Todays’ hike, led by Shawn Gossman, began at the Benham Hill trailhead parking lot. 19 other hikers gathered, including about 5 new hikers. The morning started out with a somewhat overcast sky, yet quickly, with movement and getting into the woods, we all warmed up, and layers were removed.  With all the rain of the previous 48 hrs, we wondered what the trails had in store for us. For the most part, the mud was not too bad. We saw and crossed many  small water flows across the trail, working the way into streams and valleys below us. There were several nice cascades to see, pause and take pictures. I think someone even found a single morel mushroom. We made our way to One Horse gap, but, before that, we went through No Horse gap, and worked our way down to the stream below, to look at the various levels of rushing water, and 1 waterfall from the bluff opposite, Then, we all ate lunch, and took the group picture on top the the boulders at One Horse gap.  After lunch we made our way to Rocky Top.  By that time, the sky had cleared,the sun was out and the view was Wonderful.  Someone attempted a short rendition of the old Osbourne Brothers song “Rocky Top”.  We proceeded out, found the road and headed back to the parking lot. We ended up hiking about 6.4 miles. 

Next weeks’ hike, on Sat. April 1st, will be led by Sam Morales, meeting at the New Simpson HIll school parking lot at 10 am, then moving to Gum Springs. There could be horse trailers there, so, we don’t want to clog the small parking area.   Until then, See ya’ll On the Trail. 

Respectfully submitted, 

Chris Drone