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Pine Log Creek Trail

WHAT HIKERS HAVE TO LEARN

Take time to get the pebble out of your shoe.
Anywhere you stop you’ll get a new perspective.
It’s not a race.
You won’t flunk if you don’t reach the top.
Slow steps are more restful than sitting and starting.
You need fewer words on a mountain.
Never underestimate water.
The uses of the bandana have never been fully catalogued.
Bring light reading–you can get a lot of poems per ounce.
Most wild creatures aren’t after you.
Some are.
Urban is another language.
On a mountain gorp is better than gourmet
Stamina is a higher gift than speed
Obstacles are an occasion for creativity
You can take different journeys on the same path.

by Marilyn Chandler McEntyre

Despite the weatherman's predictions for oppressive heat (high 92) today, a good friend and I sent out EARLY for a morning hike.  We have actually tromped through these woods before.


But each time is new and interesting.


Three hours later, five and one half miles were behind us, and we're looking forward to the next jaunt.

Salutary Neglect

Spring fever hit me hard this year.

That means, I'm a little behind on my reading.

The neglect has been salutary.

Here's the link to what others have to say about Chapter IX of Russell Kirk's The Roots of American Order.




This past Saturday DH and I tromped through some north Georgia woods which look much like they did during the early days of the colonies, at least according to the guidebook.

We covered 9.7 miles in 4 hours 25 minutes in the wilderness of this last of the Thirteen Colonies.

We Georgians love our General Oglethorpe whom Dr. Kirk considered an American gentleman ~

Christian soldier and friend to the unfortunate, admired by Samuel Johnson, conspicuous in London clubs, founder of the fortress-town of Savannah, full of fortitude and ability until he died at the age of ninety.

We Georgians can also claim bragging rights to the New World's Christianity in the Wesley Brothers:  John and Charles - planting seeds that erupted in the Great Awakening.

However, I am more of a Jonathan Edwards/George Whitefield kind of gal, if you know what I mean.

During this era, Americans demonstrated that they knew what to do, when and how.

They acted rightly.... even when no one was looking.

Now that's the root and order of true character.

Pine Mountain Trail

On the road out from the Allatoona Visitor's Center, I spotted the parking lot for the newest recreation area for the City of Cartersville, GA. The morning two-mile hike just wasn't enough fresh air for my mind and body, so I insisted that we hike the East Loop of this trail.

This picture is supposed to show how steep the trail is.

We began our 2.34 mile walk at 900 feet above sea level.

I had to stop often to catch my breath, as the summit level (1562) confirmed the moderate to difficult status of this trail.

Here is am at the top, smiling because I'm so proud of myself :)

We lunched on tuna fish sandwiches and enjoyed this view of north Georgia.














There will be more hikes like this because I'd love to do this one again. On foot or on a bike :)

Plus there's the Vineyard Mountain Trail at Riverside Park, 6.5 miles, calling my name. It's on the other side of Allatoona Dam in Bartow County. Here's a link to more trails in the Etowah Valley area.

And then, closer to my home, but still in Bartow, there's the Pine Log Creek Trail, 4.5 miles long.

Let's go!

Late Winter Hike

This past Saturday DH and I drove 70 miles north of Canton into Gilmer County, GA where we own several acres of land (woods). It was a beautiful afternoon that begged for company.













Can you say *straight up?* Our property is at 2200 feet above sea level. The top of the mountain (hill) is 2600.
















Here's a picture of the Georgia sky for blogging buddy, Magistramater, who highlighted her Oregon blue last week.















It took about 45 minutes to walk around the property. We're on a little road off of Rocky Hollow called Woodring Road. DH bought the acreage 18 years ago, after the birth of DD#4.

I'm thinking he was looking for an escape route :)

Where have you been?

Fall Hike















This photo is my favorite of the two dozen I took while hiking this past Saturday.

I took a *long explore in the woods* and enjoyed myself immensely. The drive there and back was beautiful as I think the leaves are at their peak right now in north Georgia.

Carter's Lake is only an hour's drive from my home and there are at least five more trails I could walk without repeating Amadahy's and Tumbling Water's. And those alone are worth multiple visits this year and in the future.

Comment and leave your email, if you want to see the album.

Proof Positive

Here I am at the end of my two day hike.

I had a wonderful time.

Here are a few things I want to remember.

1) Boots would have been better. The soil was very rocky and tree roots were exposed, making it easy to trip over them.

2) Take an long-acting antihistamine BEFORE you leave. I remembered the Ibruprofen :)

3) Study the map more, especially ahead of time.

It's not that I didnt know where I was going, although that may be true. We did not get lost. I dont quite grasp abstractly the topographical differences. In the end, it was perfectly clear that I was going up, up, and up. And only then on the way out did I go down, down, down. Even then going down takes a lot of muscle control. Going up takes good lung capacity. Can you say aerobic?

4) Eat a snack and drink water on the trail whether you think you are hungry/thirsty or not.

5) DH's walking stick was indispensible, as was the rainjacket he gave me as a parting gift.

