October 4, 2011
| Today’s hike was on the Bartram Trail in Rabun County, GA starting at Bob Gap and hiking to Big Rock overlooking Camp Rainey Mountain.
|
HIKERS – Greta Driggers, Jim Driggers, Dave Hinson, Bill Hunt, Jack Jacobi, Dick Metzgar, Jeanne O’Connor, Donna Presley, Tony Presley, Vic Robson, Lynne Saporito, David Whitaker and Geri Whitaker. TRAIL INFORMATION – A nice portion of the Bartram Trail with beautiful views of mountains as it winds through a beautiful mixed hardwood forest. Trail conditions were excellent except for one large blow-down about half-way out. The side trail down to Big Rock gives nice views as you look down to the lake at Camp Rainey Mountain (Boy Scouts of America – Northeast Georgia Council). Today’s hike is rated most difficult due to large changes in elevation. Today’s hiking distance – approx. 8.6 miles Directions: Take Warwoman Road 5.9 miles from Clayton and turn right on Sandy Ford Road. Go 1.2 miles and turn right on Pool Creek Road. Drive 0.9 miles to Bob Gap. Another great day for a hike! Fair and cool with temperatures ranging from 50 to 72 degrees F. FLOWERS IN BLOOM:Southern Hairbell, White Aster, Pinesap, White Snake Root, Blue Aster, Goldenrod, Lady’s Thumb, Blue Lobelia, MountainGentian and Self- Heal. BIRDS IDENTIFIED: Carolina Wren, Pileated Woodpecker, Nuthatch, Red Eyed Vireo, Crow, Blue Jay, Towhee, Veery, Northern Flicker, Broad Wing Hawk, Hermit Thrush and Raven. |
 Marker at the start on Pool Creek Rd. |
 Trail sign warns that it is most difficult! |
 Another great day for a hike on the Bartram Trail! |
 The wildflower season is winding down with these Asters. |
 About half way out, we had to negotiate a large blow-down. |
 We get great views as we arrive at Big Rock. |
 Big Rock overlooks Camp Rainey Mountain – Northeast Georgia Council of the Boy Scouts of America. |
 Rainey Mountain. |
 Zoomed view of Rabun County Elementary School. |
 Southern Harebells |
 Lunchtime near Big Rock. |
 Fungus of the week! |
 Our trail dog of the week – “Gabby” |
 The OFHC gang for today’s hike. (l-r) Tony Presley, Jack Jacobi, Lynne Saporito, Jeanne O’Connor, Dave Hinson (kneeling) Bill Hunt, Jim Driggers, Vic Robson, Dick Metzgar, Donna Presley, Geri Whitaker, “Gabby”, Greta Driggers and David Whitaker. |