Wanderdipity: The Road to North Georgia: Day 1

Thursday, August 4, 2011

The Road to North Georgia: Day 1

So much for the idea that we were leaving at 6 a.m. and having breakfast in Valdosta. LOL. However, we were packed and read to hit the road before the Burger King on Archer Rd. and I75 stopped serving. Here Sarah is all packed and ready while we're picking up breakfast.

A long drive but it went quickly if rather impersonally on interstates I75N to I475 to I75 to I675 to I85 to I985 to 129 to Helen to highway 75 north over a mountain left on 180 until we finally arrive at the Enota Mountain Retreat (Cabins and Campground) before 6 p.m. We get our keys to the Bear's Den, a 1 room log cabin dating from when Enota was a YMCA campground.

We find Jan and Barb snugly in their own cabin and then set off along the creek to the observation deck for the "200ft waterfalls" to stretch our legs and breath mountain air. After 6+ hours in the car mostly on interstates, this is a "good thing"! This is the "why we are here!"

Back to the Bear's Den where, given the change in altitude, carrying our suitcases and food stuff up the few steps feels like the physical equivalent to climbing Mt. Everest (surely I couldn't be THIS much out of shape?)

The Bear's Den may have that "old log" charm but is also very nicely remodeled with a very comfortable bed, stove, refrigerator, air, heat (not exactly needed in August) as well as bathroom and shower. Not exactly roughing it.