Register Comments

Bill Krysak did it again. "Magically" the evening was near perfect as far as the weather for the hike was concerned. By 7:15 p.m. the sky was almost clear and the moon was shining bright over our Pine Mountain Trail. As our family pulled into the Country Store Parking Lot, Bill had an LED lit sign telling of our hike. Moments later the parking lot was filled with hikers of all ages. We all filled out a 3x5 card with our name on it (this helped with taking head count too). The cards kept piling up in Bills hand, and the number of hikers totaled 53 before we headed out. While Bill and I greeted folks, we joined in singing HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Lynne Lynch (yes it actually was her birthday Friday…which one we are not asking, but I’ll say 37th for good measure). Of course as Bill gave hiking tips he amazed us all with his slight of hand appearance of the "magical red balls of light". All of us kids enjoy watching Bill do such stuff.

Bill decided to alter our route and just do the Overlook Loop, which worked out great. We split the hikers into some 3 groups. I took the lead group, which seemed to walk somewhat faster. There were lots of interesting folks hiking with the groups. With our group we had a group of ladies from Lee County, Georgia (teachers mind you) that were laughing and cutting up all the way. I really think they enjoyed themselves. Hope we got the names right but they were Tammy Crews, Joni Flanagan, Linda Muss and Vicki Joiner. Of course myself (Jim) and my wife Helen and son Jonathan were out front with this group.

Tammy Crews, Joni Flanagan, Linda Muss, Vicki Joiner

Among the other groups were Larry Tate & Beverly Rushing, Becky Allen, Brandon Elliott, Carol & Charles Cox, Ronnie & Julia Culpepper. We got a photo of Janelle Wright, Ann Kearnes, John Kaminsky and Lou Ann Taylor also. More hikers were Steve Johnson, Heike Abercronmbie, Chris Largent, Mike & Beth Newton along with their son Michael Evans (who have done a bunch of hiking with the PMTA the last couple years).

Janelle Wright, Ann Kearns, Lou Ann Taylor and John Kamisky.

Joining us for their first PMTA hike were Bill & Sopee Webb (Sopee has a Spa on Armor Road in Columbus and one of her clients is Christy Wells who invited them). Carl Carlson, Curtis & Lynne Lynch, Bill Wilde, Nancy Clark and Charles & Ursula Brown, Steve & Joshua Hicks, Duanne-Teresa-Destin & Lacy Canady, Jessica Phillips, Adam-Donna & Shannon Kane, Karen Washington, Jerry Brown and Mark Hughes were some more hikers with us.

Julian & Robert Straham joined us from Montgomery. Bringing up the rear of the hike were Gene & Christy Wells.

All in all we had a great time. The temperature was just right and the moon cooperated fully lighting our way. Did we use our red-plastic covered flashlights? Some, but not the whole time. Coming up from Little Bridges on the switchbacks we looked back down the trail and could see the red lights of all the other 40 hikers behind us. It was quite a sight, and quite a night. Everyone loved this night hike, so we are thinking about doing another soon. So check out the website weekly and we’ll keep you posted. JH

We couldn’t have picked a day with greater weather to have a backpacking trip. When Helen, Jonathan and I arrived at the lower parking lot at the park office, the wind was blowing some and it was just cool enough though the sun was out. Waiting on us in the parking lot at 1:40 were a bunch of smiling faces ready to go camping! Yes, we were running about 10 minutes late arriving. That was ok, as we had planned to leave the office about 2 p.m. which we did. Carl Carlson showed up and agreed to help work out a shuttle, so we all met at Dowdell Knob Parking Lot and unloaded our gear. From there we drove nine vehicles over to leave at Rocky Point where Carl and Gene waited to carry us back.

Back at Dowdell Knob Parking Lot, we finished loading our packs and then finally headed east on the PMT. Leading out and traveling somewhat faster than some of us, were Bill & Judy (with Katie and William) Tanner from Macon. We stopped at the waterfall at Brown Dog Bluff, the hill just above it and several mores places. Hey, what was the rush and we were loaded down (at least I was). By 4:30 or so we made Sparks Creek Campsite. The Tanners were already set up! Helen helped Carol Cox set up her tent, while Jo Myers and Lorraine Vander Wielen helped Brad Griffin with his new tent.

