Cloudland Canyon State Park Hike

I know some of you are thinking how are doing another hike already after Virgin Falls.
Well I wouldn't have it any other way. And the more hikes I get in the Better shape and the longer miles I'll be able to put in.

Someone mentioned wanting to get out and hike after our crazy Epic adventure last weekend. Ohhh Yes Now I remember It was Jack that Mentioned wanting to get out and hike since he missed the Virgin Falls hike. He had a good reason though broken rib...Can you say OUCH.
So lots of places were thrown around including some Polk county and Tellico Plains locations. But we finally Decided on Going to Cloudland Canyon State Park in GA. Kelli told us to be prepared to walk a lot of stairs. Now I will say this I prefer our crazy off trail bush wacking to climbing a bunch of stairs.
Its crazy how the stairs put me out of breath quicker then trail walking even with elevation change.
But anyway We planned on meeting  early in the morning, not as early as our other hike.
The Weather was Starting to warm up after the freezing cold its been. So we weren't expecting to see any Ice, or If we did it would be very little.
Our Hiking Crew for this Trip was Jack If Jack don't have it then you probably dont need it, That man carries everything but the kitchen sink, John the energizer bunny He never stops, Dan Well what to say about dan. He has been known to say how do I let you guys talk me into these trips, Connie She is the wonderful lady that makes Hats for us to wear out in the crazy weather. She also love to hike with us and sometimes we use her as a model, And last but not least Kelli and the wonder Dog Ella. Wait .........I almost forgot we had another member join us who's name escapes me.

As we were standing by the cars talking waiting on Kelli and Ella to get there a hiker that had just come back up from the falls told us that there was still Ice on the Falls. Lets just say I was Very Excited! That meant another Waterfall down on my goal of 100 falls that are Frozen, Icy or have Snow.
 The trail wasn't very long just a short trail and then a Flight of stairs. As we came to the bend before Cherokee falls came into view we noticed Ice still on the trail. Luckily nothing like the virgin falls trail but still had to watch our steps. When the Waterfall finally did come into view it was beautiful! Ice had collected from the mist on the right side of the falls. The left side has Icicles hanging off of it so all around it made for abundance of beautiful photographic opportunities. We all split off to claim spots! I had to do the traditional Selfie! But this time I jumped up on the rock ( Poor Dan I didn't see that was set up to shoot and I kinda photo bombed his picture Sorry man) It was quite comical watching me scramble onto this rock before the timer went off and my camera fired. After everyone got some shot in we made our way back up the stairs and to the next waterfall. Upon coming to the Bridge that would take us to the stairs to the other falls we discovered it was Iced Over! Jack, Kelli and I decided to go for it and see how icy it was. The rest of the crew (Chickens) Decided to stay behind an be our rescue party if need be.
The Bridge, Stairs and Trail where Solid sheets of Ice in Places. The Icicle along the side and sometimes over head were deadly beautiful. There were a few places that both Jack and I said be careful its slick and then we'd fall. Made for a comical experience once we realized we were not hurt ( Till the next morning anyway bruises )  Man I'm glad I took a chance on the Ice. The waterfall at the bottom was so worth it. The trail Forked when we got to the bottom Kelli decided to take the trail to the right ( We'd meet up with her later at the lower waterfall) and Jack and I took the left trail To see Hemlock Falls. The Trail was Very Icy and the Platform was a Solid Sheet of Ice, You probably could have Ice skated on it.

