Everything goes RIGHT on a TT hike - Sav age Gulf

“how many lbs were the sweet tarts”

“3.5”

“chili, I believe you”

“chili, you oughta help her by surreptiously going through her pack and tossing out the stuff you know she won't use...”

“Leave me alone. I carry my f---ing pack I will bring what I want!!!! DO YOU HEAR ME?”

“3.5 f'ing pounds of sweet-tarts - oh my ...

that is a f'ing lot of sweet-tarts”

“Thanks Bitpusher. I knew you would see it my way!”

“lol...not as much as you think...”

“bit, see what you missed. I had to put up with her. Geesh Chili, I am so sorry for you ;)”

“I don't care what she packs. But I also don't want to hear any whining.


If the hip hurts too much for her to do Ocala, she will stay at home. I am not hiking at .8 mph over open ground with no slope. (Hell, I ain't hiking .8 mph on broken ground and steep slope).

I really don't think pack weight is her problem. Until she quits favoring the hip and lengthening her stride, the problem is going to get worse.”

“Tell you what Chili. You do your trips and I will do mine!”

“chili - But she is your wife. Isn't there a law that says the wife will not listen to the husband. ;-)”

“LOL, stovestomper,,,I think that is Rule 1.”

“The broken record replies.... get that pack weight down... get that pack weight down... get that pack weight down... get that pack weight down... get that pack weight down... get that pack weight down... get that pack weight down... :)”

“I promise not to drop you in the fire again cotton. The Ocala trip should be good for both of us. Flat and the milage is not too extreme.

Plus, fo me, it's a straight line, can't really get lost.”

“"Plus, fo me, it's a straight line, can't really get lost."
Wounded Knee
01:17:36 PM
01/26/04

now that sounds like a classic famous last words entry if there ever was one (GRIN)”

“Yeah, but you'll be favoring your good knee that is now bad and that'll make you walk in a circle.”

“LOL at dayhiker & Hog!

Actually the knee is feeling quite well. I still have some stiffness but no where what I had while on this trip. I have 3 physical therapy sessions under my belt and have gone from being able to bend the fixed knee 51 degrees to over 90 degrees today.”

“"I promise not to drop you in the fire again cotton. The Ocala trip should be good for both of us. Flat and the milage is not too extreme.

Plus, fo me, it's a straight line, can't really get lost."
Wounded Knee


Yea but I have learned what flat is to other as it is to me. Yea I really wanna come on this trip. Maybe I will have you to hike the .08 miles per hr with me. Chili will not do it with me! sigh sigh”

“Look at it this way cotton, 6miles/0.8mph = 7hrs and 30 minutes of hiking. You can do that!”

“As long as Chili is ahead of me! WK will you be my date? I'm sure Chili want mind.”

“there you guys go again talking about FLAT land.....
This is flat___________________
This is NOT flat___/\_____/\
I'm off to work..y'all be good.!!!!!”

“"there you guys go again talking about FLAT land.....
This is flat___________________
This is NOT flat___/\_____/\
I'm off to work..y'all be good.!!!!!"
divinity


So which is it Divinity?
Flat or not flat?”

“It is as flat as flat gets.”

“Flat:



Not Flat:

”

“PAMALA!!!!!!
God I LOVE that woman!

Thanks Bit!”

“"This is NOT flat___/\_____/\"

am I a DOM for looking at that graphic and immediately thinking of boobs? Of course I see that I am not alone in that observation.”

“LOL.....I go to work and y'all are sooo bad...I can't even leave for 8 hours.......”

“my trip report...pics tomorrow.

Savage Gulf
Tennessee Recreation Area

Dates: Jan 16 thru Jan 18

This trip was only 2.5 weeks ago, why does it seem like an eternity? The visuals are still strong, and the story seems to still be fresh. Now is the time to capture it, before the memory dims to obscurity.

Khatru and I left home Friday evening @4:45 pm (a half hour later than planned) to drive 1.5 hour to meet up with Cotton Socks and Moses in Jackson, Tn. I arrived @6pm, 15 minutes earlier than planned...I was beginning to catch up to time. After a quick meet and refuel, off we went east on I-40 to Nashville. Along the way, I began working on the weather and night sky. I wanted clear skies to sleep below, and I needed to work the right spells.

