Getting Wild

Tray Mountain

2012-02-27T20:03:00.002-08:00

After a lazy winter, I decided to take my first backpacking trip of the year. The plan was to trek 5.5 miles from Unicoi Gap along the Appalachian Trail to the Tray Mountain shelter. The forecast called for clear skies, but lows around 30 degrees and winds up to 20 mph. For once, the meteorologist was right. It was cold and windy, but that did not deter us.

We left Unicoi Gap, just north of Helen, GA, around 10:30 am. The hike started with a grueling and steep climb up Rocky Mountain. The elevation gain was about 1100 feet over 1.5 miles to the summit. The views were amazing. If you looked south, you could see Mount Yonah, the site of my last backpacking adventure.

After reaching the peak of Rocky Mountain, we headed downhill for about a mile to Indian Grave Gap. That section of the trail was on the windward side of the mountain, and we experienced frigid 20 mph gusts for the next several miles. From Indian Grave Gap, we started our ascent to Tray Gap. The climb was gradual and mildly challenging. As we approached Tray Gap ,we could see Tray Mountain looming above us.

Once we reached Tray Gap, we started our assault up Tray Mountain. This was by far the toughest, steepest, most grueling part of the hike. My thighs were on fire, but we pushed on, one step at a time, and finally reached the peak. The views to the north and south made the journey worthwhile. A few miles to the northwest, we could see the tallest peak in Georgia, Brasstown Bald. To the south was Mount Yonah and the Bavarian town of Helen, GA.

From the summit, we continued east about a half mile down the ridge line to the shelter and met up with the rest of our group. Total trip time from parking lot to the shelter was about 5.5 hours.

We also met a few other groups of backpackers and an ambitious Appalachian Trail through hiker. For the uninitiated, though hiking the Appalachian trail involves hiking the entire AT in a single season (as in non-stop). Sounds easy, right? Think again. The AT is approximately 2,184 miles long, stretching from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine. The hike typically takes about 6 months.

We watched a gorgeous sunset from the camp ground huddled around the campfire. The temperature was dropping to a low of 29 degrees, with a steady, bone chilling wind. We were along the ridge-line of Tray Mountain, which offered no reprieve from the wind. After a hearty dinner (I brought steak and baby red potatoes I roasted over the fire), I headed into my tent for the night. It was a long, cold night, but my sleeping bag kept me comfortably warm.

The next morning, we packed up our gear, ate breakfast, and backtracked to the car. It was a much easier hike, primarily down hill. However, the climb back up Rocky Mountain was still strenuous. The temperature moved into the mid 40's, the sky was clear and blue, which took our minds off the misery during the climb. 4.5 hours after leaving the shelter, we reached Unicoi Gap and the end of our trail.

GPS Log of the Trip

The elevation Profile.

Yes, we're hiking Tray Mountain.

Reaching the peak of Rocky Mountain.

A campsite on Rocky Mountain.

Looking south from Rocky Mountain. Mount Yonah is the mountain with the distinctive profile, just left of center.

The trail between Rocky Mountain and Indian Grave Gap.

Hiking among the beautiful canopies.

Looking up to Tray Mountain. It looks a bit foreboding in the distance.

We finally reached the peak. Looking northeast from Tray Mountain.

The plaque marking the peak of Tray Mountain. We proof we made it.

Tray Mountain shelter.

My accommodations for the night.

Me after a cold night, ready to head back down the mountain.

Looking towards Helen, GA and Mount Yonah on a cold, crisp morning.

Looking northwest, towards Brasstown Bald.

Brasstown Bald, the tallest mountain in Georgia. If you look closely, you can see the observation tower on the peak.

The trail at the top of Tray Mountain is rugged and rocky.

There are interesting rock outcroppings along the trail.

Another great shot of Mount Yonah and the mountains of North Georgia.

Close-up of Yonah.

Mount Yonah

2011-09-18T20:56:00.000-07:00

GPS Trail Map

Getting ready for the hike to the top.

Mount Yonah, and the granite cliffs near the summit.

Amazing views from the trail.

Close up of the cliffs.

The trail is quite steep in some sections.

Bob, the huge praying mantis.

