Sat, Sep 8 2007 - Arabia Mountain Heritage Area Day Hike (View Original Event Details) Trip Leader(s): Ben Taratoot, Dante Martinez Participants: Pam, John Weatherman, Caroline, Andrea S., Charlie Cottingham, Owen Barnes, Kelli D., Tuugi Chuluun, LisaT, Bonnie J, Lisa Maldonado, Michelle Spence

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Write Up:
Thanks to all who came along for my first event as a coordinator.

The weather - while hot - was quite nice for our exploration of the Arabia Mountain area. We started by taking the unmarked branch around the east side of the mountain to the small lake. On the way we explored the various rock outcrops and water pools where life of all kinds hang out. The weather has been quite dry lately so the pools were not as active as usual.

We then proceeded to the north side of the mountain through the old quarry area. Here we saw evidence of man's impact on the natural terrain. Giant blocks of granite were carved off the mountain here for decades. In places you could stand below the great gashes in the mountain. Evidence including pieces of steel and iron tools remain everywhere.

We continued around to the west side of the mountain. At one point we did a brief orienteering demonstration. Using the small lake we passed and the lower summit we were able to triangulate our position on the map. From here we dropped down to the 'bar'. Here Charlie and I discussed for what seemed like an eternity on how to find the path west. Meanwhile Pam just found the path! ;)

We crossed the highway onto the west side of the preserve and after passing through more quarry area we approached the ruins of the old quarry headquarters. We then continued to the second small lake where we had lunch. Everyone introduced themselves and we discussed our experiences hiking.

After lunch we moved on into the shade and found a nice sitting area. Here we conducted our hiking 101 session. I hope everyone learned something useful that will help their hiking experiences be better in the future.

After hiking 101 we returned to the east side of the preserve for our climb to the summit. The views were quite nice due to the clear air that day. You could just see the tops of some downtown Atlanta buildings. To the south you could also see Panola mountain.

After descending back down to the parking area several of us went on to an early dinner at Fritti.

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