Upon reaching Nashville, I decided not to take the I-440 outer loop, as I really like the Nashville skyline and enjoy the city, we took the inner loop and then hit up 440 heading (according to the map South) but the road signs all say EAST...the 24, again east, but really south. We passed Murfreesboro, home of Walkindude and B.Binkley and his new outdoor shop.

We had no difficulty, except for 2 VERY sharp turns. on Rt. 50 heading up to the Gulf. By this time, I was road hallucinating, and even though I saw the metal fence, my brain said "straight". At the last moment, I slammed the brakes and cut the wheel and slid into the right turn, only to need to do it again, as the sharp left came up instantly. hehehe...

we got to the park with NO difficulty, arriving @11:30, half hour early. I had caught up to time and now it was on my side. We played with gear, slammed a couple of beers down and started our walk in, when Super Troll came out to meet us. Well met ST!!!

As we were nearing the campsite, we encountered a woman, sprawled out in the middle of the trail...the word TOAST is applicable here, and her mustached man was laughing his butt off. I helped the woman up, and was introduced to Mother Goose and Father Goose. They were looking for their van, we pointed them in the direction we had just come from, and off they went to finally find the van. I found out that they had spent a half hour wandering up and down the trail, looking for it...too funny....Well met Mother Goose, and Father Goose. On we went, to finally see the watch fire and the keepers. Opie, Davinity, Ewker, Stove Stomper are the only ones that I can remember who were up, most of everyone else was asleep in their tents already. There were tents everywhere. I found a nice secluded spot in the woods, and proceeded to set up home. We hung out for a short bit, tossing down some VERY potent imbibables, proceeding to become my own version of TOAST. Cottonsocks got TANKED and was smoking cigars, then the tattoo showings began...YIKES!!!

I tried to keep her under control Chili, but, like all women...she had a mind of her own....we were all laughing so hard.

Finally everyone was either burnt toast, or really tired and we all slithered to our tents. As I was weaving towards my tent, I noticed the moon coming up over the Gulf. She was a crescent wonder and I attempted to make my way to the clearing, almost stepping off the cliff. I couldn't get a real good shot, as it kept spinning around and around, the ground was spinning too, so I took a big step back, away from the cliff edge, and almost fell into someones tent...finally I made it to my tent, and I crawled in and layed down, and the tent began to spin, but I was too tired to care, and passed out. Sleep came easy for me...and the sky was filled with the diamonds of the night sky. My spells had worked and I didn't bother with the rain fly. But, I couldn't enjoy them, cause they kept going round and round and round. I gave up and let myself spin out of control into the void.

Morning came, a grey day, but no rain. I was a bit hung over, but not in pain. Cottonsock was a different story...she was very funny!!! If I didn't know better, I woulda thought that Chili was there, the way she was bossin Moses around. too funny!!!

After a leisurly breakfast, we broke down camp. I guess I was the last, as usual, to complete the job. I don’t really care, if I'm the last, as I'm never in a hurry to start, as long as I know, I'm going to finish. Moses and I went back to the cars, to register, and I dropped off a couple of things, I decided not to keep in my pack.

We met up with Father Goose, and eventually, he blazed on. Its great, that everyone hikes thier own hike, but meets up for the evening festivities. We did, eventually catch up to Stove, Divinity, and Cottonsocks. We crossed the creek, over a VERY wobbly bridge, and the ladies and Khatru, were terrified. Khatru was very close to the ground with paws spread out wide and toes splayed out even wider. Dang sissy dog…what a wuss, and in front of Sarabelle too, what an embarrassment!!!

