March 6, 2007
| This week, we hiked on the Appalachian Trail from Gooch Gap in Georgia southward to Cooper Gap. This is an out-and-back hike of 9.6 miles.
HIKERS – Phil Achey, John Bellamy, June Bellamy, Jack Jacobi, Dick Metzgar, Wayne Miller, Leigh Ann Miller, Bruce O’Connor, Jeanne O’Connor, Julie Rowland, Joe Raguckas, Carole Raguckas, Dan Ross, Pom Sinnock, Jack Slaton, Bob Thompson, David Whitaker, Geri Whitaker, Jack Wintle, and Carole Wintle. TRAIL INFO. – This is a nice portion of the Appalachian Trail in the N. GA mountains. The trail has some flat portions mixed in with some hills. Finally, after climbing Justus mountain and descending the other side, you will arrive at Cooper Gap (4.8 miles from Gooch Gap). Directions: From Highway 60 in Suches, take unpaved forrest road USFS 42 at Tritt’s store drive south for 2.7 miles Another great day for a hike – Sunny, with temperatures ranging from the low 40’s to the low 60’s. Hiking distance approx. 9.6 miles We met 17 northbound thru-hikers headed for Maine! BIRDS IDENTIFIED: White Breasted Nuthatch, Crow, Pileated Woodpecker, Phoebe, Turkey Vulture. |
 Our starting point on F.S road 42 at Gooch Gap. |
 A nice sunny morning on the A.T. |
 Typical view along the trail. |
 Blue Ridge! |
 Rock man Jack Wintle. |
 Crossing Justus Creek. |
 Another great day for a hike! |
 Thru-hiker on the way to Maine! |
 Short break on the A.T. |
 Lunchtime on the rocks above Cooper Gap. |
 The OFHC gang for today’s hike. (LR kneeling) Dan Ross, Pom Sinnock, Bruce O’Connor, Dick Metzgar, Leigh Ann Miller, Julie Rowland, Geri Whitaker, David Whitaker (LR Standing) Jack Jacobi, Wayne Miller, Bob Thompson, Joe Raguckas Carole Raguckas, Phil Achey, John Bellamy, June Bellamy, Jack Slaton, Jack Wintle, Carole Wintle, Jeanne OConnor. |