A Rocky Road to Stonewall Falls

Our Sunday drive was fantastic! Gorgeous skies, very little traffic and the ride always seemed to be heading down hill.  We even found a great little deli on the way. Annie’s at Alley’s is located just off old 441 in Lakemount GA. The people were very friendly and food fresh. Lots of art and antiques to gaze upon while you wait. Everything about the place was very welcoming. We are planning to stop by again during our next adventure. Try it sometime.

Even when we got to the gravel road that lead to the waterfall it didn’t seem bad. Then Carmen saw how narrow the roads were and stress level went up a notch. That wasn’t the only obstacle on this road either. Water wash from recent rains carved ruts in the road. Sudden drops and large rocks posed problematic and tricky maneuvering down this narrow rocky terrain. Eventually we made it to the waterfall, but I suggest driving a 4 wheel drive truck or SUV. Preferably something that is off the ground. You’ll drag the bottom of your car if it isn’t raised up. I’m so glad we took the truck. It had quite a work out that day. When it was all over there was a long silence and Carmen said with a calm voice “I love asphalt.” I looked right at her and we both laughed for several minutes. In my book, that was the tweet of the day from this trip.

This waterfall and camp ground is set up with mountain biking trails also. So if mountain biking is one of your hobbies, then this place is worth a look.  I understand trout fishing is big in these waters too. We spotted lots of polls, but no fish…..just some minnows.

Here are a few images from our little adventure.

 

July Travel Deals

Here are just a few of the travel deals going on right now. Need a reason to travel?  These should do it

WOW! One-way rates to Phoenix or Denver are $84 on trips completed by November 17. A 10-day advance purchase required. Valid any available day. No blackouts. Valid on AirTran or Delta, nonstop. Inclusive rate: $98.40. Note: Frontier matches the $84 one-way rate to Tucson. Follow the same rules.

One-way rates to Salt Lake City are $99 on trips completed by November 17. Travel any available day. A 10-day advance purchase required. Valid on Frontier via Denver. Inclusive rate: $120.40.

NEW! Travel on nonstop Delta flights to Tuscon at round-trip rates of $218. Travel any available day. A 21-day advance purchase required. Stay a weekend to one month. Complete travel by November 17. Inclusive rate: $239.40. Other sale cities include $228 Colorado Springs; $278 San Diego and $288 Albuquerque. American, Continental and United match this offer.

Try using sites like Travelocity or Kayak to find these deals and then plan a vacation!!!

Waterfall Hike: Isaqueena Falls

Today we headed to South Carolina and had a great cookout with the family to celebrate the 4th. While we were there, we decided to sneak a short hike in and see one of the great waterfalls around Oconee State Park. There are tons of trails in that area and we will be sure to go back and try some of the others out. Today’s hike was Isaqueena Falls.

This is an AWESOME waterfall to go see! We LLLLOOOOOOVVVVVEEEEEDDD  this waterfall!!!!  The trail map lists this trail as 200 yards in to see the falls. Well, 200 yards in leads you to the observation deck with this view.

The view is nice, but you are viewing the waterfall through the trees from about 100 yards away. It’s pretty and those with any serious health issues I wouldn’t advise going any further.  However, if you are part mountain goat or just love impossible climbs, then there is a very STEEP dirt trail that leads straight to the base of the waterfall. The switchbacks are made out of rocks, dirt and roots. You need to be very careful here. Once you get to the waterfall though it’s totally worth it!  Enjoy

minnehaha and bad branch falls

Last weekend my wife and I took a little trek into the north Georgia mountains and went hiking. A past hobby we wish to rediscover this year. We started with a trip to Waffle House. Then we headed to Lake Rabun/ Clarkesville area. We tried to cut some time off our trip and chose to take the back roads parallel to 441 instead of going past Tallulah Gorge and heading toward Lake Rabun.  It’s quicker, but it’s gravel roads. On Bear Gap Road we found a cool bed and breakfast tucked away in the woods, Glen-Ella Springs. The receptionist was very gracious to let us walk the grounds. It been there 135 years. Worth taking a look if you are driving by or need a place to stay.