Ok, who's going with me next time?

Manners on Monday Update:

Link to Trail Etiquette on Emily Post Institute Website :)

Hike-Inn


Ready?

Set.


Go!!












In just a few short hours, I will set out on this trail and walk five miles to reach a cabin/lodge in the woods. Read more about the Len Foot Hike-Inn at this link.

I expect to see vistas like this one and take lots of pictures.

The weather is beautiful here.


See ya later!

Walking/Hiking

Muggy and hot after the morning rain, the weather was not ideal for walking, but I needed to get moving. I hadnt walked since last Friday! The temperature registered at 81 degrees with *Realfeel* at 95!


But again, I needed to accomplish my walk. It takes me 45 minutes to walk the neighborhood. Going up and down nine hills is sufficiently aerobic to be called a true workout. And I need to think of myself as *in training*!





These sandals are very comfortable and perfect for walking. Ordinarily I wear Nike cross-trainers with socks. But I'm wondering if I'll need some real hiking boots for my upcoming hike?



In eight weeks a friend and I will trek five miles to the Len Foote Hike Inn and enjoy a weekend in the north GA mountains. And I have to be able to walk five miles back out again.

I'm thinking the Smith Creek Trail might be a good training, too.

What are you doing in eight weeks?

Homestead Trail

On Saturday DD#3 and I headed out for a dayhike on the Homestead Trail at Red Top Mountain State Park just a short 30 minute drive from our home.

I had walked this trail with DH about two years ago, so I was comfortable *going it alone.*



Here's a view of the trail, which you can tell is well-traveled, shaded, and not too hilly.

The books classify it as easy.

It is a loop of about 5.5 miles with off-shoots if you want to head down to the lake and cool your feet.

We saw some interesting wildlife: a doe sitting on the top of a hill.

I will have to learn how to enlarge and crop, if you're going to be able to see her in my picture.




And, here's DD#3 catching a tree frog!









Again, I have a picture of the frog but he blends in so well with the leaves that I'm afraid you wouldnt be able to see him without some *photoshopping.*


Where would we hike in your neighborhood?

Welcome Home


















My hikers are back safe and sound :)

DD#4 may not be pleased with this photo, but I highlight it to help me realize that I cant just condition myself for hiking by walking 5 miles around the track at the park! I have to be able to carry a pack. Hmmmm this is challenging. Note that the pack is not securely fastened. She had already taken it off and I requested that she put it back on for the photo shoot.

Years ago I traveled through Europe with my belongings on my back, alternately staying in hostels or with friends. I wish I could post a picture of me from 1978 and that 26 pound orange pack. You would laugh: I was wearing a matching skirt and jacket and clogs!

What a difference!

Anna Ruby Falls
This waterfall is named after the only daughter of the gentleman who discovered it and is quite a popular spot.

It was only a short drive from Amicalola and we were still feeling energetic after our first climb of the day. And there are several more falls to see in North GA. This ascent was much easier than the first and only one half a mile one way.




All in all I think I only walked about 4 miles (adding together the two parks), but that is not enough. Now I want to return and do the five mile Smith Creek Trail.













Wanna come?

Day Hiking

Spurred by my reading of Leslie Mass's book, DD#3 and I took off for Amicalola Falls today. It's about one hour's drive from my home.



We started on Creek Trail and proceeded straight up over six hundred steps to the pinnacle. It is truly spectacular! One of the Seven Wonders of Georgia!


Then we came down the other side of the mountain on an old logging trail, ending at the arch. This structure marks a trail called The Approach to the Appalachian Trail. It's 8.5 miles to Springer Mountain, the Southern Terminus. One day I'm going hike the *approach*.


Perhaps later I can post more pictures of our hike. The mountain laurels were blooming and created a beautiful canopy over the trail. At the top of Amicalola Falls, there is a lodge where we played a game of checkers and ate a Snickers Bar for lunch.

Also, I discovered a couple of 5 mile (10 roundtrip) hikes that I could use for practice in my *training for the 8.5 miles approach hike, which would really be 17 miles, since I don't plan to spend the night out!

What did you do on Memorial Day?

J.O.E.

















DH and DD#4 depart on a school-sponosored backpacking trip this weekend. J.O.E. stands for Junior Outdoor Expedition and is one of the highlights of the girls' high school education. Read more about it here. This photo is actually of DH and DD#3 from 2005.

I stay behind and hold down the fort. I'm the welcoming committee, when they return, the party organizer for the celebration, and the prayer partner for hiking safety. DH usually stages another trip around the Fourth of July (his b'day), requesting a big steak or rib dinner upon return. How can I get ready for that if I've been out in the woods with him for four days?

So, I read all about it.......In Beauty May She Walk: Hiking the Appalachian Trail at 60 by Leslie Mass. which I am really enjoying (btw). I can tell that I am not a thru-hiker at the core, but think I might like to do some day hikes associated with the AT...some day.

My nephew is a week into his AT hike.

I wonder what is trail moniker is?