May 18, 2004
| HIKERS – John Bellamy, Jack Jacobi, Steve Jordan, Leigh Ann Miller, Wayne Miller, John Mooneyham, Bob Presley, Tony Presley, Doug Russell, Jack Slaton. .
TRAIL INFO. – Our hike today was on the Appalachian Trail from Dicks Creek Gap to the Plumorchard Gap shelter and back. This portion of the A.T. features lots of elevation change and has several nice views. Dicks Creek Gap is between Clayton and Hiawassee, GA on HWY 76 W. Another beautiful hiking day! Mostly cloudy skies with occasional rain showers. Temps ranged from the mid 60’s to the low 70’s F. Total hike approx. 9.5 miles. We rated the trail moderately difficult with lots of elevation change. BLOOMING FLORA: Pink Lady Slipper, May Apple, Catesby Trillium, Hooked Buttercups, Squaw Root, Bluets, Maple-Leafed Viburnum, Golden Alexander, Foam Flower, Lyre-Leafed Sage, Jack-in-the Pulpit, Purple Violets, Wild Geraniums, Milkweed, Yellow Star Grass, Cow Wheat, White Clintonia, Whorled Loosestrife. FAUNA: Box Turtle, Salamander. BIRDS: Blue Jay, Wood Thrush, Oven Bird, Black and White Warbler, Solitary Vireo, Pileated Woodpecker. |
 One of our vehicles had mechanical trouble near Clayton, GA. Here, a wrecker from Duvall Ford takes it in. |
 The start point for today’s hike. “Dick’s Creek Gap” |
 We head up the A.T. toward Plumorchard Gap. |
 This Box Turtle was going the same direction on the A.T. Last week we had a Rabbit and this week we complete the “Tortoise and the Hare”. |
 The trail sign at Plumorchard Gap. |
 We settle into the Plumorchard Gap shelter for lunch. |
 A heavy rain shower formed a creek on the front side of the shelter. |
 We head off into the rain back towards Dick’s Creek Gap. |
 Outstanding wildflower find of the day – Pink Lady Slippers! |
 The OFHC gang for today’s hike: (l-r) Bob Presley, Jack Jacobi, Tony Presley, John Bellamy, Doug Russell, Wayne Miller, John Mooneyham, Leigh Ann Miller, Jack Slaton, and Steve Jordan. |