2004 HIKES

2003 Hikes

2002 Hikes

2001 Hikes

PMTA Night Hike November 19, 2004

 

All afternoon it looked like our Night Hike may be a bust if the rain kept up.  Slowly the rain tapered off and by 6 p.m. it was down to  mist and fog over Pine Mountain.  Just 45 minutes later it was just fog.
 
Hike leader Bill Krysak was at the Trading Post parking lot greeting folks like us who arrived for the hike.
 
We ended up with 26 hikers starting off on a great evening's hike.  Along the hike route, FDR State Park naturalist Jody Rice and his dad had two stops set up.  Jody talked about plants along the trails (some that could be eaten) and his dad had some preserved animal and bird feet that hikers identified. 
 
At the midpoint of our hike we took a side hike to the group shelter near the RV Campground. There the Amy White from the Columbus Oxbow Meadows Center had two owls.  Amy told us about the owls and had some displays set up about them.  One owl even let me pick him up (not on the first try by the way.)
                                                                                             
About half the group stopped at the group shelter and walked on back to their vehicles. But the other half of the group went back to the Mountain Creek Trail and hiked another mile plus on over to No Name Parking Lot and then down the road back to the Trading Post.
 
We had one couple from Birmingham join us on the hike (David Darby and Susan Backers).  Some students from Columbus High came along including my nephew Chad Hall and his friends Camille Witluck and Nick Cash, along with Caleb Pringle and his mom Marci.  Jerry Brown took the great  photos you see here.  Mike Ivie joined us from Senoia and Gary Hughes from Atlanta/Pine Mountain.  Robert Calhoun, Brett Roberts, Jamie Smith , John Kaminsky, Jonathan & Helen Hall, Jo Myers, Gene & Christy Wells and Carl Carlson were some of the 26 hikers.
 
The best part of the hike (beside the presentations by Jody and his Dad and the owls), was just walking along talking and enjoying the night. It was not too cool at all ( I wore a short sleeve shirt). Did we see or hear any owls in the woods?  No, but we did flush some turkeys from their roost in the trees toward the end of our hike.
 
All in all, we had a good time.  For those of you who chickened out thinking it would rain.Well you missed a great evening.  It didn't rain a drop.   -- Jim Hall

 

                                                                                                                               

Our 4th annual PMTA Fall Backpacking Trip was Saturday and Sunday, October 16 & 17.  We met at the park office and hiked our way back along the PMT to the Chestnut Oak Trail and then down to Little Bridges Campsite.  We had planned to go to Big Knot, but that got changed.  We started off just after 2 p.m. with Johnny Brewer (from Andalusia, Alabama), Larry Roberts (Atlanta), Sherri Pierce (Cataula) , Jim, Helen & Jonathan Hall (Columbus), Scott Sheppard (Phenix City) and Gene & Christy Wells (Columbus).  Johnny really wanted to get some miles hiking along the trail and went on ahead of us and ended up not staying the night.  It took us about 1' 40" to cover the 3.1 miles.  We were in no real hurry either.  The weather was more than just great as you can see from the photos.  

     

 When we arrived at Little Bridges, we just took our time setting up our tents and gathering firewood for the night. As always, most folks were getting hungry about 5:30 so that is when stoves were brought out and everyone heated up what they brought.  For the next couple of hours we talked as supper rolled into s'mores, cocoa, and coffee making time. The campfire felt good and took the slight chill out of the air around camp. 

We had a couple of "not lost but highly disoriented" hikers visit our camp. One family wandered up about dark and were looking for the trail.  We got them straight and they headed on out.  About 8:30 two guys walked up and they were looking for the trail and directions back to start of the trail.  We know they made it out ok, as we put in a call to Trint Wicklund of FDR State Park who drove down to check and make sure they made it off the the trail. Their vehicle was gone about 9:15 and Trint signaled us with a blast from his siren on his truck. 

By 11:00 p.m. we all were quiet and in our tents.  I didn't hear a sound till after 8 a.m. Again we took our time getting up and fixing breakfast then breaking camp.  It was not till about 11 a.m. did we head home, all but Gene & Christy.  They stayed at the camp for the morning, just relaxing.

 We sure missed Lorraine Vander Wielen, Jo Myers and Johnny Brewer this year, and hope they and others will join us again next year. 

 We had a good time relaxing and talking around the campfire. Next time you see Gene Wells ask him about the great video I made of him lighting his camp-stove.

