Autumnal leaf-check
Sunday, 2 November 2008
We went to NW Georgia for today’s big adventure. We parked at the Keown Falls picnic area—lovely, under the trees—and ascended to check the falls (dry), and ascended further, to the top of Johns Mountain. Then we followed the trail south along the spine of Johns Mountain, then, well, as Bill said, it’s all downhill from here.
We found the fall color glorious, brilliant in full sunshine, with few leaves fallen. Spellbinding in every direction….
We took advantage of the picnic area to down some calories, both solid (mmmm good salsa!) and liquid.
Part of our route followed the Pinhoti trail, which, I have now learned (courtesy of the internet—scroll down for map), apparently is the longest foot trail system in GA, and extends into AL for another 136 miles. It connects with other trails to make a walking trail from FL to Canada. So they say.
Georgia mountain woods, in my experience, lack many rodents, birds, and larger critters relative to other North American woods I’ve spent time in. Today was no exception. Our most exciting critter sighting: several busy dung beetles.*
* Get this: one of my recent birthday cards referred to dung beetles….