Fantastic Finale !!! - Monday, August 25, 2014

Today was a fantastic finale to a great couple weeks in the Georgia Mountains!!
 
 
Tallulah Gorge State Park and Falls
 
 
Tallulah Gorge State Park and Falls was still on our TODOS list in this area.
 
Karen and Al offered to go with us since they know where they are going up here!!
 
You can check out their post of our day here.
 
 
Al set off on the scenic route. 
 
He took this turn and that turn through beautiful areas of Blairsville.
 
Next thing we know,
 
we were in Amish Country… hmmm seems we’ve been here before;o)))
 
That’s an inside joke, but rest assured we laughed for a good bit about it!!
 
 
 
We started out early and the weather was still cool
which made for some interesting clouds over the mountains.
25c - clouds on the mountain
 
 
It was about an hours ride to Tallulah Gorge SP.
 
We went into the lovely Interpretive Center for hiking info.
 
We decided to hit the trails while it was cool and check out the center after our hike.
25d - Interpretive Center Entrance 25d2 - Interpretive Center Inside
 
 
We headed first to Inspiration Point (IP) along the North Rim Trail.
 
Then we  hiked counter-clockwise along the North Rim,
crossed the Dam and hiked the South Rim Trail to Overlook 10.
00 - Tallulah Gorge Hiking Map
 
 
From Overlook 10, we had to backtrack to the Interpretive Center. 
 
The only bridge across the gorge required going down 347 steps and then up 310 steps!!!
 
We’ll save that for another day;o))
 
Our total hike was just over 3 miles…very doable on a nice path:o))
 
00a- Scenic Overlooks Description
 
 
The trail was great and the views were SPECTACULAR!!!
 
 
I’ll just let the photos do the talking…
 
Click on any photo to enlarge or hover your mouse on any photo for a description 
 
25e - North Rim Trailhead
 
25e2 - North Rim Trail - view of gorge
 
25e3 - North Rim Trail - view Hurrican Falls Bridge
 
25f - North Trail to Inspiration Point
 
25f2 - North RimTrail to Inspiration Point - view of gorge
 
25g - North RimTrail towards the Dam - Hey Al we found some buckeye   25g2 - North RimTrail towards the Dam - New trail material
 
25g4 - North RimTrail towards the Dam - View of Hawthorne Cascade and Pool
 
25g5 - North RimTrail towards the Dam - Overlook 4  25g6 - North RimTrail towards the Dam - Talullah Falls Dam
 
25h - South Rim Trailhead
 
25h2 - South Rim Trail - mural   25h3 - South Rim Trail - Karen and Al practicing the 300 step gorge climb
 
25h4 - South Rim Trail - View of Interpretive Center on North Rim
 
25h5 - South Rim Trail - View of Gorge
 
25h6 - South Rim Trail - Group shot with Inspiration Point in Background
 
The above photo was taken at Overlook 10. 
 
 
From this point, we back-tracked to the Interpretive Center.
 
There, we watched the film and checked out a few of the displays. 
 
 
On our way out, we made a quick stop in the gift shop. 
 
Gotta LOVE this T-shirt:o))
25g - Tallulah George SP - Confidence T-Shirt
 
 
It was getting close to 2pm and we were all very hungry.
 
We drove into Clayton and found a Zaxby’s where we enjoyed some chicken and salads!!
 
 
 
After lunch, we headed back toward Blairsville.
 
Karen and Al made the suggestion that we stop at Anna Ruby Falls along the way.
 
That turned out to be a GREAT suggestion!!!
 
 
 
Anna Ruby Falls Trail
 
 
Here is a link to Anna Ruby Falls Trail which will give you more info on its history and location.
 
25 - Anna Ruby Falls - Info and Gift Center
 
 
The path to the falls is paved and benches line Smith Creek which the path follows. The path starts out level, until you cross the bridge over Smith Creek. It is a steady climb to the falls from there.  However, it is very doable for most everyone.  Just stop along the way and rest at a bench…. then continue on.  Just use the Up, Up, Rest system and you will make it;o))
 
I’ll just let the photos do the talking again!!
 
 
25a - Anna Ruby Falls Trail - Bridge crossing Smith Creek
 
25b - Anna Ruby Falls Trail - View from Bridge crossing Smith Creek
 
25c - Anna Ruby Falls Trail - Oh the sound of rushing, spilling water     25c2 - Anna Ruby Falls Trail - Oh the sound of rushing, spilling water
 
25d - Anna Ruby Falls Trail - Path goes up along the creek flowing down
 
25d2 - Anna Ruby Falls Trail - Path goes up along the creek flowing down
 
25e2 - Anna Ruby Falls Trail - Tree Canopy Above  25e - Anna Ruby Falls Trail - Rusing water below
 
First View of Anna Ruby Falls :o))25f - Anna Ruby Falls Trail - First view of the falls
 
 25f2 - Anna Ruby Falls Trail - sign
 
 25f3 - Anna Ruby Falls Trail - Taller double falls on the left  25f4 - Anna Ruby Falls Trail - shorter falls on the right
 
 
Heading back down the trail is just as pretty!!25g - Anna Ruby Falls Trail - just as pretty heading down the trail
 
 
Karen found a hornets nest that had fallen from a tree, but was still active!!
 
