Ocmulgee River Trail (Jasper County, Georgia)

The weekend is going far too fast, but thankfully it's Labor Day, which means a rare Monday off of work. I decided to join the Atlanta Outdoor Club for another hike today. The Ocmulgee River Trail will be our destination. I saw this one get posted a couple of weeks ago and it immediately caught my interest since I haven't explore the area. I was a bit confused though in that the meeting location had a couple of different pins. I had emailed the organizer and he mentioned that it was a "exploratory" hike, which I completely understand, but it would still be nice to ensure we all start at the same place.

It's a couple of hours of driving to get to the trailhead and once I arrived, I didn't find anyone at first. I rechecked the coordinates and just as I confirmed I was in the correct place, another gentleman showed up. We called the organizer who was at one of the other points and bushwhacking to find anything resembling a trail. As we spoke, a third hiker drive back from further up the gravel road we were parked on and reported a parking area about a half-mile further in. We relayed this to the organizer on the phone and before long, everyone had arrived at the turn-off. We chatted for a moment and then caravanned to the parking area hoping it was the spot we were looking for. It was, though it was pretty overgrown.

Everyone parked their car and got out the bug spray and their gear before doing a quick round of introductions. As we walk through the partially overgrown parking area, I note a lot of poison ivy growing and mention this to the group. Knowing this hike was exploratory, I wore long pants to protect myself from the 'devil weed', which causes a horrible rash on me. It seems I was the only one that thought this way though as everyone else is in shorts. 

We quickly locate the trail and begin our trek through this forest that is unknown to us. The hiking is easy, but the trail doesn't seem to get a lot of use. It's pretty easy to follow, but there are several blow-downs and the weeks (and poison ivy) make obvious attempts to reclaim it. Heading north through the woods for the first part of the trail, when we finally turn around, we are just above the river. Unfortunately, it is so overgrown we are rewarded with only a couple of views. One of them though does give us the opportunity to watch a small fishing boat 'climb' up over a shallow waterfall. It was pretty impressive piloting.

Returning to the parking area, we discuss possibly explore the area south, but with the skies starting to darken, we assume a thunderstorm is in our future and decide to call it a day. I was still able to get in 8.7 miles on this trail, which is pretty nice. It was also nice chatting with these folks, several of whom have been doing international adventure recently, just as I have. It's good conversation.

Johnson Ferry North (Cobb County, Georgia)

The heat really hasn't let up since yesterday, but as I mentioned in that blog, I really need to start getting myself back in shape and trail miles are my regiment of choice. I decided to join the Atlanta Outdoor Club for a short hike at another of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area's units. Today, it will be the Johnson Ferry North park. Pulling into the gravel parking area, I ask a lady I see waiting around if she's here for the hike and she confirms that she is. I take a quick moment to use the nearby restroom and when I return a few others have arrived. While we wait for the final hikers, we note a large number of younger trail runners making their way off the trail and through the parking area at great paces. I'm guessing there is some kind of high-school practice today based on their approximate ages. 

Once everyone has arrived, we do a very quick round of introductions and then begin making our way through the trails of this unit. It's a pretty basic trail and I've hiked here a couple of times in the past. The first section is slightly overgrown, but from what some of the ladies say, it's much better today than it was last week. I guess the park service has done some work on it. After grassy section, we head into the woods and alongside the river. There are a couple of minor creek crossings, but each has well-placed stepping stones and everyone is able to cross each section without getting wet. This is a pretty area. I've always enjoyed the natural rocks of this area, which provide some interesting terrain for the feeder creeks to flow over.

Hitting the northern end of the park, we make our way around Hyde Park and then head back the way we came. The conversations are great and this seems to be a very nice group of people. Before long, we're back at the cars. I'm a sweaty mess, but I was able to get about 4.6 miles in on this trail, which will have to suffice for the day. Originally, I had planned on hitting a second trail today, but we have friends in town that are planning to stop by this afternoon and I should be there to greet them . . . after having showered. So, this will have to do for now.

