Incline-May 27, 2011

We have ridden the incline up to the top of Pikes Peak reaching an elevation of 14,110 feet. The Lookout Mountain incline is only 2100 feet. So, why did I not like it? Because there's a funeral home and monument manufacturer at the foot of the hill, where the incline stops! I could not muster a single laugh at that sight. When you get on this incline at the bottom, you are seated leaning back. When you get to the top you are leaning forward because it is a 78% incline straight up the side of the mountain. Pikes Peak uses switchbacks to prevent that step incline. It is much more comfortable to go up Pikes Peak. However, this does provide a very pretty view of Chattanooga  and a unique perspective of the meandering Tennessee River. It was a cool day, thankfully, because we chose to walk 3 blocks down the street (still on top of the mountain) and go through Point Park. It was still a great view, but lots of trees filled with guess what? None other than those pesky Potato Bugs that we found in Lacey's Spring, Alabama. Here they are called Katy Dids. So, now I know for sure they are all related to locusts. The noise was almost defeaning under those trees. A Park Ranger told us that the tornado that destroyed Ringgold, GA hit the top of the mountain on April 27th. There was extensive damage to a couple of houses there and many huge trees pulled up and thrown down. Just another reminder of how blessed we are. We remain very thankful.