We spent a good bit of time trying to get a photo of a hornet coming or going;o))25h - Anna Ruby Falls Trail - Hornet entering the hornets nest
 
 
When we got back to the parking lot,
 
we couldn’t help but admire the pretty trees and flowers.
 
 
 
This was interesting and we didn’t know what it was.25i1 - Anna Ruby Falls - Trees and Flowers - Edible Sweet Chestnut Tree
 
Found out on Google, that this is an edible Sweet Chestnut.
 
The same tree that had been destroyed by blight on our previous hike.
 
 
 
The bees were certainly enjoying the beautiful flowers!!
25i2 - Anna Ruby Falls - Trees and Flowers - Daisies25i3 - Anna Ruby Falls - Trees and Flowers - Rudbeckia ( Black-eyed-susan)25i4 - Anna Ruby Falls - Trees and Flowers - The Bees Favorite
 
 
 
I had a fun encounter with a butterfly:o))
 
I kept trying to get closer and closer without scaring it away…
 
It never left and it allowed be to give it a little pet before I left!!!
25j1 - Anna Ruby Falls - Trees and Flowers - butterfly25j2 - Anna Ruby Falls - Trees and Flowers - butterfly closer25j3 - Anna Ruby Falls - Trees and Flowers - butterfly closer and closer25j4 - Anna Ruby Falls - Trees and Flowers - butterfly closer and closer

I did try to identify it, but couldn’t;o)) 
 
However, I did learn that it is a butterfly and not a moth.
 
I found out the butterflies antennae are club-shaped with a long shaft and a bulb at the end. 
 
So you just have to get close enough to see the end of their antennae;o))
 
 
 
This next little bit of information has nothing to do with today's fun.
 
However, it does have to do with getting close and identifying things.
 
 
This is specifically for my good friend GAIL, who isn’t too fond of snakes;o((
 
Gail...   from now on,
 
before you panic when you see a snake,
 
I want you to look it in the eyes!!!
 
 
If the pupils are round….   don’t panic…   it’s nonvenomous:o))
Snakes - venomous vs non-venomous
 
If the pupils are elliptical….   PANIC   it’s venomous:o(((((
 
Better yet,  just go find a Bear;o)))
 
 
 
Enough of this nonsense… back to the Georgia Mountains!!
 
 
 
Today’s hikes and our hike to Blood Mountain Summit were our favorites!!
 
The Georgia Mountains are really wonderful. 
 
We had no idea how pleasant the weather would be in the heat of the summer!!
 
Bill and I search out the hikes, but there are plenty of other things to see and do.
 
 
If your looking for a pretty place to relax and cool off,
 
 
It is a great spot in a wonderful location!!!
 
 
 
Next, we head back to the South Carolina Coast.
 
Buck Hall Recreation Area and then Family Time at Pirateland Campground in Myrtle Beach :o))

Georgia Mountains Catch-up ;o) – Saturday, Aug 16 to Friday, Aug 22, 2014

Saturday, August 16th, taking a break and running errands.
 
We leave Saturdays to everybody else. 
 
Instead of hiking and touring, we just take a break and get our errands done.
 
While doing our errands,
 
we found the Pot of Gold at the End of the Rainbow…
 
 
It is open on Saturday from 7am to noon and Tuesday from 3pm to 7pm.
 
It’s large enough to have a great selection, but small enough to be fun!!!
 
We managed 3 trips there during our stay :o))
16a - Saturday Farmers Market16b - Saturday Farmers Market16c - Saturday Farmers Market
 
Don’t miss this gem if you visit this area!!!
 
 
 
Sunday, August 17th, we planned to hike to DeSoto Falls and visit Vogel State Park.


17a - Sunday - DeSoto Falls
 
17b - Sunday - DeSoto Falls
 
Click on any photo to enlarge or hover your mouse on any photo for a description
 
The hikes to both falls are short and relatively easy. 
 
Unfortunately, the water level was very low and the falls were just a trickle ;o((
17c - Sunday - DeSoto Falls - approaching the lower falls  17c - Sunday - DeSoto Falls - the lower falls 
 
It would have been a great walk in the woods, except for the sound of motorcycles!!
 
There was some type of rally or bike ride along the road next to Desoto.  I’m sure they were having a great time, but the noise was more than either of us wanted to hear.  Since Vogel State Park is also along this road, we decided to let them have Sunday and we would visit Vogel State Park on a quieter day during the week.
 
 
 
Tuesday, August 19th, we kayaked Lake Nottley with Karen and Al.
 
