Tennessee Trails Association

For several years we have been members of Tennessee Trails Association.  In fact, Gene was one of the first members, having joined this hiking club some 30 years ago.  As is the case with most hiking clubs, the purpose of TTA is to promote hiking and trail building and maintenance throughout the state. One of the primary goals of this club has been the construction of the Cumberland Trail, now a linier state park stretching from Cumberland Gap National Park at the Kentucky border to Chickamauga Chattanooga National Military Park at the southern end of the state.  Volunteer trail builders are working diligently to make this 300-mile foot path a reality.

Diane and Libby

We are members of the Nashville Chapter and since it is the largest of the 14 chapters statewide, we have the honor and privilege of collating, folding, stapling and otherwise preparing the monthly newsletter for mailing.  We couldn’t possibly consider ourselves true hikers if we didn’t somehow turn this gathering into an eating meeting.  Besides, the number of volunteers donating their time and energy is directly proportional to the amount food served. (Some would say the amount of wine served, but wine really serves a different function.  The number of newsletters returned by the postal service is directly proportional to the amount of wine consumed.)  Once a month, volunteers gather to eat, gossip, collate, fold, and staple.  We have fun and over the years this “newsletter party” group has formed close friendships.

Herb, chief among staplers.

The collating team.

Tonight was the night for this monthly ritual at the home of our long-time, dear friend Libby Frances.  I had seen Libby at church last Sunday and volunteered to bring a food item.  She quickly assigned me cornbread to go along with her pot of bean soup.  Several were in attendance, giving us the opportunity to visit and catch up with friends we haven’t seen in several months.  If you have been following this blog, you may recognize some of the names.  Diane is the same Diane that went with me on the AT this past spring and my good friend, Herb, sold me that tiny tent that was my home on that AT journey.

Diane filling out paperwork for the Post Office.

This morning we spent a couple hours with Tony and Diana walking along a short section of the greenway and then sharing more of our adventures over coffee.  They will be leaving tomorrow morning and we will hate to see them go.  However, they are heading to warmer climes and more adventures over the horizon and we will be following in their footsteps soon.  We have enjoyed our brief time together and wish them safe travels.  We look forward to seeing them down the road in the future.