Vickery Creek (Fulton County, Georgia)

It's been so very hot in the southeast the last couple of weeks . . . miserably hot. For the most part, I've been trying to stay inside and soak up the AC, but I really do need to get my body moving again. I signed up for and ran a 5k this morning at Little Mulberry Park. It was the first race I've run in a few months, but my time wasn't terrible. The mileage wasn't enough though and so, I decided to head over towards Roswell and put a few miles in at the Vickery Creek Unit of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. I've hiked here a few times in the past and it's a pretty popular place. First though, I got a burger at the nearby Moxie Burger, which is a place I've been wanting to try for a while. It was a pretty good meal and the fries were outstanding. 

After finishing my lunch, I found a parking spot a little closer to the old mill where I wanted to start. Even walking downhill towards the bridge crossing the creek and leading into the park, I was sweating from this oppressive heat. As I walk across the open air bridge, I see a lot of people are seeking refuge from these temperatures near the small waterfall just below the bridge. I can't blame them, but I really need the exercise. 

I quickly get my bearings and head east along the creek. This part of the trail system runs right at the waters edge and in a couple of places, I have to maneuver carefully around and under some low hanging trees to avoid falling down the bank into the muddy waters below. After about a quarter-mile on this section, I hit a dead end. It might be possible to scramble up the tall bank to the another trail above, but not wanting to risk injury or a plunge, I decide to turn back.

From here the trail is straightforward and I basically do the internal loop of the park. There are a few small inclines, but overall the trail is well maintained and easy. At one point though, I do come upon a doe and her two adolescent fawns. She just stairs at me, but her young ones quickly dart away for the safety of the brush. It's never my intention to scare them, but I do really enjoy seeing these creatures out here in their natural environment. It's not that I don't see deer often. We generally see deer in our backyard once or twice a week, but it never gets old seeing these beautiful creatures. 

Following the twists and turns of the trail and eventually loop back to the bridge that I crossed earlier. I've actually been amazed at how many people are out walking (and even running) the trails on a day as hot as today, but I guess I'm here too. So, that's that. This was a pretty short hike of only about 3.2 miles, but it served its purpose. I had intended to do a second trail on my way home, but given the heat and knowing how exposed that other trail is, I may reconsider.

Cochran Mills (Fulton County, Georgia)

Today, I'll join the Meetup group to hike at one of my favorite parks in the greater Atlanta area, Cochran Mill. I love this particular park because it has a large trail system and a number of interesting water features, including a couple of waterfalls. I've hiked here many times, but if my schedule allows, I almost always join for this one when it gets posted.

Pulling into the parking area, I see several friends that are part of the group. I walk over and pay the $5 parking fee to get the tag for my car and then walk over to chat with my friends. It's a humid day and we have a pretty small group today, only about ten of us, which is quite unusual for this group. Ah well, smaller groups are easier to manage in my opinion. Before long, we hit the trails.

The first section takes us through a slightly overgrown and muddy section that has a lot of joro spiders with their webs strung across the trail. Luckily, one of my friends is using a hiking stick and uses it to clear the way for us. Along this section, we find a dead log completely covered with the turkey tail fungus, which is common in this area, but rarely do we see anything covered this heavily.

Soon, we reach the river and the trail opens up a bit more just before we hit the waterfall area. Last year when we hiked here, we encountered a copperhead in this area and so, we warn everyone to watch where they are stepping. Bear Creek is flowing nicely today and we take a few minutes to have a snack and water break on the granite near the waterfall.

Before too long though, we're moving again and this next section requires us to climb a very steep uphill. I take advantage and run up it. I don't often get a workout on our Sunday hikes, but when an opportunity presents itself, I try to take advantage. The remainder of the hike is pretty tame though we seem to be going a little faster today than normal, which is a welcome changes for me. Not that this group is slow, but I'm a very fast hiker and I love being able to cruise through these wooded areas in high gear.

