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Camp Jordan with Friends
Camp Jordan is a delightful little park located at the intersection of Ringgold Rd. (East Ridge, TN) and I-75.
There is a 2 mile paved walking path. The really nice thing is that if you are just starting out with walking as your daily exercise there are markers along the path indicating how far along the path you are.
When isolation got too much for us, Tawnya suggested we walk at Camp Jordan. It is a safe space. The path is paved. Nature abounds.
To be very honest in May, 2020 when we started walking the two miles seemed like a real journey. Pretty soon we were walking two miles with ease, added an extra mile, and by June we were walking the path twice. That’s four miles!
As shown in the picture (left) of Kate and Tawnya the path is wide enough for social distancing. It is ideal for those who want a good level walking path.
We prefer weekdays for walking at Camp Jordan as there are fewer people on the path.
While the walking path may be paved, do not think nature has been displaced. On several morning walks we saw turtles along the grounds. This one was laying eggs.
There is a small pond located in Camp Jordan that is home to several types of ducks. The ones shown left had crossed the path and were heading to a marsh area. Of course, they stopped to pose for a picture.
We often see people fishing in the pond, although I must admit that I have never seen anyone catch anything. But, sometimes spending the time to chill out with a fishing rod in your hand is reward enough.
When we got brave enough to get off the paved path, we discovered a nicely maintained dirt path along a tributary of the the Tennessee River.
Along that path, turtles can be seen sunning on logs along the edge of the river.
Occasionally, a kayaker or two or three or…. can be seen battling the currents.
For anyone interested in kayaking, there is a place to put your kayak in the water for a little river adventure.
And, then there’s this! (See pics above) After a heavy rain with a swollen river and soggy soil way off the beaten path, the two old ladies managed to get into a bog. It wasn’t pretty, but it was a good laugh or two. After all, isn’t that what exploring is all about?
OPEN DAILY
WEEKENDS often host ballgames and it can seem somewhat crowded. Therefore, we walk during the week.
Occasionally, special events are held at Camp Jordan in the main building. We avoid those days for walking.
If one stays on the paved paths, it is quite safe. Bathrooms have not been opened during the week when no special events are going on since the beginning of the pandemic.
