70s. Calm to light winds. Mostly clear.  Trails in excellent shape.  Were more hikers than I am used to meeting.  Believe the "draw" of the new trail and Fire Tower makes for more people.  

Thoughts/Observations:  

Enjoyed exploring the "new trail" with my brother.  Wonderful vistas from atop the restored Fire Tower sitting on the top of Smith Mountain.  Skeleton of a fire service cabin sets at the base of the tower.  Good to see several families, some with small children, out enjoying GOD's Creation. 

Water levels were down as is typical for the Winter.  We were able to hike to several "small islands" that would have necessitated getting wet during warmer weather. 

"Exploring" this area brought back fond memories of growing up hiking the woods around Brundidge!

Hiking stats from Ramblr.


Video below is my feeble, beginning attempt at recording some of my hikes on video (GoPro).
YouTube video of Smith Mountain Alpine Trail Hike! 

Thought of the Day - Friendship

The glory of friendship is not the outstretched hand, not the kindly smile, nor the joy of companionship; it is the spiritual inspiration that comes to one when you discover that someone else believes in you and is willing to trust you with a friendship. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Thought of the Day

The Superstitions Arizona

Think like a man of action, act like a man of thought.

~Henri Louis Bergson

Quote of the Day

 Photo from one of my Cherokee Ridge hikes...

Beware lest you lose the substance by grasping at the shadow. ~Aesop

Hiking The Red Trail @ Swayback 1/23/2016

Hike: Red Trail Swayback TOLA; Sat. 1/23/2016. 09:30-13:00CST

Distance: 7 miles. Difficulty: Easy.  Rating: 4.5/5

Conditions: Brisk. Low 30s. Trails very wet. Cloudy to partly sunny. A few stray light flakes of snow at start. 

Thoughts/Observations:

Cardinals, woodpeckers, and other passerienes were busy about the lower canopy & forest floor. No bikers today. Met a Cub Scout pack on the trail. 

Time of worship & praise.

Ramblr Link - Stats
 YouTube link for Creek Fall to Lake
YouTube link for Froggy Swamp - Red Trail

Swayback Lakeside Trail

Hike:  Swayback Bridge TOLA Lakeside Trail; Sat. 1/16/2016; 09:30-11:45CST
Distance:  4.7 miles    Difficulty:  Easy    Rating:   4.5/5
Conditions:  Clear and Sunny.  Low 60s.  Calm.  Trails very wet from recent rains.  No mountain bikers seen today.
Thoughts/Observations:  Gloriously beautiful day.  Thank YOU, LORD, for YOUR magnificent creation.  Quality time of worship and prayer -- hikes are almost always a spiritual time for me.  Enjoyed using the GoPro.  Thank you, Diane, Robert, and Kathy.

Ramblr Link

YouTube GoPro Video

YouTube GoPro Video#2

Oak Mountain GoPro Hike 12/29/2015

Hike: Green Trail (Peavine Falls Trail), Oak Mountain State Park, Pelham, AL  12/29/2015
Distance: 4  miles  Difficulty: Moderate (due to elevation gain and footing)  Rating: 5/5
Conditions:  Partly cloudy.  Mild.  Calm.  Trails wet due to recent heavy rains.
Thoughts/Observations:
Hiking with Diane, Robert, and Roxie "The Trail Dog".  First use of my GoPro Hero camera (a Christmas gift from Diane, Robert, & Kathy).  Had a wonderful time.  So much more water going over Peavine Falls than I have seen before.  Beautiful day.  Much needed hike.

Ramblr Link for hike

YouTube video of Peavine Falls!

Quote of the Day

Memorial Hike for Gracie - 07/23/2015

Hike: Mountain Creek - Memorial Hike for Gracie - Thursday, 7/23/2015

Distance, Time, and Conditions do not matter on this hike - only memories.  These trails remind me so much of Gracie and our hikes.  I tried to make sure I hit all of the special spots -- where I would stop and feed her treats; where she and Diane played as they hiked up the hill; where Diane and Gracie posed for pictures.  I was glad for the sprinkling rain -- it washed away the tears.

Quote of the Day - 2015-05-29

"Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. " 
-- Helen Keller

Memorial Day Hike 2015

Hike: Freestyle @ Swayback TOLA

Distance: 4.0 miles. Rating: 4.0/5.0

Difficulty: Easy. Suitable for families & dogs. 

Conditions: Cloudy. Light breeze. Mid to upper 70s. Trails mostly dry & clear. 

Thoughts/Observations: 

Good hike. Much needed. Gray squirrels busy along the trails. Mimosas in full bloom. Their perfume brings back so many fond memories. Thank YOU, LORD for so many things.

Ramblr link to hike details

 

Short Swayback Hike 4/3/2015

Birthday hike with my brother. Nice warm day. Brilliant sunshine. Forest wildflowers are blooming. Woodland violets are my personal favorites. 

Hike: Swayback Green Trail (modified)

Distance: 2.5 miles. Rating: 4/5

Difficulty: Easy

Conditions: Clear. Light wind. Trails clear with a few muddy spots. Warm. 

Thoughts/Observations: 

Birthday hike with my brother. Cut short for bday lunch!
Ramblr Map of Hike 

Verse of the Day

9 For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;  10 that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy;  Col. 1:9-11 NKJV