Adventures of the MTNESTRS

Oh the Places We Go!!!!

Spring Break 2023, Day One

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Travis and I usually have at least a partial plan. Going into spring break we had a few thoughts but no solid plans. Our son Jonah has recently moved to North Carolina with the US Army and we thought about visiting him. However, due to his scheduling/trainings etc…nothing could be nailed down. So, how about Washington, DC to visit our son Jake and his wife Emerald? Well, they are busy and that is a long trip with no set ideas in place. Our motto for the week became “Just Wing It.” I was too lazy to actually make plans. TS

SATURDAY, MARCH 11

Saturday morning started bright but not so early. We were lazy and didn’t get started on our day until about 9:15. Jet knew we were leaving when we started packing a backpack, so he grabbed a last minute visit in Travis’s lap. The weather was favorable for a nice hike and off we went.

SONIC STOP

Hiking is so healthy that we decided to balance it out with breakfast at Sonic. The app is the easiest way to order. So even after we arrived, Travis used his phone to place the order for my healthy breakfast burrito, strawberry limeade, and tater tots. He had a sausage, cheese and bacon sandwich, fries and diet coke. It hit the spot!! It was her idea. TS

ADD the Jalapenos and HOLD the Cheese.

CANE CREEK CANYON

One of our favorite hiking spots is Cane Creek Canyon in Tuscumbia, Alabama. I think we would go every weekend if it were not an hour and ten minute drive from our house. We arrived at 10:50 and set off to Hooper Falls by 11:00. Due to the loose gravel on some of the inclines throughout the canyon, I always change into my hiking books and carry a trekking pole. It has saved me from falling more than once. And I’m the old guy with a bad knee, so I now use a “walking stick” as well.TS

March 11, 2023 at 10:45
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SETTING GOALS IS IMPORTANT

Travis and I set a goal to hike all of Cane Creek before August of 2023 when school starts back. If I actually type that, HOPEFULLY we will stick to it! We chose to hike to Hooper Falls today by way of the waterfall and the point. I took a lot of pictures, but they never do it justice.

Heading out
Just a rock ledge.
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Roots to watch out for.
Trail going toward the Point.
The Trail Going Up
The Point on 3/11/23 at 11:37 a.m.

EARLY SPRING FLOWERS

Common Name is Little Sweet Betsy
AKA whip-poor-will flower
AKA large Toadshade
AKA purple toadshade
Eastern Redbud (Cercis Canadensis)
Yellow Trout Lilly or Yellow Dogtooth Violet
Periwinkle ( I think)
Red Buckeye or Firecracker Plant (Aesculus pavia)

PICTURE FUN ALONG THE WAY

Layers of Rocks

OFF THE MORE TRAVELED PATH

GREENER AS WE GET CLOSER TO HOOPER FALLS

There are a lot of small streams that flow into the creek and waterfalls. With spring not yet bringing out the foliage in the bushes and trees, the color of moss stands out vividly.

NEAT ROCKS ALONG THE WAY.

HOOPER FALLS

We reached our destination at 12:45. Took the time to sit and enjoy the sound of the waterfall itself. We had it to ourselves as we were the only ones at the falls. Due to the recent rainfall, the water was higher than during our previous visit. No matter how many times you visit, there will always be something new to see and enjoy.

EVER TRIED TO GROW A TREE??

I have trouble getting a tree to grow in fertilized ground. God grows them out of the ROCKS!!!!!

RIGHT OUT OF THE ROCK

A CLIMB TO THE TOP OF THE FALLS

Smaller fall up stream
TOO SLICK TO GET CLOSER
A GOOD LOOK DOWN INTO THE FALLS

JUST KEEP GROWING

There has got to be a lesson learned through looking at these trees. When life gives you a curve, just keep on persevering and growing!! Your way may not be God’s way, but HIS way is better. So glad God gave me Travis to grow with through this life. But more important, we get to spend eternity together. And Travis feels the same! TS

A change of direction?

“BOULDER GARDEN” WILDFLOWER AREA

Travis and I usually take the steeper, shorter way out through the Boulder Garden. Today we met a family coming down. I only took a pic of the dog though. If I brought out dog Jet, I would end up carrying him back I think. For sure. TS

Fun Day
So many Layers

WE MADE IT BACK

Took another quick look at the point. Ok…. I’ll be honest. The Point is at the top of the steep hike up through the Boulder Garden and we were resting (catching our breath) before that last short hike back to the car.

The Point at 1:56.
Toilets located throughout the Canyon. Very clean and well kept.
Fresh water provided daily to refill you water containers as needed.
Sign in area
Today’s totals

SUPERHERO CHEFS FOR A LATE LUNCH

Hiking can create quite the appetite. We decided on a return visit to Superhero Chefs in Tuscumbia for a late lunch/early dinner. For an appetizer we chose the Bang Bang Cauliflower and it did not disappoint! After much discussion, we ordered the Bama Burger and the Wing’s and Waffles. YEP!! it was too much food but we ate most of it. We drank water to be healthy again. Remember it is all about balance (like Sonic for breakfast).

Great timing. No crowd.
Bang Bang Cauliflower (Healthy Right)

WE BEAT THE RAIN

As we headed back toward home, the rain caught up to us a little before 4:00.

My stomach was so full I almost took a nap. Great way to end Day 1 of spring break 2023.

DAY ONE SUCCESS

I’d say day one was a success. We ate, we hiked, we spent time together. Don’t forget to check back in for the rest of the week’s adventures.

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