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[at-l] Day hike report - Cooper Gap to Gooch Gap



I woke early this morning to a hot and muggy sunrise muttering to myself that 
a short hike today sounded like a really good idea last week. The weather was 
predicted to be in the mid-90's - typical 'Hotlanta' summer weather.  Don't I 
know that all smart people are at the lake? Well, yes, I do know, in fact, 
that's where I am meeting my friend. She must be sillier than I, she has a 
lake house and is still going for this hike.

Despite my dire predictions about the heat and humidity, as the car climbed 
up to Woody Gap, the air cooled and the breezes brought moist, vegetative 
smells into through the windows. I was home. 

We took the forest road to Gooch Gap, dropped off my friend's car, then to 
Cooper's to leave mine and into the woods we went. It was a beautiful morning 
- warm, but clear with nice breezes. Most of the wild flowers are gone - the 
last rhododendron blossoms clinging to the branches until the next 
thunderstorm.  A few blackberries were ripe, but most still had a week or two 
to go (note to self...go back in two weeks). 

Passed a few people -  a group of about 6 boy scouts with a couple leaders, a 
ridge runner and a southbound section hiker just finishing up after leaving 
PA in April (he skipped the Shenandoahs because he had already completed that 
section). I told him about water sources and nice places to take a break for 
lunch and we continued north. It seems odd to be going north and still meet 
all these people.  Most of the GA sections I that haven't done as a round 
trip, I have hiked south and expected to meet north bounders. I don't expect 
to meet southbounders. Just another sign that it is summer in Georgia - only 
the crazy people are out hiking.

Water availability was good north of Justis Mountain. All the creeks had a 
least a trickle, some had plentiful water flow. 

Wildlife was pretty active as well. We saw four turkeys and a whole load of 
butterflies from four inches across to less than an inch in a rainbow of 
colors. Lots of chubby squirrels, chipmunks, crickets and other critters. Saw 
a BIG snake (okay, BIG in my book) - it was about 6 feet long , black with 
orange and white rings - any snake experts?  I didn't get very close to it - 
I figured we were all very happy without me introducing myself. 

Three hours after starting, we arrived at Gooch - a pleasant little hike with 
good company. It was hot, but tolerable, weather and an adequate water (and 
Gatorade) supply and frequent 'rest and look at the butterfly' breaks, it was 
enjoyed by both of us. Stopped for lunch and a quick swim on the way home and 
life is good.

Hope y'all have a great weekend!

POG


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