The day started off gray and drizzly, and a few anxious moments were spent wondering if rain and/or inclement weather would ruin our day. However as we set out on our trek, the sky started to clear, giving us excellent hiking weather.
Our team started the loop along the shore of the lake and we walked the leaf covered shore under the spreading arms of Pine and Cypress. After traversing the shore we reached the end of the lake then moved slightly uphill to a pine covered area, with smatterings of Magnolia trees.
Multiple plant species abounded, however few wildflowers were seen due to the time of year. We walked slowly along the loop, listening to birds and watching for wildlife. About halfway through the loop, evidence of a past fire were present, showing burned trees and the beauty of rebirth, in the form of new growth – it was noticed that most of the burned trees were pine, while the mighty Oaks seemed to have stood strong against the ravages of the fire.
Continuing from the halfway point we noticed 
several sink holes caused by rotten stumps and on reaching the vicinity of the North Shore Campground we passed a watershed area where water flowed from the upper areas to the lower parts of the lake and adjoining streams. Moving from this area, we walked to the Day Use area – and found a picnic table conveniently located along the lake shore, and enjoyed our lunch and some pleasant conversation.
Overall it was an enjoyable hike with a great team. My personal thanks to all who participated, you each individually made the day enjoyable and fun. Thank you.
-Jon Perkins, Trip Leader
