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.

 

 

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.

 

 

 

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.

 

 

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))

 

 

 

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 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

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))

 

 

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.

 

 

 

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!!

 

Click on any photo to enlarge or hover your mouse on any photo for a description

 

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

First View of Anna Ruby Falls :o))

 

 

 

  

 

 

Heading back down the trail is just as pretty!!

 

 

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))

 

 

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.

 

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!!

 

 

 

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!!!

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))

 

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,

 

check out Karen and Al’s rental lot.

 

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))