Cloudland Canyon State Park

Logging My Favorites

Located on the western edge of Lookout Mountain, one of our much loved camping locations is Cloudland Canyon. It is tucked away in a corner of Georgia so remote that until the early 20th century it was only accessible from neighboring Alabama or Tennessee. The 3,485-acre park is one of the largest and most scenic state parks in Georgia.

The park provides beautiful vistas of the rugged geology of this area. Chiseled by wind, water, ice and gravity, Cloudland’s rugged beauty is a joy year-round; each season offering special sights and sounds. Fall is by far my favorite time to visit.

A deep gorge runs through the park, which is filled with creeks, waterfalls, and lush vegetation. The sound of rushing water fills the air, but due to the heavy tree cover it can only be heard and not seen. The only way to see the water is a strenuous hike down to the canyon floor (including a 600 step staircase); it is not a walk for the faint of heart!

It is said that at night, after the campfires are out and the campers have retired to their tents, a ghost wanders the park leaving footprints behind him. He is seen on horseback and in the garb of a Cherokee brave. I have not seen the ghost, but many campers report seeing him at their campsite and finding the tracks of an unshod horse when they wake up in the morning. He seems to be watching the campers, but the sightings are not described as frightened encounters and many believe the Native American is there to protect the land and its forest residents. I can see why he would want to stay in the park even after death, it is one of the most beautiful places we have ever camped.

Cheers!
Lori In Blue Ridge, GA



I Feel the Earth Move Under My Feet...

 The Toccoa Swinging Bridge in Blue Ridge, GA is suspended over the swift Toccoa River. It is the longest swinging bridge east of the Mississippi River stretching over 265 feet long from one end to the other. If you’re planning a trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains, you won’t want to leave until you’ve had the opportunity to walk this swinging bridge for some thrills and spectacular views. The bridge was constructed in the '70s allowing hikers on the Appalachian Trail to cross the Toccoa River at this spot. 

The bridge offers a scene that is difficult to put into words. Picture a wide river winding through the thick of the forest with towering trees hanging over huge boulders, and imagine small pebbles being whisked away by the force of the river’s current. Imagine you can hear the water talk as it confronts the boulders strong silence in the middle of the river, nature unveils a beautiful masterpiece here.

Your first steps on the bridge might seem a bit shaky, hence the reason it has earned the name “Swinging Bridge”, but have no fear, this bridge is constructed of large timbers and is quite sturdy.  Crossing to the other side offers many places to explore including secluded picnic sites (no facilities, just pull up a log) and areas to wade in the water due to the shallow slope. 

The Toccoa River furthur up stream from the Bridge

Getting to the swinging bridge may be difficult for some.  If your vehicle can handle the 3 mile rough road approach (no low cars; a truck or SUV is recommended), you can get to within 1/4 mile hike to the bridge. It's an easy hike from the parking area, but the path has a lot of roots so wear appropriate shoes and walk carefully.  

You can visit the bridge by taking Highway 60 south from Blue Ridge, continue through Morganton South on 60, all the way to the Old Skeenah Mill and Campground; at .7 miles on the right past the Old Skeenah Mill is the dirt road (3+ bumpy, rough miles on FS 816) to the Swinging Bridge over the Toccoa River. Park at the berm and hike to the bridge on the Benton MacKaye/Duncan Ridge Trail, it will take you about 5 minutes. After you leave the Swinging Bridge, turn left on Highway 60 for approximately 7.5 miles for a side visit to Serenberry Vineyards for a wine tasting in their renovated barn.

Cheers!

Lori in Blue Ridge, GA

Kids Can Change the World....New MacDonald Video

I love this video, we should show this to our kids and grandkids; they are the hope for our future. In my opinion, organic farming is one positive step towards healing the planet.  It's not too late to make a difference....

Cheers!

Lori in Blue Ridge, GA

Love is in the Air....

