VIDEO: Georgia AT Day Hikes (or "What I Did on My Christmas Vacation")
This year, my in-laws decided to spend Christmas in the mountains of Georgia, in a small resort town called Helen. It was a wonderful time spent with loving folks, and I'd do it again in an heartbeat.
However, when they told me where we were going, I decided to check out the local area. It turns out that Unicoi state park was less than fifteen minutes' drive from Helen. Even better, the Appalachian Trail runs almost as close.
I managed to squeeze out enough time for a pair of day hikes on the AT. They're chronicled in the video below (apologies for the shoddy cell phone camera quality, but it's what I had with me)...
12-27-2012, 17:00
grannypat
Glad you had some time to hike. Thanks for taking us along.
12-27-2012, 17:12
hangNyak
Glad you found time to get out. That looks like a pretty place from what I could see through the fog. :D
12-27-2012, 17:23
lilricky
Cool! Now you gave me AT fever again! Maybe a few days on the FT will lessen it.
12-27-2012, 17:27
2ply
Looks like a great way to spend the Holidays and add to your trail miles.
12-27-2012, 22:14
FireInMyBones
I am glad you were able to hike on the AT. The weather may not have been the best, but you were there. What a merry Christmas.
12-27-2012, 22:21
georgemaung
Excellent way to spend and recharge during the busy time of the holiday season.
Happy Holidays.
12-27-2012, 23:46
FLRider
Quote:
Originally Posted by grannypat
Glad you had some time to hike. Thanks for taking us along.
Me, too! There were a few hours each day that weren't really scheduled for anything, so I had some free time to head out and explore the local area. It also meant that my last-year's stocking stuffer map from my MIL wound up seeing use (she got me one of those AntiGravityGear Pocket Profile maps for the first 100 miles of the AT).
Quote:
Originally Posted by hangNyak
Glad you found time to get out. That looks like a pretty place from what I could see through the fog. :D
It most definitely is! I can see why folks are always so amped about the AT, now. The vistas were absolutely gorgeous on the second day, and even the fog seemed welcoming--or at least not forbidding.
Look forward to seeing you again at the 3rd Annual Hang!
Quote:
Originally Posted by lilricky
Cool! Now you gave me AT fever again! Maybe a few days on the FT will lessen it.
Sorry 'bout that...well, a little..okay, maybe not so much...:D
I hope your trip on the FT is helpful, and I look forward to seeing you at the 3rd Annual!
Quote:
Originally Posted by 2ply
Looks like a great way to spend the Holidays and add to your trail miles.
It most definitely was. The only thing that could have made the weekend even better would be to have my immediate family along in addition to my in-laws. Unfortunately, various commitments meant that they couldn't make it. 'S okay, though; I get to see them this coming weekend, instead. I'm truly blessed this holiday season!
Quote:
Originally Posted by FireInMyBones
I am glad you were able to hike on the AT. The weather may not have been the best, but you were there. What a merry Christmas.
It was wonderful. Much as I enjoy complaining about the weather in the video, I wouldn't have had it any other way; it truly felt like winter in the mountains. It was the most memorable Christmas I've had in a good, long while. And it's only going to get better when I see my family again!
Quote:
Originally Posted by georgemaung
Excellent way to spend and recharge during the busy time of the holiday season.
Happy Holidays.
There isn't anything like it. As stressful as the holidays can be, a little time alone helps me see just how much my family means to me. It was a perfect weekend.
12-29-2012, 03:20
SQWERL
thanks for taking us along. i second that getting "AT fever". I gotta get in better shape and do a bunch more hiking.
12-29-2012, 04:09
richtorfla
Thanks for sharing. We have been to Helen and stayed at Unicoi campground. Real nice place! Me and the kids jumped up on the AT at Unicoi gap for a day hike. It was the steepest climb up I had ever done! A real calf burner. Glad you got to get out. Anna ruby falls was just down the road from Helen. Nice falls. Short hike to get to them. They paved it there since its a tourist visit. I love that area.
Glad you got to get out! Nice break from making pizza!