Once crossing the bridge, we began an uphill ascent, that would eventually take us up to the ridge which gave us spectacular views of the side of the Gulf that we had just come from. If it weren’t for the serious fog and mist, it would have made grand photographs, but as it is, they are grand memories, and not so good photos. At this point, the group kind of stuck together, as the going was challenging and there were some tight spots that required some serious scrambling over some great ledges. Once up on the ridge, Cottonsocks divulged that she had on 97 layers and needed to shed some REAL fast. Which she did…right in front of the entire group…Ewker and I stood in total amazement as she stripped right down to her skivvies…nice blue panties…LOL. Divinity said that true gentlemen would have turned their backs…but, we weren’t true gentlemen…what a silly notion…hahaha

Shortly after, the group began once again to divide up, according to speed and skill. Khatru and I wound up hiking alone, slightly behind Gojo and Sarabelle and Gizmo. There were some other backpackers on the trail, that I was playing tag with, and eventually they passed me up, for good, as I stopped by a stream to eat lunch and filter some water and rest. Ewker caught up to me here and he rested with me. The 2 of us hiked the rest of the way together and talked and took photos of the scenery and each other. We reached the old stage coach road and thought…”no way this is a road”. I’d a shat a brick if I was in a coach goin down that road…it was scarry enough just walkin. We saw the remnants of old retaining walls after the Skinny Falls. The falls were really cookin too. Ewker and I wondered about the old retaining walls and we weren’t the only ones to wonder that thought too, and now that I read the trail description, I know that they were set up as a secondary road way back in the history of time. Slave labor was used to create the road back in the 1840’s.

We arrived at the Saw Mill CG at dusk and to be honest, I was tired. My left knee seems to not be co-operating with me this year…and it was telling me it had had it. In short order I had camp set up and wanted to get water before it was totally dark. Ewker, Gojo, Khatru and I went off to the spring.

The spring was awesome. Coming right out of the heart of the mountain rock gorge. Lots of mud, deep slippery holes and gushing water…Gojo scooped the water, and as we all were walking out, I slipped in the mud and lost half my water…thank goodness I still had the other half. It was a long walk to and fro…and my arm(s) were tired upon returning. Once back in camp, Cottonsocks, Moses and the rest of the possey had arrived and CS began the bossin of Moses in earnest again…we all had a huge hoot over it too.

The fire was cookin, and with a little help, from everyone, we got a bonfire goin and the imbibables started being shared. Cigars were cooked and we all started telling tall tales of hiking and (achem) canoeing disasters. It was all so funny. And then ponytailed ranger dude showed up and all the women started to swoon. He checked a few permits and then left. And then the fun started up all over again. Late into the evening (9:30) a few personages began falling out, and one by one, everyone went to sleep. What a great day. The evening was hilarious and the hike was superb and the company was, as always, warm and friendly.

The am came, and a few were ready to roll before I was even out of my tent…musta had someplace important to go or something. Myself…I like slow, leisurely mornings…no hurry, cause time don’t exist. But, I can understand the others wanting to get away from Cottonsocks…LOL.

As I was still in my tent, with my hat pulled over my eyes, I heard her say “ok, who’s gonna show me how to use this stove?” I thought to myself…”uh oh”. Then I heard Moses say…”this is how to do it”…and I heard the pump going, then I heard….”WOOOSH!!!” and a WHOA!!! Directly after…I laughed so hard, I was crying…I never did find out if Moses had any eyebrows and lashes left after igniting the overfilled whisperlight. TOO FUNNY…gotta love newbies…they are, after all SOOOO entertaining.

Once up and breakfast cooked, and camp torn down…it was only myself, Gojo, Father Goose and Still Lost, who stayed lost for a while longer…he was even in less of a hurry than ME…I shoulda hung out with him longer. FG booked out, Gojo and I walked to the bridge together and shook hands one last time…Nice meeting you Gojo, Sarabelle and gizmo…look after Lizs for me, ok? Father Goose…well…heck…I’d give ya a hug, but yer not a woman…so, all ya get from me is another Well Met!!!

I hiked out alone, until catching up to Divinity and StoveStomper and hung with them for a while, then I turned off to go to see Fall Creek Falls, which was AWSOME. Khatru scarred the heck out of me as he walked right out to the rocks in the raging water. I was screaming at him to get back and he finally decided that I meant business and he came back. There were some other folks coming down to the falls and I said….get out of my way peasants…I’m Stikmon and you aren’t…no, really, I said good morning and to be careful, as the rocks were very slippery.

I watched Divinity stand shin deep in the water crossing, as she was debating whether she should get her feet wet, it was quite humorous. Sorry, but it really was.