"Love - a wildly misunderstood although highly desirable malfunction of the heart which weakens the brain, causes eyes to sparkle, cheeks to glow, blood pressure to rise and the lips to pucker."

- Author Unknown.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Summer love....

Summer in Atlanta is hot and sticky, but the high humidity is perfect for growing hydrangeas.  I'm in love with hydrangeas; they are one of the most beautiful summer blooming plants in the south. I can remember when I moved to Atlanta being drawn to the cool shaded area on the north side of the my house where a huge bush of blue hydrangeas was planted. The giant blooms were as big as a plate and such a clear, deep blue they seemed to belong in a hot house rather than casually hanging about the garden. 

Every year just a few weeks before the daily temps soar, we get to enjoy these gorgeous blooming flowers in a range of bold colors.  Below are some of my jewelry designs reminiscent of the hydrangeas in the garden... 

CHEERS!

Swamp Romp.....

It’s Spring Break here in Georgia. We spent the last few days exploring and camping in the amazing Okefenokee Swamp with our more adventurous camping buddies. The swamp is one of North America’s most unspoiled, fascinating and valuable natural areas. It is the largest, intact, un-fragmented, freshwater and black water wilderness in North America. The swamp covers roughly 700 square miles and is located in the southeastern corner of Georgia. Wildlife flourishes here; more than 400 species of vertebrates, including more than 200 varieties of birds and more than 60 kinds of reptiles, are known to inhabit the swamp.

The Okefenokee is crisscrossed by over 120 miles of water trails. It is a major destination for wetlands nature lovers, paddlers and boaters. We chartered a boat for an incredible night tour. Without any light pollution, the Okefenokee Swamp is one of the best places in the Southeast to view the moon, stars and planets. The night was so clear; we saw Venus vividly shining down on us and thousands of twinkling stars.

At night, alligator’s eyes shine bright red; it’s spooky to see hundreds of red eyes watching you. Park Rangers estimate that 12,000 alligators live within the refuge. We listened to gators bellowing and a chorus of singing frogs and toads. I loved seeing owls and bats silently gliding overhead.

The only advice I can give about camping in the swamp is this: you can never have enough bug spray!
But don't let that keep you from visiting this magical place.

Happy Camping, Cheers!

Love is in the air.......

"Love - a wildly misunderstood although highly desirable malfunction of the heart which weakens the brain, causes eyes to sparkle, cheeks to glow, blood pressure to rise and the lips to pucker."

- Author Unknown.

 Happy Valentine's Day!

High Heels + Camping = Glamping!

Mention “camping” at a cocktail party and people bump into each other scurrying away with the sudden need to refresh their drink. Mention “glamping” and suddenly you’ve got an audience.

If the eco-friendly idea of falling asleep under the stars and roasting marshmallows around a campfire appeals to you, but the reality of pitching a tent and sleeping on bumpy ground does not, glamping, the new term being used for upscale — or glamorous — camping, could be your ideal green vacation.



Kelly Moore's Glamping Tent Design

I want to correct the misconception that camping is still about fighting bugs in a leaky tent with two sticks for fire and a tin of Spam. Glamping usually means a tent large enough to walk through replaces the pup tent, cozy bedding takes the place of the sleeping bag, a nice rug covers the cold plastic floor or even a hardwood floor, and campers use real barware instead of Dixie cups. In short, it’s more comfortable, civilized camping. Face it, we’re all getting older. Our fuse for tolerating the heat and bugs and lack of comfy slippers is short.



From the Glamping Girl Blog

Despite the fact that glamping is dismissed by hard-core leave-no-trace campers (who don’t so much as move a rock for fear of affecting the area), glamping can be an environmentally sound outdoor experience. It allows people who wouldn’t normally go camping to experience the beauty and joy of nature. I believe that once you have slept under the starry sky, you become more appreciative and protective of nature, instead of being distant and alienated from it. Glamping allows the chance to enjoy an eco-conscious back-to-nature vacation with the comforts of a classy hotel.