After arriving back at the parking lot, I mention that I'm going to walk across the street to the other waterfall and ruins of the mill, but no one seems to be all that interested and they go their separate ways. There are few people over there enjoying the cool water on this hot day, but I only stay long enough for a picture of the mill ruins. With this little addition, my total distance was about 8.2 miles for the day. Not bad, but now it's time to go home and smoke some chicken on the grill.

Shoot the Hooch - Chattahoochee River Float (White County, Georgia)

**Please Note - photo credit (of me) to one of the members of the group

After four years, it's becoming something of an annual tradition for the Meetup group I often lead hikes for. Today we'll be "shooting the hooch" through Helen, GA once again. Helen is a charming little Georgia mountain town that a few decades ago decided to become Bavarian-inspired. In September of every year, tourists descend on this little village to celebrate Oktoberfest. The other thing Helen is famous for is that the Chattahoochee River runs right through the middle of the little village, though it's more of a very shallow creek here near it's headwaters. That said, I thought it would be good to get our float in before the crowds descend.

Meeting up with the other attendees at the appointed time, we did a quick round of introductions and then got everyone checked in at Cool River Tubing who offer a tube rental and shuttle service for those wanting to float the river. It's great fun, though there is not alcohol allowed, which has always struck me as kind of crazy. I floating down a mostly calm river in an innertube. Who could I possibly hurt other than myself? Ah well, it's still fun even without the booze.

As we step into the river with our tubes, the water seems cold, but we adjust very quickly. We're doing the long float today, which takes us about 2.5 miles through the shallow waters. Half the fun is getting stuck on rocks and having to get yourself unstuck. While there are a few people on the river today, it's not nearly as crazy as it will be in the weeks to come. The four people in my group are mostly able to stay together, though we tend to shuffle our position as each of us gets stuck on various rocks and other obstacles. At one point, I realize I've developed and already accidentally popped a blister on my thumb using the wheelbarrow handle they gave me to push myself off of rocks. Ah well, it's not a party until someone gets hurt. I do my best to protect it the rest of the way down the river. 

With about two hours on the river, we end up at the take out and reconvene our group before hoping on the shuttle bus that will take us back to our cars at the headwaters outpost on the other end of town. What a relaxing way to spend an afternoon. And now, we're going to visit a little winery sit atop a hill overlooking Mount Yonah on the other end of town. Life is good!

**Please Note - GPS track from last year's event

Nikwasi Mound (Macon County, North Carolina)

I spent the weekend in Cullowhee, NC for my bi-annual Wilderness First Responder recertification class. It was a good weekend and I passed my exam without any issues, but on the drive home, I decided to check out a site that I've only recently learned of. In nearby Franklin, NC, there is ancient Native American mound called Nikwasi. It's actually named for the Cherokee town that existed at the site before European Americans pushed the indigenous peoples out and built Franklin. It is thought the mound itself was built around 1000 CE.

The mound is surrounded by modern buildings and roads, but a couple of informational signs speak to some of the history of the place. I'd guess the mound is about twenty feet tall, but rises from a sunken area between parking lots. The circumference of the base of the mound is roughly 600 hundred feet and is in a mostly oval shape. Apparently, the Cherokee built some of their structures on top of it. Now, it exists as just a grass-covered earthen mound in the middle of the small town of Franklin. I'm thankful that it was preserved though; so many of these treasures have been plowed over all around country.

Boundary Peak via Queens Mine Trail (Esmeralda County, Nevada)

My next and final adventure on this trip to Reno, NV takes me to the very remote Boundary Peak near the California Border. At 13,147 feet, this peak is the tallest point in the state. Some disagreement exists though because Boundary is a subpeak of the slightly taller Montgomery  Peak at 13,441 feet. The state line actually runs directly between the two peaks. That said, I'm here for Boundary, as I've kind of got this idea to summit the tallest peaks in all 50 states - though given my past experience with Acute Mountain Sickness, Denali in Alaska is probably a no-go.

