Bluff Spring Journal
May 5th, 2007
It may be a little too late but we are starting in earnest to prepare for a week of hiking on the Appalachian Trail. So… today we are hiking the Buffalo River Trail from Steel Creek to Kyles Landing, about 8.4 depending on which signs you believe. We were sleepy heads and stayed in bed till 7:30. Can’t remember how long it’s been since that happened. Our usual getting up time of 4:30 or 5:30 am went and pasted as we decided to take advantage of a good bed and a cloudy morning.
By the time that we had taken care of the dogs, ran to town to buy a few supplies and stopped by a local outfitter to arrange for a shuttle, it was 10 am before we got on the trail. We did get by chance to meet Margret who was helping out with the outfitter. Turns out we know each other from work. It’s a small world. Margret was great and set us up to have our vehicle shuttled to the ending point of our hike-Kyles Landing. Our starting point was Steele Creek where we were glad to leave about 80 canoes that were still on racks and no telling how many that were already on the river. Saturdays this time of year get really crowded on the river.
Upon leaving Steele Creek, the Buffalo River Trail heads uphill very quickly. My description to persons about this trail is that they shouldn’t worry about the first part of the trail. It’s very steep, sometimes narrow and will make you want to stop for oxygen occasionally. The rest of the 8.4 mile trek also has its moments.
Occasionally we would look at each other and comment, “We have to stop going up sometime!”
The trail makes it way in the general direction of the river with occasional glimpse of the Buffalo. We only saw one other person on our 5 hour hike and she was riding a mule on a trail that crossed the BRT. The mule’s name was Easy. The lady said she name her mule Easy, because that was all she said to him as she was riding-“Easy, Easy.”
Along the way we crossed several small streams and found a great place for a waterfall picture in high water. I’ll have to go back after a few days of heavy rain to try and bag this photo that I could see in my mind.
We also saw some gorgeous wild azaleas and several beautiful butterflies.
And, we did finally start down as we descended to Kyles Landing across the dry Indian Creek and into the campground. As promised Margret had our SUV waiting for us. Back at the cabin my beautiful bride rustled up some of the best tasting steaks that we enjoyed in a cool breeze out on the deck. I know the Appalachian Trail is supposed to be great, but I don’t see how it can compare to this great stretch of the BRT.
The next morning we slowly made our way around the cabin nursing a few sore muscles. Out on the deck having our morning coffee, we were greeted by one of our cabin friends.
May 26th, 2007
The first annual Mt. Sherman Block Party was held today. A great time was had by all. Everyone brought great food for the feast. We had catfish, hush puppies, french fries, slaw, boiled shrimp fresh from Louisiana, potato salad, brisket, et tu fey, rice and someone sneaked in some fruit. We're trying to find out who would do such a thing. Then to top off the day, our good friend Dick presented us with a multimedia scrap book of the building of our cabin. It was amazing. Dick had taken pictures every few days over the 20 months to build. What a journey. Dick had captured several scenes we had missed because we couldn't be there everyday. Thanks Dick, it was great and something we'll cherish.
May 28th, 2007
We spent the morning laying out all our gear in preparation for a week on the Appalachian Trail. When we finally got it all loaded in our packs. Needless to say, mine was the heaviest. My camera gear made most of the difference. I really tried to take the minimum I could, but that still added up to 12 pounds. After hiking for a week with 12 additional pounds on my back I'd better get some great photos.
The journal won't be updated from June 3rd through the 10th. We're headed to Washington, D.C. for a couple of days and then a week on the trail in the Shenandoah National Park. Hope our kids enjoy the house while we're gone. It had better be standing when we get back!