Hike 2: Gobbler’s Trace Trail
There was this one big hill I’ve avoided since my lungs broke. Not anymore! Consider Gobbler’s Trace Trail vanquished.
All posts tagged: The Gus Scale
Normal trail rankings do not apply when you have busted lungs, so I I rank trails based on my scale, a.k.a. “The Gus Scale.” Rankings run from one to seven based on how strenuous or how much oxygen I need to complete a trail.
Out with a bang
My last hike for the summer season was a huge let down. I only ended up logging two out of a planned six miles, I had no water and I threw the biggest trail tantrum of my life.
1 hike down. 51 to go.
Hike one of the 52 Hike Challenge was a half frozen one around Big Bone Lick SP’s sulfur springs and creeks.
East Fork State Park
This park is a great place to crank out some miles when you need to stretch your legs a bit. I just wouldn’t recommend getting in the water unless you are very confident in your immune system.
Big Bone Lick SP
One of my favorite local parks to hike at is Big Bone Lick State Park. So named for the bone digs that were so popular in the 1700s. Today, the big bones are gone but there are miles of uncrowded trails to explore — and bison!
Gus Scale: Old Man’s Cave
Hocking Hills State Park has some moderately rugged trails, but there are still some suitable for members of the busted lung club. One of those is a short, out-and-back trail to Old Man’s Cave.
Wednesday, Bloody Wednesday
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but what if the picture leaves you with no words, just feelings of shock and despair? That’s how I felt after visiting the site the bloodiest one day of battle in American history.
Gus Scale: Greeter Falls
Greeter Falls is beautiful, but be mindful of the fork in the road. Choosing wrong way could land you on a trail ranked seven out of seven on the Gus Scale.
Gus Scale: Foster Falls
The ruggedness of Foster Falls gets it a six out of seven on the Gus Scale. It’s a great hike to the falls and swimming hole, but make sure you wear proper footwear and have good knees and ankles.
What’s this Road to Nowhere?
In a complete coincidence, I’m bringing you another tale of controversy in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s history. Or maybe it isn’t really a coincidence, its just a throw back to my days of being a newsie. I don’t remember ever actually running around the newsroom screaming, “If it BLEEDS, it LEADS!!!” but knowing me, its entirely within the realm of possibility. Not that I seek out controversy for the sake of it; but it does make for a more interesting plot. Scene: Another tranquil place in the Smokies. Its late March, around 60 degrees and sunny. Not many birds are out yet, so the only sounds you hear are leaves underfoot and, of course, my breathing. A gentle breeze tickles your arms and makes you grateful for the sun’s warm rays beaming on your scalp. A short walk up a slight incline will take you to the deceptively-long tunnel. I didn’t think there was much to the tunnel, until I was in its belly. Devoid of sunlight, the center of the tunnel swallows any light – …
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