Can you see Bob? Amazing how he blends into the tree.

The view from the cliffs. Looking southwest, toward Cleveland, GA.

Looking northwest, towards Helen, GA.

That's about as close as I get to the edge.

There's no way in hell you'd find me out there.

Looking towards the tallest peak in Georgia.

My luxurious accommodations for the night.

Yes, that airplane is at eye level with us.

Sunset in the north Georgia mountains.

We woke to 50 degrees and damp, heavy fog.

11 am, back in the parking lot, and Yonah was still covered in dense fog.

Great Smoky Mountains

2011-09-01T21:00:00.000-07:00

Anyone who knows me will know how much I love visiting Gatlinburg and The Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Abigail and I planned on hiking from Newfound Gap down the Appalachian Trail to The Jumpoff, then on to Charlies Bunion, then down the Dry Sluice Gap Trail and the Grassy Branch Trail to the Kephart shelter to spend the night. We'd hike out via the Sweat Heifer trail back to Newfound Gap. Unfortunately, mother nature interfered with our plans with a wicked thunderstorm in the evening. We got as far as The Jumpoff and decided to head back due to the weather.

The next morning, we decided to head to Klingman's Dome. The views were amazing, despite the overcast and clouds. We then hiked the Alum Caves trail for about a mile, and headed back into Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. In Pigeon Forge, we visited the bears in the 3 Bears gift shop, and even fed them.

On the way home, on GA 23 in Tiger, GA, we stopped for lunch at Goats on the Roof. The place is a total tourist trap, but make great deli style sandwiches. And, yes, the goats really do live on the roof. All in all a great trip, despite the weather.

Nantahala River in North Carolina, about 10 miles outside Cherokee, NC.

The Appalachian Trail at Newfound Gap. No, we're not going to Katahdin, Maine, 1972 miles up the trail. At least not on this trip.

Looking south into North Carolina from the Appalachian Trail. The trail is right on the border between Tennessee and North Carolina.

The Appalachian Trail.

View from The Jumpoff as the storm clouds roll in.

Looking to Mount Leconte from the Gatlinburg Space Needle.

Sea of flowers on the way to Clingman's Dome.

Abigail on the Clingman's Dome observation platform, the tallest point in the park.

Bee.

More flowers.

White flowers.

Stream on the Alum Cave trail.

My obligatory waterfall shot.

Fat, lazy bear begging for more food.

Begging.

Sitting on his throne.

Goats on the Roof.

Baby goat on the roof.

My Gear

2011-08-08T20:43:00.000-07:00

So, I've gotten a few requests to list our gear, and to provide advice on what is needed for a backpacking trip. Below is a list of the basics. If you're going to buy, please do so using the links.

Disclaimer - this list is a combination of my gear and Abigail's gear. Some of our gear (such as my sleeping bag) are REI brand, and not sold on Amazon.

Sedona Through the Seasons

2011-07-15T20:43:00.000-07:00

So, I last visited Sedona in January, when it dropped below freezing at night, got into the low 40's during the day, and had snow on the ground in the places that avoided direct sunlight. I thought it would be fun to replicate as many pictures as we could during my summer visit. The pictures below contrast the Sedona landscape in summer and winter. Enjoy.

Oak Creek Canyon #1, summer.

Oak Creek Canyon #2, winter.

Oak Creek Canyon #2, summer.

Oak Creek Canyon #2, winter.

Cathedral Rock, summer.


Cathedral Rock, winter.

Submarine Rock and Chicken Point, summer.

Submarine Rock and Chicken Point, winter.

The Courthouse, summer.

The Courthouse, winter.

Bell Rock, summer.

Bell Rock, winter.

Sedona, Arizona

2011-07-14T21:30:00.000-07:00

After our amazing trek into the Grand Canyon, we needed some r & r to recover from the fatigue. We could barely walk we were so sore and stiff. Luckily, the time share condo where we stayed (in Cornville, AZ, just outside Sedona) had a jacuzzi. We took advantage of that and soothed our aching muscles. Then we headed into Sedona to cruise "the strip" and have dinner at our favorite Sedona restaurant, The Barking Frog Grille. We both had the Flat Iron Asada, which was amazing. Sadly, my favorite dish was no longer on the menu.

