New Years Day Half-Marathon (Forsyth County, Georgia)

 

As I've been realizing with my recent hikes, I'm very out of shape at the moment and I really need to get my butt motivated to fix that. A few weeks ago, I learned of a half-marathon being run on New Years Day in nearby Forsyth County. While I'm not in shape for it, I though it might be a good motivator and so I signed up. Also, the very inexpensive registration fee meant that if I ended up skipping it, I would only be out $24.

Having gone to bed well before midnight last night, I awoke early and debated if I really wanted to run this morning or not. It's dark and cold outside, and I'm going to run a horrible time. I forced myself to get up and get dressed though. I know how I work and it's very easy for me to make and accept excuses for not doing things like this. It's a habit I need to stop and this morning is as good a place as any to start.

After the forty or so minute drive to the starting location, I left my car to check-in. It's cold this morning, around 37°, but the only way to do a thing is to do it. That's just what I'm going to do. I returned to my car to pin my bib to my shorts and enjoy the heat until just before the starting 'gun'. As the countdown finished, fifty or so people crossed the starting line and began our journey. This is actually my least favorite type of race, which includes repeating the same route multiple times. I would generally never sign up for a race like this, as I tend to prefer scenic routes, but given the price and my need to get motivated, I signed up anyway.

I ran the vast majority of the first lap, but soon had to take a walking break for a bit. From there, I would alternate between walking and running the next three laps, which the last lap being almost entirely walking. By that point, my legs were shot and I was just forcing myself forward to finish. I crossed the finish line near the back of the pack with a time of 3:02:59, which is horrible for me. I need to do better and I hope that this experience gives me the motivation I need. For now, I feel exhausted and I'm heading home to shower and relax.

Brown's Mill Battlefield (Coweta County, Georgia)

 

When a new hike that I had never done popped up on the Meetup schedule, I decided to take advantage of checking out a new trail. Brown's Mill Battlefield is a small park near Newnan, GA and commemorates a Civil War battle that took place here on July 30, 1864. From my research, a Union cavalry column launched a raid to sever Confederate communication and supply lines in the region. However, they were defeated by forces under General Joseph Wheeler. This defeat contributed to forcing Sherman's siege of Atlanta.

In the days leading up to the hike, my friend that manages the Meetup group was injured and had asked me to lead in his absence. I was more than happy to help him out. I arrived about twenty minutes before the scheduled start time to get a lay of the land and plan out my route. This trail system is meant primarily for mountain bikes and consists of several interweaving trails cutting back and forth on each other. But with a map on my phone and a good sense of direction, I had a pretty good plan put together in my head as the hikers started arriving. As usual, we did a quick round of introductions and I explained the plan. With that, we hit the trail.

The first thing I noticed was that the trail colors on the marker posts differ from those on the map. I soon realized that the blue trail was actually the maroon trail on the map. That's an unfortunate piece of coordination by the park administration. We made our way okay though, as we crossed a power-line swath multiple times along different trail routes. 

Eventually, I wanted to make my way to the outskirts of the park and began heading that way. Suddenly, though an unexpected lake came into view. I was expecting to see a small pond, but further along the trail. This made me question my perceived location on the map. Pushing forward we followed a use trail along the shore of the lake and eventually got into an area where the trail just vanished. I still had a good sense of direction and knew how to get us back, but it required a little bushwhacking. That normally wouldn't be an issue, but we had to pass through a section of thick thorn bushes. I warned everyone to be careful and just as I did, ended up slicing my finger open on one of the sharp little devils. Once we got back to a clearing, I took a minute to clean it and put a bandage on it. Nothing serious, but it was bleeding a bit and needed to be cared for. 

From there, we eventually found the correct trail and covered the outskirts of the park, including the expected small pond. The larger lake we found did not appear on any map we had available. From there, we road walked a bit to get back to the main hiking trail and encountered a fenced marker commemorating the battle. It actually looked more like a tombstone, but after researching it a bit, I discovered there wasn't anyone buried here and it simply marked the battle. The print had unfortunately been heavily worn and made it difficult to read on site.

Once the parking lot came into site, I explained our current mileage and that I was going to do another section, but that everyone was welcome to make their own choice: return to their car or continue hiking. Three of the fifteen or so hikers decided to join me. We followed the red trail, which is wide and well marked. It added an additional mile or so to our total distance, which reached about 6.7 miles by the time we returned to the parking lot. We said our goodbyes and went our separate ways. While the trails were nice and well maintained at this park (other than the surprise lake and trail color issue), it's one of those parks where they've cut trail for the sake of cutting trail, instead of having a trail that actually leads somewhere. This my not favorite type and I will likely not return, but it was great to get outside and enjoy some fresh air and good company.

