March 1, 2005
| HIKERS – Phil Brownrigg, Terry Doyle, Jack Jacobi, Dick Metzgar, Wayne Miller, Bob Presley, Donna Presley, Tony Presley, Dan Ross, Doug Russell, Bob Thompson.
TRAIL INFO. – Today’s hike was on the Appalachian Trail starting at Dick’s Creek Gap on Hwy. 76 and hiking south toward Addis Gap in a cold snow storm. A very nice section of the Appalachian trail with nice mountain views and considerable elevation change. Total round trip hiking distance – 7 mi. Directions: Take Hwy. 76 W from Clayton, GA toward Hiawassee, GA. and drive approximately 15 to 18 miles and look for the Appalachian Trail crossing signs. The parking lot is on the right. Another great day for a hike! Mostly cloudy, very windy and very cold with snow showers! Temperatures ranged from 19 to 28 degrees F. BIRDS IDENTIFIED: Pileated Woodpecker, Ruffed Grouse, Dark-eyed Junco, White-breasted Nuthatch. |
 The trail sign near the start. |
 We were surprised and excited to see snow flurries and a light dusting of snow at the start! |
 “You know, it looks like it is starting to snow a bit harder!” |
 “I don’t remember the weatherman mentioning snow.” |
 The hills are starting to get slippery. |
 Sign pointing to a vista. |
 “This snow is getting serious!” |
 We now start to realize why some of our regular hikers stayed home! They are probably home by the fireplace! |
 We now have several inches of winter beauty! |
 The holly bushes were beautiful. |
 The Appalachain Trail marker back at the parking lot. |
 The OFHC gang for today’s hike. (l-r) Dan Ross, Jack Jacobi, Tony Presley, Dick Metzgar, Wayne Miller, Doug Russell, Bob Thompson, Donna Presley, Phil Brownrigg, Bob Presley, and Terry Doyle. |