Sun, Oct 29 2017 - Art and Sunset Hike: Piedmont Park and Eastside Beltline (View Original Event Details) Trip Leader(s): Lisa, Tom Jarosz (Yah-rosz) Participants: Lisa, Tom Jarosz (Yah-rosz), Gena, Tricia S., Wynn, Kym, Maureen L, Caitlin Stark, Aaron Lee, Cynthia L, mike hirschmann, John Christopher

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A dozen of us bundled up to brave the Arctic blast that moved into Atlanta overnight. Meeting at the 14th Street gate of Piedmont Park, we adjusted our hats and gloves and set off through the park. We bisected the active oval, then crossed the bridge over Lake Clara Meer. A flock of Muscovy ducks bobbed peacefully in the frigid water, and the sun peeked through the clouds. We admired the demonstration orchard which includes peach, plum, and apple trees as well as grapevines and berry plants. The orchard is used to teach children and adults about sustainable gardening practices, and to illustrate how fruit can flourish in a small space. We glimpsed the Piedmont Large Dog Park, some of us musing whether it was a large park for dogs, or a park for large dogs? We decided the latter. 

We crossed under the Park Drive bridge and encountered our first work of art: an enormous mural entitled "Purple Rain." We continued along the future Beltline section that for now is a gravel path, finding interesting artwork along the way. We traversed Monroe Drive and hit the paved "real" Beltline and enjoyed many, many art installations. 

We took a short break at Krog Street Market and got some coffee and hot chocolate for the walk back. There were a few pink and purple puffy clouds highlighting the golden sunset. The wind picked up, and we picked up the pace as well. Then it was back through Piedmont Park to return to the 14th Street gate. Most of us ducked inside the Nook for libations and Totchos (nachos with Tater Tots as the base rather than chips). We basked in the warmth of the heaters on the patio and recapped our stroll, highlighting favorite works of art. What a great way to end the weekend!