September 27, 2011
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This week’s hike was on the Bartram Trail near the GA/NC border from Hale Ridge Road to Rabun Bald (Georgia’s second highest peak at 4,696 ft.). HIKERS: John Bellamy, June Bellamy, Phil Brownrigg, Pam Euliss, Dave Hinson, Jack Jacobi, Wanda Miller, Wayne Miller, George Otis, Don Preece, Vic Robson, Dan Ross and Lynne Saporito. TRAIL INFO. – This popular portion of the Bartram Trail is very well maintained and beautiful. The views at Rabun Bald are spectacular with a true 360 degree view of the GA/NC mountains. Total hiking distance today – 8.4 mi. with lots elevation gain to the summit of Rabun Bald. Directions: Take Hwy. 441 N from Clayton, GA through Dillard, GA and turn right onto GA 246 / NC 106 toward Highlands, NC. Drive about 7 miles and turn right at the old Scaly Mtn. Ski Slope at Hale Ridge Rd. Go a couple of miles and turn left onto a continuation of Hale Ridge road. Drive a mile or so and you will see the trail crossing sign on your right. Another great day for a hike! Sunny and cool with temperatures ranging from 60 to 75 degrees F. FLOWERS IN BLOOM: Witch Hazel, Blue Aster, White Woods Aster, Heart-leaf Aster, Bushy Aster, Pinesap, Indian Plantain, Wand Goldenrod, Mountain Gentian, White Snakeroot and Spiked Lobelia. BIRDS IDENTIFIED: Blue Jay, Red-eyed Vireo, Cardinal, White-breasted Nuthatch, Pileated Woodpecker, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Turkey Vulture and Raven. |
 Marker near Hale Ridge Rd. |
 Another great day for a hike on the Bartram Trail! |
 Lots of Fall season wildflowes. (top left then clockwise) White Asters, Blue Asters, Mountain Gentian and White Snakeroot. . |
 A large tree-fall that we had to go under or over. . |
 The colors of Autumn are beginning to show. |
 Fungus of the week! |
 An American Chestnut!. |
 Nice trail marker. |
 Lunchtime on the Rabun Bald Fire Tower! |
 Great views from the tower! |
 We were surprised to be buzzed by a C-130 plane several times! |
 The plane flew directly over the tower at low altitude! |
 Looking down on the town of Sky Valley, GA. |
 The OFHC gang for today’s hike. (l-r front) Dave Hinson, Pam Euliss, Vic Robson and Wanda Miller. (l-r standing) Jack Jacobi, Phil Brownrigg, George Otis, June Bellamy, John Bellamy, Don Preece, Lynne Saporito, Wayne Miller and Dan Ross |