Slipping and sliding our way up on to the platform we got a beautiful view of Hemlock Falls. The entire left side was covered in frozen mist. As we carefully navigated the icy platform I keep thinking I wonder how long the trees and bushes will last with all the Ice weighing them down. It just so happens that as we were standing snapping pictures we heard a crash and one of the limbs off something came Crashing down. The way it echoed you would think the whole side was coming down. Very creepy but oh so Cool to hear and see. We didn't stay in that area to long after that, Better to be safe then sorry! Jack and I careful made the trek back down the icy platform stairs and then down the trail to meet back up with Kelli. By now we were sure The others we left at the top were yelling "IDIOTS" That seems to come out on the rough trail (off trails) we take. As we finished the trek to the trail that Kelli was on we notice that the Ice had melted off that trail. Made for an easier walk. We walked over a bridge and then down a flight of stairs and as we came to the bottom Ella came running. We noticed Kelli down the bank taking shots of the lower falls. We meet up and decided to walk a little further down the trail to see if there was anything interesting down that way before we made the long trek back to the top. We noticed on the left side a Beautiful waterfall unfortunately the trees were dence so taking a picture just didn't do it justice. And without bushwhacking there was just no way to get a good shot of the falls.
So we decided we were just to tired to make the trek up there and that we should probably head back up before they send the search party out there to find us..
When we did finally make it back to the top and we came around the bend and to where the tables were we heard them yell THEY LIVE!
We were sad that we had forgotten to take the group picture at the falls so we did one at the over look
I'll Have to find the group shot kelli Took of us.

Virgin Falls Hike

Man Have I been neglectful! Pinky is alive! Sorry everyone for not posting anything in forever! Now back to our regularly scheduled program!

For those of you just tuning in My name is Jessica (AKA Pinky) can you guess how I got that nickname? Anyway your in for another thrilling Adventure of the Bubble Gum Gang. Though a few of our members couldn't make this hike due to prier commitment for some and others were just plain Chicken (lol no they had good reasons) to not make this hike.

A fellow hiker and Photographer Kelli planned a hike to Virgin Falls. Now there was not sugar coating with this hike they all said this is a strenuous Hike, All day hike, plan to bring lots of water and food! Well I was very excited this hike was on my bucket list of hikes. With all the previous hikes under my belt and most of them being bush wacks I thought I'm ready to try this one.

Well we planned to start the hike at 8am but we forgot about the timezone difference meaning it would be 7am central time. (I know some of you are thinking 7am are you crazy!! Well we had to wake up at about 545am to be around and ready. With the length of the hike it was better to start early and get out of the trail before dark.) We had a few Members that would be meeting us that it would take them several hours to reach us. We told them to meet us at 9am our time 8am central time.
 The Sun was coming up as Ancil and I were driving to the trail head.

Ancil is one of the Zip line guides where I work and has been trying to join us on one of our hikes for awhile now. He was very excited to be off work for this trip. Wish I had the camera out to snap some picture of the sunrise along the way. Arriving at the road to the trail head It looked like a disaster area. Trees were down snapped like tooth picks after the recent Ice storm that went through the area. (Sorry didn't have my camera or phone out to snap pictures of the destruction, I'll look and see if one are members did) The road crew there did a wonderful job of clearing the derby off the road way so that hikers could have access to the area. As we pulled into the parking area of the trailhead we saw one of are members Daniel AKA the one that carries BONES waiting by his car.
We got to laughing that we were there before the others ( They are normally at the places we meet way before we get there). We were waiting for Barry the safety officer or one who Sings along the trail and his wonderful wife Vickie
, We were also waiting on the Hunny Badger (Thomas)
and Hillbilly Gnome (John)

This was my First time meeting these two wonderful crazy hikers in person,
 Kelli ( who organized this hiking adventure) and her wonderful Hiking companion Ella ( the dog), and John This man is a hiking machine don't let his size fool you this man can hike ( we are always telling him just think of all the pounds your losing a mile) He is a champ! Well we took the classic before hike Shot, yes the one with all the smiles and fresh faces. Photo credit Barry
 We were still missing one member at his point and decided to go ahead and start walking and they could catch up with us, well we get about 100 yards or so down when we hear the rawr of a car and gravel flying. Sure enough Its are late Member DJ and her trail Dog, Since we weren't that far down we waited for her to get to us, greetings were make ( I ( and a few others) hadn't  met her in person yet) and we started back down the trail.
By now we had burned a good amount of day light so our Safety Officer took the lead (And what a pace was set It seamed like we were flying down that trail) and would randomly call out are pace per mile (He said it was to get us there before dark but I really think he just wanted to see how fast he could get us to walk).

The Ice and Icicles on the trail were both beautiful and dangerous, Quite a few of us took a few spills myself included. Most of us Slid down these steps because they were a solid sheet of Ice, There were one or two that tried climbing to the left of them but that wasn't a good idea. Its steeper then it looks almost a straight drop down. As you can see I crawled back up the steps on our return trip back up the trail to get to the cars, yes I know crawled you heard me right. But I had a better grip with my clothed covered knees then I did with my boots.



