A Virus Free Tour Of House Mountain

Yesterday before I came down with a stomach virus, I took a hike up the highest point in Knox County, House Mountain. It's probably been 10-years since the last time I hiked it. I used to climb that thing all the time when I was a young boy. Of course that was before it became a State Natural Area. I used to hunt squirrels on top of House Mountain, those days are over now.

Anyways, I was feeling really bad and coming down with the stomach virus when I was hiking. I didn't enjoy my hike at all. First of all there were hundreds of gnats flying around my face and ears the entire time, making it difficult to breath without sucking one up my nose or down my throat. I was swatting at those stupid things the entire hike. I was also feeling very weak and dizzy, causing me to have to stop a lot and rest. I'm sure being 50 lbs overweight doesn't help matters in that dept. There was a young guy with two dogs that was practically running up the trail. I stepped aside and let him zoom past me. I was so out of breath I couldn't even say hi to him. It was also a very hot day for hiking. Temperatures were in the 80's, and that's too warm for hiking. I love my Canon Rebel XTi and even though it only weighs about a pound and a half with the lens, that dadgum thing felt like it weighed 100 lbs slung around my neck the entire time. If it wasn't so expensive I would have left it on top of the mountain. The leaves have not changed much on the mountain yet either. I was expecting lots of fall colors but it was mostly green. As I pulled myself up onto the rock of the West overlook, I felt like Moses finally looking out over the promised land.

It took me 5-hours to do the whole hike. By the time I reached my truck I knew how Esau felt and would have easily traded my birthright for a drink of water. I was hoping for a much better trip than I had. I'm sure it was mainly because of the virus. I live just below the mountain on Bud Hawkins. I could hike it every day if I so desired. Right now I don't desire to at all...

Meanwhile, enjoy a virus free virtual tour of House Mountain below: