The TrailBlazers once again made their annual weekend pilgrimage to the Buffalo River, with 27 cozying up at Buffalo Lodge and another 9 staying in the area. Weather has been rather unsettled lately, but Friday was beautiful for our traditional evening wiener roast supplemented with all kinds of goodies from our members. The evening was spent talking, watching the Royal Wedding, imbibing, doing puzzles, making plans, or whatever, but NOT in the empty hot tub - bummer! 

Saturday’s weather was iffy but we managed to have a great day anyway. Eight members rafted the Buffalo with scores of others. With owner permission a large group hiked at Home Valley Bluff, with one contingent bushwhacking down to the bottom and encountering a snake (yikes!) and another group exploring the bluff line on the top. It was a beautiful hazy view, but by the time we hiked out we were enveloped in a low-hanging cloud. In light rain this same group then tried to trek the first section of the BRT in Boxley Valley, but was turned away by a wet crossing. Next some opted to hike Smith Creek Nature Preserve and others hiked on the BRT from Ponca access. Wilson led still another band in a successful search for waterfalls. Back at the lodge we were treated to a pulled pork dinner. A big thank you to Becky and other members for advance food preparation and planning. 

Into every life a little rain must fall, but sometimes your cup runneth over and you get too much of a good thing! After getting up bright and early on Sunday, several of us headed to Triple Falls, quite spectacular, at Camp Orr. There were various plans afoot for the next adventure, but the skies opened up and we were treated to an all day rain. This put a damper on many plans, but Buffalo Lodge is really all about fun, food (not to mention drink!), and fellowship!