Then I arrived at Suter Falls and saw Ewker and Cottonsocks on the far side. I searched a few moments for a safe crossing and proceeded across with little trouble…Khatru on the other hand, was wuss and had to find his own way across, getting wet…

I decided to wait for Divinity and Stovestomper to arrive, thinking that she might need some real help this time, which she did and I delivered to her…I think she said something about a “knight in shining armor”, but, I’m much too humble to accept that title…simple wizard, will do nicely.

The 3 of us finished the hike together, arriving back at the car and cold beer that I had stashed in my cooler. Then off we went to the Pizza Hut for a monsterous meal of pizza and then a trip to Murfreesboro…home of Walkindude and Binks’ new outfitter store…which, I purchased some yellow Elf slippers, which I really dig.

The Ride home was long, and the Eagles lost. I stopped once to take a 20 minute nap.

To summerize, I don’t know who I met, cause well, I don’t remember who I didn’t meet. I guess I met everyone who was there, except those that left before I arrived.

Bitpusher…next time dude…get well soon…Super troll…same thing…next time…

Dayhiker…thanks for putting it all together…I know it was in answer to my wanting to make a return trip…thank you.

Divinity/Stovestomper…you’re a cute couple…hope it all works out…LOL.

Gojo…nice to have finally met the drunkard of montanapalooza…LOL

Father Goose…Well met INDEED!!!

Trekingirl…once again, we meet and share the moment…see ya soon

Ewker…a classy guy like you should stay away from the rest of us bums…SYS

Walkindude…well, what to say…your OK man…thanks for the CD…you ARE THE AXEMAN!!!

Moses…you did well, especially putting up with Cottonsocks…she don’t shut up, does she???

Cottonsocks…I love ya lady…catch ya soon.

To the rest…thanks for taking YOUR time to come out and play…catch all of you on the trail of life REAL SOON.

The end…

Well not really, now I gotta write my Red Rocks and Death Valley trip reports…I really need a secretary…I travel WAY too much…

later all.”

“That pretty much sums up the mood and experience that was Savage Gulf '04. Thanks for being a big part of the trip.”

“it was a fun time...not a heavy mental thing, nor physically punishing. I enjoyed it. I'd like to get back to the area before the end of the season...also...

The Duck River is a callin...so...kayaks and canoes BEWARE!!!!”

“Just watching the Weather Channel... after the rain yesterday and today it sounds like Savage Gulf may be full of water.”

“I wish I could hit Sipsey this weekend. The falls will be gushing.”

“Stream crossings could get interesting.......”

“Thanks for the trip report.......now about those pics......

we did have a great time didn't we....

I need a tattoo!!...LOl”

“and I thank you once again for aiding an old short woman at Suter Falls......I am sure I would have been wet from head to toe instead of just my feet.....
OMG Suter Falls was awesome.....”

“Great one Stikmon! I'm not sure if I can ever hike again according to the doctor today. Not very good news.”

“OMG!!! When did the hip injury occur, if it's ok to ask?”

“Not really sure. I am thinking about 3 months ago. At least thats when it started hurting.”

“That's horrible. I now remember saying you had hurt it and had to go to the doc. Here's hoping your second or third opinion gives you rosier possibilities.”

“if it was up to them...they'd have you on pain killers the rest of your life...

ancient Korean proverb...

"when it hurts, its working...when it stops, it doesn't matter anymore"

Hike on, just in moderation and lighten that dang pack!!!”

“OMG......LOL...that was fun....thanks for the pics...( I think!!).......the kids came in to see what I was laughing sooo hard about......

and I can't BELIEVE you have a pic of the blue panties!!!”

“I have no shame or morals...ethics...yes...morals...NO!!!”

“I will make a note of that.....”

“OMG Stikmon, Chili is gonna kill me!!! Why in the world would you post that pic? I hope everyone enjoys the blue panties now! OMG what will I tell Chili? LMAO!! To funny. Well just F--- MEEEEE!”

“fantastically great trip report stickmon.. Awesome photos.”

“this is miss opie... i have OPIE's pictures uploaded on my website.

Savage Gulf”