Write Up:The weather forecast improved dramatically as the weekend drew closer; and proved to be so when the remaining six and myself (less 1 no show) got to the Snowbirds. The weather was sunny and comfortably warm on the backpack in to our campsite; aided by the almost constant shading of the deep woods of the Snowbird Wilderness. We set up camp, tents; got on daygear; after eating late lunch; left for our workout up Burntrock Ridge, past Sassafras Falls on the way up (where we had a nice extended rest, picture taking break with waterfall climbing and many of us put cold waters over our heads or waded in them). The short but strenuous upgrade up Burntrock Ridge, got us sweating in the heat of the day; which still wasnt near as oppressive as in the ATL; as the cool shade and occasional breezes at the top of the ridge kept us cool. We meandered our way down the very weedy overgrown slopes to the cold, but very shallow (water was down to summer levels), but cold crossing of Big Snowbird Creek. Soon after all of us crossed in barefeed or water shoes, we arrived at Middle Falls and its cold swimming hole, where all but one of us took part in the double dog dare you swim in its cold and relatively deep water-it felt great in the heat of the day; and we languished here -- a few -- not mentioning names; swam in their undies--but nothing too revealing or shameful--it all just felt to good. After sunning a bit and drying off, we were off back to camp with just enought light to gather some wood when we got close to camp for the nights campfire (for the cool evening here). Matt was the fire building expert and built a small one to begin; where himself and Rob B cooked, warmed their dinners (thanks to Rob B for sharing his fantastic fresh shrimp for dinner). Rob W was the first to begin the wine drinking and offering to others with his handy 1.5 liter box wine from the fine chain store-Tar-je'. Other wines and cheese and crackers were brought out after people prepped and ate their dinners of varying qualities, and quantities. The stars broke out in a large way in the very clear night and extreme darkness away from any cities. Then we were on to an extended card game of '31-or knock' where all decided it was lasting to long with 6 of us-and the master plan of eliminating the game originator, myself would allow everyone to go to bed (around 11:30pm). They were sucessful in their quest; and all were off to sleep, while I lingered another fifteen minutes at spreading the coals of the fire and dousing it in critical places so nothing would stir back up during the evening.
The next day found people waking up around 8-8:30, 'cepting for Ben' who had a bad night of rest with the late middle of the night-'should I get up and winkie?-or hold out for another hour-hoping the urge would magically go away; same disease as I suffered from unfortunately. This would lead to good knaps for me, Ben and others at the second waterfall visitied this morning. After I urged Ben to 'come back to the light'; he woke up and breakfasted; and we were all soon off to the days short hike to 2 waterfalls on Big Snowbird Creek; called 'Big Falls' -as a group of cascades that they are. The waterfalls here include 3 nice swimming holes-2 at the first one where Kristi and I both jumped in the very cool water; then several daredevils jumped down the 12 foot drop to the second very deep and cold pool of water below. They and Jane urged and urged me to join the insanity and jump from the tiny downsloping stone step there--(and wet-from previous jumpers). I finally gathered the courage to make the big leap; and it was fun--and very cold. Many of us made it to the rock jacuzzis below the pool and languished there to the foot, leg and bum messages offered. After a long stay and many knaps were had at the second waterfall to the lullaby of the rushing waters; we returned to pack up, have one more lunch and were off down the trail, past the spring out of the mountain were many head dunked, refilled their water in cold, fresh delcious spring water-and returned to our cars. We jockeyed around passengers to accomodate diners and early returners; returned in different carloads. Five of us dined in Blue Ridge at a Chinese dinner buffet; where all four guys stuffed ourselves, and enjoyed each others company some more; before getting back to the ATL. I snoozed most of the way back; and Rob B, Rob W and Matt talked bad about me-some good stuff too I hope all the way back to the park and ride lot; where we said our fond farewells.
Thanks to all for being part of another great adventure and fun relaxing weekend in the fresh air and calming wilderness of the Snowbird Mountains.
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