Old Rag Mountain

Saturday, September 21, 2019
Today I hike the Old Rag Mountain Loop. I did not complete this hike. I should have done more research before attempting this hike. Two miles into the hike is a rock scramble. It listed the hike as very strenuous.  This is the first time I've seen very strenuous as underestimated. Since I was practicing for hiking the Appalachian Trail, I had a full backpack complete with all gear. I don't know whether I would have tried this hike with a daypack but definitely not with a 32 lb pack.  Not a lot of miles only 4.1 round trip. However elevation change was 3500 feet. A great hike to practice for the Appalachian Trail. One day I would like to try this with my sons.

New Years 2016 Bull Hill

Bull Hill (Mt. Taurus)

Wow!!  It has been awhile since I have been able to blog.  For those who don't know, I had a knee replacement last April.  I have done a couple of small hikes and supported the Troop 61 AT hike last June.  I am overjoyed that my son Kyle will do a southbound AT hike starting in July.  I look forward to "helping" ( I tend to be an overbearing Dad) and HIKING.  However, I am SO out of hiking shape I will be needing to work out as well as I hike if I ever have a prayer of keeping up with my son.  I hope to meet him at different points of the AT and hike some.

Top of Bull Hill

I have been told that there was some good hiking in this area and I am NOT disappointed. Great elevation change, though not a long climb.  It reminded me of the Coosa challenge, climbing Coosa bald in Georgia.  The views over the Hudson River were simply spectacular. These photos do not do it justice.  The temperature change due to sunlight and wind was crazy.  One minute roasting, the next freezing.  On the mountain top, the temperature was a balmy 37 degrees and wind was out of the northwest 10-15 mph.  

I had all my hiking equipment with me and only packed a day pack (lunch, compass, map and survival gear).  My GPS was useless as it was out of batteries (what is that scout motto again?).  I can not provide stats for this hike, but according to the diagrams, I hiked about 4.5 miles and had about 2200 ft. of elevation change.  I hope to do the Breakneck ridge hike next; it is a local favorite.  Blackhawk signing out.  May the Great Master of all scouts keep us healthy and safe this New Year!

Alafia River Corridor 10/25/2014

Today we hiked the Alafia River Corridor.  We hiked 5.23 miles , learned about proper hydration,  foot care and a intro to hiking food.  We shared the trail with troop 177.  Mr. Wahle demonstrated techniques for climbing and desending steep terrain.  We watched a golden silk orb weaver spider (photo attached).  We had a VIP attend the hike; none other then sponge bob square pants (see pic of him resting).  After the hike, we went for SLURPEES!!  The hike was supported by Mr. & Mrs. W., Mr. J, Mr. S., and Mr. & Mrs.  M.  Attending the hike was Kyle M., Kyle B., Walter W., Jon C., Fred W., Jacob M., Austin S., & Cole J.

Citrus Trails Loop "D" February 1-2, 2014

This weekend we have returned to the famous "desert trail".  Two years ago, having to hike to our water drop, we almost all ran out of water and some of us suffered from heat exhaustion.  Definetly a lesson learned.  

We started from the PCoB at 8 a.m.   We split our food (Philmont rations) and left for the trails.  We arrived about an hour later, and David B. (crew leader) decided that we would hike the loop in the opposite direction.  We have already dropped our water and this will mean an additional 2 miles.  A healthy hike of 8.9 miles to our camp.  

We then hiked to our water and returned (2 miles extra).   We set up our tarps and tents and ate dinner.  Kyle M. and Paul B. started a campfire and at 8 p.m. I went off to ZZzzzzzz.  Also attending was Kyle B., Jonathan B., and Grace B.  Welcome back to Bryce F. and Mr. F. and a warm welcome to JV and Grant B.  The hike was suppported by Mr. M., Mr. Be, and Mr. Bo.  

