| Today’s hike was on the Bartram Trail in the edge of NC from Hale Ridge Road to Osage Mountain Overlook and back. We encountered our first freeze and snowfall (light) of the season. Total distance out and back – 7.4 miles.
HIKERS – John Bellamy, June Bellamy, Phil Brownrigg, Greta Driggers, Bill Hunt, Jack Jacobi, Linda Johnson, Dick Metzgar, Bruce O’Connor, Jeanne O’Connor, Donna Presley, Tony Presley, Joe Raguckas, Vic Robson, Dan Ross, Doug Russell, Carole Wintle. TRAIL INFO. – This section of the Bartram Trail is a nice walk through a beautiful hardwood forest. It is a moderately strenuous hike due to the elevation changes. There are 13 foot-bridges on this part of this nice mountain trail. A nice reward of mountain views at Osage Overlook. Directions: Take Hwy. 441 N from Clayton, GA through Dillard, GA and turn right onto GA 246 / NC 106 toward Highlands, NC. Drive about 7 miles and turn right at the old Scaly Mtn. Ski Slope at Hale Ridge Rd. Go a couple of miles and turn left onto a continuation of Hale Ridge road. Drive a mile or so and you will see the trail crossing sign on your right and on your left 25 yards down the road. Another great day for a hike! Partly Cloudy, windy and freezing cold! with snow flurries. Temperatures ranged from 29-39 degrees F. Hiking distance – 7.4 miles. FLOWERS IN BLOOM: Gentian and White Aster. BIRDS IDENTIFIED: Crow, Blue Jay and Junco. |
 Parking on Hale Ridge Road. |
 Sign near the start – we headed for Osage Overlook. |
 Another great day for a hike! |
 We were surprised to find a light dusting of snow and snow flurries most of the morning. |
 Snow covered logs. |
 Snow covered Rhododendron. . |
 Lots of color! |
 An icy little waterfall! |
 Intersection with the West Fork Trail. |
 The view from Osage Overlook. |
 Lunchtime at a chilly Osage! |
 A colorful day in the mountains. |
 One of 13 foot-bridges on this portion of the Bartram Trail. |
 Fungus of the week! |
 The OFHC gang for today’s hike. (l-r seated) June Bellamy, Greta Driggers, Carole Wintle, Donna Presley, Jeanne O’Connor, Linda Johnson, Vic Robson, Bruce O’Connor, Phil Brownrigg and Doug Russell (l-r standing) Tony Presley, John Bellamy, Dick Metzgar, Joe Raguckas, Dan Ross, Jack Jacobi and Bill Hunt. |