Calling ALL Ga Hangers: Hang Out Poll

**alex30808** · 05-24-2008, 09:04

Sorry I cant make it...Yall have fun and let me know how it goes.

**FanaticFringer** · 05-25-2008, 12:32

Just got back from the hangout. Had a great time. Youngblood and D80 were super nice guys. Good to meet you both. I was gonna bring a camera but assumed someone else would. This might be the first group hang with no photos.

Hey Youngblood......how far did you make it on that side trail?

**alex30808** · 05-25-2008, 15:21

Glad the hang was fun. I look forward to gettin with yall and doing this...Just to plan ahead...what would be another good date to do another hang? It's gona get hot soon enough...would a fall hang be better?

**Youngblood** · 05-25-2008, 15:44

Originally Posted by FanaticFringer

Hey Youngblood......how far did you make it on that side trail?

I went to the end. It took 20 minutes from there to the falls and it seemed like it was all down hill. Probably about a mile as it is pretty fast with all the down hill. It ended on a nice looking gravel road with space for about 3 cars.

The hill you guys could see seemed too steep to me. It had loose material on it that could make it easy for your feet to slip on the descend. I had to quick step it down and use the zip zag, down hill ski technique to feel in control. Many novice backpackers freak out on that kind of trail. I can't see carrying heavy loads down that, but I guess they do it.

I had a good trip and enjoyed seeing everyone. I hung out at the falls for a while before heading back. There were a lot of folks with dogs hiking in and the parking lot was so packed that it was tricky backing out of the parking space. About half a dozen cars were circling, looking for a space. I was surprised that about 3 or 4 drove past while I was getting my keys out to get into my trunk before one of them stopped and asked if I was leaving.

I did see a couple of snakes on my way out. One was about a 5 inch ring snake on the trail and another was a water snake in the pool at the bottom of the main falls. I like seeing snakes when they don't surprise me and scare me. I hate it when a hiking partner behind me sees a snake and just yells "SNAKE! SNAKE!" without telling me where in relation to where I am or what kind of snake it is.

The last time I was there was a month or so ago and I noticed a small whirlpool in a certain spot along the shore line near the pool at the bottom of the main falls- maybe an inch in diameter. I figure that meant water was draining underground there. I looked for it and didn't see it this morning. I wonder what that is all about?