December 22, 2010
| Today, we hiked on the Appalachian Trail from Hogpen Gap to Tesnatee Gap and back. approx. 2 mi total.
HIKERS: Thomas Bowers, Phil Brownrigg, Jeanne O’Connor, Vic Robson and Dan Ross. TRAIL INFO. – Our hike today was a short hike due to the weather and Christmas week activities. The hike from Hogpen to Tesnatee Gap is very hilly with great views on sunny days. Today was foggy and cool with very limited visiblilty. We came back to Hopen Gap via the highway in order to see the massive icicle display on the rock cliffs between Tesnatee and Hogpen. 2 miles round trip. Directions: Take GA 75 north from Helen for 1.5 miles. Turn left onto GA 356(75 Alternate) and travel 2.3 miles to the Richard B. Russell Scenic Highway (GA 348). Turn right and travel about 9 miles to Hog Pen Gap. The parking lot is on the right. Weather: Another great day for a hike! Cloudy, cool, foggy, poor visibility with temperatures from the mid to upper 30’s F. WILDFLOWERS IN BLOOM: none BIRDS IDENTIFIED: Dark-eyed Junco. |
 Getting ready at Hogpen Gap. |
 Trail sign near the start. |
 Typical view along the trail. |
 Another great day for a hike! |
 Thomas on the rock over-look above Tesnatee Gap! |
 Marker near Tesnatee Gap. |
 Sign at the gap. |
 Headed up the highway toward the rock cliffs. |
 Checking out the giant icicles. |
 Amazing! |
 Cool dudes! |
 The OFHC gang for today’s hike. (l-r) Thomas Bowers, Phil Brownrigg, Jeanne O’Connor, Vic Robson and Dan Ross. |