On a beautiful, crisp autumn morning 34 TrailBlazers, including several newcomers, headed up the Pig Trail in search of fall color. Arriving at Hawksbill Crag trailhead we found that the weather had warmed up considerably as we trekked our way up to check out the old bird at the top. Here and there we saw several trees with leaves of scarlet, orange or gold. It is always beautiful to trek along the bluff trail to view the fall color as well as neat rock formations. At each overlook we stopped to see if we could catch our first glimpse of the famous crag. Once rewarded with our first peek, everyone whipped out cameras and started clicking away. In spite of many cars parked along the road we managed to have the crag mostly to ourselves when we reached the top. Of course, this was our great lunch spot and playground to check out the views and visit. Many of us felt pretty warm by the time we hoofed back to the cars. 

Next we made tracks for Lost Valley in Boxley Valley and had no trouble “finding” it since this is one of the few places we hike that is clearly marked! Due to heavy spring rains a great deal of damage was done to this area, so we were pleased to see that a lot of clean up has been done. Currently no camping is allowed, probably due to a combination of the severe recent flooding and the terrible tragedy down at Albert Pike. Of course, since now there is no sign of all that water, it was the driest we have ever seen it. The little pond that is normally in front of the Natural Bridge is just a few small puddles. Eden Falls are down to a trickle that is not visible but can be faintly heard. Nevertheless, the area is beautiful with its towering bluffs silhouetted against the blue skies. Some of our ambitious energizer bunnies trekked up to Eden Cave to do a little spelunking in the cavern beyond the entrance. Another great day!