The First waterfall we came to was Big Laurel Falls What a beautiful little falls. The Group of us scattered to get to the locations we wanted to get shots first. And quoting one of our Members he said The Ladies were set up and shooting before the guys could even open there packs, They are sure prepared.Crossing the small creek The whole right side had icicles hanging off, It made for some interesting shots. Quite a few of use shot the falls through the icicles but It was neat to see all the different looks we got.


 While sitting under the over hang just watching the beauty of the running falls through the Icicles I happened to look over and see a few of our members engrossed in conversation, I just had to snap a picture because it showed a really neat perspective on the elevation change at this waterfall.
After each of us had a chance to snap a few pictures we ( Barry) decided that we better get a move on if we want to see the other waterfalls before dark. So It was back onto the trail we go.


We walk another 2 miles walking on rocks, Sliding on ice, seeing massive Icicles that would instantly kill you if they fell on you. Man were they awesome to look at, the power they held. Several of our members got pictures of themselves  standing next to the massive Icicles. I sadly didn't stop to get a picture, I was to busy looking and the beauty of it all. Along the trail to pass the time you can usually hear more then one conversation going on. Sometimes if your lucky (or unlucky if hes off key) you get to hear Barry sing.

We came upon the Cable Crossing, It was nice that they had a cable set up to help hikers out to cross the creek. But There are spots that I couldn't reach the cable ( Im 5'0) And Our wonderful trail guide forgot to hold the cable down for use shorter members. As you can see I'm stretching to reach the cable.

 About a mile or so after the cable crossing there is an Elevation change and you start walking down hill. To your left you start seeing the creek that feeds the next waterfall you arrive to. If we had just been hiking to this waterfall that day I would have spent more time above the falls photographing the many beautiful cascades. The waterfall Which is named Big Laurel Falls is located down in the Gullie. As we climb down the rocks and steep trail to get to this waterfall we get a Wonderful Surprise. Caving and adventure Legends Janice and Tim Curtis were awaiting us at the bottom.

Now I have followed their adventures on facebook for a long time. They go to some of the Most beautiful Places. I have wanted to meet them in person for it seems like forever. Hugs and greeting were exchanged Pictures were taken. There Cute Adventure companion was excited to meet new faces.  Mean while the rest of us spread out to shoot this waterfall. The crazy cool thing about this waterfall is it flows into a cave. A Cave I know Its amazing that It drops off into a cave.
There is a massive cavern behind the falls that you can walk into to view the waterfall from inside. Also was one of the camp sites there was a massive fire pit in the cavern.

 Before We headed out we got a Group Shot! Two takes Later we got this shot! The dogs crack me up they moved in every take.




Well It was time to get moving again so we did our head count, must make sure no one is left behind and started down or up the trail depending how you look at it. There were several down tree's laying across the trail. A few of us decided to climb down the bank to the trail below and avoid climbing through the tree. But we ran into a problem we had to climb the bank back up to get back on the trail. That was quite funny to watch several of us try to scramble back up the embankment.
After a thrilling climb back up that embankment we meet up with the rest of our crew and began the long hike to our next destination. Every so often we would hear Barry say our Mile per hour count.
After a 15-30min hike we came to a fork in the road. Do we explore Sheep Cave or do we head on over to Virgin falls? Well myself and Members Thomas ( Badger) and Daniel decided to head up sheep cave trail. The trail leads you to another fork where you can either hike up and over the cave or follow a thin trail to the cave opening and waterfall. We decided to take the cave opening and waterfall option.


 The three of us came to the mouth of the cave and looked down at the falls, We looked down and were trying to decide if we were going to climb down the steep embankment to get shot of sheep cave falls.

 Well after some discussion we decided not to climb all the way down to the rock shelf that had the best view. The Rock self looked Icy and the climb back up from it in icy looked to be a little sketchy. We decided to just shoot from about 1/4 of the way down while clinging to trees to keep from rolling all the way down. One of our Members got a really cool prospective shot ( The picture with all the arrows) of some of us at this waterfall. I can't be seen we think I maybe behind one of the trees up where Thomas is ( Orange Shirt).