There are four waterfalls around Lake Rabun. We had time for two this past weekend. The four waterfalls are Minnehaha falls, Bad Branch falls, Panther falls and Angel falls. We visited Minnehaha and Bad Branch falls. The other two falls we will see later.

Minnehaha falls is a beautiful waterfall that sits roughly a half mile into the woods. This is not a far hike at all, but when you’re just starting out it’s great to refresh those legs and lungs. Not a lot of room to move around, unless you don’t mind getting your feet wet. Beautiful waterfall to see in person.

Bad Branch falls was a little harder to find. The directions were vague. We ended up finding it by accident. Just know that there are two falls at Bad Branch. The first one you can see from the road near the turnoff. There is a small path that leads into the woods just right of seeing the first falls from the road. About a quarter mile in the woods is the second falls. The best thing about finding this waterfall, is that we learned our brakes needed changing on our Honda. LOL The main reason we didn’t see Panther and Angel falls.

This first image is shot from the road.  Where this image is shot, the trail started about 10 feet to our right. The rhododendrons were in full bloom as you can see from our images. The water was a little murky due to all the storms we had the night before, but other then that it was a great day.

This last image we shot from on top of a fire place that was built out of stones.

the giving garden

Image this…You’re walking down the street and you come to a house with a veggie and edible flower garden in the front yard. In this garden there is a sign that says, ” The Giving Garden, take what you would like! “.  What would you do? Would you take something or just keep walking? We’ll if you have ever come across this, then there is a pretty good chance that you were at my mothers house.

A few years ago my mother changed the look of her driveway. In the past there was two pine trees at the end of her driveway. Due to the size of the trees it was difficult seeing the road. So she did something bold. She cut back the trees and put in a small garden at the base. This garden is both vegetables and flowers, but open to anyone who is passing by. What I mean by open, you may take what you like. This garden is made of left overs from her main garden, but for some time now she has been blessed with more veggies and flowers then she can use. So she is sharing with others. That’s how my mother rolls.

She has had different themes in this garden also. Bowling teddy bears, old toys and I remember hearing something about a kids bike. Everything she puts out there is just leftover stuff through the years. What do you do with your old junk? What would you do with your extras? You know, the stuff you collect through the years, but never use? Does it collect dust in some corner, or can you think of something else to do with it?? Eventually she changes the themes. Nature does, after all, takes it’s toll on all things. And I’m sure it being the “giving garden” things go missing. Like they are suppose too

I asked my mother to write something about her garden and send it to me. She doesn’t have a computer or internet. She sends thing by pony express. So it will be a while before I get it. Can’t wait. Until then, I’ll have to relay her stories. Look for new stories in the title.

Side note: Both images are of the Siberian Iris (Iris Sibirca) that my mother has given me from her garden. I’m not sure of the type of Siberian Iris. There are many different types and colors. The main reason I like them is not for their stunning beauty, but for their ability to keep erosion from happening in my yard. I live at the bottom of a hill and the wash from heavy rains can be quite devastating. This type of iris has a thick root system that helps against erosion. Look them up if you need something like this.

give me a hug!!

Last night I was chipping some leaves into mulch and I couldn’t help but think of this and laugh.

My wife is many wonderful things, but she is not a gardener. However, I am gardener. Cutting the lawn, planting or rearranging the garden beds, weeding…it doesn’t really matter what I’m doing outside. I enjoy being outdoors. I have all my life. As a child, I remember being outside playing all day. Then coming in so dirty that my mother would ask me if I left any dirt for the plants. Looking back at this statement I often laugh. Because it is thirty years later and not much has changed. I think I like to dive in and get the jobs done. Sometimes it’s the different equipment that produce a lot of the mess. Either that or I’m a dirt magnet.

Now I should take a minute and describe myself. I’m six-foot , 230 lbs and about three hairs shy of being considered the missing link.  So when the day is done and I’ve come in from a busy day in the yard, think about this image dirty, sweaty, and a complete mess.

