Chattanooga, TN

Some technical spots out there!

March 24

I got out early to run 'virtually' with some friends back home doing a birthday run, I didn't cover the 33k they did, but about the same amount of time out with 3ish hours. I even got in ~15 minutes of headlamp time, dawn and dusk go fast lately! Biking destination for the day was Chattanooga, TN at Raccoon Mountain. This was a neat little area, trails a little more technical, and I managed a slow hour while Rudy got in a more extensive ride. I spent more time strolling around, enjoying the views of the Tennessee Valley.

One of the awesome views from Raccoon Mountain

The planned camping locale was closed of for the season (until March 30, a week too early!) and we ended up back at the previous night's spot. By the time we were ready to eat, feeling a little apathetic about dinner - canned fish and cheese and crackers sufficed! One game of Gin Rummy - Leslie win.

March 25
Since we were right on the trail again, I enjoyed a little stroll and found some prescribed burning happened the day before - good thing we got in our longer activities here a few days ago!

The only actual flame I saw, mostly smoldering

Headed back toward Chattanooga to hit up White Oak Mountain for more biking. More good trails! Some even a little more challenging - nice that we seem to be getting eased back into more rugged terrain. Again, beautiful weather, and a cute little creek I could do some yoga by. After the fun we traveled east to Cherokee National Forsest and Lake Ocoee.

Scenic overlook of Lake Ocoee

We stopped by a trailhead for Chilhowee Trails - pretty populated! It was Saturday I guess. Another stroll for me while Rudy checked out a nearby beach (found to be closed for season) and camping options. We moved to a spot near Clear Creek Trail, cleaned up some leftovers, and played Trivial Pursuit and 3-13 - Leslie wins both!

March 26
Some rain overnight, but cleared up quickly. We both embarked on bigger excursions for the day in the Chilhowee system, with no travel planned. I hiked up Clear Creek Trail for about an hour, then ran area trails another 3 hours, including a couple of waterfall detours.With some stops for pictures and hiking breaks, I took it relatively easy and felt good!

Some of the Clear Creek Trail was pretty rugged

Excessive rhododendrons everywhere

Benton Falls

Another little set of waterfalls

Rudy did a bunch of biking, he had fun as always. A few rain showers in the afternoon - Rudy just finished up his ride after the first one! So a bit of hanging out in the van. For dinner, added barley, onions, and mushrooms to a box of ginger miso soup - interesting. For entertainment, Rummy 5000 - 1 win each.

March 27
Overcast, and another late morning. We eventually get to the Tanasi Trails, along the Ocoee River from the Thunder Rock trailhead.

Near a dam - sometimes walking path, sometimes whitewater

Other side of the dam

This area has a great mix of easy and technical - not much for steep hills, nice and fun! Seemed like it could be popular, glad we got it on a Monday. We were able to use some hot water from the nearby campground - so nice! Then headed up a forest service road to get to some camping. Ate polenta with red sauce and played a round of Hand and Foot - Leslie win!

Thunderstorms overnight - actually a little too noisy in the van for good sleeping through rain - bummer.

March 28
A planned 'rest' day - rain was done, and actually pretty nice in the afternoon. We each got in some little strolls, lots of hanging out in the camp chairs, reading and puzzling, and even picked up a little bag of trash from the area.

Quartz Trail

Another view from the Quartz Trail

Dinner was lentils and rice, and gaming was more Hand and Foot - 2 wins for Rudy!!