Trip Report: LBL...damn,weatherman!!

“Land Between the Lakes
January 30-February 1 2004

After leaving cars at the Golden Pond Visitors center we proceeded north on “THE TRACE” in War Eagle’s truck. WE started our hike at the Pisgah Point Boat launch area. LiteBoy, Hotpants, Ellie Mae, Trekkin Girl, War Eagle and Dodder hit the trail about 12:00 noon and hiked approx 12 miles to Sugar Jack Spring. Great day, not cloudy and the high never got above 23. We decided to stay in the shelter that was at this campsite. Liteboy put their tarp over the front of it and it gave us a little more protection. Because it was so cold we were all in our bags about 7:30 pm. As usual the weatherman was wrong!! He said the low that night would be 9. Well, we woke up on Saturday morning and checked the digital thermometer. Damn weatherman, it read 8.8. He missed it again. But we all survived and all admitted that was the coldest night any of us had experienced. Next time I think I will buy an insulation tube for my water as the tube kept freezing. Thank goodness for pee bottles. Also want to recommend Patagonia Cappeline and their R1. I only wore those two garments all day as I hiked. At night I put on my Patagonia Puff and I was cozy.

We set off Saturday morning headed to Dead Beaver Spring. Yes, most of us prefer our Beavers alive and kicking, but this would get us closer to having a short day on Sunday. Little did I know that 13.5 miles later we would get there!! Some of the group, no names mentioned, took the short cut down a road, while some of us did the ENTIRE 13.5!! We arrived in camp where the others had a great fire built. It was a really good fire. I mean a great fire!! (ok Liteboy, you satisfied?). We had a great hike as the temp actually warmed up and the high all day was 32-a heat wave. The low Saturday night was about twenty. A piece of cake compared to what we had been thru the night before. Poor Ellie Mae was really beat as she was limping pretty bad and actually hit the sack before any of us. Of course part of that was that she stayed with War Eagle all day and he hikes really fast. So fast that on Friday, never mind.

We got up on Sunday morning and had a short 4.5 mile back to the visitor where we arrived about 11;30. I want to say that there is a lot of unexplored trails in LBL and we all plan on going back. The trail runs along Kentucky Lake in places and has some great views. It was one of the most memorable trips I’ve ever had. I have to admit that these people I hiked with are the best. I love you guys and will never forget the 8.8 hike. You are the best!! I am, and remain, THE DODDER.”

“It has been a desire of mine to hike in LBL for a long time..

That is the main reason I weathered the COLD and did it..I'm very proud of me..lol Aren't you Tenn War Eagle.. : )

LBL was more than I expected..even without mountains it had much beauty to offer..I plan on going back often this year.

It was great seeing all you guys again,especially Liteboy and Hotpants,and of course Ellie Mae..it was way too long since I had seen you all.You really made it nice for an old woman like myself (and old Dodder)stoking the fire in the mornings..Hike on!! : )”

“Thanks for your good report. Sounds like it was memorable hike.”

“I forgot to mention how jealous I was of War Eagle. Ellie Mae woke him up every morning with warm kisses.....”

“Dang, I'm sorry I missed that one. Sounds like y'all had a great time. Wait'll I get my paws...err, hands...on that two-timing Ellie Mae. I'm not around, and she's kissin' on another guy!”

“Good trip report dude!



8)”