The first thing I do is ask my wife for a big hug. She goes screaming from me like a child on the verge of being tickled. I usually get all sort of threats and pleas as I get closer to her. I never actually give her the hug, but her reactions to this situation is the best. Although she wasn’t home last night when I came inside. I couldn’t help but smile. I couldn’t help but wonder what she would have threaten me with this time…

jim

tallulah gorge state park

This past weekend we journeyed  into north Georgia to Tallulah Gorge State Park. We love this park. The hike down and up the stairs feels like death, but it’s worth every step. It’s a good hike to measure your endurance at the start of hiking season. When ever that may be for you. We hiked the rim and down to the suspension bridge with our friends the Scobeys. We had a blast with them! I don’t think there was a single drop in conversation. The ironic part of this day, we are all photographers and we didn’t take a single photo. I think we just want to enjoy the day and the hike. We didn’t want to worry about composition and lighting situations. After a nice winter, it was great to get out and enjoy nature. Maybe next time we’ll take a couple of shots.

A historical note for Tallulah Gorge State Park; two people have walked across the gorge on a tightrope. Professor Leon made it across on July 24th, 1886, and Karl Wallenda repeated the feat on July 18th 1970. Roughly an 800ft drop to the bottom. How would you like to try that as a weekend adventure?? Well you can’t. The tight rope towers are still in the landscape, but pushed over on their sides. I’m sure for safety reasons.

This park is fun and worth the time it takes to get there. Check the link for all the activities you can do at the park. The full moon tour sounds interesting. Check it out some time.

jim

the story of peewee

My mother loves her garden. To her, it takes her places and introduces people to her she never would have met….YES, all from her garden.   I don’t know how, but people and animals seem to be drawn to her and her yard. A trait that I do believe she got from her mother…..but I digress.

Peewee is a lovable mutt, according to my mother.  He is half labrador and half basset hound.  His body size is that of a normal lab, but his height comes from the basset hound in him. Just thinking of that makes me laugh. Think of a lab with half the leg length. Belly barely scrapping the ground. How adorable!

She has known Peewee for some time. Close to five years I think. According to her, his owner would take Peewee for a walk every day down the same path. One of his favorite stopping points was her house. They would chat a while and Peewee would chew on his bone my mother had given to him. She said his little legs would grow a full inch every time she gave him one. Head held high, back up straight and the bone twice as tall as him. She said she couldn’t imagine how far Peewee would walk with that bone. But the sight of this small dog trying to carry this enormous bone would make her smile all day.

Then suddenly she stopped seeing Peewee. Weeks went by and she never saw anything that resemble the lovable mutt. One day he was there with someone different.  This man was older. After talking with him, she found out that Peewee was taking him for a walk.  You see, Peewee’s owner was shot and killed in his driveway. On that day his father was following Peewee down his sons footsteps.  He wanted to know the people they met and places they knew together.  He wanted to get closer to his son’s life and that lovable little mutt lead him there.

I’m sure my mother did as she always does when she is confronted with this type of situation. She probably gave the man a hug, Peewee a bone and maybe some vegetables from her garden. After some time, they continued on their journey.

That was a couple of years ago. To this day they still come by for some company….and a ginormous bone.

 

jim

Today’s Travel Bargains

Hey Guys

Carmen here.

So you’ve seen Jim’s top 5 list. Did it inspire you to create your own?  Well here are a couple of ways to get to great places that just might make you go ahead and book that dream vacation!!!

Deals change daily. Want to know where I hear about the absolute best travel deals??  My all time favorite consumer advocate…..Clark Howard! Check out his site for even more up to date travel deals.

