On our way there we took several wrong turns, or just plain missed our turn and we ended up at one point stopping for directions. I ran in and several minutes later came out with the owner of the shop and 6 cans of soda. He wanted to send us off with a cold drink, and I wanted him to meet the family. What a nice start to our wonderful weekend!
When we got to the campground we got in line behind trucks, motor homes, and other campers. Fortunately we did end up with a site, and a very nice one at that. Terry and I were really relieved.
The weather was cooler (high 40's) than what we were used to, but we were excited about being there.
Once we got there we ate our lunches:
After lunch we explored the campground a bit and found where all of our recent rain had flooded one the campground roads.
After inquiring with the park ranger about local hikes, we headed up to Cartersville, GA to get more information at their welcome center...a renovated train depot.
We picked a 4.5 mile hike that would wind us around Pine Mountain and took us, at one point, to a very pretty overlook. The day was overcast but it was still pretty.
After all that exercise and fresh air and a nice warm meal of vegetable chili and blueberry pie, we were ready to relax. We played cards and then hit the sack.
Ellie was very restless during the night. She finally put her head on Terry's neck and we realized that her teeth were chattering. We didn't think that she would be cold on the floor but she was. We put her in bed with us to warm her up.
Coffee in bed! Reminds us of the two sets of grandparents in the same bed in the movie "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory".
After breakfast on Saturday, we packed a lunch and headed up to Elijay, GA for apples and another hike!
We stopped along the way for a scenic overlook.
Apples!
We purchased four bags of apples, one apple pie and a gallon of cider. We then headed up the road to Amicalola Falls to see the water fall.
After seeing the falls, we then had about 400 plus stairs to ascend to reach the top.
A view from the top.
The is where you can continue to get to the start of the Appalachian Trail. We headed back down the mountain.
Tortellini soup and apple pie!
Our photo bomber!
The kids climbing a tree partly submerged in the high water.
We were thankful for a fire that night, however it was a challenge because the wood was so wet.
Ellie slept with Dylan the second night. She slept soundly and warmly!
What a great trip. We hope to go back next October!
