Sun, Oct 23 2016 - Fall Hike Up Mount Yonah w/ Optional Shadow of the Bear Viewing (View Original Event Details) Trip Leader(s): Gayle M., Richard K Participants: Richard K, Gayle M., Eric M, Mark K, Patti S, Debra W, Sue M., Sharon B, Rich A., Sharon, Joyce T., Chris L, Janet G, Shirley N, Tim

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Great Weather, Great Hike, Great People…this was the “Hat Trick” we pulled off on our hike up (and around) Mt. Yonah on Sunday. After a normal meet and greet at the Trial Head Parking Lot, we began our ascent getting to know each other on the hike. Walking under the diffusion of light from the kaleidoscope of autumn leaves added an extra level of beauty to an already perfect setting. By the time we reached the mid point overlook we knew that the visibility was going to be outstanding.

With the help of each other, the team made it through the most challenging section of the hike which culminated in our side trip to “The Boulder.” The break at The Boulder gave us a more cradled view, but also gave us time to identify some of the varied tree species in the canopy that we were sharing.

From The Boulder we split into 2 groups and one bushwacked up the mountain side while the other re-enacted the Apollo 13 scene where they took a double loop route to sling themselves to the top. So we experienced two kinds of adventures in a single trip. Hey, it's about making memories!

As the group reassembled, we began the spectacular meander along the outer ridge of Yonah with constant endless views over the autumnal change of color. With the view of “Razorback” Mtn (don't try to find this mtn in google) in front of us, we stopped for lunch. The views from our vantage, along with the excessive visibility allowed us to see Stone Mountain, the Atlanta Skyline, and Kennesaw Mtn on the distant horizon. As we rested, many of the group mustered the gumption to get their picture taken on Yonah's famous overhanging outcrop with professional photographer Joyce behind the lens.

After lunch we completed the walk around the rim to the South Face before making the final ascent to the summit. Once all were accounted for, we began our descent filled with memories of a spectacular hike. Thank you ALL who were on this hike, you were a wonderful group with the perfect amount of optimism to make a great glass of lemonade out of the few unexpected lemons we picked up along the way!

I posted the link to Joyce's Pics....thank you Joyce, but in case it aint' there.

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