June 22, 2010
| This week’s hike on the Bartram Trail was from the Osage Mountain Vista, on the Highlands Highway to the Summit of Scaly Mountain (4,804 ft.) Total r.t. distance – 4 mi.
HIKERS – Rebecca Andrews, John Bellamy, June Bellamy, Phil Brownrigg, Greta Driggers, Jim Driggers, Bill Hunt, Jack Jacobi, Dick Metzgar, Donna Presley, Tony Presley, Dan Ross, Doug Russell, David Whitaker, Geri Whitaker , Carole Wintle, Bill and Marianna Wicks. TRAIL INFO. – This is a beautiful hike up to the summit of Scaly Mountain. Rhododendrons, Native Azaleas and many varieties of wildflowers are abundant. Magnificent rock faces near and on the summit give great views of the GA and NC mountains. There is a large elevation gain but the distance to the summit is only 2 miles and the trail is in good shape. Total hiking distance today – 4 miles Directions: Osage Overlook is 5.7 miles west of Highlands on NC Hwy. 106. Or from Dillard, GA turn right on GA 246 which becomes NC 106 and drive approx. 9 miles to Osage Overlook on the right. Another great day for a hike! Mostly sunny and warm with temperatures ranging from 68 to 82 degrees F. FLOWERS IN BLOOM: Mountain Laurel, Flame Azalea, Sweet Azalea, Rosebay Rhododendrun, Daisy Fleabane, Hawkweed, Spiderwort, Tall Milkweed, Whorled Loosestrife, Fire Pink, Galax, Cow Wheat, Flowering Spurge, Black-eyed Susan, Rattlesnake plantain, Mountain Mint, Bluet, Tall Bluet, Indian Physic, Beaked Hazelnut, Tall Meadow Rue, Micheaux’s Saxifrage, Fly Poison, False Indigo, Indian Pipe, Bush Honeysuckle, Lady’s Thumb, Yellow Wood Sorrell and Peruvian Daisy. BIRDS IDENTIFIED: Black Throated Blue Warbler, Black Throated Green Warbler, Towhee, Red Eyed Vireo, Hooded Warbler, Scarlet Tananger, Veery, Rose Breasted Grosbeak, Mourning Dove, Cat bird, Carolina Chickadee, Junco, Oven Bird |
 Our parking spot at Osage Mt. Vista |
 Starting up the Bartram Trail toward the summit of Scaly Mt. |
 Butterflies enjoying the Mountain Mint. |
 Looking from Scaly over to Georgia’s second highest peak – Rabun Bald (4,696 ft.) |
 As we get closer to the summit, we start getting great mountain views! |
 Rosebay Rhododendrons are beginning to bloom! |
 Another nice view |
 More views! |
 Many rock faces to explore. |
 Lunchtime on Scaly Mt. |
 Blue Sky and the Blueridge Mountains! |
 Bill Hunt and Granddaughter Rebecca. |
 Another great day for a hike! |
 The OFHC gang for today’s hike. (l-r front) Rebecca Andrews, Bill Hunt, Donna Presley, Geri Whitaker, David Whitaker and Dick Metzgar. (back row l-r) Carole Wintle, Marianna Wicks, Bill Wicks, Greta Driggers, Jim Driggers, Phil Brownrigg, John Bellamy, June Bellamy, Doug Russell, Jack Jacobi, Dan Ross and Tony Presley. |