November 15, 2005
| Today’s hike was on the Appalachian Trail between Clayton and Hiawassee, GA. We hiked from Dicks Creek Gap to the Deep Gap Shelter and back. The terrain is rated moderate due to significant elevation change..
HIKERS – Melissa Anderson, John Bellamy, Phil Brownrigg, ,Terry Doyle, Dianne Farmer, Ray Hopper, Jack Jacobi, Dick Metzgar, Wayne Miller, Bob Presley, Donna Presley, Tony Presley, Dan Ross, David Whitaker, and Geri Whitaker. TRAIL INFO. – This portion of the Appalachian Trail is very nice with good views on clear days. We encountered three thru-hikers who were on the final days of their hike from Mt. Katadin, Maine!. 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! Cloudy with fog and light sprinkles with temperatures ranging from 58 to 61 degrees F. Hiking distance – 8 mi. WILDFLOWERS IN BLOOM: Phlox, Heart-leafed Aster, Blue Aster ,Heal All, Tall Bluet, Lobelia, White wood Aster, Goldenrod, Spiderwort, Stiff Gentian, Mountain Gentian..
More than we expected but it has been warmer than normal this Fall. BIRDS IDENTIFIED: Pilieated Woodpecker, Crow, Carolina Chickadee, Grouse, Carolina Wren & Titmouse. Fauna: Salamander |
 Preparing to hike at Dicks Creek Gap.. |
 The trail marker at Highway 76. |
 Heading up the trail on a foggy morning.. |
 Our gang for the day! Good weather is not a necessity! |
 The trail signs at Deep Gap. |
 We arrive at our lunchtime destination! Deep Gap Shelter |
 Signs of the season! American Holly. |
 Most of the leaves have fallen but we find a few patches of color.. |
 The OFHC gang for today’s hike. (l-r front) David Whitaker, Geri Whitaker, Donna Presley, Melissa Anderson, Dianne Farmer, Ray Hopper, and Tony Presley. (back (l-r) Phil Brownrigg, Terry Doyle, Dick Metzgar, John Bellamy, Jack Jacobi, Wayne Miller, Bob Presley, and Dan Ross. |