1. GO NOW! Travel with AirTran nonstop to Cancun at $100 each way. No advance purchase required. Travel any available day. No blackouts! Complete travel by September 28. Inclusive rate: $143.46.
2. Continental offers a $258 round-trip rate to Salt Lake City on 14-day advance purchase tickets. No expiration of travel. No blackouts. Rates are $298 on Friday or Sunday. Travel is via Houston. Inclusive rate: $297.80.
3. GO NOW! With a 3-day advance purchase notice, travel from Chattanooga, Tennessee to Dublin, Ireland for $318. Add $15 per direction for weekend travel. Depart by May 22 and complete travel by June 15. Valid on Delta via Atlanta. Inclusive rate: $716.80; compare to $1067.80 from ATL. Note: You will be denied boarding and forfeit your ticket if you attempt to board in ATL.
4. Rates of $850 round-trip to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil are valid on trips started on or after March 17 and completed by May 31. A 10-day advance purchase required. Travel any available day. Stay at least any two nights. Purchase by March 10. Valid on Delta, nonstop. Inclusive rate: $1213.10, or a savings of $666.
5. TODAY! Most airlines offer a $298 round-trip rate to Cabo San Lucas-Los Cabos, Mexico on trips completed by May 31 (about a $100 savings). The rate is valid Tuesday, Wednesday only. A 7-day advance purchase required. Round-trip rates are $338 Monday-Thursday; $398 Friday-Sunday. Stay 3-30 days. Purchase by March 8. Delta serves this destination with daily nonstop flights. Add $319.66 for inclusive pricing.
6. Start and end a trip to London at the Greenville-Spartanburg, South Carolina airport to qualify for a $216 round-trip rate. Valid Monday-Wednesday, or add $30 per direction for other days. Depart April 13-May 22 and complete travel by June 15. Purchase by March 31. Valid on Delta. Inclusive rate: $689.50 (compare to rates from/to ATL of $909). The distance between GSP and ATL is about 150 miles.
7. Amsterdam is sale priced at $235 round-trip on departures through March 31. A 7-day advance purchase required. Add $25 per direction for weekend travel. Valid on USAirways via Charlotte or Philadelphia (one free stopover permitted). Purchase by March 31. Inclusive rate: $706.50 AMS.
8. Round-trip rates of $650 are offered to Johannesburg, South Africa on departures through April 12. A 7-day advance purchase required. Travel any available day. Stay a weekend to one year. Purchase by March 31. Valid on British Airways. One free London stopover permitted. Inclusive rate: $1135.60.

So you see something you like but can’t figure out how to book?  Make sure you check for any black out dates before you book. Check out great sites like Travelocity, Expedia and Orbitz and make sure to mark flexible dates to see the best rates!

Happy Traveling!!!

Carmen

Jim’s Top five

What are your top five travel destinations? Where would you go? Hawaii, Jamaica, a national park, or local park? Would it be a place that you’ve been already, or some place that makes you feel like you’re the first person to set foot on that soil? Is it somewhere exotic or somewhere popular? What are the top 5 places you would like to see before you die?

I think mine are pretty normal. They may change, but for now I’ll keep them as is.

1. Machu Picchu,

I understand that in early spring the clouds are still floating around the mountain tops. They say it makes the ancient city pop out of no where as you climb to see it.

Machu Picchu

Image grabbed from the web.

2. Yosemite National Park,

I want to camp out along the same trail that President Roosevelt and John Muir did in this park. I have heard that after this camping trip President Roosevelt started creating national parks and lands. Something the past few administrations have all but abolished and destroyed. I would like to see it before its gone. 

Yosemite

This image was taken in 1942 by Ansel Adams.  An artist/photographer that is a strong influence to this modern age of photography.

3. Grand Canyon National Park,

Who wouldn’t want to see this one. I could put 20 images up and none of them would do it justice. That is one everyone needs to see for themselves.

Grand Canyon

Ansel Adams, Canyon de Chelly, Arizona, 1942

4. Ireland,

My family is from Kerry. I wouldn’t mind checking it out. I would like to take Carmen to a concert in Ireland.  We were 2 days off from seeing Pearl Jam in Hawaii a few years back. We didn’t know they were playing there until we got on the island. From now on we check the concert venues before we book a trip!!!

Ireland

5. Zion National Park,

Specifically Angels Landing trail and the Narrows. My wife and I went a few years ago, but were unable to walk Angels Landing because it was closed for winter clean up. We didn’t get to go the full 6 miles of the Narrows either. We really weren’t prepared for the Narrows. Next time we will be! I think it would be cool to camp there the next time too.

Zion

Right now Carmen and I are saving up for our next adventure.  Who knows where we’ll go next? That may be part of the fun.

The real question is…What is your top five? Where would you like to go and why?? What have you seen in movies, magazines or on the web that made you think…”WOW! I want to see that for myself!” ???

Jim