Saturday at Catoosa
Saturday June 6, 2020
Dana & Kenny Koogler
We took a day to do some exploring out at Catoosa Wildlife Management Area. We had some big ideas, but those sometimes pan out, sometimes not.
We are used to it. We had tried to get ahead of the heat wave the day called for. By mid morning the temperature was already in the 80s. Even before we left the house the humidity was at 90%! It was sunny and beautiful, but hot and still.
We arrived at the Devils Breakfast Table area next to Daddy's Creek only to find the bridge damaged and closed to traffic. The flooding has ripped up two boards about halfway across it. I wonder if the powers that be will ever repair it? We still saw plenty of people around.
We hiked a portion of the Cumberland Trail and found it very pretty, but it didn't take long before we were sweaty and grumpy from dealing with it.
We saw lots of jack in the pulpit flowers, mountain laurel, birds, and huge magnolia leaves. The stream was not running the best. Our thoughts of visiting Little Cove Branch Falls seemed silly when we realized how little water was flowing. We'd have to make the best of the situation and find something else to do.
We headed out to visit the Catoosa Fire Tower. We'd talked about doing this for a long time. We finally got there today. We arrived at the exact same
time as another couple in an SUV. There was a man sitting there on a four wheeler drinking beer. The Catoosa tower was a bit of a let down.
time as another couple in an SUV. There was a man sitting there on a four wheeler drinking beer. The Catoosa tower was a bit of a let down.
It is in poor repair. The metal framework is sound, but the wooden steps are very rotten and missing in many places. The forest around you prevents any sort of view from this knoll if you are not in the tower.
Once we got done with the short jag to the fire tower we pulled off on a side trail and ate a quick lunch. The beer drinking fellow passed us as he left, but to his credit he had a litter bag attached to his four wheeler and he took all his litter with him! Good man!
We tried to find an access point to Island Creek unsuccessfully.
We did find a wildlife pond I had seen from satellite view. It had lots of fish in it. It had water lilies which were not in bloom. A nice quiet setting.
Not terribly exciting.
Little dragonfly
Pond
Little fish swimming
I had injured myself clambering around in the woods. I took the hide off my left shin. It hurt like a #$%&* but it was a long way from the heart. I toughed it out til I got home later and pulled the wound edges together with some steri strips. It was more or less mashed open.
The breeze felt great and the scenery was just wide open spaces and blue skies. I always enjoy this place though it is maybe not as exciting a destination as some places we could go. I think it is different and quiet and I have the feeling there is a fair amount to discover out here.
It was a nice day to get some fresh air and exercise. Today for the first time in awhile.... I saw little league ball games being played. I saw people gathering to swim, fish, etc. It made me feel good to see things becoming more normal.
We'll return to Catoosa for more exploring if we are lucky.
Below: Indian pinkroot in bloom! Its that time of year... you see lots of these in Morgan County.
We tried to find an access point to Island Creek unsuccessfully.
We did find a wildlife pond I had seen from satellite view. It had lots of fish in it. It had water lilies which were not in bloom. A nice quiet setting.
Not terribly exciting.
I had injured myself clambering around in the woods. I took the hide off my left shin. It hurt like a #$%&* but it was a long way from the heart. I toughed it out til I got home later and pulled the wound edges together with some steri strips. It was more or less mashed open.
The breeze felt great and the scenery was just wide open spaces and blue skies. I always enjoy this place though it is maybe not as exciting a destination as some places we could go. I think it is different and quiet and I have the feeling there is a fair amount to discover out here.
It was a nice day to get some fresh air and exercise. Today for the first time in awhile.... I saw little league ball games being played. I saw people gathering to swim, fish, etc. It made me feel good to see things becoming more normal.
We'll return to Catoosa for more exploring if we are lucky.
Below: Indian pinkroot in bloom! Its that time of year... you see lots of these in Morgan County.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Thanks for reading and commenting. I enjoy hearing from those who read & make use of my blog. I have made some wonderful friendships through emails from readers. I respond to all comments and emails. I appreciate folks reaching out to let me know when my blog entries are not functioning correctly or if the situation somewhere has changed. Many Blessings to you!
Dana 🐝