The next morning, we had breakfast at our favorite local greasy spoon, The Coffee Pot. Surprisingly, the name of the restaurant has nothing to do with the drink, but is named after one of the rock formations in Sedona. The Coffee Pot is known for it's omelettes - 101 to chose from that is. Check out the crazy list of omelettes. Peanut butter, jelly, and banana omelet anyone? I had #75 - guacamole and jack cheese. It rocked.

After breakfast, we scouted a few scenic areas and made our way to The Church of the Holy Cross. The church is fascinating and has some amazing views. Check out the pictures below and see for yourself. Also check out the crazy, huge mansion just below the church. It has a mini-planetarium on the roof. Cathedral rock is in the distance behind the mansion. What a view to wake up to every morning.

After leaving the church, we headed to the base of Cathedral rock, down 'Back O' Beyond Road'. No kidding, look it up. We checked out the hiking trails, but were too sore to attempt to hike up Cathedral Rock. From there, we found our way to Red Rock Crossing, which is a natural stream not too far from Cathedral Rock.

Scenic overlook on Route 89a between Flagstaff and Sedona.

Cathedral Rock beyond a bed of cactus at dusk.

Church of the Holy Cross.

Entrance to the Church of the Holy Cross.

View from inside the Church of the Holy Cross.

Crazy mansion with Cathedral Rock in the distance.

Check out the planetarium on the roof.

Ab and I next to the church.

Cathedral Rock, looking up from the base.

Cathedral Rock from Red Rock Crossing.

Hi-Tec Boots

2011-07-14T13:07:00.000-07:00

I'm now a guest blogger for Hi-Tec. The hiking boots I've been wearing for the last 2 years are Hi-Tec Natal Mids. I tried on every pair of hiking boots at REI, Sports Authority, Dicks, Rack Room Shoes, DSW, etc. The Hi-Tec Natal boots were the most comfortable of the 40 or so I tried on, so I decided to buy them. Bonus, they were on sale for $50 and were the least expensive of the bunch. Their comfort exceeded that of boots that were upwards of $250 made of GorTex and other exotic materials. Since then, I've logged over 150 miles in my Hi-Tec's, all in perfect comfort. Never have I experienced a blister or a hot spot. Even after 17 miles backpacking into the Grand Canyon with 30 pounds on my back, down 4,600 vertical feet in elevation and back, my feet did not feel fatigued at all. My legs, on the other hand, were cooked. Abigail was wearing expensive hiking shoes from a competitor, and ended up with blisters on 6 toes on the way into the Canyon. Not me. Every step was in comfort.

My Hi-Tec Natal Mid boots were one of the best purchases I've ever made. They've held up extremely well and are good for at least another 200 miles. I even set them on fire briefly due to a backpacking stove accident, and you can't even tell. I can personally attest to their quality construction and superior design. You don't need to pay more to get a better boot in my opinion.

If you're looking for a quality boot at a reasonable price, look no further than Hi-Tec. I won't even consider buying boots from another brand. Thank you Hi-Tec for allowing me the chance to be a guest blogger on your web site.


The Hi-Tec Natal Mid.

The Grand Canyon, Part 3

2011-07-13T20:13:00.001-07:00

The Rim

The next morning, we got up at 4 am (yet again), headed to the Rim, and watched the sunrise from Yaki Point. The sunrise was amazing, washing the canyon in orange and blue hues. As we were leaving, we saw two mule deer near the parking lot. After the sunrise, we had breakfast and headed over to Mather Point near the Visitors Center. It was amazing how the color and hues of the canyon change as the day progresses and sections fall into and out of the shadows. After Mather, we headed west near El Tovar and the other lodges.

From there, we headed towards the exit and noticed a bunch of cars pulled over along a 'No Parking' area. We looked over and saw 3 huge elk. We also pulled over and I grabbed my camera and headed towards it. The closest elk was grazing and let me walk to within 30 feet of him. What a great way to end our visit to the Grand Canyon. 2 hours later, we were in Sedona...


Sunrise at Yaki Point.

Sunrise at Yaki Point.

Looking west.


Yaki Point.

Cast in the orange glow of the early morning.