 Jim

 

 

August 20 hike on Dowdell Knob Loop

 Hike leaders Gene & Christy Wells (below, that's Gene on the left!) along with Carl Carlson were already greeting hikers at Dowdell Knob when Jonathan and I arrived about 9:40.  Carl had already put his truck at the cross-over. 

                                   

                             

What caught my eye when we drove up to Dowdell  Knob was the number of vehicles already there, and all the "soldier looking guys" from the Civil Air Patrol dressed in BDUs with orange vests and heavy packs on.  Gene, Carl and I went over to the group leaders of the Civil Air Patrol unit and introduced ourselves and asked about what they were doing or about to do. They had a mock lost hiker search planned, complete with a plane coming in to fly orbit over the area. Each unit member was well dressed and outfitted with all the latest radios, survival gear and rescue equipment.  We exchanged phone numbers and radio frequencies and gave the unit a number of PMT maps.

 Within minutes we had some 23 hikers ready to head out.  Gene gave a greeting and explained  what to expect on the hike. He also gave a warning about the dreaded PMT Yellow Jackets.  At that point I presented Christy Wells and Gary Hughes an official PMT I've been bit certificate.  We all had a good laugh, but Gene again seriously warned of the possibility of yellow jackets on the hike.  At 10:15, Gene led the group west on the PMT.

 Behind Gene were Caleb Krauer, Chris Largent, Lani A. Pike, Gary Hughes, Christina Fretzinger,, Kenneth Mitchell, Laura Phelps, Josh Hicks, Richard Daniels, Liz Matheny, Bill Lee, Linda Jones, Russell Edge, J Blope, Darryl Horne, Ricky Peters and Jerry Brown (our official PMTA photographer). Jonathan and I planned to meet up with the group at the cross-over and shuttle anyone back to Dowdell Knob if they wanted, or needed to poop out. So we drove on to the cross-over to wait.

 Within a few minutes after the start of the hike, Gene Wells called me on the two-way radio and told he had spotted the mock lost hiker just east of Mile 15 near the big rock at the bottom of the hill. I called in on the channel the CAP was using and reported the hiker being found.  The CAP units moved in to the lost hiker and finished their exercise.  The leaders called me back and reported they had safely put out and hid the remains of the signal fire the lost hiker had built.

 Jo Myers arrived about 11:15 and waited with us at the cross-over for the group to arrive and take a lunch break before continuing on.  About that time, Gene & Christy called in to report several hikers being bit by yellow jackets just below us on the Boottop Trail.  Though Carl had put some Benedryl on one person's bites, I hurried downhill with my first-aid kit to put some After-bite and Benedryl on the three hikers and give one a Benedryl tablet.  One lady hiker had six bites on one arm!  Gary Hughes ended up getting popped on the left arm and first time hiker Kenneth Mitchell got hit on the hand.

 

PMTA President Jim Hall treats a yellowjacket sting.

Within a few minutes, all the group made it to the road and a well deserved rest and lunch break. One hiker indicated to Carl she had had enough fun and probably wanted a shuttle back to her car. But after the lunch break, she decided to try making the whole loop. So Jonathan and I went with the hikers the rest of the way to Dowdell Knob. 

The weather? It was ok at first, then hot and muggy and finally we got a little breeze along with the hot and muggy.  So 24 hikers had a good time.

 We had several members of Rivertown Adventure Club join us again today.  We welcome them to join us anytime!  They even learned what a Twig Girdler is.

 Jim Hall

 

 

July 24 Hike

I arrived at the fox Den parking lot at 10:15 (I had my daughter and my 3 and 6 year old grandsons so I was running late) and the group had already set out. As we were preparing to strike out, one of the CHS students was dropped off, so I led her to the pool trail cut off so that she would not get lost catching up to the group. I then returned to my family group. We hiked (very slowly because we stopped to look at everything) to the pool where I left them and returned for the car. We then checked at the trading post where I left a note on Carl's truck telling him about the CHS student. On our way back to the main road we met the group as they crossed the campground road. I saw that the student had caught up with the group. I heard the story about yellow jackets and the hikers asked me to take their picture... 

