Sat. Oct. 15th, 2022, Sam Morales led 17 other hikers from the Benham Ridge Trailhead. We condensed down into 4 vehicles and moved about 2 ‘very dusty’ miles on into the forest. On the hike, we went by such areas as the fireplace at the old Rose cabin, ate lunch at the Herod overlook, which, with clear sunny skies, the trees were showing their muted, yet bountiful colors. We had several returning hikers and a few ‘newer’ to the River to River Trail Society hikers, including 1 from Brookport, who told me he had helped our President, at 1 time, many years ago, on a trail-building project.  We saw a small cemetery,  some bluffs, including a few small ‘windows’, and some ‘slots’ to explore. It was/IS Very dry out on the trails. We had a nice stop at the Promised Land, then onward to Rocky Top  At times we were on trails 120, 121, 169, & 170. We covered just over 5 miles. We also picked up less trash today, than last week, a big Plus!!. 

Next week, we have 2, yes, 2 hikes scheduled. The 1st will be on Saturday, meeting at the Hunting Branch trail head (near Bell Smith Springs). We will condense down, move over to Sand Cave, and then hike back to Hunting Branch. Sunday, Oct, 23rd, we will meet at the Golconda Marina, and move out to hike the War Bluff area. We will probably need to condense down  the number of vehicles there also. This will be a shorter hike 2-2.5 hrs. at most. 

Until then, “See ya on the Trail”

Respectfully submitted, 

Chris Drone