Team Boone – February 17-18, 2024

By Stephen D. Bowling

Hike Two for Team Boone started with snowflakes and ended with a chilly, wind-cooled hike beside Cave Run Lake to Stoney Cove. The morning dawned with the back edge of an overnight snow system moving out of the area. The trees and grass were covered in Morehead, but the roadways were mostly clear by the 7:00 shuttle. Several hikers from other areas (especially Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati) experienced some travel issues and reroutes.

The departure from the parking lot at the Morehead Convention Center was delayed to ensure that everyone arrived safely at the shuttle. The first group left Morehead at 7:13 for their ride to the Clear Creek Campground. The temperature warmed up to 24 as hikers crawled out of the van and posed for their picture. From there, it was across the road and into the snowy woods that many described as Narnia-like. The first group hit the trail at 7:43. Steve Barbour and the volunteer drivers headed back to Morehad to retrieve the second group to bring them to Clear Creek.

The hikers traveled up the valley and up the hill to the ridgetop as bright streaks of sunlight broke through the clouds and illuminated the narrow path toward Cave Run Lake. The day was cool but very nice for hiking as the snow crunched under our feet. The trip was not long and the camp for many was already set up. I ventured on ahead and needed to move on. A few fallen trees slowed our progress, but most arrived and established camp. Most found a comfortable spot in the woods to put up their tents and hammocks before they migrated to the fire to warm up a bit.

I ventured on over the dam and the up trail that headed on into Morehead for a long day. On Sunday, the rest of team Boone climbed up and over the ridge to the Amburgey Rocks before dropping off the ridge onto Mill Creek. From there, it was all road walk into Clearfield and on to their awaiting cars at Morehead.

Here are a few images from Team Boone during the February hike:

Hike Two, as usual, was more walking in the woods, especially the trail’s ins and outs beside the lake. I always say that I meet myself walking as I round some of those inlets on the way to Stoney Cove. But don’t worry, there are many more miles of forest trek and some road walks left to complete.

For many hikers, this was the first opportunity to hike in the snow, and most enjoyed the beauty of the days. I always love to recite “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” by Robert Forst over and over again as I walk along on snowy days. It was fun, and we should not complain about a little cold- will miss these cool days when August’s and September’s hikes roll around.

Remember- now is the time to clean and properly store your gear. The March hikes (plural) will be here very soon, and you need to have all your equipment cleaned and ready to prevent mildew and damage. Have a great week. I hope to see everyone on the trail in March.

© 2024 Stephen D. Bowling