Hike: The Deadening Alpine Trail - 07/15/2016

Hike: The Deadening Alpine Trail, Sat 07/15/2016 09:00-12:00CDT

Distance: 4.4 miles  Difficulty: Difficult due to scrambles  Rating: 4.5/5

Conditions: Hot, humid.  Partly cloudy to mostly clear.  Calm.  Trails wet from recent rains but not muddy - in good shape.

Thoughts/Observations:

This hike is always a workout and today was no exception.  Forest sounds were limited to birds and insects except on the lake, where boats and jet skis were the order of the day.  Some of the trail has been modified but the route is largely unchanged.

Portions of this trail have challenging scrambles (up and down).  Hiking poles are an asset here.  

Time of worship and introspection.  LORD, GOD, YOU are amazing!

Ramblr Link with hike stats and additional pics.

 

Mountain Biking - Swayback TOLA - 07/14/2016

Bike:  Swayback Trail of Legends, Thu 07/14/2016 09:30-10:30CDT

Distance: 4.5 miles  Difficulty: Moderate due to heat/humidity and technical aspects  Rating: 4/5

Conditions: Hot/humid.  Calm.  PCloudy.  Trails in good shape.

Thoughts/Observations: 

Quite a few roots and rocks on most of the single-track.  Makes for a more technical ride.  L-o-n-g hill coming up from Swayback Bridge is challenging; especially when one is just getting back onto the mountain bike!  Can tell I need more saddle time.

Enjoyable ride and good workout.  Some of the trail time is off-bike, exploring some small side trails I found.

Verse of the Day - 7/13/2016

 ‘Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.’ 

-- Jeremiah 33:3

Urban Hike Silverhills & Overlook II

 

Urban Hike: Overlook II and Silverhills, Mon. 7/11/2016, 19:45-20:45CDT

Distance: 2.5 miles  Difficulty: Easy  Rating: 4/5

Conditions: Early evening Thunderstorms cooled the air.  Very comfortable walk through the neighborhoods.  One small Thundercloud still visible in the west provided some distant lightning displays.

Thoughts/Observations:

Good time to think, pray, and worship as I hiked from Overlook II through part of Silverhills.  Prayers for those sick and hurting.  Thankful for answer to prayers!  Prayers for wisdom, discernment, and understanding to guide HIS church in these difficult times.  Our nation is in dire straits.  If we do not turn back to GOD I fear there will no country left for our grandchildren.

Ramblr link for hike stats. 

Thought for the Day - Love & Light - 07/11/2016

Love changes darkness into light and makes the heart take a wingless flight.

-- Helen Steiner Rice

Summer Hike - Swayback TOLA - 2016-07-09

Hike: Swayback Trail of Legends - Lakeside - Sat., 07/09/2016, 09:00-12:00CDT

Distance: 7 miles  Difficulty: Moderate due to heat/humidity Rating: 4.5/5

Conditions: Mostly cloudy to Thunderstorm.  Rain starting at end of hike.  Hot/humid.  Light breeze.  Trails in excellent shape.  

Thoughts/Observations:

Great hike.  Time to worship, pray, meditate, and enjoy GOD's Creation.  The thunderstorm came up quickly.  One of the typical "pop up" summer storms.  The cooling effects of the accompanying rain were most welcomed.

Birds, insects, frogs, turtles, squirrels, and lizards were quite busy along the trails.  The frogs were very small (a new crop?).  Insect repellent creme (DEET 40%) seemed to work effectively keeping mosquitoes at bay.  Ticks and horseflies were also non-existent. 

Thought of the Day - 7/8/2016

“When one with honeyed words but evil mind persuades the mob, great woes befall the state.”
 – Euripides

What an appropriate thought for our current culture.  GOD help us!

Urban Hike: Overlook II & Silverhills - 7/6/2016

Urban Hike: Overlook II & Silverhills. Wed. 7/6/2016. 20:00-20:50CDT

Distance: 2.5 miles. Difficulty: Easy. Rating: 4/5

Conditions: Partly cloudy. Warm. Recent thundershowers cooled temps. 

Thoughts/Observations: 

Good evening walk after church. Enjoyed the rain-cooled air. Orange sherbet sunset. 

