Read more about the article Lost Mine Trail – Big Bend National Park
Mailboxes for all the residents on Terlingua Ranch Road

Lost Mine Trail – Big Bend National Park

We started our morning waking up before the sunrise and grabbing a quick bite of breakfast at the Bad Rabbit Cafe located at the Terlingua Ranch where we stayed. Walking back to our cabin, dawn lit up the area around us and we were amazed at the beauty of our surroundings.

As we drove on the 17-mile road back to Hwy 118, we noticed a row of mailboxes lined up for all the residents on the street. It’s actually a pretty efficient way to deliver mail and newspapers. Since we had arrived after dark the previous evening, we couldn’t see many of our surroundings. (more…)

Read more about the article Day Trip to South Carolina – Yellow Branch Falls

Day Trip to South Carolina – Yellow Branch Falls

Another weekend arrived and we wanted to take the dogs on a hike. We’ve done a lot in North Georgia and decided to try South Carolina instead. Since we’d gone to Lake Keowee for the Solar Eclipse, we decided to explore the surrounding area. Our travels lead us to Yellow Branch Falls in the Sumter National Forest.

Since we were also trying to get some practice driving for our teenagers, we drove up to Clayton and then on a windy road to Mountain Rest. There, we stopped at a local restaurant called the Rooster’s Call for burgers. Since we had the dogs with us, one of us stayed in the car with the dogs (and AC running) while the others ordered. I had the pimento cheese burger which was hearty.

Just about five miles down the road, we parked at Yellow Branch Falls. The trail is about 1.5 miles to the falls. As we climbed up and down, dodging tree roots along the rugged path, we passed friendly hikers and other dogs.  After 1.5 miles, we came to the falls.

There were several things I particularly liked about these falls. First, you could walk right up to the rocks. There was no dedicated platform where people were squished together. We had fun climbing the rocks and one person was napping on one of the ledges. (more…)

Read more about the article The Rock Garden – Calhoun, GA

The Rock Garden – Calhoun, GA

Since it was Labor Day weekend, we were itching to get out of the city and do something different. We took a friend’s advice and went to see the Rock Garden in Calhoun.

When I think of rock gardens, I think of front-yard landscaping in front of Arizona houses – brown and ugly. This is totally different. It’s more like whimsical castles and bridges made from rocks. And it’s totally free!

Dewitt Boyd, aka “Old Dog” started the gardens, located behind the 7th Day Adventist Church, in 2007. He and other volunteers have spent years working on the different formations. The first one we came to was dedicated to one of the ministers of the church and had names of people in the rocks that contributed. As part of the building, there was a large rock wall that made a secluded outdoor living space to sit and reflect. (more…)