Appalachian Trail: Woody Gap to Gooch Gap (Lumpkin County, Georgia)

The weather has not been cooperative the last couple of weekends and though, I have wanted to some trail miles in, I really don't like hiking in the pouring rain when I can avoid it. That said, today, it looks like I may catch a break. For a while now, I've wanted to start doing some sections of the Appalachian Trail and the next one on my target list is the easy section from Woody Gap to Gooch Gap. I'm going to try to beat the rain and knock that piece out today.

On my drive, I catch a few drizzly rain drops, but I decide to push on and when I finally reach the trail head parking area at Woody Gap, the sun has come out and it's turning into a beautiful December day. Tossing my day pack on my back, I head south from the parking lot along the well maintained trail. The first part skirts along the side of a small mountain, but the grade is pretty level and the going is easy.

At about the mile-and-a-half point, I start a short climb up to Ramrock Mountain, which is really nothing more than a bunch of giant boulders poking out of the top of a hill. It reminds me though of just how out of shape I am. I really need to get back to doing this more regularly. On the descent from this part, I run into a man with an orange hunting vest on and a rifle over his shoulder. He asks if I have seen any deer, but I inform him that I've only seen and heard squirrels bouncing around in the dry leaves. He thanks me an continues along his way. I wasn't aware that hunting was allowed this close to the trail, but perhaps, he is only following it back.

From there the trail continues to rise and fall with a little elevation gain, but overall, it's pretty easy going even with my less-than-ideal fitness level at the moment. When I finally reach Gooch Gap, I find a woman sitting at an obvious campsite, complete with a firepit and logs setting around it for benches. I ask if I might join her to take a short break and she welcomes me. We chat about the trail and the weather for a few minutes, before she heads her own way down the road passing over Gooch Gap. After another couple of minutes and a swig of water, I start heading back the way I came.

I bump into a few more hikers on the way back. All of whom are very friendly. I wish each of them a Merry Christmas as I pass by. The return the sentiment. I'm reminded of how nice it is to be outside with the sun shining down and the trail leading me back to my car. I really miss this and need to get back to doing it more frequently. Finally reaching the car, I take another swig of water and check my mileage. It seems I've hiked almost exactly 7 miles round trip. Not a bad way to spend a Friday. 

Victorian Christmas at Hardman Farm (White County, Georgia)

 I was able to briefly visit Hardman farm earlier this year as part of the Falls to Farm New Year's Day Hike, but I didn't have time to explore much. Since then I've wanted to return and really take in this Victorian farm house. When I saw that the state park service was going to host a historical Victorian Christmas re-enactment at the farm, it seemed a great opportunity not only to see more of the farmhouse, but also to get my mother out for a little holiday cheer.

My wife, my mother, and I drove the hour or so to Helen on this drizzly Saturday afternoon. Luckily, the rains held off and we simply had to deal with a foggy drive. Once we arrived, we checked-in at the visitor's center and enjoyed some cupcakes a mulled wine, while we waited our turn to take a hayride from the visitor's center to the farm house. The field between was quite muddy and the tractor pulled trailer saved us from making a mess. I also think that my mother enjoyed it.

Once at the house, we finished our drinks before entering and were then greeted by a volunteer portraying Mrs. Ary Jones the head housekeeper. She welcomed us to the dinner part re-enactment and explained the various rooms, historical figures being portrayed in the various rooms, as well as the Christmas Tree decorating contest between rooms. She was very warm and her acting and accent were top notch. Moving into the family parlor, we met "Cpt. James and Mrs. Kate Nichols", the owners of the mansion. They were also very friendly and thanked us for attending their dinner party.

Moving through the various rooms, we met a host of historical figures and enjoyed wonderful conversation with the actors. The lack of mention of modern cars or highways in our travel story to the farm was quite comical. As we explained, we arrived by "carriage". 

After leaving the main house, we headed out to one of the farm buildings to meet Mr. and Mrs. Santa Clause. They thanked us for coming and just as they did, the tractor and trailer arrived to carry us back to the visitor's center. Overall, it was a very enjoyable experience and both the actors and decorators did a wonderful job of recreating a holiday dinner party as it may have happened over a century ago. I think my mother really enjoyed it, but for now, we need to head home.