Cherokee Ridge Alpine North Trail, Chimney Rock, and Kowliga Bay LoopTrails - 7/4/2016

Hike: Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail (North and a portion of South), Chimney Rock Trail, and Kowliga Bay Loop Trail (clockwise from trailhead), Mon., 7/4/2016, 09:30-13:00CDT
Distance: 5.6 miles  Difficulty: Moderate (due to heat and humidity) Rating: 4.5/5
Conditions: Hot (mid 90s) with high humidity.  Mostly calm with occasional moderate breezes.  Mostly clear with some darker clouds.  Trails dry and well maintained.
Thoughts/Observations:
This hike was a workout with the high temps and humidity but it was very much enjoyed!  Forest was alive with plant, insect, and animal life.  A few various wildflowers were in bloom -- though the floral stars of the day were the ferns.  Cascading up and down the ridges and softening the forest floor, the green ferns stir primeval thoughts (they have always done that for me).

Though boat traffic was heavy on the lake at least one turtle seemed to be lazily swimming along the shoreline off Kowliga Bay.  One family had anchored their boat at one of the moderate sized islands off Kowliga Bay and set up a tent. The kids were enjoying playing in the water with floats.  They should have an excellent vantage point for the 4th of July fireworks tonight.

Got within 40 feet of three does near the end of the hike.  I was upwind from them and they had trouble spotting me.

Another thought and worship filled hike!

 Ramblr Link with Map and Hike Stats.

Hike: Swayback Trail of Legends - 7/2/2016

Hike: Swayback TOLA, Sat, 7/2/2016, 09:00-12:00CDT

Distance: 5.8 miles Difficulty: Easy

Rating: 4/5

Conditions: Hot. Humid. Calm. Mostly clear. Trails in good shape. A few blowdowns. 

Thoughts/Observations:

Enjoyable hike but quite hot and humid.  Made an effort to drink plenty of water but I still felt drained at the end of the hike.  The combination of high heat and oppressive humidity really sap your strength.

Birds, locusts, and a few frogs were singing.  Excellent time of meditation and worship.

Urban Mountain Biking: Overlook I, II, and Seasons 7/1/2016

Bike: City streets -- Overlook I, II and Seasons, Fri night, 7/1/2016, 20:00-21:00CDT
Distance: 7.4 miles  Difficulty: Moderate (due to night-time cycling and traffic conditions)
Rating: 4/5
Conditions: Calm.  Clear.  Very warm and humid.  Traffic ok -- heavier on Sheila and Tara.
Thoughts/Observations:
Nice neighborhood biking on the ATB.  Trying out the lighting system (gift from Diane).  The headlight (a CREE flashlight) works quite well.  Enough light to be seen and to see.  The alternate strobe flashes of the red tail light is particularly effective.  Thanks Diane!

Ramblr Link with ride stats and map. 

Urban Hike: YMCA East / Seasons 7/1/2016

Urban Hike: YMCA East to Seasons and return, Fri, 7/1/2016, 06:00-07:00CDT
Distance: 3.1 miles  Difficulty: Easy  Rating: 4/5
Conditions:  Calm.  Low clouds - some fog.  Very warm and a little muggy.  Sidewalks available throughout Overlook II, McQueen-Smith Road.  No sidewalks available in Seasons area, but traffic was not a problem.
Thoughts/Observations:
Good morning for an urban hike.  Birds were quite vociferous and melodious!  As today was the beginning of a long, holiday weekend for many people, traffic noise seemed less.  Excellent time to think, pray, and meditate.

I enjoy morning walks but my work schedule forces me to do evening walks most of the time.

Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do.

-- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Kayaking Cooter's Pond Area 6/25/2016

Kayaking: Cooter's Pond Area, Sat., 6/25/2016, 08:00-10:00CDT

Distance:  3.8 miles  Difficulty: Moderate due to heat/humidity  Rating: 4.5/5

Conditions: Very hot/muggy.  Calm.  Mostly clear and bright.  Lake was extremely smooth.  

Thoughts/Observations:

Many water birds visible today.  Alligator gar were jumping and rolling -- they seem to be quite active in the hot months.  Small shad breaching the surface (probably running from the gar!).  One massive alligator snapping turtle surfaced about 30ft from me between the large dock and the bridge at RTJ.  He took a look and then disappeared underneath the dark water.  

This was a beautiful, although very muggy, morning.  Being able to explore small nooks and sloughs among the cypress trees and snags was exciting and peaceful at the same time.  

I took the GoPro camera this time -- will review the video and attach here when time permits.

Ramblr link with kayaking stats, map, and more pics. 

Kayaking Swayback/Lake Jordan - 6/24/2016

Kayaking: Swayback/Lake Jordan, Friday, 6/24/2016, 08:00-10:00CDT

Distance: 4 miles  Difficulty: Moderate due to heat, distance, and dealing with ski boats on the lake

Rating: 4.5/5

Conditions: Clear/calm.  Hot/humid (typical Alabama summer weather).  Lake smooth except for chop from the occasional ski boat.  