Sherry Pierce set up next to Jo and Lorraine. Gene and Christy Wells were a ways up from the rest of us near the bridge. After setting up his tent, Gene noticed that the pine near by was quite dead as of late. Down from us Hall’s, Larry Roberts and the Stones (Chris, Annette and son Douglas) got all set up.

As I had predicted, by 5:30 most everyone was ready to cook or heat up supper. After most everyone had ate, I helped Lorraine put birthday candles on cupcakes she had brought. We then lit the candles and had Jo Myers close her eyes as we approached and put a birthday hat on her. She was surprised as we all sang Happy Birthday to her (8 days early, but that is ok). While we finished off the cupcakes, we moved to making S’mores, cooking cinnamon rolls, and heating water for cocoa. As everyone was around the campfire, I had all introduce themselves, tell where they were from, how they found out about the PMTA and whatever about themselves and their family. We had a lot of laughs, learned much about each other and that led to later conversations around the fire for a couple more hours.

Slowly folks drifted away from the fire and their own tents. The air was quite pleasantly cool as the camp became quiet about 10:30. A beautiful bunch of stars could be seen through the tree canopy (along with Mars, that Carol Cox pointed out), and a bright moon shone too starting just after midnight. No need for a "night light" as we had a real one!

Sunday Morning I woke to laughter around the campfire. It was Lorraine, Jo and Sherry up early building us such a nice fire. Slowly each of us gather around the fire, cooked breakfast and enjoyed the morning. I won’t mention who I think get the "Best Snoring Award".

We all hated to pack up, but after we drowned the fire it was time to leave. Carol Cox eased on out, followed by the Tanners. The rest of us finally made it Rocky Point Parking Lot, said our goodbyes and eased on…..except a few of us went to town, bought some stuff and had lunch at the overlook near Fox Den Cove. We had a great time, and just didn’t want leave yet. We will do it again soon.

So watch for a notice about a couple more backpacking trips to come. We will post the notice on the Members Bulletin Board soon.

It was a beautiful day for a hike on the Pine Mountain Trail. Hike Leader Jill Land and "Dixie" were at Dowdell Knob waiting for hikers to arrive for the 10 a.m. hike. After a vehicle shuttle to Rocky Point and the WJSP-TV Tower Parking Lot, 24 hikers were ready to head out.

Joining Jill were Jim & Jonathan Hall, Mike & Deborah Ivie, Carl Carlson, David Snead, Matthew Nelson, Adam & Donna & Shannon Kane, Lorraine Vander Wielen, Jo Myers, Sherry Pierce, Brad Griffin, Frank Jones, Gene Wells, Joni & Ricky Biancard, Elizabeth Newton, Michael Evans, Jack & Diane Land and Polly Flannigan.

Our hike took us east on the PMT from Dowdell Knob. At the water crossing near Brown Dog Bluff, we took a much need break for water and a snack. It was not quite as cool as we had thought it would be.

Back on the trail heading uphill, Shannon Kane slipped on a rock and got a nasty scrape on her leg. Jim Hall and Deborah Ivie were just behind her when she fell. Donna Kane used some of Jim’s first aid supplies to bandage up the huge scrape a stick had made.

Close to noon, we were downhill at Sparks Creek Campsite and time for a lunch break. Sparks Creek Campsite sure looks different with the two blow-downs from the late May storms. This is in addition to the now dying large pine tree in the camp. Bad camper had chopped on it last year, and

now it is dead.

Back on the trail going uphill, we made the last mile plus in a short amount of time. A breeze had started blowing and that made hiking more comfortable. At the junction of the Beaver Pond Trail and PMT near Mile 18, several hikers ended the hike (including Carl, Jim & Jonathan). We had had enough fun. The rest of the hikers finished up fine, and all had a great time walking and talking looking at all the sights. Blackgum trees are starting to turn red, along with Sumac, some of the Dogwoods and Muscadine vine leaves. The various wildflowers are beautiful. Sorry you missed joining us. We had a great time.

Ella Rose and Dad Ben Land stayed at home today. It won’t be long till she joins Mom Jill and Dad Ben on leading a hike together with "Dixie" pulling them along.

