North Chick Gorge
#1
Posted 10 August 2016 - 04:41 PM
Chattanooga, near the TN Divide on BlueFishRidge overlooking South Chickamauga Creek.
#5
Posted 12 August 2016 - 06:10 PM
I appreciate the responses fellow fishheads.
It was a fine day and i have taken advantage of several more since then.
A few days later, 4 to be exact, NC's Steve Fraley was in town for a family reunion. He asked me to take some of his first time snorkelin' cousins to somewhere nice. North Chick fit the request perfectly being convenient, scenic, crystal clear and with comfortable temperatures. The bonus were the rock flipping Loggies, grazing Stonerollers and a world of Sunfish. A bit disappointed though i was, as all 3 of the previosly nesting Greenies had been displaced by rocks reworked by folks deepening the pool. I could find none of the nest guarders, hoping to get some of those cousin's pinkies bit, always a good show and tell! We had a nice time for a couple hours and they headed to places far away while Connie and i went to the mill site to check on the conditions.
Distant Cousins ready for a clear water submersion.
9 days later Connie wanted to take a couple of the boys she had been nannying during the Summer, so Connie and i, a friend and her son bringing along the 2 brothers all rendezvoused at the parking lot and walked down to the favored swimming hole. The boys were sharp eyed and spotted several water snakes and added a hefty Hogsucker to the Gorge's fish list. The bonus was finding another Greenie vigorously guarding fresh eggs. I met a family visiting from California and the young son was intent with some sunfish. I took him to the Greenie for a good finger nipping.
Holding their breath.
Queen Snake.
Green Sky.
The Spark of Life.
Just a couple days later Jeremy and Dave were visiting and needed a relaxing break from their film projects, so sans camera gear we headed to the North Chick Gorge. Even though it was a weekday the parking lot was already full by early afternoon. We hiked down to my favored pool and found it occupied by a couple Grandmothers and their rock hopping, splash happy Grandsons. After a bit they left and were replaced by a family and their black leather cowboy hatted Pa intent on entertaining all the pool's and the neighboring pool's visitors with a loud juke box. Being neither Death Metal, Hip Hop Rap or Corn Pone Country i eventually kinda enjoyed it, seemingly fitting to the day.
This Small Mouth reminds me of the Coosa, Redeyed Bass of the Conasauga. Perhaps a transplant.
Redbreast taking a peek.
Aqua Blue Reflections.
Hammersmasher teasing the Coal Bender.
Bliss.
As the afternoon ended we headed back to the house where Jeremy took drone footage of the Cement Pond, South Chick and the Swinging Bridge by sunset and they treated me to a late evening dinner at the Cracker Barrel.
Chattanooga, near the TN Divide on BlueFishRidge overlooking South Chickamauga Creek.
#8
Posted 14 August 2016 - 08:13 PM
"No thanks, a third of a gopher would merely arouse my appetite..."
#9
Posted 15 August 2016 - 11:01 AM
I mentioned the DNA studies going on in search of the Hell Benders. I understand it has been confirmed that is a Coal Bender and another oddity, Dave Herasimtschuk.
I might make it back once more this year but i have three Conasaugas this week. Things are different over there. Summer historical average is about 100 and currently it is 40, perhaps puddles only.
Edited by Casper, 15 August 2016 - 11:43 AM.
Chattanooga, near the TN Divide on BlueFishRidge overlooking South Chickamauga Creek.
#11
Posted 18 August 2016 - 02:07 PM
Nice photos. It looks like a very scenic place to snorkel.
Remind me on your next visit, but your not gonna wanna be wearing that weight belt.
It is mostly for quiet bliss when the wireless juke boxes and weekend splashers are at a minimum. Very scenic, walk slow, save your knees.
Chattanooga, near the TN Divide on BlueFishRidge overlooking South Chickamauga Creek.
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