December 5, 2006
| This week, we hiked on the Bartram Trail in Rabun Co. GA from Sandy Ford Road south through Bob Gap, then up for another 3/4 mile to a pleasant, sunny lunch spot.
HIKERS – Phil Brownrigg, Ray Cowan, Jack Jacobi, Dick Metzgar, Wayne Miller, Doug Russell, Bob Thompson, David Whitaker, Geri Whitaker, and Carole Wintle. (Several regular hikers had to work the polls for today’s run-off election) TRAIL INFO. – This portion of the Bartram Trail is rolling through a very nice hardwood forest with nice wintertime views of the surrounding mountains.The trail is in reasonably good shape but quite a bit of dead wood needs to be cleared. Total hiking distance – 9 miles. Rating – Moderate with rolling hills. Directions: Take Warwoman Road 5.9 miles from Clayton, GA, turning right onto Sandy Ford Road and traveling 0.6 mi. down Sandy Ford Road, turning left and crossing a concrete bridge, then procede 3.3 miles further on Sandy Ford Road to a ford of Dick’s Creek, then up to the top of the next hill, you will find a nice parking area. Another great day for a hike – clear and cool with temperatures from the high 20’s to mid 50’s F. FLOWERS IN BLOOM: None BIRDS IDENTIFIED: Pileated Woodpecker, Crow, Turkey Vulture, Carolina Chickadee. |
 The OFHC shows its cultural side as several performed at Sunday’s Toccoa Symphony and Chorus Christmas Concert. (l-r) Tony Presley, Donna Presley, June Bellamy, David Whitaker, Geri Whitaker, Ruth Jacobi, Bob Presley, Bruce O’Connor, Jeanne O’Connor, Joe Collins, Jack Jacobi, Ruth Cowan, Ray Cowan, Ann Magee, Dan Ross, and Bob Magee. |
 Unloading at Sandy Ford Rd. |
 The marker near Sandy Ford Road. |
 Nice views all along the trail. |
 Nice little footbridge along this steep slope. |
 Doug Russell cut his hand while clearing dead wood from the trail. |
 Walking the ridges. |
 Walking along the trail on a cushion of fresh fallen leaves. |
 Rotting tree stubornly stands in the forest. |
 A nice hornet nest above the trail! |
 The famous Bob Thompson stands at Bob Gap! |
 The OFHC gang for today’s hike. (l-r front) Doug Russell, Geri Whitaker, Carole Wintle, and Ray Cowan. (l-r back)Phil Brownrigg, Wayne Miller, Dick Metzgar, Bob Thompson, David Whitaker, and Jack Jacobi. |