On September 10, PMTA member Mike Ivie contacted me by email with an idea. Mike said since we are having such great evening skies with the moon the last couple nights, and it is cooler, so what about a impromptu Night Hike? Why not I told him, and what about a picnic supper before the hike? So we called and wrote several PMTA members who normally hike with us that we could get up with. (Jim also called the webmaster, who put a notice up on the front page Friday evening. Just one of the advantages of the internet.) It ended up Jo Myers offered to cook a big pot of her now famous "Taco Soup" to bring. We brought a fruit salad, Gene & Christy Wells grilled some sausage and others brought stuff. We ended up with Jo Myers, Lorraine Vander Wielen, Brad Griffin, Jim & Helen & Jonathan Hall, Gene & Christy Wells, Mike Ivie and Janice & Dick Polmatier meeting at the park office at 7 p.m. About 8:30 we drove down to the Country Store and started the Overlook Loop (going on the Chestnut Oak Trail section first). We had a great time in the dark hiking by flashlight light. Back at the Overlook Crossing we rested a bit, then headed on west. It was at that point, the soft yellow glow of the moon coming to the east brightened the night. We stopped several times along that last mile to just look at the sky. It was after 11 before we got back to cars. Everyone was in good spirits and thoroughly enjoyed the evening. So, if you didn’t join us you missed a good evening hike. If you didn’t get an email from us, it was because we didn't have an updated email address (as I wrote in the last two newsletters). Dick Polmatier is one of three members who emailed Joe Wade with a verified email address. He got an email Friday and he and Janice came on the hike! So please drop us a line with a current email address.

Fairest of the months! Ripe summer's queen
The hey-day of the year
With robes that gleam with sunny sheen
Sweet August doth appear.
- R. Combe Miller

Those of us who hiked the 4.9 miles on Saturday, August 23 may have reason to both agree and disagree with Miller. The victims of angry yellow jackets would probably think August was NOT "the fairest of months" but we certainly had our share of "sunny sheen."

A beautiful warm and sunny day greeted us as twenty-two prepared to hike the five miles from the WJSP-TV tower to the Rocky Point Parking lot with Jim and Carl bringing up the rear. This would soon prove an inopportune spot, as both were stung by yellow jackets, Jim taking the brunt of their wrath. We took a break at Bumblebee Ridge, then ate lunch at Cascade Falls with a Boy Scout troop from LaGrange, where our youngest hiker, Alyson Martin, took a swim. (Note: While this will cool you off, hiking in wet clothes isn’t advisable.) We all marveled at the changes to the creek and the Trail due to the flooding earlier this summer. We were also thankful for all the hours of hard work put in to restore the Trail to its usual superb shape.

Somewhere after Wolfden, Alyson (pictured right, with Odie) twisted her ankle, but Jim Hall was there with his trusty first aid kit, and Nurse Jo Myers was called upon once again. We met quite a few folks on the Trail, including a couple of Boy Scout troops, and the Columbus State women’s softball team, who were camping at Bumblebee. Everyone had a good time, "sunny sheen" and all.

Hikers who joined hike leader Curtis Lynch that day were: Bill Wilde (rookie), Nancy Clark (rookie), Alyson Martin, Hal Martin, Carlene Strahan, Julian Strahan, Joe Alexander, Becky Allen, Gary Grieshiem, Lynne Lynch, Carl Carlson (and Odie), Jo Myers, Barbara Begg, Jerry Brown, Lee Zena, Martha Dias, Jim Hall, Jonathan Hall, Andrian Ward, Annette Santiago, and Cindy Rhein.

July 12 Hike From Jim Hall

Most of you have led a group led hike at one time or another. Now during the summer (like in June) we usually don't have many folks showing up for a "hot" hike...........till today.

Jonathan and Helen were sleeping in, so I figured I would join the hike with Gene & Christy (thinking not many would join them). Boy was I wrong.

When I got to the Country Store parking lot there were folks getting out of cars, vans and trucks all over.

Before I knew it, Deborah Ivie was letting me know our hike roster sheet was full on the front and she was asking what to do...so she had folks going to the back of it. We had 50 hikers taking this hike! Surprised us all.