These are my favorite types of adventures, we just followed where they led us:o))
 
You can check out their post here.
 
Click on any photo to enlarge or hover your mouse on any photo for a description
 
19a - Tuesday - Nottely Lake Kayak - crossing Nottely Dam
19b - Tuesday - Nottely Lake Kayak - Poteete Creek Rec Area - put in spot19c - Tuesday - Nottely Lake Kayak - Poteete Creek Rec Area - preparing to kayak Lake Nottely
19d - Tuesday - Nottely Lake Kayak - Poteete Creek Rec Area - heading across Lake Nottely
19e - Tuesday - Nottely Lake Kayak - looking back at the launch spot19f - Tuesday - Nottely Lake Kayak - paddling around the islands19g - Tuesday - Nottely Lake Kayak - Great Blue Heron on edge of island
19h - Tuesday - Nottely Lake Kayak - Al & Karen enjoying the views19i - Tuesday - Nottely Lake Kayak - Captain My Captain19j - Tuesday - Nottely Lake Kayak - Beautiful Lakefront homes19k - Tuesday - Nottely Lake Kayak - View of Nottely Dam from the lake
 
Thanks Karen and Al for a great day on the lake!!
 
19m - Tuesday - Nottely Lake Kayak - Great Day On The Lake
 
 
 
Wednesday, August 20th, we hiked at Vogel State Park, just 3 miles away:o))
 
All the trails, except the lake trail begin behind the visitor center.
20b - Wednesday - Vogel State Park Visitor Center
 
We hiked two trails:
Bear Hair Gap Trail – highlighted in Pink
Trahlyta Lake Trail – highlighted in Orange
 
20a - Vogel State Park Trail Map
 
Click on any photo to enlarge or hover your mouse on any photo for a description
 
20c - Vogel State Park Trail Heads
 
 
Karen and Al, this is the bridge where we found the buckeyes!!!
 
The bridge is only about 1/2 mile along the trail:o))
20f - Vogel SP - Bear Hair Trail - Bridge over stream where we found the buckeyes
 
 
It is a challenging, but fun hike!!!
20g - Vogel SP - Bear Hair Trail - through the rocks     20h - Vogel SP - Bear Hair Trail - playing on the rocks
 
 
Interesting finds…..
 
Blight killed the large Chestnut Trees in this area. 
 
People have marked some stumps with stones to resemble grave markers.
20i - Vogel SP - Bear Hair Trail - large chestnut stump grave marker killed by blight
 
 
Next, an unusual fungus called Stalked Puffball-in-Aspic !?!?
 
Never saw anything like this before… sort of gross ;o((
20k - Vogel SP - Bear Hair Trail - Stalked Puffball-in-Aspic
 
 
A rather large but very pretty frog ;o))
 
OOPS…. fast forward very quickly Karen…  sorry !!!
 
20j - Vogel SP - Bear Hair Trail - frog
 
 
We finished the Bear Hair Trail just in time for lunch.
 
How’s this for a beautiful lunch spot :o))
20l - Vogel SP - Lake Trahlyta - lunch spot
 
 
After lunch,
 
we walked the one mile trail around Lake Trahlyta,
 
including the short spur trail to the falls.
20m - Vogel SP -Trahlyta Lake & Waterfall Loop hike20n - Vogel SP -Trahlyta Lake & Waterfall Loop hike - hawk20p - Vogel SP -Trahlyta Lake & Waterfall Loop hike - view from the dam20q - Vogel SP -Trahlyta Lake & Waterfall Loop hike - falls below the dam
 
 
 
Friday, August 22nd, hiking to Raven Cliff Falls.
 
Today we drove on Hwy 348, one section of the Richard B. Russell Scenic Byway.
 
Click on any photo to enlarge or hover your mouse on any photo for a description
 
22a - Richard B. Russel Scenic Byway - Hwy 348   22b - Richard B. Russel Scenic Byway - Hwy 348 - early morning mountain haze
 
 
Our destination was the Raven Cliff Falls Trailhead.22c - Raven Cliffs Falls Trailhead
 
 
The trail follows Dodd Creek all the way to Raven Cliffs Falls.
22d - Raven Cliffs Falls - bridge across Dodd Creek which we followed all the way to the falls  22e - Raven Cliffs Falls - Believe we found the Sweetheart Tree
 
 
You will pass several smaller falls along the way.
22f - Raven Cliffs Falls - List of Falls by mileage
22g - Raven Cliffs Falls - Falls at .4 miles 22h - Raven Cliffs Falls - Falls at .8 miles22i - Raven Cliffs Falls - Falls at 1.3 miles 22j - Raven Cliffs Falls - Falls at 1.6 miles
 
 
Unfortunately, Raven Cliffs Falls was but a trickle due to low water levels;o((
22k - Raven Cliffs Falls - Falls at 3.0 miles, disappointing
 
Regardless, it was a very pretty hike along a beautiful creek!!!