Swinging Bridge to Harpers Creek Shelter - August 15, 2015

Grace and CJ with Karen and Gus in the background

The Tye River

Hot and humid August day....the best hike for that would be short and somewhere to soak.  That was the plan for August 15 with a trek on the Appalachian Trail north from Swinging Bridge on Rt. 56 up through the Three Ridges Wilderness to the Harpers Creek Shelter.  Up, up, up and down, down, down on the return trip with 5.5 miles total and an elevation gain and loss of 1,598 ft.  Lunch and chocolate chip cookies were enjoyed overlooking the fairly dry Harpers Creek near the shelter.  On the return leg we took the secret path to the deeper part of the Tye River and everyone dipped their feet in at least...some even took a plunge in the refreshing, cool water. Gus the dog splashed his toes in....a good reward after a sweaty hike. The clan included Grace Nui, CJ Woodburn, David Crowe, Anne Colgate, Karen Rockwell and Gus, John Waits, Rich Bard, Iva Gillet, Bill Holman, Ginny Barber, and Marit Anderson (hike leader).  Three other hikers had planned to meet us, but were diverted.  Missed you!

CJ, David, John, Karen, and Gus near the shelter for lunch

Harpers Creek -pretty dry this time of year

Iva - we love all that you do for PATC

Marit and Grace - time to hit the water

Bill is acting goofy!  He found himself a comfy shady spot.

Karen and John were the first in the river

submitted by Marit Anderson