FIRE HOT!
Bob and Laura joined Christy, Saucony, and I for a couple of hikes on the Bartram Trail last weekend. I couldn't actually tell Christy that though. We hiked a section of the Bartram Trail a few years ago that she'll never forget. It climbed over 3000' in 5 miles from the Nantahala River to Cheoah Bald. After that hike, she swore she'd never hike the Bartram Trail again. She didn't believe me when I told her that most of the trail wasn't that bad. So, I simply neglected to mention that it was what I had in mind for this weekend.
I had never hiked in Georgia before, but I was determined to correct that oversight. Our goal for the day was Rabun Bald. It's the second highest peak in Georgia. Since Georgia's state parks have pretty much ruined the highest peak, Brasstown Bald, we may as well consider it the highest. We met Bob & Laura in Cashiers a little after 10. From there we endured the curvy road to Highlands, and then headed down past the Scaly Mountain "ski slope". From there we drove down a dirt road and into Georgia, though there was no sign to welcome us. We parked at the Bartram Trailhead, and Bob and I shuttled a car down to another access on the east side of the mountain. It was after 11 when we finally got on the trail.
We hiked a flat, easy stretch of trail before stopping at an interesting rock formation for lunch. The forecast had been for highs in the 40's, but it was easily 60. The hot soup we brought wasn't very appealing on such a warm day. After lunch, we hiked to Beegum Gap and began the climb. The route followed an old roadbed on switchbacks, so the grade was never unreasonable. The bald at the summit was mostly overgrown, but there was still a small clearing at the very top. The old firetower on the summit had been replaced a few years ago with a new observation deck. From the top were fine views in all directions. The best scenery was to the north, where Whitesides Mountain, the Fishawk Mountains, and Scaly Mountain dominated the view. To the east we could just make out Lake Keowee.
Far below us was the resort of Sky Valley. Interestingly, I had actually vacationed there with my family when I was a teenager. In a sense, my first "hike" had actually taken place there. I had gone off exploring on my own, and returned somewhat later than everyone expected. This caused some alarm for my parents. Christy would certainly agree that some things never change.
There were a few other groups on the summit. We hadn't seen anyone on the trail, but the summit had drawn a bit of a crowd. We stayed for awhile, but it was rather cool and breezy above the trees. Our route down followed an unnamed trail that was described as "very steep" in my guidebook. While it did have a few steep sections, for the most part it was an easy hike out. We reached Bob's truck by 4 and everyone piled in for the ride back to the trailhead. On the way out, we passed a house with an interesting front yard. It was decorated with several imported Greek columns. Apparently a previous landowner had them shipped over years ago. Now they're just standing there in the front yard. If I owned that property I'd hang a tire swing on one of them or something. That would give them more of a local flavor. Anyway, apparently the Beegum Gap Homeowner's Association doesn't have a problem with them.
We drove back through Highlands and down into Horse Cove. It was a beautiful drive down into the valley, directly below the south face of Whiteside Mountain. We set up camp at Ammon's Branch, which is a primitive, and free, campground not far from the Chattooga River. There was no one around, and the only sound we heard all night was an owl. We built a blazing fire, which Bob couldn't stop playing around in. Of course, most people use a stick for that sort of thing, but Bob just uses his hands. Fire hot! Well, that arm hair will grow back eventually.
Christy and I attempted to make mountain pies, but the mountain pie maker melted in the fire. So we ended up making glorified grilled cheese sandwiches in a skillet. It wasn't quite the same. We still enjoyed a few beers and a great fire though. All in all it was a fine end to another good day of hiking.
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