Twenty-two TrailBlazers, one canine, and one cockatiel, led by Ed and Judith, headed up to Lake Fort Smith to hike about 3 miles from the Visitors Center and back at the start of the OHT. Although there was no sun and the skies were leaden, the weather was actually very comfortable for hiking, and there was not yet any sign of the bitter cold and rain forecast by our prophets of gloom and doom on TV! The Visitors Center was attractively decked out for Christmas. We were all happy to welcome back Billigene who really enjoyed the hike. 

The trail along the lake has its ups and downs with some rocky sections. Along the way we saw remnants of early settlers including an old cistern and a couple of tall fireplaces. The lake had lots of gravel along the shore due to the drought, and as we continued down the trail we saw several sand bars created by the low water level. The highlight of the hike was Golda the Cockatiel who, as usual, was much photographed and sought after. Glenda, Arlene and Lee had quality bonding experiences. 

All too soon the hike was over and we set out for home to await the onslaught of the much-hyped cold front!