Sat, Jan 2 2010 - Yonah Sunset & Skies hike (View Original Event Details) Trip Leader(s): Angela, Scott Looper Participants: Angela, Scott Looper, Tony C, Stefan, Ray R, Elizabeth, Bindu, Garret, gheetl, Kathy Malone, Philip Adams, Gene Shiau

Click for Album

With a good group of 12 hikers and a cute puppy we geared up and prepared to summit the Great Mountain called Yonah.  The skies were clear and blue as far as the eye could see.  There was a brisk breeze in the afternoon air.  From the parking lot we thought we could spot ice along the sides of the mountain. 

We ascended and quickly raised our heart rates and warmth level, which called for a few hikers stripping off layers along the way.  Forwarding on we encountered ice along the trails and rocky inclines.  We decided to lead the group straight up the exposed granite side that was sunniest to avoid slippery spots.  The group fared well and all made it up the steep climb where we were rewarded with unobstructed views from the first overlook.  The sunlit mountains in the distance and the minute outline of the parking lot below gave us a sense of accomplishment.  With thick formations of ice and the winds picking up, we decided to head for the very top.

After enjoying a couple more overlooks along the way, the group emerged onto the top of Yonah and made our way to the center.  It didn't take long for us to decide to make use of the fire pit and began searching for fallen wood to gather.  With everyone pitching in, Scott, Stefan, and Tommy soon had a nice fire going.  Everyone enjoyed the welcomed warmth of a nice campfire. With that task achieved, we headed to overlooks to view the beautiful sunset.  Tony pointed out Stone Mountain and the skyline of downtown Atlanta in the distance.

Soon after the sun headed over the horizon to bed, we spotted Jupiter in the night sky.  I was happy to see Orion soon rise from the opposite side.  The Pleiades came into view followed by the Milky Way.  The meteors of Quadrantid would prove elusive, but we all admired the brilliance of the stars and planets in the evening sky. 

The temperature had dropped dramatically, even freezing our hydration bladders, and we decided to begin our descent before the paths became too icy.  After ensuring the fire was completely out we headed down the dark trails which were illuminated only by the hikers' headlamps.  We were happy to witness the alignment of the Moon and Mars before heading out of the cold.

Thank you to Scott for being a great co-leader and providing unfrozen water.  Thanks to everyone for making this another great Yonah trip!