It was peaceful, dark and very quiet last night. There were only three other campers in the CG besides us. We woke to fog and mist but no rain.
We got an early start so I packed a lunch and off we went to retrace steps. We drove out 22 mile then worked our way back to the CG. Our first stop was The Gordon House Historic Site. From 1801 until traffic on the trace declined the Gordon’s ran a Ferry across Duck River here.
Trail to Duck River
Not much of a river to cross – then again there is a drought happening here.
Ron likes odd trees
and Deb!
Next we stopped at the Baker Bluff Overlook which was a 1/3 mile hike. We figured it would be an easy hike – we took our walking sticks but no water. Big mistake on our part. It was hot and humid and the trail was very steep. We did get to the overlook that once again reminded us of New England .
We found ourselves at the next stop leading to Jackson Falls, named for Andrew Jackson. (down a 900 foot steep trail) When we arrived at the site before the trail began we were bombarded with the noise from approx. 50 motorcycles entering the parking lot. Some had unusual rides such as the ones below. They were different and cute but still really loud.
The falls are on the intermittent Jackson Branch that empties into into Duck River. Again, the falls were not running strong due to the drought but were still pretty.
Ron is never satisfied with “just looking”. He has to climb as well. I tried to tell him that he is not as nimble as he once was – but would he listen to me – NOT! He managed to climb up to get a better shot of the waterfall but his descent was not too pretty. First he slipped off the rock and had to jump down about 4 feet landing hard with the momentum pushing him forward. His walking stick went flying and so did he. The people entering the area stopped with their mouths hanging open fully expecting him to careen off the cliff landing a good ten feet below. Not sure what stopped him but OMG he did stop and none too soon. He admitted after that he thought he was going over. Not a good way to end a vacation or life.
The woman in the picture is standing about three feet in form the end of the cliff Ron almost fell over. It doesn’t reflect how high the drop really is in the picture.
We then had to hike back up 900 ft and the 1/3 of mile basically up hill again. It was really getting hot and humid and both Ron and I were really sweating. Definitely not like the West where it is hot but very dry – no sweating going on there.
It was a short drive to the next stop – Old Trace Walk. It was a walk along the trace that our pioneers travelled and similar to our hiking paths in MA.
The walk was quiet and serene but loaded with wood ticks. We thought we had tons of wood ticks at home but this place has even more. We’ve been picking them off of ourselves as well as Jewel.
We stopped at the remnants of the Tobacco Farm and looked around.
Then it was a sort walk down to Fall Hollow waterfall. A nice gentle waterfall.
We hiked to an abandoned phosphate mine and of course Ron had to get a look inside.
They weren’t kidding when they said Dinkey. The remnants of the tracks were like those for a kiddie train.
We stopped back at the CG and ate the lunch I had packed. Then we headed South to check out some other stops.
Serene Waters
Our last stop before heading back to the CG was Sweetwater Branch. The hike was great and it was refreshing to see the crystal clear water.
I will just stay here!
Tomorrow we will leave Meriwether CG and continue heading South.
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