Paris Mountain - Sulphur Springs and Fire Tower Trails (Greenville County, South Carolina)

I've always hated Black Friday and the mobs that come with it, but a few years ago REI started the #OptOutside movement, which encourages people to get out and enjoy the great outdoors on this day instead of standing in line for retail sales. They back this up by closing their stores on this day. Though, I did have to make a purchase this morning of a special beer that is only released on Black Friday, I took advantage of my trip to Greenville, SC to get some trail miles in.

It's been a long-standing tradition that my wife and I spend Thanksgiving with her family in the mountains north of Asheville, NC and early the next morning, I always drive to Greenville to purchase that special release beer. On the way, I've passed Paris Mountain State Park many times and thought about stopping to check it out. This year, our plans were forced to change last minute due to my mother being in the hospital and my wife coming down with something. We just spent the holiday at home, but that didn't stop me from driving to Greenville anyway and since I'm here and not on the time-crunch I normally have, I decided to finally do some hiking at Paris Mountain.

I expected to pay to enter the park, but in celebration of #OptOutside, the park is offering free admission today - that's a bonus! I ask about the trailhead for the Sulphur Springs Trail and the park attendant provides me with directions to the parking area. Once there, I see that a lot of people have the same idea, but I'm still able to find a parking spot without difficulty.

The trail begins right out of the parking lot and follows a small stream. Due to the name of the trail, I'm constantly sniffing the air for hints of sulfur, but all I really smell are the rhododendrons. I'm curious about how this trail got it's name, but that question will likely not get answered today. The trail meanders through the woods up and down through a ravine. It's well traveled, but still has some mildly challenging sections. I find myself getting a little winded as I climb some of the steeper inclines. I really need to get back into shape.

Coming to a large pool of water in the stream, I look up the hill to see a manmade dam with water trickling over it. At it's side, a circular stone structure lies in ruins. A informational plaque explains that the dam was created to provide a steady water source for nearby residence and the stone structure housed a mechanical valve mechanism to control the flow. The years have left it inoperable though. After climbing above the dam and continuing on the trail, I skirt the edge of the small reservoir made by the pent up waters.

The trail continues onward and eventually hits some areas with the trickling stream of water runs over large open pieces of stone. The surrounding ground is covered with fallen leaves, but the waters seem to have kept these stone outcroppings clean as the creek runs over them. In some cases, it's a steep climb to hike beside these waterfalls. I bet they are quite a a site to see during a rain storm and there are several of them along the trail.

Finally reaching a fork in the trail, I decide to check out the remains of the fire tower and the spur trail named for it. A couple of fellow-hikers indicate that it's only another half-mile or so. Along the way, I pass another gentleman before reaching the ruins of an old house, which served as a residence for the men charged with manning the fire tower. The steel tower itself is said to have stood nearby, but was later moved. An informational sign also explains that this was a bad choice in location as it does not offer a 360° view. Paris Mountain itself lies to the southwest and stands a bit higher than this hilltop, thereby blocking part of the view. The tower was moved in 1943 to a better location.

Turning back the way I came, I soon rejoin the main trail and begin making my way back down the mountain. This side of the loop is friendly to mountain bikes and a couple pass me as I head back down to the car. I don't care for the activity of mountain biking myself, as I feel it doesn't allow me time to enjoy my surroundings and is more about the adrenaline rush. That said though, I can see how this downhill might be fun. It has some sweeping curves and the trail is mostly clear of roots. 

Before too long, I'm back at the bottom and heading towards my car. A  park employee now had the area my car is parked at blocked off. Apparently, one a group reserved the picnic shelter and the parking area goes along with it. I explain that I must have arrived before the barricade was placed and he nods in agreement before allowing me to pass. I was able to get in about 5.4 miles today and it was nice to explore a some new trails. More importantly, it was great to #OptOutside.

Chattahoochee River - Fall Colors Kayak Tour (Fulton County, Georgia)

It's been a busy week, but to relax a little bit today, I decided to join REI on a lazy paddle down the Chattahoochee River. Though we've lived in the Atlanta metro area for four years now, I've never actually paddled on the Chattahoochee and this seemed like a great opportunity to add it to the list. 

Meeting up with the guide and other participants around noon at the Chattahoochee Nature Center, we did a quick run down of the kayaks and the plan for the day. Once all of that was out of the way, we loaded into the kayaks and launched into the river via a unique ramp contraption. It seemed unnecessarily complicated, but we were able to accomplish our goal with it and soon we were floating on the river. The water is uncharacteristically clear today. Normally, this river is quite muddy. 

