October 18, 2005
| Today’s hike was on the Appalachian Trail starting at Tesnatee Gap and hiking to Cow Rock and the side trail at Cow Rock that leads to a large rock cliff vista, and back to the A.T. and on to Wolf Laurel Top.. The terrain is mountainous with awesome views from many vistas along the trail. . We had our largest group of hikers of the year. 20!
HIKERS – Amanda Anderson, Jeffrey Anderson, Melissa Anderson,John Bellamy, Phil Brownrigg, Ray Cowan, Dianne Farmer, Ray Hopper, Jack Jacobi, Ashley King, John King, Dick Metzgar, Wayne Miller, Doug Russell, Bob Presley, Donna Presley, Tony Presley, Bob Thompson, David Whitaker, and Geri Whitaker. TRAIL INFO. – This portion of the Appalachian Trail is typical of the Georgia section. Excellent shape with rocky footing in places, lush hardwood forests, lots of wildflowers and views that are absolutely magnificent. Directions: Take GA 75 north from Helen for 1.5 miles. Turn left onto GA 356(75 Alternate) and travel 2.3 miles to the Richard B. Russell Scenic Highway. Turn right and travel about 9 miles to Tesnatee Gap which is about a quarter of a mile beyond Hogpen Gap. The parking lot is on the left. Another great day for a hike! Fair skies with temperatures ranging from the low 50’s to the mid 70’s. WILDFLOWERS IN BLOOM: Various Asters, Lobelia, Gentian, Joe Pye Weed, Fire Pink, Golden Rod, Ladies Thumb, Heal All, Phlox, Hawk Weed, White Snake Root, Woodland Sun Flower, Horse Balm, Golden Asters, Tall Bluets & Southern Harebell.
BIRDS IDENTIFIED: Crow, Red Eyed Vireo, Titmouse & Pilieated Woodpecker. Other Fauna : a Chipmunk |
 Leaving Tesnatee Gap for Cow Rock. |
 Our long train of hikers! |
 First view from Cow Rock Mountain. |
 Another nice view! |
 Every view is a photo opp. . |
 Our lunch spot for the day was breathtaking! |
 Looking into the valley from Cow Rock Mtn. |
 Here we can see the Richard Russell Scenic Highway winding through the mountains. |
 Blue Sky and Blue Ridge Mountains! |
 A couple of today’s wildflowers (l-r) Gentian and Lobelia. |
 The OFHC gang for today’s hike. (l-r front) Tony Presley, Amanda Anderson, Ashley King, Jeffrey Anderson, Donna Presley, Melissa Anderson, Dick Metzgar, and Dianne Farmer. (back l-r) David Whitaker, Geri Whitaker, Wayne Miller, Bob Presley, Ray Cowan, Phil Brownrigg, John Bellamy, John King, Bob Thompson, Ray Hopper, Jack Jacobi, and Doug Russell. |