| Today’s hike was on the Appalachian Trail in GA from Dicks Creek Gap on Highway 76 southward to the Deep Gap Shelter and back. Approx. 8 miles.
HIKERS – John Bellamy, June Bellamy, Pam Euliss, Dave Hinson, Bill Hunt, Bruce O’Connor, Jeanne O’Connor, Chuck Crisp, Don Preece, Donna Presley, Tony Presley, Vic Robson, Doug Russell , Pom Sinnock, David Whitaker and Geri Whitaker. TRAIL INFORMATION – Parking at Dicks Creek Gap and hiking southward to Deep Gap, there are great mountain views along the way. The trail takes you up to Moreland Gap then over Powell Mountain to McClure Gap and then down to Deep Gap. Then, we took the side trail down to the Deep Gap Shelter for lunch.We also took the side trail out to a vista on the way. 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 at the Towns County border. The parking lot is on the right. Another great day for a hike! Partly cloudy and cool with temperatures ranging from 26 to 50 degrees F. Hiking distance – 8 miles. FLOWERS IN BLOOM: none BIRDS IDENTIFIED: Red Shouldered Hawk, Tufted Titmouse, Carolina Chickadee, Yellow Bellied Sapsucker, Pine Warbler, White Breasted Nuthatch |
 Parking at Dicks Creek Gap on Highway 76. |
 The trail sign at the start of the hike. |
 Remnants of a Saturday night snowfall! |
 A typical view along the trail. |
 Another great day for a hike! |
 Here the trail tunnels through a Mountain Laurel thicket. |
 Sign marking the side trail out to the vista. |
 Beautiful view from the vista! |
 Looking over toward Hiawassee, we see Bell Mountain. |
 Our lunch spot for the day. |
 This Appalachian Trail shelter is an ideal lunch spot. |
 The OFHC gang for today’s hike. (l-r front) Tony Presley, Donna Presley, Pam Euliss, Jeanne O’Connor, Bruce O’Connor, Vic Robson, David Whitaker and Geri Whitaker. (l-r back) June Bellamy, John Bellamy, Don Preece, Bill Hunt, Pom Sinnock, Chuck Crisp, Dave Hinson and Doug Russell. |