Mousetail & Boogie Bottom

As you know Spring Break and Easter weekend have all passed. In the Cox household that meant time off--which means--let's go somewhere. If you read my other blog @ meaningbuilders.com, you heard me mention in this post (click here) that our Spring Break and the week before was filled with many trials. We were able to redeem just a small portion of Spring Break by leaving Thursday afternoon to explore a park only about 100 miles away. We went to Mousetail Landing in Linden, TN, where we knew we could find mountain biking, hiking, and water. History tells that during the Civil War a tanning company (a place that tanned animal hides) caught on fire and there was a huge amount of mice that fled into the surrounding area. That area is where the park, Mousetail Landing, now resides.

This is a map of the hiking and mountain biking trails.

I always love these signs.

The park has a really rich history!

It was late afternoon when we arrived. The boys rode around on their bikes while Johnny and I lounged outside. We have both agreed this was the laziest trip we have ever taken. We were both just mentally exhausted and worn. That night, we relaxed by the fire as Johnny strummed the guitar and played the harmonica.

And here are a look at our adventures...

Nature's own musical instrument!

 And if you look close enough...

 You can even find puzzles.

John wanted to run up the massive hill. I told him to go right ahead--I walked!

Guess what I did when we got back? I told you we were pretty lazy this trip! Honestly, we were both mentally spent.

A little later we drove over to the beach play area and look what we saw. At first there was just one. I thought it was a dummy deer, that was until the others joined in.

This dude right here and come up with scene in a minute. He can fight the fiercest of battles.

 We also explored a creek.

This is what happens when you need to cross and you forgot to bring the right shoes!

And this is what happens when the water gets a little too deep for you.

And there was a swing battle.

And if Mousetail Landing wasn't a unique enough name, we headed to Boogie Bottom Easter weekend! It is near Cleveland, AL.

We decided to camp here because a river (Locust Fork) that Johnny likes actually runs right through this campground. There were a few other campers scattered throughout the massive grounds. They were preparing for a festival for the upcoming week. After a few conversations with the employees we were left with a pretty good understanding of where the name originated. We were the only camper parked on about 10+ acres, so it was actually a quite peaceful experience for us. On the way to get on the river, Johnny took us to an operational covered bridge. It was really neat-we actually drove across it.

 From there, it was on to the river!

 Jackson was getting a refresher of what to do in a rapid!

 We even practiced facial expressions!

John decided to take a ride with Mr. Evrette in the orange pontoon!

The pack mule carried the gear to the put-in.

And they were ready to go!

This guy is definitely like his dad. He loves the rapids and hates the slow moving water!

 Didn't I mention he loves the rapids?

It ended up being a death paddle of about 3 miles to the campground we were staying at from the traditional take-out. No rapids, slow moving water, and large inflatable boats made for a slow go. Jackson took the opportunity to nap on the river!

While the guys enjoyed the water, I enjoyed some reading, reflection, meditation, and sunlight. It was so good for a weary soul!

Once the guys made it back and got cleaned up, they enjoyed the open field. This hill was our view from the back of the camper.

We all played a little disc golf before it got dark.

The next morning, we loaded up, went home, unhooked, and drove to Granny's for Easter lunch!

I can not express enough how peaceful and enjoyable the outdoors can be. It truly is the best playground ever. I hope we get to continue having many memories as we explore new places and frequent our familiar stops! I'll take a creek and trail to a crowded resort any day of the week!

Live a Meaningful Life!