I just happened to have my camera :)

Jerry Brown

 

 

 

National Trails Day Hike June 5

 

For several years now, we have scheduled a hike on National Trails Day, but for the last few years, our NTD hike has been a bust.  One year it was way too hot (but 15 hearty souls showed up), the next year it rained and the year after that it looked like rain. Boy did it rain! On all 10 of us.  Well, this year we were blessed with great weather.  It was bright and cloudy somewhat but not too hot. We could have stood for a little more breeze and it would have been on the perfect scale for this time of year, but with the lack of rain people came to hike.

 I had received numerous calls in regards to the hike in the days prior to the hike (prompted by folks seeing the hike advertised in the TO-DO section of the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer the past two weeks.)  Those who called came to hike.

 PMTA members Gene & Christy Wells were already at the Country Store parking lot when Jonathan and I arrived around 9:20.  Hike leaders John & Margaret Page (along with Jumper) were right behind us.  For the next 40 minutes hikers arrived, signed our roster sheet, and had a good time talking with all of us.  Carl Carlson, Mike Ivie and Jerry Brown worked on moving some vehicles to the Trading Post Parking Lot where the hike was to end. 

By the time we gathered the hikers together about 10 a.m, we had a total of 40 folks plus Jonathan & I as support.   I introduced the hike leaders John & Margaret. Hikers were encouraged drink some water and to not leave the group later without letting us know, sign the roster and initial it at the end of the hike so we knew each hiker was off the trail.

 Jerry Brown took a group photo, then the hikers were off.  Jonathan & I drove to the first road crossing on 190 near the end of the Chestnut Oak Trail section (2.1 miles) and waited on the group to supply them with more water bottles. We also were there to take back anyone who needed to end the hike there (one family with a toddler took us up on a ride after the little guy "lost his cookies").  During the rest at the crossing, several of the the group told how they really enjoyed the walk through the Little Bridges Area.


After the break John & Margaret led the group down hill quickly to the CCC Hatchery Pond area where I met them for lunch along the pond bank.  It was enjoyable to see the group talking and enjoying the day so well. Several folks inquired about the PMTA and what we do. 

By the time the hikers met us at the Trading Post, it was about 1 p.m.  We checked to make sure we had everyone off the trail, then held a drawing for a bunch of prizes (National Trails Day t-shirts, Pine Mountain Trail hats and t-shirts, patches and pins).  Of course folks always like to win stuff and this group was no exception. Thanks to John & Margaret we brought along their cooler to provide hikers with cold water and soft drinks while we had the drawing.  Then it was shuttle time back to the Country Store.  Lots of "sure had a good time" "thanks for a good hike" and "we're gonna do this again" comments were heard.  Thanks to the good weather, this was the best National Trails Day Hike we can remember. 

 

Hikers  included PMTA members Mike Ivie, Jo Myers, Gary Hughes and Danny Rock. Joining us today were guests Ron,Chrissy & Steven Arellano (Columbus),  Jennifer Blose (Columbus),  Susanne, Cesar & Joshua Santo (Columbus),  William Harshbarger (Auburn), Magaly Suarez-Shari Cox-Jesse Diaz & Heather Wilkinson (Americus), Jimmy Massey (LaGrange), Darryl Horne (Smiths, AL), Susan Bailey (Columbus),  Nancy & Raymond Marino (Fortson), Amanda Grande (Newnan), Regina Sanders, Yan White, Tammy & Jonathan Lollar, Noah Siclari, Robert Jenetsky, Dylan, Robert & Pam Knight, Kiro Motegi and Alex Knight.

 We hope everyone enjoyed the hike and will join us again.  Thanks again to John & Margaret for leading the hike and Jerry Brown for the great photos of the hikers.

 Jim Hall

 

 

 

Saturday, May 1 Hike

                         

The hike was a good one, even with the drizzling rain at first. The streams were full with the rain the night before. The mountain laurel and native azalea were in bloom. We discovered a rare plant, Ladies' slipper (below) toward the end, and saw deer and wild turkey around the Hog Mountain area. All hikers completed the 6.7 mile section.

-- Steve Earles

 

 

 

                                               

                       

Although the day began with rain, the weather cleared before our 10:00 AM start and the hikers enjoyed a lovely day on the trail. A few azaleas were still in bloom (below left) and the mountain laurels (below right) were showing their colors. The falls were beautiful and the ferns provided a thick green carpet to the forest floor.