So those of you who usually come on hikes (like Margaret & John, Dianna Helms, Jill & Ben, Danny, Mark and Daniel etc...well if y'all had been along we would have we would have busted 60. Carl said that was the most hikers he had seen for a non-Pig Out hike...much less a SUMMER hike.

After torrential rains Thursday and Friday, Saturday, April 26, 2003 couldn't have been prettier nor more perfect for hiking the Pine Mountain Trail. By 10:00 a.m. an even two dozen intrepid hikers had assembled at the TV Tower parking lot. PMTA hike leader, Mike Menser, greeted and briefed everyone and then they set off on the 6.7 mile Wolfden Loop.

It was a gorgeous day and the Mountain Laurel was in full bloom--clouds of it, white and pink, decorated the trail. Following and crossing the creek many times, hikers passed Csonka Falls, Big Rock Falls, Slippery Rock Falls and and Bumblebee Ridge to finally rest at the always serene and soul satisfying Cascade Falls and pool. The group moved up above the Wolfden and had lunch, enjoying a sunny setting overlooking Cascade Falls.

PMTA Board members and stalwart hikers Mark and Daniel Hughes and Danny Rock passed us coming from Mile Marker 18. They had started earlier in order to get back to LaGrange (guess Mark had to feed the horses.) By this time, two more hikers had caught up with us and three had decided to go on ahead (or was it three caught us and two went ahead?). Carl and Mike were trying to do the math as they set off again.

After climbing up the Hogback and dropping to the other side, everyone enjoyed the easier path and subtle scenery change (more pines, ferns and sunshine). The group closed on Mile 18 parking lot by about 1:30 PM and took a breather. Carl had positioned his truck there and shuttled three lovely ladies, who had had as much fun as they wanted, back to their car at the TV Tower. Carl and faithful sidekick, Odie, then hiked in to meet the rest of us at the Beaver Ponds.

Finally, twenty four people (how did we do that, again?) finished the Wolfden Loop hike at the Eastern terminus of the Pine Mountain Trail at 2:45 PM. No apparent injuries or problems but a lot of satisfaction was very evident. The day was beautiful, the Trail in great shape and everyone had a good time. Hikers who joined hike leader Mike Menser were: Chris Menser, Anna Menser, Carl Carlson, Tom Mullen, Allene and Charles Ray, Carlen Strahan, Mary Green, Julian Strahan, Kitty Smith, Judy Griffin, Henri Savage, Taylor Tempesta, Barbara Begg, Lynn Lightfoot, Susan Lightfoot, Larry and Denna Durham, Bill Martin, Polly Flannigan, Lamar Donnell, Austin Donnell, Carmen Donnell, Danny Rock, Daniel Hughes, Mark Hughes, Lorraine Vander Wielan and Pat Johnson.

May 18 Hike from Fox Den Cove to Mollyhugger Hill From Daniel and Mark Hughes

This was a Sunday hike and we got wet. Four of the group came from the Macon hiking group. The 14 hikers included us (Daniel and Mark), Danny Rock, Kim Davis, Gilbert Garcia, Stephanie LaFontaine along with two children, Tim Gunter, Carl Carlson, Pat Tari and Jerry Hinson.

A storm hit about the middle of the hike sending everyone for jackets, ponchos, anoraks and gopher wood. The storm was preceded by a nice bit of wind, temperature drop and darkening skies. We really thought the storm was going to be worse than it was. We worry about it getting worse and someone getting hurt so we just increased the pace to get out. The bottom fell out and as we said, we did get wet. One couple with a 2 year old and 5 year old had some "real fun" in the rain hiking.

Prior to the hike we helped Danny Rock clear blow down on the Mountain Creek Trail near the no-name parking lot.

The "monsoon" season was still going strong days before and during the June 7 hike. Hike leader Carl Carlson and I had talked several times that week about the hike and the weather. The Weather Channel predicted rain that day, but when was question. Jonathan and I arrived a little early to post some National Trails Day signs at the end of Dowdell Knob Road and at the parking lot. Carl, Cody and Odie were not far behind us. It was not raining as 10 a.m. approached. By 10 a.m., we had a small group of folks who agreed to try hiking at least east toward the end of the Boottop Trail and cut back to Dowdell Knob Road. Hikers that day were Carl and Cody Carlson with "Odie," Jim and Jonathan Hall, Mark and Daniel Hughes, Danny Rock, Kim Dours, Dilbert Garcia and Joe Charles Garcia.

