May 10, 2005
| HIKERS – Phil Brownrigg, Ray Cowan, John Hires, Jack Jacobi, Wayne Miller, Bob Presley,Donna Presley, Tony Presley, Dan Ross, Doug Russell, and Bob Thompson.
TRAIL INFO. – Today’s hike was on the Appalachian Trail starting at Dick’s Creek Gap and hiking northward to Plumorchard Gap and back. Total round trip hiking distance – approx. 9.8 miles This portion of the Appalachian trail is in excellent condition and it features lots of elevation change as you walk over Little Bald Knob, past Cowart Gap over an un-named knob and gap on over Buzzard Knob and down to Bull Gap and up over another ridge and then a long descent down to Plumorchard Gap and shelter. 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 with only scattered sprinkles and temperatures remaining in the low 60’s all day. FLOWERS IN BLOOM: Pink Ladyslipper, Showy Orchis, Catesby’s Trillium, Vasey’s Trillium, Blue Cohosh, Toothwort, Cut-leafed Toothwort, Striped Maple, Bluet, Star Chickweed, Foam Flower, Perfoliated Bellwort, Sesile Bellwort, Dwarf Iris, Hooked Buttercup, Lobed Violet, Stemmed Violet, Round-leafed White Violet, Purple Violet, Wild Geranium, Squaw Root, Yellow Star Grass, Jack-in- the-Pulpit, Huger’s Carrionflower, Cancer Root, Flame Azalea, Frazier Magnolia, Oil Nut, Dogwood, Dewberry, Strawberry.
BIRDS IDENTIFIED: Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Scarlet Tanager, Towhee, Solitary Vireo, Red-eyed Vireo, Black and White Warbler, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, American Crow, Raven, Pileated Woodpecker, Wood Thrush, Ovenbird, Tufted Titmouse. |
 A.T. marker at Dick’s Creek Gap. |
 This portion of the A.T. is mostly lush hardwoods with great wildflower habitat. |
 Nice mountain views along the way! |
 Our group pauses for a break at Cowart Gap. |
 As we gain elevation, you can see that the trees haven’t yet leafed out ! |
 We arrive at Plumorchard Gap and take the side trail down to the A.T. shelter. |
 Lunchbreak at the shelter! |
 Coming back through Cowart Gap, there is a large patch of White Pines. |
 A few of today’s wildflower finds. (top left – clockwise) Cancer Root, Lobed Violet, Flame Azalea, and Pink Lady’s Slipper. |
 Black and White Warbler! |
 The OFHC gang for today’s hike. (seated l-r) Bob Presley, Donna Presley, Tony Presley, Doug Russell and Bob Thompson. (standing l-r)John Hires, Wayne Miller, Dan Ross, Ray Cowan, Phil Brownrigg, and Jack Jacobi. |