First of all I would like to thank the other forums members for their help. With their invaluable suggestions I decided to choose the Chinnabee Silent Trail {CST} for my overnight hike.
I woke early and was on the road by 0430 to make the 3 1/2 -4 hr drive. My first stop was at the Cheaha State Park store to puchase a map. I inquired about the availability of water on the trail and the two women minding the store looked at me as if they had no idea of what water was neverless if there was any out on the trail!
I then realized that it was pointless to make any further inquiries so I got make in my car and drove to Chinnabee Lake campground where I left my car.
I strapped on my pack and hit the trail at 0900. The temperature was 82* and there was a very pleasant and welcoming breeze!
The first section for those of you who are unfamiliar with the trail parallels a beautiful little stream with large boulders and casscading water falls. It makes for a shady and pleasant although somewhat steep assent!
The CST reminds me of the AT in some areas especially at the start. It's rocky and strewn with roots! As I do on the AT I chose my foot placement wisely as to avoid injury to ankles, knees or both!
I reached Cheaha Falls Shelter and after taking a momment to admire the view and snap a few pictures I made my way down to Cheaha Creek. I scouted out the area for a suitable spot to hang my hammock and settled on an area approximatley 50 yards above and overlooking the creek!
After setting up camp which always takes me far too long, I made my way back down to the falls and soaked my feet and knees in the cool water flowing off the edge of a rock! It was heaven! I then lay on one of the rocks to dry out in the sun!
I had the site to myself until after sundown when some other hikers pitched their tents on a site well below me. I never got to make contact with them as they were up and out early the next morning!
After a leizurely breakfast I broke down camp {which also takes me entirely too long to do} packed up and began the hike back to the car. With the exception of the initial climb up from Cheaha Creek the hike back is much easier! More down hills than up! I made it back to the car in about 1 1/2 hrs. As is always the case when I leave my car parked in an isolated area it was quite a relief to see it there and intact! My friends frequently ask me if I'm afraid to hike alone my response is always the same--"yes I'm afraid to leave my car!"
I really enjoyed this hike! It was just what I needed! I was pleased that my lungs were up to the task and even though I could tell my conditioning had declined from being idle the last few weeks I felt good.
As to trail conditions for those of you who may want to hike the CST there are a few places where the trail is being over grown by weeds and a few briars. Otherwise it's ein xcellent condition!As of this writing water is abundant!
My only complaint is with the map that I purchased at the store. According to the map the CST trail is marked with blue blazes. Not true! The blazes are white! I could see upon close inspection that perhaps at one time they had been blue because there were remnants of blue paint beneath the white.
Sorry for making this so long! Hope I haven't bored you too much!
Hope to see you on the trail....