Mule deer.

The view from Mather Point.

Looking along the rim.

Indian Gardens from the rim.


El Tovar. It was not being robbed by Clark Griswald while we were there.

Elk.

The Grand Canyon, Part 2

2011-07-11T21:31:00.000-07:00

The Hike Out

(aka the 10 hour grind)

Our day started at 4:00 am. We awoke, had breakfast, and broke down camp. At 5:00 am, we started the 9.5 mile hike up the Bright Angel Trail. We had a vertical mile to climb with 30 pounds strapped to our backs - it was going to be long and strenuous day.

The first milestone was to cross the Silver Bridge back to the south side of the Colorado. The trail ran along the river for about a mile before turning south into a side canyon. The climb was gradual. So far, so good. Eventually, we made our way to 'The Devil's Corkscrew'. The switchbacks were steep, requiring a stop or 2 to rest for a few minutes. However, given the name, the corkscrew was not as bad as it sounds. In fact, the switchbacks between the 3 mile rest house and the 1.5 mile rest house near the rim was far worse.

Once we cleared the Devil's Corkscrew, we continued on, gaining elevation with each step. At one point, we stopped to take a short rest, rehydrate, and have a quick snack. A squirrel came begging for food and ended up climbing up on Abigail's pack and tried to bite through the nylon to get to the nuts inside. We chased it off and finished our mid morning snack (it was about 6:30 am).

Eventually, we had to cross a small creek and observed tadpoles swimming around. We followed the creek through the side canyon, eventually making it to the Tonto Plateau. After a short distance, we arrived at Indian Gardens. The time was right around 8:30 am. We made good time, even if we arrived 30 minutes later than we had hoped. Indian Gardens was a gorgeous oasis of trees, bushes, and the creek that provided a reprieve from the sun. It was not even 9:00 am, and the thermometer showed it was 80 degrees in the shade and almost 100 in the sun.

We found a park bench under the trees and had lunch. We rested for almost an hour, used the restroom, and refilled our water. At this point, we had 4.5 miles to go, but there were 2 rest houses spaced at 1.5 mile intervals. As far as we were concerned, we just had three 1.5 mile mini-hikes left. Easier said than done. No matter how far you went, no matter how high you climbed, the rim loomed over you and made it appear as if you still had thousands of feet to climb. It was very disconcerting.

We left Indian Gardens and started for the 3 mile rest house. The climb was moderate at first, and gradually became steeper. We made it to the rest house in decent time and rested for about 30 minutes. We snacked again, consuming much needed calories and hydrated. We refilled our water and headed out for the final rest house before the final assault on the rim.

The hike from the 3 mile rest house to the 1.5 mile rest house was grueling. By then, our calves and thighs were cooked. We had to take frequent breaks to rest for a minute or two so our legs would recover. The switchbacks between the rest houses were brutal - steep and treacherous. Our pace had slowed considerably, but we finally made it to the rest house.

Another 30 minute break, more water, and more snacks. A very fat and bold squirrel came right up to us begging for the nuts we were snacking on. The next thing I know, his front paws were on my leg as he tried to get at the nuts. Before I knew it, he had jumped in my lap. He snatched the nut out of my hand and jumped off my leg. As Ab tells it, I lured him onto my lap, but that would be a federal crime. I was quite shocked he was so bold and tame that he actually jumped into my lap.

After our rest and encounter with the killer squirrel, we pushed on for the rim. The final 1.5 miles was by far the steepest, most grueling section of the trail. We took breaks every 1/10th of a mile it seemed, but eventually made it to the rim around 3 pm. Total time from the Colorado River to the rim was 10 hours. We could barely walk by then, but we did it. I can honestly say it was the most physically demanding thing I've ever done, and I'm proud Abigail and I were able to accomplish it together. The experience solidified our relationship and reinforced the fact that together, we can accomplish anything.

GPS Trail Map

The Silver Bridge.

Sunrise along the Colorado.

Looking back to the Black Bridge from the Silver Bridge.

The Colorado meandering through the Canyon.

Waterfall.

Tadpoles enjoying the creek.

An hour in, and we're already tired. Just 8.5 more miles to go.

