Tomorrow - Saturday September 18, I will be leading a hike from Reflection Riding - the botanical garden here in Chattanooga - up to Sunset Rock. The hike is approximately 2 miles each direction (4 mile R/T) with approximately 1000' of elevation gain.
The hike is billed as a Hawk Watch Hike. We are right at the end of the Broad Winged Hawk migration window, and have an opportunity to see hundreds of migrating raptors. Of course, wildlife can be funny, and it doesn't always cooperate. The forecast is for NW winds of approx 15 MPH, which is perfect for hawk migration. Ivan may have also held up many of the birds. It also may have blown some very interesting ones this direction.
If you are interested in attending this hike, you can meet me at Reflection Riding at 11:00 AM. I'll be near where the greenhouses & exhibits are. The hike leaves at 11:30. Bring a sack lunch and water. This activity is part of Reflection Ridings annual Fall Native Plant Sale.
Here's a link to the Reflection Riding web site.
http://www.chattanooga.net/membersites/rriding/
Here's an article about the event from the Chattanoogan:
http://www.chattanoogan.com/articles/article_55322.asp
I hope to see some of you White Blazers there. It'll be fun.
Jeffrey Hunter