Hello everyone,
Saturday 10/27/07, I parked at the Bentron Mackaye trail crossing on GA Hwy 60, 14.5 miles North of Suches, GA. It was a beautiful cool and crisp day with the temp. around 45 (start) and a good breeze out of the ENE. I started my hike around 10am, the trail was well marked with white diamonds and mostly clear of trees that has fallen across the trail. This section just guessing is 4-5 miles to the bridge, the sign said 3 miles but I’m a fairly fast hiker and it took 1hr 45mins. I didn’t meet or see anyone on this section, but once I arrived at the bridge I saw quiet a few folks milling around and taking pictures. I found an out of the way spot to pitch my tent and gather wood for a fire. I saw a couple of guys trout fishing, with no luck catching anything, I talked to them and they told me the water was a little low. Around 3pm I just kicked back and took a nap in the sunny spot, it was a perfect afternoon of peace and quiet…..just before dark other campers set up tents about 150 feet away from me….I was no longer ALONE!!!! The sky was crystal clear with stars twinkling and the moon was brite. After the fire died down I slide in my bag and slept very well…I woke up around 530-600am the moon was shining, a fog was rising over the river with a heavy dew on the ground. IT WAS COLD!!! My thermometer attached to my pack said 38!!
Around 730 I packed up and headed out, it was a cold start and I just a$$ed along watching and waiting for the sun to rise and enjoying the morning.
I got back to my truck around 930-10 and was back in Atlanta by noon….
I’m looking for others that might be interested in hiking or campout overnight in North GA or anywhere in the tri state area…
just email me markdooley@hotmail.com
Mark Dooley
Columbus GA
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