A very bold squirrel trying to get to the bag of nuts in Ab's pack.

The Devil's Corkscrew. Oddly, it was not as tough as the name suggests.

Wow, we still have a ways to go.

Almost to the Tonto Plateau.

Another amazing view.

Another waterfall running through the canyon below Indian Gardens.

Looking up to the rim.

View of the rim from Indian Gardens.

Part of Indian Gardens. Half way to the top.

Vibrant sky along the rim.

Still a long way to the top.

Pointy rock formation.

The end is in sight. Too bad there's still 3 miles to hike.

We were just down there a few hours earlier.

A view you can't get from the rim. You have to work for it.

Looking back down to Indian Gardens and beyond.

It's just amazing to see the layers up close from below the rim.

Fatty the Squirrel jumped into my lap trying to steal an almond.

3 of the 4.5 miles from Indian Gardens to the rim. We just did that?

Looking along the layers near the rim.

We finally made it.

The Grand Canyon, Part 1

2011-07-10T21:02:00.000-07:00

The Hike Down

We arrived at the Grand Canyon National Park around 2:30, and the sky opened up. According to the cashier at the book store, it was the longest rain shower all week, just our luck. The good news was that the rain dropped the temperature about 20 degrees. The bad news was that the temps shot back up once the clouds cleared. The rain gave us an excuse to watch the new introductory movie in the Visitor Center, Grand Canyon, A Journey Of Wonder. The movie was produced and directed by Josh Colover of Aperture Films, who happens to be the brother of a close, personal friend.

Once we checked into the Back Country Office, we headed out to Yaki Point. We had an ambitious plan - hike 7.2 miles down the South Kaibab trail in the afternoon, and 9.5 miles up the Bright Angel trail the next morning. Oh yeah, did I mention that the change in elevation from rim to canyon floor was about 4,500 vertical feet? Yikes.

We started our journey below the rim at 4:15 in the afternoon. The views were amazing. The further we went, the more varied the landscape. The canyon is made up of many different layers formed over millions of years. Each step further into the canyon brought you to a new layer and a totally unique landscape. About half way down, storm clouds started rolling in. Luckily, they seemed to skip right around us, most likely due to the thermals rising from the inner canyon.

Finally, we caught our first glimpse of the Colorado river, about 4.5 miles into the hike. As we approached the river, we could see the Black Bridge that would take us across the Colorado and lead us to the Bright Angel campground. By then, our legs were like jello. At around 7:10 pm, we crossed the bridge and arrived in camp at 7:30. 3 hours, 20 minutes to go from rim to canyon floor. Not bad.

We dropped our gear at the campsite, and quickly set up the tent. It had begun to drizzle, and luckily never progressed into a serious rainfall. Once the tent was set up, we headed to the Phantom Ranch just up the canyon from the campsite, and bought a cup of their famous lemonade. That was the most amazing glass of lemonade I've ever had - good by it's own right, and amazing under the circumstances. Refreshed, we headed back to camp for dinner and some well needed sleep. The next morning would be the start of the real ordeal - hiking out...

GPS Trail Map


Park Entrance

Looking up at Yaki Point, just below the rim.

Spiky cactus flower.

Me, headed down the South Kaibab trail.

Getting deeper into the canyon.

Looking back along the rim.

Squirrel, begging for food.

My Abulous woman and I, still looking fresh.

Ab, taking the lead.

Looking up to Yaki Point, where we started the hike down.

Switchbacks from hell. Glad we're going down and not up.

Our first glimpse of the mighty Colorado River.

Storm clouds rolling in.

Cloudy sunset from the inner canyon.

Part of the trail, the Colorado, and the Black Bridge.

More of the trail, the Colorado, and the Black Bridge.

Looking west down the Colorado, with the Bright Angel
campground in the center (the lush greenery).

The Colorado River.

The Black Bridge. Almost to the campground, finally.

North Chickamauga Creek Gorge

2011-05-15T21:04:00.000-07:00

Google Maps - GPS Trail Log

Backpacking on Mount Leconte

2011-03-28T20:05:00.000-07:00

At 6593 feet, Mount LeConte is the third highest peak in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. However, from its immediate base to its highest peak, Mt. LeConte is the tallest mountain in the Eastern United States, rising 5301 feet from its base near Gatlinburg. We chose to backpack up the Alum Cave Trail, which is the shortest, but steepest route up the mountain. We gained 2,763 feet in elevation along the 5.5 mile trail.

