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Group Hike
I have just returned from my Camino de Santiago trip, which was terrific, but I am ready to get back outside. I will host a group hike at Sweetwater Creek State Park on May 21, 2022. The park is about 20 minutes west of Atlanta. We will meet in front of the visitor’s center at 9:00 AM. The hike will be easy to moderate. Afterward, we will break for lunch together, so please pack something to eat. There will be an optional shorter hike after lunch if you are interested. We will wrap up around 2 PM if you opt to do the second hike. What to bring? Water…
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The Camino Is Happening!
It’s happening! I will walk the Camino de Santiago. My flight to Paris leaves from Atlanta on Sunday, April 10th. From Paris, I will make my way to Saint Jean Pied de Port to start my journey along the Camino Frances (one of many routes to Santiago de Compostela, Spain). Initially, I hoped to walk the entire length of the Camino Frances, which is about 500 miles, but being away from work for more than 30 days would be a challenge. I did not want to miss the experience of hiking through the Pyrenees at the start of the Frances, but I also wanted to walk into Santiago at the…
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Red Top Mountain: State Parks Within 60 Miles of Atlanta
The third park on our list of state parks within 60 miles of Atlanta is Red Top Mountain. This park is about thirty-six miles north of downtown on Lake Allatoona. The 1,776-acre park was established in 1950 to preserve the history of the area and boost Bartow County’s growth and agricultural economy. Named for its rich red soil caused by the high iron content, Red Top Mountain was once a prominent mining area. Ironmaster Jacob Stroup built the Allatoona Iron Furnace on Allatoona Creek in 1844. The furnace had several owners after Stroup’s death in 1846 but continued operation until Union soldiers destroyed it during the Civil War. Red Top…
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Cochran Mill Park Hiking Fail
Early on a Wednesday morning, I decide to start my work early so I can hit up the trails for a late afternoon hike with my pup. Our trip to Cochran Mill Park starts off rocky and ends with disappointment and frustration. Hiroki and I pull into the gravel parking area for the park. I park the car, stuff a few things into my day pack, and step out of the car. After this moment everything goes to shit. I open the backseat passenger door to let Hiroki out but before I could unlatch his seatbelt from his harness, he jumps out of the car. His body jerks back and…
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First Day Hike 2022
I kicked off 2022 on a hike with my dad at Panola Mountain. Each year, state parks across the country celebrate New Year’s Day with guided First Day Hikes. First Day Hikes first started in Massachusetts in 1992 and became a nationwide initiative supported by the American State Parks alliance in 2012. These hikes are intended to encourage people to get outdoors. I chose the First Day Hike at Panola Mountain State Park because I have visited the park several times but have never stepped foot on the granite mountain. This is because access to the mountain is limited to ranger-led hikes. Panola Mountain is the last pristine Monadnock ecosystem…
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Panola Mountain: State Parks Within 60 Miles of Atlanta
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Sweetwater Creek: State Parks Within 60 Miles of Atlanta
Sweetwater Creek is the second park on our list of state parks within 60 miles of Atlanta. The Park is about 18 miles west of downtown in the unincorporated city of Lithia Springs. Sweetwater Creek was established in 1972, with the goal of preserving the Civil War ruins of the New Manchester Manufacturing Company and the surrounding Sweetwater Creek valley. The New Manchester textile mill was built by former Georgia Governor Charles J. McDonald and Colonel James Rogers. Operation of the mill began on December 21, 1849. At the time, the five-story mill was the tallest building in the metro area. The mill ceased operations in July 1864, when General…
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Panola Mountain: State Parks Within 60 Miles of Atlanta
The northern part of Georgia is known for its scenic mountain views, cascading waterfalls, pristine forests, and hiking trails. In fact, the southern terminus of the 2,190-mile Appalachian Trail (AT) is located at Springer Mountain. More than three thousand people a year start their journey at Springer Mountain to attempt a thru-hike of the entire AT. The Blue Ridge and Appalachian Plateau regions are great for day hikes, backpacking, camping, mountain biking, and more. Yet, if you live in Atlanta, you may not always have the time to drive an hour and a half or more to enjoy the outdoors. The good news is you don’t need to make a…
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Let’s Try Backpacking
In my research on the Camino de Santiago and the necessary gear needed to complete the 500-mile trek, I have come across quite a bit of information on backpacking. I am referring to hiking backpacking rather than travel backpacking. So think A Walk in the Woods rather than Euro Trip. Not a great comparison but you get the idea. Growing up we took many family camping trips to various state parks in Georgia. I loved these trips. I had so much fun exploring nature and spending time with my family. However, Georgia State Parks are quite nice and offer water and electrical hookups at camping spots and communal bathrooms with showers are just…
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Trees Trees Trees
One of my favorite things about Atlanta is the trees. Even in the heart of the city, you’re never too far from a peaceful escape under a canopy of trees. Saturday, I went for a quick walk and run along the Southside Beltline. So far only 0.8 miles of this 4-mile trail has been paved. Leaving 3.2 miles of gravel and a more wooded path compared to the paved and well-groomed East and Westside trails. I am excited about the potential development of the Southside Beltline, but I will miss its semi-rugged state. There is something so enjoyable and restful about taking a walk in nature and Atlanta and the metro…
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Master Gardener
After quitting my job and deciding to start my own LLC, I now have the flexibility to try things I couldn’t before. One such thing is becoming a master gardener. What is a Master Gardner (MG) you ask? Basically, MGs are trained volunteers with knowledge of the local horticulture who educate the community. The Extension Master Gardner program was started in 1973 in Washington State by Dr. David Gibby who trained passionate individuals in the science and art of gardening. MGs volunteer in various capacities such as in community gardens, teaching classes for children or adults, leading presentations, writing articles, etc. to educate the public. I must be honest,…
