December 13, 2005
| Today’s hike was on the Appalachian Trail from Woody Gap northward toward Blood Mtn. This portion of the Appalachian Trail is hilly but not extreme.
HIKERS – Melissa Anderson, John Bellamy, Phil Brownrigg, Ray Cowan, Jack Jacobi, John King, Wayne Miller, Bob Presley, Donna Presley, Tony Presley, Dan Ross, Doug Russell, Dave Standard, Bill Taylor, Bob Thompson, Geri Whitaker, David Whitaker. TRAIL INFO. – There are awesome mountain views along the way especially at Preaching Rock! The hills for the 4.1 miles out today were not extremely steep and the trail is in excellent shape. Total Hiking distance – 8.2 miles. Directions: Take Hwy. 129 N from Cleveland, GA for about 15 mi. then turn left at Turner’s Corner and travel several miles to Hwy 60 (rock pile) turn right and drive to the top of the mountain at Woody Gap (you will see the Appalachian Trail crossing signs). Another great day for a hike! Fair with temperatures ranging from 30 to the low 40’s F. BIRDS IDENTIFIED: Crow, Piliated Woodpecker, Junco, Carolina Chickadee. |
 Getting ready at Woody Gap! |
 The rock trail marker at Woody Gap. |
 Lots of nice mountain scenery along the way. |
 A pretty impressive line-up of hikers! |
 Lunchtime on the trail. |
 On the return trip, we take a nice break at “Preaching Rock”. |
 View one from Preaching Rock! |
 View two! |
 View three! |
 View from the parking lot at Woody Gap! |
 We met this nice group of folks visiting our country from Holland! |
 The O.F.H.C. gang for today’s hike. (kneeling l-r) John Bellamy, Dan Ross, Tony Presley (standing l-r) Bob Presley, Bob Thompson, Doug Russell, John King, Phil Brownrigg, Dave Standard, Geri Whitaker, Ray Cowan, David Whitaker, Wayne Miller, Donna Presley, Bill Taylor, Melissa Anderson, Jack Jacobi. |