Sat, Mar 2 2002 - Winter Backpacking Trip (View Original Event Details) Trip Leader(s): No Coordinators Found Participants: Robert Morris, , Lewie H. Rosner, Marti S. Rosner, , , , Danielle Miles, Adriene Schrotter, elizabeth kraft

Write Up:
After meeting at the Waffle House on both sides of 400 (yes there was one on both sides of the highway and as luck would have it part of our group met at each), we departed for Vogel State Park.

Step aside honey, and let me stuff it for you.

He knows just where to aim it.

It was rainy, cold and foggy, but that didnt deter the Soggy Bottom Gang at all. We had good directions and actually found the place with no trouble at all. As the group geared up for the inclement weather, Chris began to pull all sorts of stuff out of his pack in order to lighten the load. Lets see, there was a tarp, an extra pair of shoes, and lots of food - of course he put all the food back in!! Lewie obtained our permit and we were off. Boy, were we off!

Up the hill, we went in the cold windy rainy backcountry and if anyone had second thoughts, nothing was said. We trudged over hill and dale but the Soggy Bottom Gang didnt seem to mind at all. After approximately 5 hours (and about 6 miles) of grueling (depending on whos perspective youre looking through) hiking, we finally found a huge campsite large enough for all of our tents.

We set up camp, stood around looking stupidly at each other (being exhausted and all) and decided to eat. Cooking on a backpacking stove in the cold and rain is always an adventure, but the food was good and hot. Somewhere from the deep recesses of Chris large pack of tricks, mixed in with the Quik Trip sandwiches, bagels, protein bars, and PowerAde, were fire starters - Bless his over packing soul. Lewie went in search of wood and we ended up having a nice warm fire.

Chris gets the award for being the nicest guy. (Temporarily)

Somewhere from the deep recesses of Chris large pack of tricks, along with a variety of Quik Trip sandwiches, bagels, protein bars, and PowerAde, were fire starters - Bless his over packing soul. Lewie went in search of wood and we ended up having a nice warm fire.

They were only $1.19.

Around the campfire we stood, valiantly telling our tales. There was the Sea Hag, the Girl with the Clap (not what youre thinking), the Teacher, the Gang Member, the Take My Resume, PLEASE Designer, the Nice Guy, the Quiet Guy, and the It Is SO Not Flat Girl, all sharing a common bond …dampness and smores. It was almost straight up for the next mile and a half. Youll have to ask one of the SBG to recount the comments from this part of the trail. Although it wasnt raining, it was definitely cold at 22 degrees. For every steep trail section we climbed, there was a downhill to match. Finally after what seemed to be as thrilling as summiting Everest, we reached the top of the mountain. The snow was blowing lightly, and ice covered the bare branches of the bushes. The green pine needles were encrusted with ice covered snow. It was a sight to behold. By the time, everyone had been a leader for a time and almost everyone had been the caboose. We had bonded unusually well for such a diverse group. Lunch was eaten by the roadside. And then we were off again - uphill and down. Then a nice flat area and finally we were close to the end. Danielle shot in front of all of us and never looked back.

Show me how the little piggies eat!

As the fire slowly died, so did our energy and we were ready to call it a night. Getting into our tents was a pleasure for some.

All of our stuff is wet!

My bra is SOAKED!

Can I sleep in there? Ill give you a massage!

Get away from my tent!

And off to sleep we went, praying that the bears would keep to themselves and be too sleepy to bother us. After a not too restful nights sleep, we awoke miserably cold and damp. But fear not, we persevered. Breakfast in a bag and lots of hot chocolate and cider consumed, we broke camp, geared up, and saw the 6.2 mile marker. That meant only 6.5 miles to go.

It was almost straight up for the next mile and a half, and although we have no quotes to write, believe me, there were some good ones! Although it wasnt raining, it was sho nuff cold at 22 degrees. For every steep trail section we climbed, there was a downhill to match. Finally after what seemed to be as thrilling as the Everest Summit, we made the top of the mountain. The snow was blowing lightly, and ice covered the bare branches of the bushes. The green pine needles were encrusted with ice covered snow. It was a sight to behold. By that time, everyone had been a leader for a time and almost everyone had been the caboose. We had bonded unusually well for such a diverse group.

Lunch was eaten by the roadside and off we were again - uphill and down, down, down. Then flat …finally we were close to the end. Danielle shot in front of all of us and never looked back.

It was 5:00 on Sunday. We were famished, cold, wet and unsightly. We went to the Smith House in Dahlonega anyway and ate a hearty meal, and then seconds all around! We sat by the fireplace, warmed our bones, and laughed about the weekend. As Danielle put it, We did perhaps get a few funny looks as half of us looked like we had been dragged through a bush backwards - I for one had no intention of removing my hat. We were also all walking with a slight John Wayne sort of effect due probably to the absence of backpacks at last.

Wow, that bathroom was warm, wasnt it? Yeah, it was GREAT!

I guess you just had to be there.

Signed the Teacher and the Gang Member
Written By: Marti and Lewie Rosner
Photos From:

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