We stayed dry down to Brown Dog Bluff, and had nice rest at the water crossing. Several hikers wanted to see what a campsite looked like, so we checked out Brown Dog Campsite. Back on the trail not too far along the Boottop Trail a light rain fell. It slacked up as we approached the road at the top of the mountain. At that point we decided we had had enough fun and didn’t want to risk getting soaked like during the April hike. Wise move. Sure enough, just as Jonathan and I drove back in toward Pine Mountain, the bottom fell out. We did have fun. Our biggest regret was that this was the second year in a row that weather had kept our National Trails day hike participation low. The hike was advertised in the Columbus paper very well. The American Hiking Society has a website that posted a three-page write up about our hike. So those searching for a National Trails Day hike saw our hike listed.

All week the weather channel had been predicting that we would have rain by late Friday morning and into Saturday. This was not a good sign for an upcoming hike on Saturday.

Well, by late in the day (Valentines Day) guess what? No rain. Saturday began with a partly cloudy sky and guess what? No rain.

Our family traveled north toward FDR State Park with great hopes of what appeared to be a comfortable day to hike. By close to 10 a.m. the sky was still just partly cloudy with a good breeze and the temperature was just cool enough for a light jacket.

Helen, Jonathan and I (Jim Hall) met Carl Carlson and Odie waiting on other hikers to arrive at the FDR Park Office. PMTA members Lorraine Vander Wielen, Mike & Deborah Ivie, John Kamiskey, Gene & Christy Wells and Gary Hughes showed up ready to hike. We had several new hikers to the PMT join us today. Phil & Mel Simmer had contacted me last week and we were glad they joined us. Phil relocated from England last summer to Atlanta shortly before he and Mel were married! Phil has done some hiking in England and was interesting to talk with about the old walking paths that are maintained there. Mel, well this was her first real organized group led long hike. Hope it won’t be her last!

Also joining us were the Kane family from the Midland, Ga. area. Adam, Donna and daughter Shannon made the whole 6.9 miles.

Hike leaders for the hike today were John and Margaret Page (along with Jumper).

Everyone really seemed to enjoy the pleasant weather for the hike. We saw one deer as we crossed Ga. 190 shortly into the hike. All of us enjoyed the views looking down in the bottoms from the upper trails. The large longleaf pines on the Pool Trail, as well as the ferns there really add some green to the otherwise bare gray trees we walked through. Our pace for the hike was varied, as going downhill we were really truckin’. Up hill, well that was down to slow and easy. Around noon we had reached the FDR Swimming Pool area and stopped for nice long lunch there. Mike and Deborah had to leave us at that point. At the Fox Den Cove crossing, three more hikers had "had enough fun" and said bye. That is what is so good about our loop trails, one can have an enjoyable hike but cut it short if they need or want to.

We know a lot more folks maybe would have joined us today, but were afraid it would rain. Next time join us. If it rains, well we can always have a picnic under the group shelter or something and still enjoy getting outside.

We missed having one of our regular PMTA members along on the hike. "Nurse" Jo Myers.

Margaret Page was the only one who almost needed her first aid skills. She had a slight run in with the ground, and that left her with a couple very minor scrapes on her hands. Otherwise, everyone else made it ok. Tired but having had a good time.

This month's hike was a big success. We had 40 hikers at Mollyhugger Hill Parking Lot ready to hike at 1:30.We actually got started a few minutes after that, but that was ok. Lots of regular PMTA folks came like Larry Tate, Carl and Odie, Jim and Jonathan Hall, Jo Myers, Margaret Page and Jumper, Christa Lindo and Mike Ivie (we missed having Deborah along, but she like some others had to work). Dianna Helms, Barbara Begg and several more PMTA members showed up (one PMTA couple from Montgomery, one member from Griffin and one from Atlanta). The good thing about the "visitors" was that they came from all over. Folks from: Auburn, Atlanta, Fayetteville, Decatur. Only 3 of the 19 visitors came from Columbus!. We had a good pleasant day to hike. Thanks to those of you who came, and to those who could not join us...we missed you. Hope more of you can join John and Margaret Page on Feb 15 for that hike. Jim Hall

This month's Pine Mountain Trail hike was unique, in that we didn't hike on the Pine Mountain Trail. We hiked 6.5 miles through the Callaway Gardens property along the ridge and into the Memorial Forest.

