Sun, Apr 14 2013 - Blood Mountain Hike - for Those New to the Mountains! With an added BONUS (View Original Event Details) Trip Leader(s): John Stirman, Kevin Participants: John Stirman, Jim Wallace, Jeff Reynolds, Robert, Bonnie R, Bill, Alison W., Tim W, Kevin, Gloria

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     Blood Mountain provided us with a wonderful day of firsts for ten AOC hikers… for Jim and his two incredibly well-trained trail dogs, it was their first hike with the AOC; for many of us it was their first time on Blood Mountain; and for a few of us it was even their first time for a mountain hike!  It was so awesome the see the glow and ‘after-talk’ of hikers as they finished up a really challenging but highly gratifying hike – and we really all enjoyed one another’s company.  By the way… the “firsts” did not even end with the hike - because for many of us it was our first time to visit Mountain Outfitters.  What a great store that straddles the AT and caters to hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.

     With one final chance to get in another ‘first’; seven of us headed to Pueblos Mexican Restaurant in Dahlonega and three brave souls trusted my recommendation and enjoyed their first bowl of Mexican stew served in a “lava rock” bowl!  Special thanks to Kevin for co-leading this event at the last minute after Chad was faced with a minor injury that precluded him for leading this event. (Chad… the maps and tips you sent really helped me be very prepared for this hike – thanks!)

- A Happy Hiker