Ft. Mountain State Park - Georgia

Georgia is a state where neither of us have ever spent any time. Driving across the corner of it or flying in and out of Atlanta airport is about it. We have always known it was a beautiful place just from those glimpses. Now we are having the opportunity to experience it first hand camping out at Fort Mountain State Park. I must say that I am very impressed with Georgia State Park system. The state of Georgia has invested a lot in making them great places for families or retirees to spend time. The campgrounds are well developed, campsites are level, well drained, with all the facilities in top condition including a laundry in each campground. At the same time, they do not take away from the natural beauty of the forest. There are lakes, beaches, picnic areas, mini golf, hiking trails. The area is also steeped in history dating all the way back before the revolutionary war. I have included a picture of part of an old fort that was built around the top of the mountain that pre-dates even the earliest Cherokees in this area. No one knows who built it, but the tower remains and the ruins of the stone wall circles the entire mountaintop. It was a mile hike uphill to this fort if I look a little ragged...well.

Mel has spent his weekdays working with park directors and the local merchants to produce their annual site map and tourist guide. They seem to appreciate him. I have done a few projects around the house, cooked three meals a day and enjoyed the park. I realized the other day that I haven't even listened to much music during my days at home because the sounds of the woods all around us is the most beautiful music. The birds singing and the breeze through the pines, well it just doesn't get any better. On weekends the park fills up with families and children. Mel and I rest and play and go sightseeing. It would be a perfect world if we had our families around us. Black bear are active in this area, but we haven't seen any so far. That's okay with me, Mel is a little disappointed.

Wednesday we leave here to head back to Abigail-land. We will be back in Raleigh for about two weeks, then back to Georgia to "work" another state park.

We love and miss everyone. Hope to see you soon.