Sat, Jan 17 2009 - Day Hike (Second Try): Big Frog Wilderness (View Original Event Details)
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It was a cold, COLD morning across the state of Georgia. Nine brave souls crawled out of their warm beds in an insane effort to battle the forces of nature and reach the Peak of Big Frog Mountain. Upon starting his journey to carpool, one of the trip leaders forgo his shoes initially, and was forced to go back to his den and retrieve them. This mistake only cost minutes, and shortly after every member of crew that was supposed to be at carpool arrived. Introductions were made, cars (note this is NOT SUV’s, but cars) started their march northward.
It seemed that the forces of chance and nature were out to deter the group, as an underhanded McDonalds in Elijay posed a the McDonalds in Blueridge, and the crew took a wrong turn. After a few long miles, the mislead group realized the mistake and were back on track, cursing the False McDonald for its deception. Back on track, all three cars (again, note they are not SUV’s) managed to find the Forrest Service road and made their way to the Trail Head. But the road had its own agenda. Almost to the trail head, the crew approached a river crossing, which at one time was a bridge. As Vaughn and Jennifer floored it, waters spewed in all directions and cars fish tailed as they hit patches of ice. Upon seeing this display of bravery/recklessness, Hilke opted out and our fearless co-leader Trey came to the rescue in his Jeep Wrangler.
The hike started off nice and sunny. Shortly after the beginning layers were being peeled off. The trail led the group into rolling hills and as the elevation increased, so did the appearance of ice and snow on the ground. It was at this time an important companion of the group decided to hide, AKA, the SUN! With the vanishing of the giant ball of gas, the temperature quickly dropped and some of the earlier peeled off clothing came back on.
Upon reaching the top, everyone enjoyed a fast meal. The thought of a warm car dangled in front of the group like a carrot so the company moved on quickly to reach the cars. Finally, after crossing a partially frozen creek, all parties reached the safety and warmth of the parked cars, however the adventure was not over since they had to cross BACK over the overflowing bridge. With Trey as the leader, all three vehicles safely made it across, but not without the effort and pure nerves of steel from the drivers. The last obstacle of the journey was a HUGE patch of ice along the curve of the forest service road. As Vaughn and Hilke calculated the risks of going across, it was Jenna who wordlessly walked out of the car, picked up a huge boulder that dwarfed a small pony and effortlessly picked it up and hurled it over the side to clear the path (events in this last sentence may be slightly exaggerated) .
Thanks for all who came out and enjoyed the day with us. Hope to see you on the trail soon.
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