We started by paddling upstream a bit to get a feel for the current and wind, but satisfied that it wouldn't be a problem, we turned our boats and head downstream. A number of rowing teams joined us on the water and quickly passed us with their coordinated rows. That's fine, I'm here to relax not work. 

The autumn colors are nearly gone, but a few still remain to add a nice palate to the backdrop along the river banks. The water here is very shallow and on one occasion, I actually beach myself, but through a combination of pushing of my paddle and rocking back and forth, I'm able to 'scooch' over the sandbar and get to slightly deeper waters. 

We continue downstream toward a large bluff with multi-million dollar homes built atop it. While the homes are beautiful and the views are probably very nice, I think I would choose somewhere else to build if I were going to spend that much money.

After an hour and a half or so, we turn the boats and head back to our launch point. Without realize it, I get far ahead of the group and take advantage of the time to just kick back and relax in my floating lounger. Soon, the others catch up and we pull the boats out of the water in a much more normal fashion. We paddled about 3.2 miles in total, but it was worth it just to get outside and relax a little bit.

Frank Lloyd Wright Tour of Oak Park (Cook County, Illinois)

 

I'm in Chicago, Illinois this weekend and for a while now, I've wanted to revisit Frank Lloyd Wright's Home and Studio in nearby Oak Park, as well as the nearby homes he designed. I toured this area about twenty years ago, but as a great admirer of the genius architect's works, I couldn't pass up a chance to tour this neighborhood once again.

Heading into the welcome area of his former Home and Studio, which once served as his garage, I check-in for my guided tour and browse the gift shop, while waiting for the tour guide to arrive. Right on time, our guide calls for my tour time and we reconvene in the courtyard just outside underneath the largest gingko tree I have ever seen. The tree is over a century hold and it's trunk is roughly three feet in diameter at the base. Broad limbs extend to provide a canopy over the courtyard and the yellow leaves and ripening fruit provide a blessing of autumn to the entire experience. 

After a few words from our tour guide, we walk around to the front of the structure while he provides numerous interesting details about the property, the structure, and Wright's time in Oak Park. With that, we enter the semi-concealed front entrance. Refusing to make the main entrance obvious to visitors was something of a trademark of Wright's, as he wanted to encourage visitors to explore the design of the structure, rather than just walk in and ignore the beauty in front of them.

Unlike most of his works, this house was torn up and redesigned many times over his time in Oak Park (1889-1909) while he honed his craft and developed his own style. It was also necessary to rebuild many sections of the house as his circumstances of employment, self-employment, and the addition of children to the family changed over the years. It's obvious though that he put a great amount of attention and detail into every aspect of his home. Wright practiced the concept of integrated design in which he not only designed the structure, but also the furniture and adornments. This allowed the experience to be whole and complete.

We continue through the rooms of the home and then into the studio where his draftsman worked to commit to paper the genius springing from his mind. A false memory pranked me here, as I somehow recall an entire conversation about a geodesic dome atop the studio from my last visit, but in talking with the guide and reviewing the history, I seem to have imagined that. There is however an entire pully system supporting the balcony above the draftsmens' work area. This was part of the memory, but I recalled it being more intricate and associated with the dome. Ah well, I guess that's what I have to look forward to as I get older and my mind deteriorates, lol.

Having completed the initial guided part of the tour, I return to the gift shop and sign-out the audio player, which will accompany me on my self-guided tour of the neighborhood, which includes several more homes designed by Wright. It's just a short walk, but with each design, one can see his style evolving until finally, he perfects what will become known as the prairie style of architecture.

   

Each home a masterpiece in its own right, the desires and designs of the client obviously played a role in the building's final form, but these take a back seat to Wright's genius. He considers all aspects of the home and how it becomes part of the area around it. Not one to contrast with nature, Wright often incorporates aspects of it into the design. The most famous example of this being Falling Water in western Pennsylvania, where a natural waterfall actually flows through the home. While there is nothing that extreme in these early designs, you can still see the roots of these concepts in his choice of materials and colors.

 

     

After the short walk of about 0.9 miles, I return to the audio player to the gift shop and call for an Uber to get me to the airport. As I sit nearby waiting for my ride, I can't help but to mentally explore the patterns and geometry of the structural works of art I have just visited. Wright was at least a century ahead of his time and while his personal life may have been less than storybook, the genius he shared with the world will forever remain the stuff of legend.