The drive from Reno is approximately four hours and knowing that we have some many miles to drive along rough roads and an even more difficult ascent, my friend Nick and I get an early start and depart Reno just a little after 5:00 am. A few months ago, I had reached out to my Facebook friends for any advice on getting to the Queens Mine Trailhead and the summit itself. What they described to me lead me to rent this big Jeep Rubicon.

As we turn off of the pavement and onto a dirt road heading into the great unknown of the mountains, at first it's pretty easy going and I leave the Jeep in 2-high, but after a few miles, the rutted road turns quite a bit more challenging and I put it into 4-high. This seems it will be enough to get us to the trailhead. The road is rutted and really only passable by some level of high-clearance vehicle. The scenery is outstanding though and we take it all in as we drive.

When we finally reach the trailhead, there are three or four other cars parked in the area. We hop out of the Jeep, relieve ourselves in the nearby bushes and start getting our gear together. It's going to be windy and sunny the whole way up. 

Immediately after leaving the makeshift parking area, we start climbing. A series of false summits trick us into thinking we have reached the long ridge leading to the final ascent, but after a couple of them, we just kind of go with the flow. Eventually, we do reach that ridge and the hiking gets a bit easier . . . . for now. That said, we can see the gravel-covered side of one of the other sub-peaks at the far end of the ridge and spot hints of a trail. Reviewing our map, we realize we have to climb that, which is going to be interesting. 

As we reach the end of the ridge, we notice what I'm pretty sure are bristlecone pines growing on one of the nearby hillsides. I'd love to go examine them more closely to confirm, but I know I need to save my energy for what is to come. When we reach the end of the ridge, there is a flat area where people have drug logs onto a flat rock. It almost looks like a picnic area, which quite interesting in a place as remote as this. 

From here, we begin the grueling ascent. The first three-quarters of a mile takes us up a 40-ish degree incline with loose gravel. For every three steps forward, we slide a step back. It's pretty slow going and as we continue to climb, we spot a few hikers coming down from the summit. When we reach each other, I ask one of them if it was worth and he responds with "No, but I'm still glad I did it". That's a pretty common attitude to hikes like this. In the moment, it's torture, but once complete, it's a badge of honor to be admired.

Reaching the top of this gravel-laden slope, we then begin to make our way along a long rock ridge with steep drop offs on either side. There are only hints of a trail and we're forced to path find most of the way up. We have to make our way around five or six rock towers on our ascent. Some are easy, while others are quite challenging and require significant rock scrambling. I'd even go so far as to say parts of this trail are quite dangerous as hikers are forced onto all fours at points and must lower themselves down steep sections with little to know footholds and plenty of giant boulders to shatter our skulls on. 

Eventually, Nick tells me to go on ahead as he's struggling a bit. I ensure he's okay and then do as he suggests. The way to the top only gets worse and the final rock tower is one of the more dangerous scrambles I've done. I'll even admit that I was mildly afraid at a couple of points, but with few good options, I forced myself forward.

The summit itself requires make my way up another very steep gravel laden peak. At several points, I fear slipping off the mountain, but I eventually make it to the top. Here, I find another ammo box and sign the register. The view from this point, the top of Nevada, is spectacular and between wanting to enjoy it and just catching my breath, I spend ten or so minutes at the top. Luckily, I'm not really feeling any signs of acute mountain sickness, which makes me very happy. 

Soon, I start heading back down the way I came or at least a similar path. It's impossible to tell up here in this gravel and boulder fields. Once again, I'm hyper-focused on not falling and breaking a few bones. It really is a precarious ascent and descent. When I finally rejoin, Nick, we make our way down the gravel slope, which is even more challenging going down than up, but eventually, we make it and return to the Jeep.

I'm pretty proud of this one. I wish Nick had been able to summit, but sometimes, it's better to consider one's well being. He still reached almost 13,000 feet, which shatters the personal elevation record he set just last weekend on Freel Peak. As for me, it's another checklist item. The hike was only about 8.1 miles, but due to the difficulty of the terrain, it took nearly eight hours to complete. For now, I need to get back to Reno and prepare for my return flight to my home in Atlanta early in the morning.