November 3, 2009
| This week’s hike was on the Appalachian Trail in GA from Neels Gap to Wolf Laurel Top and back.
HIKERS – Phil Brownrigg, Bart DeHaven, Pam Euliss, Dave Hinson, Bill Hunt, Jack Jacobi, Dick Metzgar, Don Preece, Donna Presley, Tony Presley, Vic Robson, Lynne Saporito, Pom Sinnock, Faye Sisson, Carole Wintle and Jack Wintle. TRAIL INFO. This portion of the A.T. starts at Neels Gap but parking is a half-mile beyond at the Byron Herbert Reese Memorial Park. After hiking up the highway 19/129 to the Walasi Yi Center you pass through the breezeway and continue northward up Levelland Mountain for a significant climb then continue past Swaim Gap, Rock Spring Top, Corbin Horse Stamp and on to Wolf Laurel Top. Views are very nice as you hike along the ridge on Levelland Mt. and you see mountain views on both sides of the ridge. Even though there is quite a bit of level hiking on the ridges, there are a couple of very strenuous climbs on this hike. Total hiking distance – 8 miles – Moderate to very Strenuous. Directions: Take US 19 and 129, north from Cleveland, GA and drive approximately 18 miles to the Byron Herbert Reese Park just a half mile past Neels Gap and the Walasi-Yi Center (Mountain Crossings). Another great day for a hike! Fair, breezy and cool with temperatures ranging from the upper 40’s to upper 60’s. FLOWERS IN BLOOM: Mountain Gentian, Self Heal, Ladies Thumb and New England Aster. BIRDS IDENTIFIED: Common Crow, Turkey Vulture, Pileated Woodpecker, Carolina Chickadee, and White-breasted Nuthatch. |
 Trailhead parking at Byron Herbert Reese Park. |
 Hiking up the highway to the Walasi Yi Center. |
 Walasi-Yi Center/Mountain Crossings. The only place on the 2,000+ mile Appalachian Trail that the hikers pass under a roof. |
 These nice dogs belong to the Walasi-Yi Center/Mountain Crossings. |
 A beautiful mountain hike through tall timber. |
 Taking a short break! |
 Typical views along the trail. |
 Still a few nice spots of color. |
 More nice views. |
 Wolf Laurel Top, our lunch spot for the day! |
 Our lunchtime view! |
 Relaxing at lunch. |
 Word to the wise! |
 Odd tree growth of the day! Do you see a face? |
 Fungi of the week! |
 The OFHC gang for today’s hike. (l-r) Jack Jacobi, Pam Euliss, Dick Metzgar, Vic Robson, Dave Hinson, Lynne Saporito, Donna Presley, Pom Sinnock, Jack Wintle, Carole Wintle, Don Preece, Faye Sisson, Bart DeHaven, Bill Hunt, Phil Brownrigg and Tony Presley |