Hike Coordinator: John Malone
Narration by Lane Harris
On a late July day, Hemlock Creek Trail offered a challenging but rewarding hike, starting in the cool surroundings of Lake In The Woods. As 15 of us gathered for John’s 8.8 miler, we charged immediately up the forested trail with vigorous enthusiasm. Then we found a road. Ok, that didn’t last very long… so a short road walk. But then, it was back on the trail!
The uphill slog seemed to be less painful than it probably actually was, as hikers were distracted with all the trees and the pretty little waterfalls along the way. Isn’t that nice. Although the trail didn’t offer much in the way of views that we hikers always talk and brag about, this quaint little trail is every bit as satisfying as any other out there. And it heads uphill. Quite a lot, I might add.
As we merrily crossed over picturesque foot bridges and became enamored with the spectacularly tall trees, we continued with energetic enthusiasm. Then we found a road. Ok, so we took a little breather here, a short respite if you will. We then crossed the road to the other side to continue the hike. I’m pretty sure there’s a joke in there somewhere…
The trail eventually brought all of us to a large meadow, upon which we partook in the devouring of sandwiches, beef sticks, and the like. From here, a short walk to the campground was in order for this hiker, as I had to use the facilities there. Then I found a road. Ok, so this sorta makes sense, as bathrooms in campgrounds are typically found near roads. After taking care of business, I made may way back to the meadow and to my fellow devourers of food.
My now pleasantly plump partners were ready to skedaddle back down the hill from where we came. I was not opposed to this decision. The way back down was just as satisfying, if not more so due to the lack of heavy panting, which, as we all know, is discussed in the hiker’s guide of trail etiquette…
If you didn’t know, heavy panting is required when going uphill. The common courtesy of heavy panting is an indication, a warning if you will, to other hikers to keep their distance, that you may hurl at any moment. This primal act of involuntary heavy breathing has prevented many a hiker’s pantlegs from being soiled by another hiker’s oral projectiles. However, I digress…
Working our way back down the trail, we pretty much saw everything in reverse order, and at the opposite angle. Pretty wild. Then we found a road. Again.
Then it was more of the same, but just a little bit warmer, and much easier without the heavy panting. Heavy panting is required when… hold on a sec…. we found a road. Never mind, same road we crossed at the beginning of the hike. Ok, so we must be close to being done.
Back at Lake In The Woods campground, several hikers took advantage of an extremely rare thing found in campgrounds: flush toilets! It was here a bizarre discussion about toilet paper took place. You’ll find it at the end of the video for this hike. Viewer beware…
Pictures below by Lane Harris
