Sat, Mar 31 2018 - Saturday Morning Adventure in Decatur (View Original Event Details) Trip Leader(s): Charlie Cottingham, Kym Participants: Kym, Charlie Cottingham, Sue M., Jeanne, Mike M, Desi, Mary Reed, Joyce B., Marylee B., Florie, John, Jenny C, Pam, Jennifer P, Greg Walling, Janet J, Norm Melton, Deb, Sue, Gary Babiarz

It was a perfect Spring day for a hike in Decatur. 20 hikers met and hiked the 4 parks there.

We started at the playground at Mason Mill to the new boardwalk Path, walked it to the end and back to make our way to Melton Park. Alas, the creek was too full there for to cross, so we hiked along the creek to the senior center instead. From there, we connected to the Path again at the new tunnel (or as Gary prefered to call it - the Clairmont underpass). On the Emory campus, we hiked around Lullwater Park - going to the waterfall, across the suspension bridge, and to the old tower. Before heading back to the other side of Clairmont, we stopped at the old cemetary, where the graves were dated a century ago. After crossing Clairmont, we then walked to Melton Park by way of a neighborhood road. At the park, we hiked the wooded trails there, trying to find the alternate creek crossing (which were some old tires strewn across the creek) to get back to Mason Mill. Alas, it was also too full to use, so we exited Melton and hiked along some more neighbordhood roads to Medlock Park. We followed the creek there, going around the baseball fields, stopping for a restroom break, and then back on the boardwalk to Mason Mill.  We meandered thru the wooded trails of Mason Mill - along the creek and the railroad tracks, under the boardwalk. Pretty tired and hungry now, we took the left fork at the end of the trail... The one that was shorter, that took us back to our cars sooner.

Half the group parted ways at the park for home. The other half drove to a nearby Mexican restaurant, where we chowed down on some tacos and fajitas and chugged down some cold margaritas.

Thank  you, everyone, for joining Charlie and me on our Decatur adventure. And thank you, Charlie for co-leading this hike with me. 

All in all - we hiked 9 miles in 3.5 hours. As Charlie had noted, it was the longest in distance and time he'd spent in the Decatur woods. Next time, we'll strive for even longer! :)

Happy Easter! And see you all next time!