March 22, 2011
| Today’s hike was on the Appalachian Trail in Rabun County, GA from Dicks Creek Gap to the Deep Gap shelter and back.
HIKERS – John Bellamy, June Bellamy, Karen Brown, Phil Brownrigg, Pam Euliss, Dave Hinson, Bill Hunt, Jack Jacobi, Dick Metzgar, Bruce O’Connor, Jeanne O’Connor, Lynne Porter-Whitmire, Rick Porter-Whitmire, Don Preece, Donna Presley, Tony Presley, Vic Robson, Pom Sinnock, Lynne Saporito, David Whitaker, Geri Whitaker and Carole Wintle. Trail Info: This is a beautiful but very hilly portion of the Appalachian Trail with lots of nice mountain views. We met lots of thru-hikers on their summer-long journey to Maine today. Difficulty – Moderately strenuous Total hiking distance today – 8 mi. 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! Mostly Sunny, temperatures ranging from the upper 50’s to upper 60’s F. FLOWERS IN BLOOM: Bluet, Bloodroot, Red Maple, Toadshade Trillium and Dandelion. BIRDS IDENTIFIED: Carolina Wren, Pileated Woodpecker, Tufted Titmouse, Pine Warbler, Blue Jay, Red Eyed Vireo, Nuthatch, Summer Tananger, Crow, Blue Bird, Black Throated Green Warbler. |
 Parking at Dicks Creek Gap. |
 Rock marker at the gap |
 Hiking southward up the mountain on the A.T. |
 Here, we meet a couple of thru-hikers headed for Maine. We met hikers from Germany, Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, Virginia, Wisconsin, Alabama, and Florida. |
 Side trail to a beautiful vista. |
 Great overlook |
 Blueridge Mountains! |
 You can see Lake Burton in the distance. |
 Bloodroot was blooming! |
 We take the side trail down to the Deep Gap Shelter. |
 Lunchtime at the shelter |
 The OFHC gang for today’s hike. (l-r front) Dave Hinson, “Hope” and “Faith” (trail dogs), Lynne Saporito, Bruce O’Connor, “Honey”, Lynne Porter-Whitmire, “Merlin”, David Whitaker and “Nugget”. {l-r 2nd row}Jeanne O’Connor, Pam Euliss, Karen Brown, Vic Robson, Geri Whitaker, Donna Presley and Tony Presley. (l-r back) Jack Jacobi, Rick Porter-Whitmire, Carole Wintle, Pom Sinnock, John Bellamy, June Bellamy, Bill Hunt, Don Preece and Dick Metzgar. |