Thoughts/Observations:

Enjoyable morning on Lake Jordan.  Water birds were busy trying to catch breakfast.  Fish jumping and turtles sunning.  Mimosas and some type of white lily were blooming along the shore throughout the route.

Kids at Camp Chandler were putting in the small sailing boats as I paddled by on the way back.  Their colorful sails and excited chatter made me smile.

Thank YOU, LORD, for this place and time -- for YOUR splendid Creation.

Ramblr link with paddle stats and more pics.

Urban Hike: Seasons 6/23/2016

Urban Hike: Seasons 6/23/2016 20:00-21:00CDT

Distance: 2.7 miles Difficulty: Easy. Family friendly. Dogs on leash.  Rating: 4/5

Conditions: Hot. Humid. Clear. Calm. Typical Dixie summer. Mosquitoes prowling but not too bad. Sidewalk available most of route.  Too dark for pictures. 

Thoughts/Observations:

Praying for rain. Friends and family on my mind. Enjoyable walk. 

Urban Hike Overlook I and Silver Hills

Urban Hike: Overlook I & Silver Hills, 6/21/2016, 19:30-20:30CDT

Distance: 3.3 miles. Difficulty: Easy. Rating: 4/5

Conditions: Very warm. Calm. Clear. Humid. 

Thoughts/Observations:

First time urban hiking in Overlook I. No sidewalks in that area forces one to focus more on traffic.

Ramblr Link with urban hike stats/map. 

Urban Hike Overlook II & Seasons - 6/19/2016

Hike: Urban hike Overlook II and Seasons, Sun. 6/19/2016, 19:40-20:20CDT

Distance: 2.2 miles Difficulty: Easy Rating: 4/5

Conditions: Mostly clear. Warm. Calm. Full moon rising. 

Thoughts/Observations:

Nice neighborhood walk. Peaceful. Good end to Father's Day. 

Kayaking Cooter's Pond/Alabama River 20160618

Kayaking: Cooter's Pond & Alabama River, Sat., 06/18/2016; 08:00-11:00CDT

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

Conditions: Cloudy.  Moderate breeze.  Small chop on open water - calm in protected areas.  Warm but pleasant temperature.  Steady stream of boats launching at the landing, but not crowded.

Thoughts/Observations:  

Kayaking with the Brother first time this year.  Had a wonderful time.  Quite a few water birds (mostly blue heron) busy today.  Alligator gar were jumping in the shallow areas.  One eagle nest visible in the old dead stand area.  In fact, we were treated to the sight of one eagle flying with a fresh catch in his/her talons!  Swallows were busy underneath the bridge at RTJ.  They have constructed an entire colony of adobe nests on the concrete pylons!

Lillypads were in abundance throughout the lakes at RTJ - some will be blooming shortly.  We did not see any alligators (which is just fine).

Explored the lakes at RTJ and completely around the island at Cooter's Pond.  

Ramblr link for kayak paddle stats - Part 1. 

Ramblr link for kayak paddle stats - Part 2. 

Urban Hike: Overlook II with Thunderstorms Building

Urban Hike: Overlook II, Mon., 6/13/2016, 19:20-20:10CDT

Distance:  2.4 miles  Difficulty: Easy  Rating: 4.5/5

Conditions: Cloudy; Thunderstorms building in the West.  Light to moderate breeze.  Concrete sidewalks and asphalt paved streets.

Thoughts/Observations:

Birds were not disturbed by the lightening and thunder in the distance.  They were busy singing and feeding.  Nice breeze kept mosquitoes at bay.  Mimosa fragrance was elegant.  GOD put on a great light show with vivid cloud to cloud and cloud to ground lightening.  Thunder was too distant to hear.

Greatly enjoyed the evening "urban hike"!

Click for Ramblr Urban Hike stats.

Urban Hike - Overlook II

Urban Hike: Overlook II area, Prattville, AL; Mon., 6/6/2016; 19:30-20:15CDT

Distance: 2.3 miles  Difficulty: Easy  Rating: 4/5

Conditions:  Very warm.  Clouds building.  Mosquitoes not a problem this evening.

Thoughts/Observations:  

Great Urban Hike around the Overlook II area.  Tried a different route near DPES.  Wonderful cloud and sunlight views this evening.

Click here for Ramblr link to Hiking Stats.