Gila National Forest

The highlight of the Gila National Forest is Emory Pass. With an elevation of 8228 feet the pass provides some great views of Southern New Mexico.

The Gila is unique in that it has a wide range of landscapes. While driving on Hwy 180 one can expect high desert scenes as well as thick pine forests.

The Gila National Forest was established in 1905. It's the sixth largest National Forest with 3.3 million acres.

The Gila Wilderness lies within the national forest. It was established in 1924 as the first designated wilderness by the U.S. Federal Government.

Sailing

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." ~Mark Twain

"The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails." ~William Arthur Ward

Rollin'....

Rollin' on the river

3rd Annual Training Wheels Not Included Bike Ride

The 3rd Annual Training Wheels Not Included Bike Ride was a success. Although the heat and humidity kept a few riders away the bicycle ride provided 8 tough individuals a good workout and some great ice cream at Sassy Cow.

Randy and Grant were the first to depart at 9am for the 40 mile ride. The plan was for the 10am ride to meet the 9am ride at Sassy Cow. However, Randy and Grant covered the 40 miles with ease. They ate ice cream and made it back to the house long before the shorter bike ride finished. Randy has participated in all 3 Training Wheels Not Included Bike Rides.

The 10am 25 mile ride had 6 riders. From left to right: Todd, Deb, Jamie, Lee, Kate, and John. Todd, Deb, Jamie, and Lee have pedaled in all 3 Training Wheels rides. Not only was this Kate and John's first Training Wheels ride, but it was also the most miles they have ever pedaled in one day. Great Job!

The 25 mile ride group pedaling across the Dane/Columbus County line. At the halfway point the group needed a breather.

Nothing better on a hot windy day of bicycling than ice cream at sassy Cow.

Next year a 3rd ride will be added at 11am. It will be about 12 miles long and will be called the Sassy/Sissy Cow loop ride. Start training today!

Burgess Falls State Park, Tennessee

Burgess Falls State Park is located in Central Tennessee. The park consists of 350 acres and is highlighted by the Falling Water River that features several cascades and waterfalls.

There is a nice walking trail that traces the banks of the Falling Water River. The trails provides easy access to the roaring whitewater. Below, Little Falls.

The river drops over 250 feet in less than a mile. Below, Middle Falls.


The highlight of the park is Burgess Falls. The water drops 136 feet into a spectacular gorge that has 100-200 foot walls.

The trail that traces the banks of the Falling Water River ends at a lookout over Burgess Falls. However, if you dare...there is a steep trail that takes its adventurers down into the gorge bottom. The views of Burgess Falls from below is definitely worth the effort.

Burgess Falls is named after Tom Burgess. Burgess was a Revolutionary War veteran who settled along this section of river in the 1790's. The Burgess Family used the river's rapids to power a grist mill that supplied the area with cornmill and lumber.

New World / Old World

New world manpower meets old world horsepower.

photo taken in Hawthorne, FL