The forecast for the weekend was rain all day Saturday and Sunday, with highs in the 40's and lows in the 30's. That didn't deter us. We arrived at the trail head at 11 am, to find clouds, but no rain. The trail follows the Alum Cave creek for about a mile, and at the 1.3 mile mark, we reach Arch Rock. Arch Rock is basically a huge hole cut into the softer rock by thousands of years of freezing and thawing water.

From Arch Rock we move along a ridge on the side of the mountain to Inspiration Point, which provides amazing view of Little Duck Hawk Ridge and 'The Eye of the Needle'. The Eye is essentially a hole in the rock near the top right of the ridge.

Just past Inspiration Point, at 2.2 miles, is Alum Cave -- more of a concave bluff, about 80 feet high and roughly 500 feet in length. This turned out to be a very beautiful spot to stop and enjoy lunch.

Alum Cave has some interesting history behind it. The Epsom Salts Manufacturing Company was established at Alum Cave in 1838. Until it was sold in 1854, the company mined Epsom Salts, which was used by mountain folk to dye homespun clothing a reddish brown.

During the Civil War, the Confederate Army mined saltpeter out of the cave in order to manufacture gunpowder.

The trail from Alum cave to the summit is the most grueling section of the trail. Over 2.5 miles of steep grades, wet slippery rocks and boulders to scurry over, and plenty of mud. That section of the trail seems to never end. All in all, the hike up the mountain took almost 6 hours. The climb is well worth it, though. Unfortunately, the weather didn't cooperate, and we didn't get to see the amazing sunset and sunrise we had hoped for. Check out this link for the sunset we hoped to see, and this link for a typical sunset.

We settled into the shelter, then headed down to the Leconte Lodge to warm up around the fire in their office. Once we were warm, we headed to the Cliff Tops, where you would normally watch the sun set. We then walked back to the shelter, had dinner, and settled in for the night. It started pouring, with thunder and lightning. The rain stopped after a few hours, and the wind started - must have been 20-30 mph. The temperature dropped to a low of about 31 that night. Thankfully, I was nice and warm in my sleeping bag.

The next morning, we hiked about a half mile to Myrtle Point, where we should have seen an amazing sunrise. All we saw were gray clouds. Oh well. We packed up, and headed down the mountain. The descent took only 2.5 hours - and the clouds started to clear around noon.

All in all, it was an amazing trip. Even though we were deprived of a gorgeous sunrise and sunset, and didn't see a single bear, I really enjoyed the adventure. I'll have to go back later this year when the weather is more agreeable and the bears are more active.

Google Maps - GPS Trail Log

Stream near the Alum Cave trail head.

Arch Rock, looking up.

Arch Rock, looking down.

One of the many log bridges we had to cross.

Looking out towards Bearpen Hollow.

It was a very cloudy day.

More clouds.

The trail was steep wet, rocky, and treacherous.

Watching the clouds roll through.

More of the trail.


Did I mention how foggy it was once we ascended up into the clouds?

We woke to more clouds. This is the trail heading down to the Lodge for water. It was very surreal.

The shelter on Mount Leconte. The tarp across the opening was the only thing protecting us from the winds at night.

The accommodations in the shelter. It dropped down to 31 degrees that night.

The view from the shelter. Not too bad.

The peak of Mount Leconte. It used to be just a few feet shy of a mile. Not anymore.

More of the trail. It was very strenuous.

The clouds started moving out around noon on Sunday.

The view from Alum Cave.

Little Duck Hawk Ridge.

In the upper right of Little Duck Hawk Ridge, you can see 'The Eye of the Needle.'

Little Duck Hawk Ridge

The cloud formations were really cool.

Finally, clear enough to see the other mountain ranges.

My obligatory waterfall picture along Alum Cave Creek.

Looking down on the clouds. Stunning.

