September 27, 2016

I mentioned the trail that Linda and I hiked to get to the Secret Falls.  The directions said "the distance from the parking lot to the falls was given as a quarter of mile", but, as hikers on the trail said to us, "Oh no, it is at least a mile one way."

It was a tough 2-mile hike.  The trail had some long hills as well as steep hills.  We had to cross two shallow streams, roots that were ready to may one trip, fallen trees to climb over or crawl under, man made steps that were irregular, and even a black snake in the path.  Fortunately, it slithered into the woods.  I am amazed how well Linda does, having an artificial knee.

It was worth it.  The falls were very nice, it showed us that we need to get into better shape, and a sense of pride in being, by far, the oldest out there.

September 26, 2016

Yesterday, we hiked to Secret Falls and there was only one sign indicating the beginning of the trail.  The directions on the Internet were in the correct direction, but I believe the distances given were straight line, as the crow flies.  For example, the distance from the parking lot to the falls was given as a quarter of mile, but, as hikers on the trail said to us, "Oh no, it is at least a mile one way."  More about the trial in a few days.

Linda and I do not agree on how the falls should be photographed.  She want them 'as is.'  Stop the motion of the water, where I preferred showing the silky effect of slowing down the shutter speed.  While I do hold the camera, she...  Well, you know how it is.  How can I say no?

The third picture is what Linda asked, straight out of the camera.  The others are the surrounding area from the base of the falls.

September 25, 2016

We went to Highlands, NC at the end of Linda's Birthday Week.  We spent most of yesterday in downtown Highlands, which is where the shops are.  I did get some reading in which Linda looked around the shops.

At the end of the day, we stopped by Dry Falls, which is easy to access.  You can walk under the falls.  I took one of the pictures from directly under the cascade.

The fern was outside a gift shop on the way into Highlands.

   

September 20, 2016

We took a trip to the Brasstown Valley Resort in Young Harris, GA yesterday for lunch, which was great.  Along the wasy, we stopped atop Blood Mountain, where the Appalachian Trail crosses.  We found a survey marker on the trail, a beautiful view, and shoes...  Shoe slung into the tree and into the rafters of the little store there.  These were done by hikers as they reached the southern end of the trail

These following pictures are from around the back the the resort.  There was not much foliage, but the leaves will be turning color soon and the view is calming.  The sky in the middle picture ,  "Well, that says it all."

September 19, 2016

I took this picture on Saturday morning of a Knock-Out Rose in our back yard. 

September 13, 2016

I am not a fan of Morning Doves, particularly around the bird feeder in the backyard.  This one is sitting in her nest atop of one of the columns on the front porch.  I put a step ladder about 6 feet away and she just stayed there protecting her unborn.  She acted as a decoy, not moving or appearing agitated at all.  Cool under pressure.

September 6, 2016

We started out to go to Ellijay, GA to get some new crop apples, particularly, Honey Crisps, which are and early apple.

On our way, we stopped at the Burger Bus in center of Ballground.  Everyone who has been there has raved about it and we were not disappointed.  There is limited seating in the bus and fortunately, we got there before the crowd.

Before we arrived at the orchards, we stopped at a "Little House" model, 450 square feet of living space for about $30.000.  It was our 'Reality TV' in person.  That is for those who watch HGTV.

We finally arrived at Mack Aaron's Apple House.  Very slow paced, and enjoyable.  If you have not had an Honey Crisp apple, it is sweet and juicy.

From there, we headed east on Highway 52 and went to Amicalola Falls.  We cheated and drove up the road toward the lodge to West Trail, which is a 1250' easy trail to the falls.

On the way home, one more stop... at Under the Hemlocks, for ice cream and a few pictures of some chain saw carvings.

Great day!

I think that I just did a travelog...