Sun, Aug 30 2009 - Unicoi Gap to Brasstown Bald (View Original Event Details) Trip Leader(s): Elizabeth Deretchin, Scott Looper, Danny Participants: Danny, Scott Looper, Elizabeth Deretchin, Todd Zeigler, Marshall, Stefan, Kathy Malone, Jennifer Rush, Matt Tichenor, Terry, Ron Walker, Sherilyn Narker

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Write Up:
Got underway around 9:15 AM at Unicoi Gap.  Most of us missed this, but Scott Looper, Jennifer Rush, and Terry Murphy saw a bear early on just after crossing over Blue Mountain.  Seeing a bear is always a good sign especially if it's scared of you.  It seemed we got to Chattahoochee Gap in no time, then before long crossing GA 180 to begin the tough climb up Brasstown Bald.  Most made it to the visitor's center on top, but a few were happy enough with the parking lot near the top which was very understandable.  After a short lunch on top, we knew what was ahead of us because we just got through coming from there, so we began the trip back.  Also, it was sprinkling, so we were anxious to get back into the woods to let the leaves hold most of the drops.  No problem heading back down Brasstown Bald with its scores of switchbacks.  Taking a break at GA 180 we knew we were facing probably the hardest climb of the day due to our current condition.  Head's down, we climbed up Jack's Knob which seemed to have been made by an Indian intending on staying right on top of the ridgeline.  Before long we were back at Chattahoochee Gap taking our last break.  Our last obstacle was Blue Mountain again,  Soon it was all downhill from there and we were back at Unicoi Gap.  Arrival times ranged from 5:00 PM to 6:15 PM.  The trip was not without some degree of human bodily damage.  There were a few blisters, some tendons in a knee flaring up, and some severly fatigued legs.  Some said it actually wasn't fun anymore at one point.  Hard to believe - Well, not really.  I think all will reflect on it and remember it as being a challenging yet fun trip.  Thanks Scott and Elizabeth for co-leading this trip.

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