A group of sixteen people, plus two dogs, left at 10:40 AM from the parking lot across from Mountain Home Inn. At the first water tank three people and one dog returned home (as planned).

We took the Hogback to Matt Davis to the Nora trail to West Point Inn. Chava who ran up to top of the mountain on her own joined us there. After a short break we continued up to the top of the mountain.

At the top we saw Ted at the Visitor's Center. Our usual picnic area was full so we ate near the Visitor's Center. After lunch five people and one dog left for the Bramells' and the remaining eight hiked to the very top.

After some singing and a bit of dance we went down via Fern Creek. We found that the trail had been "improved" with the removal of treacherous roots and the addition of steps ... bah!

Well, Ruth G. will be pleased.

We arrived safely at the Bramells' house where we enjoyed our traditional great after party with more people joining us

.

Happy New Year!