On Sunday, we set out at 9 a.m. and hiked 11.5 miles; a good hiking day.  We stopped and investigated a cave near Lizzie Hart sink.  Total 20.5 miles

Next month we will be hiking the Coosa Backcountry Trail.  WooHoo!!  That's it for now Blackhawk out.

"Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you...while cares will drop off like autumn leaves." -John Muir

Croom Trails 1/11-12/2014

Croom Trails 1/11-12/2014

Troop 61 hiking crew enjoyed two days of hiking in preparation for the July aquablaze.  We started from the PCoB at 7:30 am; arrived at the trails at 9:30 am.   Joining us for the hike was David (the crew leader), Paul, Kyle, Jon, Nick, and newcomers Grace & Jonathan. The hike was supported by Mr. B the other Mr. B, Mr. C, Mr. M & Mr. M 2.0.  We hiked a little over eight miles the first day and made camp around 4 pm.  We were taught about Philmont tarps by David, Kyle and Paul.  We hope to do Phimont meals on the next hike.  Unfortunately, legos and electric cars kept some of our crew from attending.  However, the was ample apple pie supplied by Paul (thank you).  Too bad for Walter and Fred (derf)!  

Mmmmm... Did Walter & Fred enjoy their pie??

After dinner, we had to hurry as we were hit by fairly strong storms.  They lasted until about 10 pm.  After the storms, the moon came out so brightly that when I woke at midnight, I thought I had overslept and it was morning.

The next day, we hiked another 10 miles, bringing the total to 18 for this hike.  Grace & Jonathan did a terrific job!  Welcome!  Till next month.  Blackhawk out.

"Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you...while cares will drop off like autumn leaves." -John Muir

Croom Trail Loop "C" 12/28/2013

Friends got together today and hiked the Croom Loop "C".  It was interesting because I haven't been on this particular section of Croom.  I have done the "A" loop twice.  Troop 61 will hike the entire circumference of these trails in two weeks.  There were a little up and down nothing compared to the AT.  It was mostly pines and oak, mostly shady.  A nice place to hike.

Today, Jake M. did very well.  He complained that this was his last hike, but he does like it, he just wants it to be easier.  Thanks to Walter W. for being a sport and mentoring Jake all day.  It was very nice to hike again with Mr. W. as he is not able to hike with us this year.  He will be missed.  Also joining us today, was Mr. N., Xavier N., Kyle M., Mrs. M., and Mr. M 2.0.  Jake and Mrs. M. were told were doing 6 3/4 miles (a little more than we did at Little Manatee River) but we actually did 8.1 miles.  Mrs. M. said she could do no more than 7.   We will see you next month Mrs.M. (we will not let you give up to easily!!).  Stats are 8.1 miles in 4 hours, plus 1/2 hour lunch.  We averaged better than 2 mph.   Blackhawk out.

"Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you...while cares will drop off like autumn leaves." -John Muir

Alderman's Ford 11/24/2013

Today, I hiked Alderman's Ford hiking trail. I hiked about 3 miles.  I have just purchased a Sierra Designs 65 liter backpack and needed to try it out.  Verdict is still forthcoming;  it is made to only contact your back on the shoulders and hips and provides excellent ventilation for your back.  However, so the pack fits properly and doesn't slide, you have to keep the straps extremely tight.  We will see.  I have also tried my Sawyer Mini filter.  I have fitted my Platypus 3 liter hydration pack with fittings on the tube so I can filter directly into the bladder without removing it from my pack.  That worked excellent.

I also checked out the Alafia River Corridor Trail.  We should be able to use this trail as part of a canoe/ hike; start in Keysville, hike to Aldermans Ford, put in canoes there and stop at Lithia Springs.  Camp at Lithia Springs overnight to take out at either Kings Ave. or the Dodson residence.

We are off to Daytona Beach for four days.  I will try to take in at least one day hike.  Till next time.  Blackhawk out.

"Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you...while cares will drop off like autumn leaves." -John Muir