October 23, 2012
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TRAIL INFO. – The hike today began at Hale Ridge Rd near the GA/NC border and traveled southward to Georgia’s second highest mountain peak, 4,696 ft. Rabun Bald. HIKERS: Phil Brownrigg, Pam Euliss, Greta Driggers, Jim Driggers, Dave Hinson, Jack Jacobi, Dick Metzgar, Vic Robson, Lynne Saporito, Pom Sinnock, Carole Wintle and Jack Wintle. Total hiking distance today – 8.4 miles with a large elevation change. We rate the over-all hike difficulty as strenuous. 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! Fair and cool with temperatures ranging from the low 40’s to the upper 60’s F. WILDFLOWERS IN BLOOM: Mt. Gentian, Bushy Aster and Rabbit Tobacco. BIRDS IDENTIFIED: Yellow -billed Cuckoo, Blue Jay, Carolina Chickadee and Turkey Vulture. scroll down for photos and slide show from the hike! |
 Trail sign near the start. |
 Another great day for a hike on the Bartram Trail! |
 Pretty waterfalls early into the hike. |
 Amazing color in the woods today! |
 Working our way up the hills toward Rabun Bald. |
 More color! |
 It is a good idea to take an occasional break as you climb the trail to Rabun Bald! |
 Arriving at the Rabun Bald Tower! |
 Looking from the tower down to Sky Valley. |
 Stunning beauty in every direction! |
 Lunchtime at Rabun Bald! |
 There are no bad seats at this lunch spot! |
 A colorful masterpiece! |
 The OFHC gang for today’s hike! (l-r front) Dave Hinson, Lynne Saporito, “Angus”, Vic Robson and Greta Driggers. (l-r standing) Phil Brownrigg, Pom Sinnock, Carole Wintle, Jack Wintle, Pam Euliss, Dick Metzgar, Jack Jacobi and Jim Driggers. |