November 9, 2004
| HIKERS – Phil Brownrigg, Ray Cowan, Jack Jacobi, Wayne Miller, Bob Presley, Donna Presley, Tony Presley, Dan Ross, Jack Slaton, Bob Thompson, Geri Whitaker, David Whitaker .
TRAIL INFO. – Today, we hiked on The Bartram Trail starting at Sawmill Gap and hiking to Wayah Bald and back. The trail is well maintained and easy to hike. Directions: Trail access – Sawmill Gap off of State highway 1310 (Wayah Road) A couple of miles past Wayah Crest – turn right onto F.S. Road 711 (Sawmill Gap Road) and continue another couple of miles to the Sawmill Gap sign. Another great day for a hike! Sunny with temps. ranging from the low 40’s to upper 50’s. FLORA IN BLOOM: White Yarrow, Dandelions, Lady’s Thumb FAUNA: Birds Identified: Barred Owl, Robin, Dark-eyed Junco |
 Our starting point – Sawmill Gap – NC |
 Working our way up the Bartram Trail toward Wayah Bald. |
 At this point, the Bartram and Appalachian Trails merge. |
 This is one of the nice information signs at Wayah Bald. |
 The old rock tower (built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930’s). |
 At the base of the tower, there is a nice rock wall which provides safe and awesome views. |
 Here, we look across to the grassy slope on Siler Bald. |
 From the tower, there are fantastic views in every direction! |
 The beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains! |
 Nature’s wonder of the day! A rather large birch tree growing out of this old tree stump. |
 The OFHC Gang for today’s hike (l-r) Jet Presley (lab), Tony Presley, Phil Brownrigg, Jack Slaton, Bob Thompson, Ray Cowan, Bob Presley, Wayne Miller, Dan Ross, Geri Whitaker, David Whitaker, Donna Presley, and Jack Jacobi. |