 We made the trek back down the trail to meet up with the others I was a little ways ahead and as I came around the bend and looked up I notice the rest of our group (minus the 2 behind me, Hillbilly gnome and Ancil who I found out were exploring Sheep Cave trail) waiting around a fallen tree. I think it was John that jokingly yelled just go off trail and walk up the hill. Now I didn't do that the tree that had fallen over had made a good slide in the side of the embankment, It did look like it would be an easy climb up the side but it was an illusion. That bank was steep.


As I got up to where they were I could see that Barry was doing some trail maintenance, Clearing parts of the tree that had landed on the trail. It sure made it easier for Badger, Daniel and myself to get through. Of course Kelli or was it Vickie and a few others had to vocalize that it wasn't fair that we had gotten an easier access to the trail while they had to climb through the tree.


After Climbing Through the tree but not as many branches as they had too ( Thank you Barry) we were on the road (trail) again as it were. We were on the home stretch of the trail we were almost to the Beautiful Virgin Falls.
We Make it to Virgin Falls!

Vickie our Base Camp operator had her hubbie Barry set up her hammock so that she could keep a watchful eye over all the shenanigans. Daniel, Kelli and Myself went toward the bottom of Virgin falls. Thomas and DJ went up to the top. We were still missing John and Ancil at this point but as one of us said    "No, it's John, he'll be here." Non of us were too worried. 

About 15-20 min of us shooting Hillbilly Gnome and Ancil Came down the trail that led to Sheep Cave.
I Believe a few of us said You Live and We weren't worried.
Several of us scattered again and a few brave soles went up on top of the falls. I know If I ventured up there the return trip would be even worse for me. So that is my goal for a return trip. But when I do return I am going to Camp That way I can take my time and not worry about getting back to the car before dark.

John headed out about 20 mins before us as he wanted to get a head start back down the trail. Kelli and Daniel follow him not long after. The Badger and Gnome decided to stay behind and explore for a little while.
The sky had been Spitting ran on us most of the trip so we knew that the return trip back to the cars were going to be a wet one. Was kinda hoping the ran would hold off but knew it was a possibility they we were going to get wet. Sure enough as we gathered the gang to head back down the trail the rain started getting harder. Barry, Vickie, Ancil, DJ, and myself took the short cut trail back now it may have been shorter but it was steeper and lots of Rocks to climb. You sure felt the burn in your calf's and the Pain in the knees. We made it up to the fork finally where the trail split. As we were walking a ways Ella Kelli's Trail dog came running past us. We all kinda looked at each other and realized that the rest of our group must be behind us. Sure enough Kelli finally catches up with us and says How'd you guys pass me? Well we told her about taking the short cut. We asked where's John and Daniel she said they are behind her some where. We knew those two would be alright and that a few of us would wait for them at the trail head.
Down the trail we went, Rain coming down snow and Ice crunching under our feet. Coming back through The Icy spots and the Elevation Climb while tired is not easy, I know the say "Go On With Out Me" was said multiple times. Also "If I fall down the steep embankment just put rocks on me and a hear Lies Sign"
Any time down the trail you could hear the elusive singing Cole, He loves to sing Bluegrass and Jimmy Buffet. Cheese Burger in Paradise was belted  along with many other songs that I have forgotten and would mostly take up a tremendous about of this paragraph.
After many Miles (9 total) and Hours later we Finally made it back to the trail head. We passed a few hikers that looked to be heading down the trail to camp and we were ask if we had made it all the way down to Virgin Falls. The trail Head was in site and we actually made it before Dark. Well most of us did, poor John and Daniel got out just before Darkness set in. Hand shakes, Hugs and waves were thrown around as we said goodbye. We knew that most of use would see each other again for the next hike, But Thomas and John would have a long way to come to hike with us again so we can't wait to plan another hike with them. Hopefully in the neck of the woods.
We were all dragging and most of us rolled into our cars, We all had a feeling the next day was going to be a sore one.
Thanks Everyone for tuning in.

Disclaimer Some of the photo's of myself and the other hikers were shamelessly borrowed, Hijacked however you want to look at it.

Till The Next Great Adventure.