Cloudland Canyon

2011-02-27T09:17:00.000-08:00

Cloudland Canyon State Park resides in the north west corner of Georgia, just south of Chattanooga, TN. On a clear day from the northern most point on the West Rim Trail, you can see Alabama to the west, and Tennessee to the north. The West Rim Trail is a 6.5 mile hike along the west rim of the canyon, providing countless views of the amazing cliffs and natural rock formations.

The Sittons Gulch trail takes you down into the valley to the upper and lower falls, and forms a 5 mile loop along the stream. During the fall, morning sunlight through the autumn leaves casts the gulch in a warm, orange glow that looks like it's straight out of a fantasy. The hike into the gulch is a breeze down flight after flight of stairs - 1260 in all. Getting back out may take a little longer - like all day.

Cloudland Canyon is by far my favorite hike in the Southeast. I'd rather hike CC than any other site. Truly a magical place that has to jump to the top of your must do list.

Sittons Gulch Trail Map

Amicalola Falls

2011-02-13T20:46:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite hiking locations in the North Georgia mountains. As you can see from the pictures, it's gorgeous in the fall when the leaves are changing colors. Amicalola Falls is also considered the unofficial southern terminus to the Appalachian Trail - the 2,181 mile long trail from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahidin in Maine. Amicalola Falls is a 9 mile hike from Springer Mountain and the spot most through hikers begin their 8 month journey to Mount Katahidin if traveling from south to north.

GPS Trail Map

Sweetwater Creek

2011-02-12T20:34:00.000-08:00

Sweetwater Creek is west of downtown Atlanta and a great hike for kids. The trails go along the creek and take you past the New Manchester Manufacturing Company, a textile mill burned during the Civil War. After the mill, you continue along the creek until you reach the falls. Too bad it was overcast that day, but I foresee a trip back in the near future for more photos of this gorgeous state park in better lighting.

Map of Sweetwater Creek State Park

Sweetwater Creek

"White water", lol.

Burned out mill.

Sweetwater Creek falls.

Burned out mill.

Burned out mill - aqueduct.

The mill "back in the day".

SoCal

2011-02-08T20:26:00.000-08:00

Beautiful ocean views from Point Dume State Park in Malibu and pictures from the Long Beach and Seal Beach areas.

Sunset in Seal Beach Marina

Point Dume State Park

Looking down the barrel of the gun on the deck of the Queen Mary.

Sedona, Arizona

2011-02-03T21:02:00.000-08:00

What can I say about Sedona? It was amazing. Gorgeous rock formations, snow on the ground, friendly people. And, who can forget Sedona Pines. Very nice and clean "cabins". More like prefab houses - a glorified single wide trailer. And we couldn't have been more satisfied with the accommodations. Cathedral Rock, Red Rock State Park, and Sliding Rock State Park were awesome. The drive along Arizona 89A from Sedona to Flagstaff was one of the most beautiful drives in the US - especially with the snow. I was seriously annoying Abigail while hiking Red Rock. With almost every step (literally, every 10 steps), all I could utter was "Wow, check that view out". You had to make a conscious effort to frequently look behind you, or you'd walk right past another amazing view without seeing it. Hands down, the best trip I've ever experienced (the company helped). Need proof? I took a total of 470 pictures over the course of the 6 day trip. Definitely a must do for your bucket list.

Google Maps with GPS coordinates of Red Rock State Park trails

View from downtown Sedona

Bridge along AZ 89A from downtown Sedona

Views from the lookout along AZ 89A

Views from the lookout along AZ 89A. Yes, that is the winding road we took.

Views from AZ 89A

Red Rock State Park

Red Rock State Park. View of Cathedral Rock.

View along AZ 89A heading from Sedona towards Fort Verde

Jacks River Falls

2011-02-03T13:01:00.000-08:00

Jacks River Falls is located in the Cohutta Wilderness Area on the Jacks River 89 miles NW from Dahlonega and 24 miles north of Chatsworth, Ga. Hike starts out along the ridge of several mountains and winds down to the valley floor. You follow Jacks River until you reach the falls. Out and back is about 10 miles, and well worth the effort.

Map with GPS coordinates

Jacks River Falls trail.

Mountain vistas.

Jacks River

Jacks River - overlooking the falls.

More Jacks River.

White water...

The falls.