This past Saturday morning was a casualty of poor planning. We had had several conversations about hiking but nothing nailed down so we got distracted and ran errands. In an effort to salvage the afternoon and arrive on time for dinner with friends, we headed back to House Mountain to hike the east side.
The weather was a little colder than perfect but it was the wind that gave us pause! While lacing our boots up in the parking lot, we stopped to watch a stand of spindly hardwoods sway in the stiff breeze. About that time we heard a loud crash as a limb from one of the trees broke and fell to the ground. Not a good sign for hiking in the woods!
We hiked a short distance on the main trail before turning right on the Mountain Trail. Shortly after turning off, we fell into the shadow of the mountain where we were protected from the wind. Without the wind, we warmed quickly as we climbed 1600′.
Another right at the end of the Mountain Trail and we were on the Mountain Crest Trail headed toward the East Overlook. No question the east side of the mountain is the prettiest side. Much of this side is private but the owners allow hikers to use the trails.
We stopped at this north facing overlook and stepped into the wind. We assume the flag is compliments of the property owners but we don’t remember it being here last time we hiked this trail.
In the above photo, John is videoing the flag. He is attempting to steady himself with his foot stance but truth be told, the wind was rolling up the mountain and over the rocks in strongs gusts. One of those gusts slammed into him and knocked him back toward the trail.
We made it to the East Overlook and took advantage of the photo op (above photo and below 2 photos).
On the way out, we stopped at the northern overlook again for a “together” photo. We took about 5 photos and this is the best of the group. The wind grabbed my hair and sent it flying like an airplane.
Mountain Crest Trail
Whoops, someone pocket dialed their mother! 🙂 Reception is good on the mountain
This is the video John took of the flag. Turn up the sound for the full effect of the wind at the north overlook.
Our evening plans included a double date with friends Sonya and Mac Cissna. I guess we would actually call it a triple date because their son, Micah came along too. Earlier in the week we had decided to meet at Latitude 35 on Market Square Mall for dinner. If you remember from my post several days ago, our first impression of the restaurant was good service, atmosphere and food (although we thought our meals had been sitting for a while).
This time we were seated in the backroom in a booth overlooking the kitchen and 7 TVs, all showing the UT-Alabama basketball game. We ordered an assortment of salads, sandwiches and a tray of salsa and chips. The appetizer came quickly and we snacked (great spicy salsa) and watched the game. Everyone was glued to the TVs, including the wait staff, no one could peel their eyes away. At some point Sonya leaned over the table and asked if I thought our food was sitting under the heat lamp waiting. Indeed it was and we watch the food sit, and sit, and sit. Finally our waiter grabbed the plates and brought them to the table.
To sum up the evening, the food was a bit tepid. We wished it had been hot and fresh tasting but our experience was otherwise good and we enjoy the vibe of Latitude 35. The best part of the evening, our dinner companions..another great time Sonya, Mac and Micah!! You are the best.
