Gulch = a deep, narrow ravine, especially one marking the course of a stream or torrent.  

Lately my Saturdays have been spent day-hiking and I've chalked up a few miles, while trying to maintain some semblance of fitness.  This past weekend's trail tested my endurance. But I'm intrigued enough by the challenge to set my sight on walking Sitton Gulch again.... maybe even soon.

The short story is I walked 8.5 miles in about four hours time.  I think I needed a slower pace than that established by the 28 yr old ranger.  Thankfully, there were two other 50+ yr old women in the small group of eight.  We kept up until the last leg - that is, the last 600 of the 1200 stairs to be climbed out of the canyon.  In my stupor, I lost my walking stick.  Other than that, I'm tickled with the accomplishment.

Here's the description of the hike clipped from the State Park's website:

I failed to include in my calculations the two miles of the Waterfall Trail when I was mentally gearing up for this hike.  I read that the Overlook starting point is at 1800 feet above sea level and that the bottom is at 900, but there's nothing like walking each and every step of the way to help you learn how to read a topographical map. 

This visit was my third to Cloudland Canyon this Spring.  The first was on a whim and I was fortunate enough to hook up with a Wildflower Hike that day.  A few weeks later I returned with a friend, and we walked the West Rim Trail, 5 miles long.  Plus the Waterfall Trail (2 miles). 

I've taken a few pictures along the way and have a couple of Facebook albums to document my miles.  Look at mine, if you get a chance, but dont miss these at the Southern Hiker's website.

Next week's plans?   I think I'll ride a bike.... on a flat, paved trail.