Our intrepid guides explain about "twig girdlers." For more information about these beetles, click here. Or here. Thanks to Lorraine Vander Wielen for the links.

Hike leader Gene Wells and his wife Christy had 16 folks join them. Jo Myers, Daniel and Mark Hughes, Trisha H., Carl Carlson, Gary Hughes, Jim Hall, Steve Dennis, Ellen Murphy, Carole Simmons, Rachel Lush, "Crocodile Danny" Rock, John Purcell, Mike and Deborah Ivie and Larry Tate made up this PMTA hike group.

Even though it was warm and muggy, we had a good hike until a "killer" yellow jacket stung me.

At the end of the hike, John Purcell showed us the benchmark markers at Dowdell Knob that mark the altitude for that area. The three markers are just southwest of the picnic area and about 150 feet in the woods.

It was a hike in memory of the late Pine Mountain Trail Association member and good friend Michael (Mike) A. Bruni.

Joe Fackler, grandson of "Pa", as Joe called Mike, told Janna, his girl friend, that they were hiking in Mike’s memory.

They entered the trail along with Janna’s dog Frisco at the WJSP-TV Tower parking lot and hiked to Cascade Falls and back. At the parking lot, Joe popped a cork, served cheese, crackers, grapes, etc., and then popped the question to Janna.

At the wedding rehearsal, they were presented a PMTA Life membership by Joe’s mother (a PMTA member) Barbara Fackler and father Ralph Fackler.

Our PMTA June 1 hike was well publicized. The Columbus newspaper T0-DO section wrote about it and there was a story on the American Hiking Society website www.americanhiking.org Despite the publicity, only 13 hikers made the hike. All had a great time. At Fox Den Cove Parking Lot, Jim, Jonathan and Carl greeted the hikers and offered cold water and soft drinks.

The hike began with me as leader and Carl bringing up the rear. We stopped at Beechbottom Campsite for lunch. Our entertainment for the day was presented by "Crocodile Danny" (Danny Rock). He went crashing through the woods to catch a 6-foot timber rattler with 3-inch fangs (that was his story). It turned out to be a 3 ½- to 4-foot rat snake, which he handled for the group to enjoy. It wasn’t long before Danny spotted a small green snake. He again chased it and showed it to the group. Some of the women touched and held it. A box turtle was seen on the trail then "Crocodile Danny" spotted another snake about 4 feet long that got away from him. This was the hike to see wild life. It was a little hot on the hike but while hiking the last big hill, a nice breeze cooled us.

Everyone appeared to have a good time. We even had water and drinks at the end of the hike, along with T-shirts, medallions and patches we gave away.

Leader Danny Rock and 10 hikers enjoyed this hike. Mark and Daniel Hughes, Lorraine Vander Wielen, Carl Carlson, Deborah and Mike Ivie, Richard Waddell, Larry Tate along with Paula and Nicole Stewart made up the group.

The hike covered several beautiful areas, especially the area around the water crossing east of the Pool Trail.

The hikers missed having Jo Myers on the hike. She usually brings snacks to share.

For years I have asked my friend Donna Fox of Macon to bring the 3rd grade and the 4th grade students from the Georgia Academy for the Blind to the PMT for a hike. It finally happened May 7. It was a great hike and lunch. Part of the Mountain Creek Trail was our path.

The students arrived by school van at the FDR group shelter area below Lake Delano about 10 a.m.

Donnell Johnson*, Carl Carlson, Jonathan Hall, Jo Myers, Sara Marshall* and myself had been busy setting up the picnic tables with table paper and storing lunch items, which were provided by the trail association.

Awaiting each student on the picnic table was a Braille name tag pinned on a PMT T-shirt, a hiking stick, PMT map, a fruit snack and a cold bottle of water.

Carl and I had cut (with permission) some small limbs of various trees and placed them on the tables.

