October 22, 2013
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Today’s hike was on the Appalachian Trail in Georgia starting at Hogpen Gap and hiking southward to Cow Rock and Wolf Laurel Top, HIKERS – Wayne Barios, Greta Driggers, Jim Driggers, Pam Euliss, Stephen Gales, Dave Hinson, Tony Presley, Pom Sinnock, Dick Metzgar, Vic Robson, Lynne Saporito and Geri Whitaker. TRAIL INFO. – This portion of the A.T. is typical of the GA section. Lots of great mountain views with lots of hills to climb along the way with rocky footing. Fall colors are improving daily. 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 Hogpen Gap. The parking lot is on the right. Another great day for a hike! Partly cloudy and cool with temperatures ranging from the upper 40’s to low 60’s F. Total distance – 6.3 mi. Somewhat strenuous. FLOWERS IN BLOOM: Heal All, Goldenrods, Fall Phlox, White Snakeroot, Mountain Gentian, Maiden Thumb (Smartweed), Alumroot, Bushy Aster, Jerusalem Artichoke, Dwarf Dandelion, Evening Primrose, Woodland Sunflower, Tickseed Sunflower, Heath Aster, New England Aster, White Wood Aster, False Aster, Downy Lobelia, Maryland Golden Aster, Tall Flat-topped White Aster and Witchhazel. BIRDS IDENTIFIED: White-breasted Nuthatch, Common Raven, American Crow, Blue Jay, Tufted Titmouse and Downy Woodpecker.
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 Getting ready at Hogpen Gap. |
 Early morning view near Hogpen Gap. |
 Another hike filled with beautiful views! |
 Another great day for a hike! |
 A colorful array of autumn leaves! |
 Great views from Cowrock Mountain! |
 Next, we hike over to Wolf Laurel Top. |
 Beautiful view from Wolf Laurel. Top! |
 We hike back to Cow Rock for lunch. |
 Lunchtime views could not be better! |
 Even dogs enjoy awesome views! |
 Who else enjoyed Cow Rock? ……. Katy did!. |
 Headed back to Hogpen Gap after another beautiful hike on the A.T. |
 The OFHC gang for today’s hike. (l-r)Pom Sinnock, Jim Driggers, Stephen Gales, Greta Driggers, Pam Euliss, Lynne Saporito & “Angus”, Dave Hinson, Geri Whitaker, Dick Metzgar, Wayne Barios, Vic Robson and Tony Presley. . |