The alarm was ringing, but it really wasn't light out yet. It was my day off and it was 6 am, wha? At times like this, there were only two possibilities: I'd either found my way into the Twilight Zone, or I was going hiking. Thankfully thus far, I have only experienced the latter.
A trip to the Walls of Jericho was on the agenda. A state park in both northern Alabama and Southern Tennessee, the websites call it "The Grand Canyon of the South." I'd been hiking in the actual Grand Canyon, so I was curious to see how the Walls would match up.
Fellowship, Cliffs of Doom, and unfettered creativity in the Alabama wilderness. That sums up the Wandering Men's first Writer's Retreat, but if you aren't satisfied with the "CliffsNotes" version then please, read on.
The path, a long, straight bed that once held tracks where trains passed in the late 1800's, led along the side of the heavily-forested slope. The climb to the path, steep and arduous, served only to energize the excited explorers. Hall, Ashy, and I, along with another close friend, carried lanterns, rope, gloves, and mapping materials. Though sweaty from the summer’s heat, our excitement rose with every climb in elevation. Though we had hiked many a long trail, this was our first adventure beyond the path and into places not open to the public.
The Wandering Men have just returned from their annual Writers' Retreat and let me tell you: our fires are stoked and ready to blaze! We were blessed with three days ans two nights in a beautiful chalet in Lake Guntersville, Alabama; cold but glorious weather; more food than we could eat; and excellent friends and writing companions to share it with!
This week, Davis continues our "Fort 'Splorin' series and parts the veil of time with an intriguing glimpse back into the history of our destination, Battery Bienvenue. You will be amazed at this tale, and it will only deepen your appreciation for what we find when will finally arrive at this Lonely Sentinel...
This week, Brannon takes the baton from Davis' stellar beginning and continues telling us about Fort Exploration! In this tale, you'll hear about three men setting out on a four hour tour....er...wait - that's not right...or, er...maybe it is... You be the judge, but rest assured that it is the beginning of a story that can only be called epic!
