All the computer-staring going on around this house lately has really begun to wear on my nerves, and I feel more than ever the need to get out of the house. Today I suggested that Ben and I take a little hike.  We threw a few things into the backpack and headed 45 minutes southwest to the Chickamauga Gorge area.

 

Ben and I headed uphill on the Hogskin Loop, away from the crowds bound for the swimming hole.  We followed the upper portion of the loop and  switched over to a longer route on an old mining road that took us past several swollen waterfalls, old coal mines and remnants of a coal tipple. (The perfect early Christmas shopping location for our "naughty" family members!)

The trail was all ours  with the exception of a wary chipmunk and about a thousand little toads.  It was a nice little excursion and it lessened my cabin fever just a little bit.  I have big plans for the rest of tonight: homemade eggplant parmesan and a bit more work in the shop.  I'm already looking forward to the weekend, when I get to celebrate Father's Day with my dear old  Dad!