After a break the students found their shirts and were seated. We introduced ourselves to the students, teachers and parent. The students learned a little about our trail and what to expect. They then passed around the limbs and we explained these would be some of the trees they would experience on the trail. Some of the students could see a little and some were totally blind.

We started our hike near the far end of the RV campground near the Pool Trail. At first, each student walked with a sighted person. It was an enjoyable hike in every way. I believe these students got three times more from the hike than sighted students would have. We stopped to listen to water running over the rocks, they shook the trees and felt blooms hit their faces (like snow, JJ said). They smelled fat lighter, sweet gum leaves, arrowhead root and rotten wood. The temperature of the cold spring water was measured and we told about how warm the Warm Springs Foundation water is just a few miles away. Things like pine cones, and pine bark, oak bark and the various rocks were all touched. To sight-impaired students, the most disturbing things on the trail to their sensitive touch were the spider webs.

Jill Land and her baby daughter met us and helped toward the end of the hike. Of course, all the girls loved holding the baby.

Back at the group shelter, the nine students along with the student helpers (Jonathan and Sara) were seated and we served made-to-order sandwiches, mixed fruit, carrots, chips and drinks. We had Blue Bell ice-cream treats, too.

With 10 students at one table you expect someone to spill something right? Not this group.

After lunch, the teachers and helpers took some of the students to the playground while we cleaned up. Ronnie Eakins talked to the students about coming to the FDR Park Office later.

One student wanted to take another short hike on his own. So, Zack was given a two-way radio and his walking stick and allowed to venture off a short way. Teacher Donna was in sight with another radio. Zack is totally blind but had a great time exploring on his own. JJ had Jonathan catch a lizard and a grasshopper for him.

The visit to the FDR park office was fun for all. Ronnie allowed the students to touch the stuffed animals and birds (normally not touched by visitors). He even had put on a dress uniform shirt and his metal badge. Some of the students wanted to "see" the park ranger badge. After a group photo and another restroom stop, the group headed east. Donna took them by a covered bridge on the way home.

Jill Land suggested that the PMTA offer this hike annually. Donna said she will try to work it into her schedule in late April or early May. I hope so. Those who helped also got a lot from the hike. It showed my son that even without sight you can still enjoy the trail. In late May, Jonathan and I took a night hike while camping at Little Bridges Campsite. We cut off our flashlights and walked some in the dark. It gave Jonathan a small idea of what his friends Devin and JJ experience every day.

So, thanks Donna Fox, Mrs. Polmatier, Mrs. Vadini, Mrs. Thomas, Sarah, Scott, Brittany, JJ, Zack, Jake, Daniel and Devin for allowing us to share the PMT with you.

Oh, one of the school activities that Donna’s classes enjoy is riding bikes. They follow her on a track. She needs more bikes. So, if you have a child who is outgrowing a like-new bike or would like to purchase a bike for this class, let me know. JH

* Donnell is the mother of Donna Fox, and Sara Marshall is a student at Calvary Christian School who has been hiking with our family several times. Carl, Jonathan and Jo are PMTA members.

We could not have requested better weather for the first hike of Spring 2002. Although the morning began chilly, many hikers soon shed their sweatshirts and jackets in favor of T-shirts. The sky was cloudless and the very definition of blue. We had 18 hikers, the youngest of which was 5 year old Nicole Stewart.

The dogwoods and wild azalea were just beginning to bloom, and indeed, every tree on the Trail was working hard to pump out new growth. Two hikers seemingly knew the scientific and common name of every plant we passed, and many of us took advantage of that knowledge to ask several questions.

Mollyhugger Hill parking lot was full when we arrived, as many others were also out on the Trail. We saw several tags from Fayette County, and a Scout troop from Florida. My son’s JROTC group was at FDR Saturday as well, camping, hiking Wolfden Loop and working on orienteering.

So, spring's here, y'all. Let's get out and deal with nature, before nature deals with you.

Lynne Lynch, Christy and Gene Wells, Larry Roberts, Jo Myers, Larry Tate, Paula and Nicole Stewart, Chris, Jim, Fred Gunter, Hal, Jean Jackson, Carl Carlson and Odie, John Purcell, Debra and Thomas Bennett