The Southeastern Outings weekday hike originally scheduled for Thursday, October 21, will now take place on Friday, October 22, 2021.  The probability of rain and lightning in Sylacauga on Thursday is 60%.  It is near zero on Friday.

Hike leader Francis Rushton has asked that if you plan to come on this postponed outing this coming Friday, you please email him at ferushton@gmail .com right away so that he will know how many people to expect to meet him at the Publix in Lee Branch in Greystone on U.S. Highway 280 this coming Friday morning.

The revised outing announcement with the date change is below.

OCTOBER 22, FRIDAY, 8:45 a.m.

Moderate Weekday Hike

Where: Bull’s Gap and Bull’s Bluff near Sylacauga

Please Note-All participants on this hike shall have made a good faith attempt to be vaccinated against the Covid 19 virus provided that the vaccine is available to them.

Details: We’ll proceed about an hour’s drive to the Bull’s Gap trailhead at the southern part of Section 4 on the Pinhoti Trail where the trail crosses AL Highway 148.  A great view at the trailhead portends other wonders to follow. We’ll climb a little less than a mile to good views off the top of Bull’s Bluff looking out towards Sylacauga to the west and Rebecca Mountain. We continue climbing up the south shoulder of Horn Mountain on a gradual trail. Several years ago this area was hit by a tornado and there are a lot of blow downs. Fortunately the Forest Service has cleared this stretch of the Pinhoti Trail.  We’ll reach a power line crossing at the 2 mile mark where there are more views to the west. From this point we will return to our cars all down hill.  Estimated hike distance 4 miles.  Hike rated moderate.

Note-To view photos of what we will see on this trip, please click on this link:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/7CBxgg5hCTPxk3cW9

Please be sure to click on the link and view the photographs.

Optional dinner after the hike is concluded.
Meet 8:45 a.m. at the Publix Super Market in Lee Branch.  We plan to depart from there at 9:00 a.m.

Reservations Required:  Please email Francis Rushton, 843-441-3368 if you plan to attend.

Information and Trip Leader: Francis E. Rushton, Telephones 843-441-3368 Cell, 205-290-5557 Home

DIRECTIONS TO MEETING PLACE

Publix in The Village at Lee Branch in Greystone– 410 Doug Baker Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35242-2682.  Take U.S. Highway 280 East going away from Birmingham to intersection with AL Route 119, Cahaba Valley Road.  Continue on U.S. 280 through that intersection 9/10 more miles and turn right on Doug Baker Boulevard.  This turn is right after the very large Driver’s Way used car dealer which you’ll see on your right.  Drive 3/10 miles on Doug Baker Boulevard and then see the Publix Super Market on your right.  Please park in front of the Publix, but fairly far out towards 280, not right by the front door.

DESCRIPTION OF SOUTHEASTERN OUTINGS

Do you wish you had friends who share your active lifestyle and enjoyment of outdoor activities?  Then become active with Southeastern Outings (SEO), a nonprofit organization committed and created to serve people who enjoy being active in the outdoors.  The organization plans, organizes and leads outings such as dayhikes, easy kayak and canoe trips, stream and waterfall walks, bicycle rides, lake events and other fun activities to beautiful sites in our natural environment.  From time to time we also sponsor potluck suppers and other socials.  All events and activities of the group are open to the public.  Participating in SEO activities is a splendid, simple way to make congenial new friends who enjoy the outdoors.

NO DOGS OR SMOKING ALLOWED, PLEASE, ON ANY SOUTHEASTERN OUTINGS EVENTS.

The organization currently has about 250 members.  We scheduled forty-six events during the six months ending May 31, 2021 for an average of EIGHT fun events per month.  We enjoy the outdoors in all seasons throughout the year.

SEO does not charge for participation in any of its outings.  You do not have to be a member to participate in one or two SEO activities.  Dues are only $10 per family or household.  Please contact Dan Frederick, President, 205-631-4680, or seoutings@bellsouth.net for more information and to obtain three free monthly newsletters with membership application and a complete description of all our outdoor events.

Southeastern Outings now has a website.  Just go to seoutings.org to find announcements of all our upcoming outings scheduled plus some brief, general information about Southeastern Outings, a membership application and 1500 lovely photographs from most of our outings.

Thank you.