Rafting Adventure on the Ocoee

Had an Awesome time rafting on the Ocoee river. Had a rare day that I got off early from working the Zipz line, The Office guy has been trying to get me on a raft trip for weeks now. poor ol' guys asks me every day if im able to raft today. I had to keep saying NO James can't raft today have to work. Well Ended up only having a small morning Zipz trip, So When he ask me the Question "Can you Raft today?" I got to say "Yes James I can Raft today" as long as theres room. I didn't want to be taking up spots if there was a customer that was wanting to go. But he said no theres plenty of room. I ran home and grabbed a change of clothes, Work clothes even outdoor work clothes that I have well there not really made for getting wet. So anyway I get back to the Outpost (which by the way is the one and only Ocoee Outdoors, There the Oldest and the Best) Was still early so sat down and ate my lunch. Soon they called for a safety briefing ( They tell you what to and what not to do in the boat, and with a paddle) We got our 3 pieces of gear and then boarded the bus. The bus took us up the gorge and we got to see the scenic side along highway 64. When we got to the drop off or Put-in as its called we went to where our guides were waiting for us by there boats. They went over a few more safety rules, I talk and got to know the people I would be boating with (cause when your going to be in a boat for 2 hour with people you dont know you want to make sure they'll pull you back in if needed) We all grabbed the boat and walked it down the ramp, once in the water the real fun begin. Our Guides name was Randy btw. I know most all the guides from working there at the outpost so it was a little difficult to choose who I wanted to go with. I'm thinking I'll have to go a few more times and pick different guides to go with, that way they dont think I favor one over the other..lol .....I did the Middle Trip since I'm still not real sure about the Upper section yet. The middle section is "Great" gives you just enough thrill. And yes that is me Guiding the boat through "Double Trouble", They have so many neat names for the rapids. With Names like Grumpy, Gonzo Shoals, Broken Nose, Moon Shoot, Double Suck, Double Trouble, The famous Jump Rock, Second Helping, Surprise, Doldrums, Sneaky Pete, Table Saw, Diamond Splitter, Sling Shot, Cats Pyjamas, Hells Hole, and Many more you're sure to find a Great Adventure along the Middle Ocoee.  

April 24th hike to Monkey head falls

This was a great hike in late April. We normally go out in the fall and winter months but we all had a day off in the spring (which is rare for most of us) so we got to enjoy a warmer hike with each other. The hike to get to this waterfall is a little tricky, Some of the trail has eroded so you have to watch your step.
Can you guess why we call it monkey head?

Adventure with the BB Gang

Well this was my last hike with the gang till winter And what a hike it was. Between the bush wacking, rock/boulder hopping, and water crossings it made for an interesting day.

We started out at the top of Dayton Mountain and worked our way down.
 Walking through thick under growth, over downed trees, crossing knee deep water and climbing on boulders we reached this beautiful waterfall.  There was poison Ivy and Poison Oak everywhere we sure had to watch our hand placement. When Hiking in these remote places like we do we have to be extra vigilant of our surroundings never know whats out there. We came across 2 Snakes while rock hopping, one was swimming in the water and the other was sun bathing on a rock. We've not come across a bear yet, yet being the operative word. We don't really see deer either but a lot of the places we hike are very rocky with very large boulders.