-- Jerry Brown

     

Saturday, April 17 Hike

Photos by Jerry Brown

Gray Beard

     

    

Saturday, March 20 Hike

 

Photos and text by Jerry Brown

beautiful day!  There were 31 hikers and one too young to walk. Two month old Mallory Lynn Henderson, accompanied her mother, Lindsay, on the hike.
The trip from Fox Den Cove Parking Lot to Mollyhugger Hill Parking lot took about 2 1/2 hours. It was a beautiful morning with Red Buds in full bloom and the Dogwoods beginning to bud.

 Iris and Birdfoot Violets added color to the forest floor. This moderate hike ended with the 1.5 mile climb from Beech Bottom Campsite up to GA 190 and the Mollyhugger Hill Parking Lot and the crew kept up a good pace on the climb.

   

 

Saturday, February 14, 2004 Valentine's Day Hike

Photos and text by Jerry Brown

  

Although the Valentine's Day hike was officially canceled, a few hardy hikers decided to have a go at a couple of damp miles. Gene and Christy Wells arrived at the Park Office to tell folks that the hike was to be rescheduled, and then decided to lead a shortened version with the 9 others that came to hike. Christy was a good sport and  hiked in a London Fog overcoat with a borrowed hiking stick. The trip from Fox Den Parking Lot back to the Park Office took just under an hour and a half with only a brief light rain.
           

Monday January 19, 2004 MLK Holiday Hike

 from Jim Hall

photos courtesy Jerry Brown

Our hike today was to start at 1 p.m. from the Country Store Parking Lot ending up 3.8 miles later at the FDR State Park Office. When Jonathan, Helen and I arrived there were already 6 hikers waiting on us at 12:35.

In just a few minutes, many more arrived. Carl Carlson and Odie followed several folks to the park office to leave some vehicles there to shuttle folks back to the Country Store. By 1 p.m. we were gathered to greet everyone and tell of our hike route. As previously announced by separate note, I told that our sign-in sheet would be serving two purposes today (that being to see who came on the hike, and to have the hikers put their initials by their name at the end of the hike so we knew they came off the trail.)

I led off with Carl Carlson and Odie bringing up the rear. Helping me keep track of our hikers were PMTA members Jonathan Hall, Helen Hall, Jo Myers, Joe Earles ( who brought Bill Sulley from Pine Mountain), Joe Wade and Curtis Lynch who brought his son Seth Green. Joining on the hike were PMTA members Claudette Wade, Cliff & Valerie Cook , Jerry Brown (our photographer for the hike), Louise O’Kelly, Ena Hunt, Perrin Nicolson, Christa & grandson R.J. Lindo and Lorraine Vanderwielen who brought Ron Saba (from Atlanta). Our guests on the hike were  Tom and Melinda Schmitt, Caroline Schmitt, Sarah Schmitt and Iain Schmitt with their black lab Bullwinkle* (from Atlanta) who had come on one hike last year. Lynn Beck & Frank Beck joined us from Cordele. Other guests were Charlie Hancock, Jean Jackson and Ruth Lewis (from Columbus.) Note*: the Schmitt kids have a cat also, his name is "Rocky".

 

 

The temperature at the start of the hike was in the upper 40’s but the wind made it feel cooler. Just a few minutes into the hike, the mountain to our left (north) blocked the wind and so many of us shed a vest or jacket (for the time being). We covered the first mile in about 24 minutes, and took a short water break at that time. After crossing Ga. 190 we suddenly felt the wind coming from the north again (so it was back on with coats, vests and gloves). At Mile 2 we took a long well deserved sit-down snack break. The sun felt good as we sat on the leaf-covered ground.

Many were interested in the hatchery ponds (and the rock structures around them) as we passed the Dead Pine Campsite area. Before we got to this area, several noted how far you can see down through the woods this time of year (and all year as there is hardly any undergrowth). Before we headed up to cross Ga. 190 again (near Mile 3) we stopped for another water break. We also slowed up to take in the view near Buzzards Roost.

Our pace was slower than most hikes. We were able to keep the 31 hikers really closer together. By 3:20 were came to bulletin board near the park office, where I had the hikers initial by their names on the sign in sheet as being "off the trail" as they headed then to the office parking lot, to their vehicles and back home.

                                                                           

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All in all it was a beautiful day for hiking. Everyone seemed to enjoy the slower pace. Hey, we didn’t have to be home at any special time, it was a holiday. We had the day off.

                                                      

We went hiking and had a good time.

We hope you join Gene and Christy Wells for another good hike on February 14 for a special Valentines Day Hike.

 

 

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