On Saturday I went to Center Hill Lake (Middle TN). I hadn't been there since I went camping there when I was in college, but it was as pretty as I remembered--much nicer than Percy Priest where I went last time. It's hillier there and also farther from Nashville so less crowded. It was a gorgeous day--low 70s, with a wind that was brisk at times, giving me something to fight against and something to go with (not as often as I'd have liked!) and also some decent waves. It's best when the motor boats come by and there are real waves for a few seconds.
This was my route--out and back. My put-in at Holmes Creek, and my lunch stop, are marked w/ red Xs. I make it to be about 10 miles total for the day. So that means that there is no WAY I went 20 miles at Percy Priest a few weeks ago, b/c it took me about the same amount of time. The PP legend must just be inaccurate!
Putting in at Holmes Creek:
Given that I got lost last time, I was really glad to see this when exiting Holmes Creek!
Saw these cool cliffs.
Stopped at a beach for lunch.
The wind was pretty stiff by this time--I had what was almost a surf launch as a result when I left after lunch!
[shortyoutube]http://youtu.be/igaPJ32r_ao[/shortyoutube]
Back on the water, here are my "waves"! Not up to yours, but I was happy with anything.
[shortyoutube]http://youtu.be/9vCv7eH5vGI[/shortyoutube]
[NOTE: Why are my youtube links not working The tags seem right. ??]
I stopped for a snack and a pee break on the way back and found a huge flat rock in the sun, where I lay for a few minutes. Then I heard a noise behind me--I sat up and looked around--saw no one. Heard it again and looked down. Below my rock and about 5 feet back was a huge black snake heading my way at a leisurely pace. I had to admit that sunning on a hot rock WAS a snakey activity and, as the interloper, I cleared out fast! I'm sure he enjoyed telling all his buddies how he ran the stupid human off. I didn't get a pic as I was. . . um . . . moving too fast. ;-) I'm NOT afraid of snakes (I live on a farm, after all) but I have a healthy respect for them and generally subscribe to the "don't mess with them and they won't mess with you" school of thought.
Heading back in after a long and wonderful day.
I think I will do my first camping trip at Center Hill. There is a campsite on Davies Island, a little further on than I went--I could make it there in a day, spend the night, and come back. I'll need to do it soon as it will be too hot for me in a few months! There are many reasons why I'm really a PNW kinda girl, and the weather here is one of them. I can't stand it 95% of the time!