This trail wins the award for best entrance. The stones had impressions of leaves and footprints that you can probably see if you click on the picture, thus making it larger. I chose this trail because its length of 3.3 miles seemed reasonable. When we looked at the sign we realized that it was 3.3 miles one way. It has been a long time since we've done a hike over 5 miles but here was an opportunity.
The trail was close to the top of the mountain and had lots of gnarled dead trees that I found really cool to look at but hard to properly capture in a picture. They were very Burtonesque - if that could be a word.
We came across this fungus along the trail and it speaks for itself. Honestly, look at this stuff. I did a google search for coral fungus and wasn't surprised to find that is its name. Who would think that fungus could be so beautiful.
The path was very easy. It was pretty much clear and relatively level. It made the distance very doable. I don't even remember there being many roots or rocks on the path.
We were on top of a mountain but there were very few views available to us. We did find one spot where could climb out on a rock and see into the distance. Unfortunately the view was still greatly hampered by trees and didn't make for a good picture.
We did stop for a snack and designated it as our location for lunch on the return trip.
The trail was called 'Cave Creek' because of the creek, or creeks, that we often crossed along the way. There aren't any caves and I read why it was still given that name, but I forget the reason.
I have found it very difficult to take a good picture of a mushroom. Because they are small, I use macro but that makes it very impossible to bring the whole thing into focus. I took a few pictures; each with a different part being in focus. I chose this one because of the intricate edges of the top of the mushroom. It reminded me of homemade paper.
We didn't know how long it would take us to hike 6.6 miles, so we decided to turn around after an hour and a half if we didn't reach the end by that point - it took us an hour and 25 minutes. The return went quickly and we were anxiously awaiting peanut butter and jelly on the rock (it was all we hoped it would be).
I love snakes. I am fascinated by venomous snakes. My favorite is the copperhead. My first hike in Georgia was on September 16th 2005 and Elizabeth and I found a copperhead hanging out across the path. I was in glee and Elizabeth was ready to say goodbye to the trails. I was mournfully commenting on how we haven't seen a venomous snake in the woods since that first encounter.
We were anxious to get back to the bike and were cruising along at a pretty good pace. About 5 minutes from the end of the journey, I stopped quickly, back pedaled with Elizabeth behind me at the site of a gorgeous copperhead chilling out across our path.
I'm going to geek out here. The colors were beautiful on this critter. I saw no scars and it's eyes were bright yellow with that vertical slit. I assume it had shed in the not so distance past. I've read that copperheads will freeze if they encounter danger and will only bite as a last resort. This one froze and didn't move the whole time we were there. I took advantage of the lack of movement and took lots of pictures and got closer than I probably should have.
I've included about half of the pictures I took. Isn't she beautiful. I have often wanted to keep one in the house, but the more sensible occupants do not share my enthusiasm.
This one was about 4 feet long, which is a good size considering the average size is about 3.5 feet.
We also saw a little ringed neck snake on the way out (non-venomous). They are very tiny and Elizabeth was the one who spotted this one. The ringed neck snake does not freeze at danger and did not result in any good pictures. They are black with a orange underside and an orange ring around their neck.
Before heading back home we stopped at the lake at the base of the mountain for the facilities and a photo opportunity.
The ride back was beautiful. The sun had come out and it was just perfect. I did catch a rock in the forehead by the mowers on the side of the road - no blood but that'll wake you up. The total trip was 148 miles on the road and 6.6 miles on the trail. We were spent and were looking forward to sitting on the porch with our mugs of coffee - which was as wonderful as expected.