One of the Tents at the Clayoquot Wilderness Resort

Don’t misunderstand — glamorous camping can be expensive. Really expensive. For instance, in the summer months two adults can pay about $8,500 to spend three nights in a tent at the Clayoquot Wilderness Resort (http://www.wildretreat.com/) in British Columbia, Canada. The all-inclusive price of admission includes flights from Vancouver to the resort on a remote fjord, gourmet meals, drinks, massage treatments, horseback riding, fishing, whale and bear watching, kayaking, sailing, clay shooting, rock climbing, mountain biking and nifty day trips.

As heavenly as all of that may sound, a trip like that may not quite be in your budget for next year. Is it possible to go glamping closer to home for much less money? The answer to that question is a resounding yes. Check out the picture below....a standard tent transformed into to a cozy glamping space complete with rugs on the floor, cozy bed, and a convenient wash stand.

Jan's old tent transformed into a classy glamping retreat.

Basically, it all boils down to putting plenty of thought into the food, drinks, bedding and other comforts you feel like bringing along with you into the great outdoors. You can actually make car-camping incredibly glamorous, and if sleeping in a tent doesn’t appeal to you, you can make yourself and your loved ones quite comfortable in a cabin, cottage, yurt, tipi, VW bus, vintage Airstream trailer — or, heck, even a covered wagon is available.

I did a bit of research and found some great locations for a glamping adventure in the US; check it out and let me know your thoughts….Is glamping for you?

• WOW! - Resort at Paws Up http://www.pawsup.com/glamping/creekside-camp.php in Montana
• Cozy - Costanoa http://www.costanoa.com/site.php in California.

• Adventure - Teton Covered Wagon Adventures http://tetonwagontrain.com/ in Wyoming.

• Whimsical - The Martyn House http://themartynhouse.com/bed-breakfast/ in Georgia.

• Bathroom in Tent - Sinya on Lone Man Creek http://hillcountrysinya.com/About_us.html in Texas.

• Family - Black Canyon Ranch http://www.blackcanyonwildliferanch.com/Glamping.html  in Colorado.

A Blast from My Past…



This week we are going on a family camping trip to the North Georgia Mountains. I must admit that I love camping, but I get a little stressed when children join the adventure. I don’t have kids of my own, but I did acquire a whole collection of them when I got married. I’ve learned that kids can get in trouble quicker than…...well, quicker than I can keep up with them.



So, too ease my nerves and keep their attention focused on something other than getting in trouble, I’m putting together a camping bead craft kit. I may be dating myself, but I’m going to revive a skill that I haven’t used since the late 70s. We will be making friendship bracelets using macramé knotting techniques. Making friendship bracelets is a fun project for any age, and with so many patterns available, there is a design that is right for any skill level. Hopefully it will keep them amused and out of harms way. 

Did you ever give/receive any friendship bracelets? In the 70s you were suppose to wear it until it fell off as a sign of friendship with the gift giver. I wore one from a best friend for several years in High School.

Who invited the ants?

Summer is coming to an end so it’s time for a last celebration before the relaxing days of summer are gone. Almost everyone can look back at their childhood and remember the fun summer activities that produced lasting memories. Picnicking is probably on that list of memories – one of my fondest memories is the annual end of summer family picnic under the huge oak tree at my grandparent’s farm. Everyone let go of the daily grind and relaxed. We ate until the ants moved in, then we played lawn darts, badminton, and horse shoes.

The family picnics are only a memory now, but I still believe a picnic is the ideal way to reconnect, have some fun, and make new memories. SO, we are getting together with our best friends to celebrate the end of summer picnicking at Lake Lanier in central GA. I’m very excited about the event, I went ‘window’ shopping on Etsy for picnic items, take a look at some of my favorites…..

Top Row:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/80094546/well-appointed-picnic-basket

http://www.etsy.com/listing/53726434/hanging-garden-lights-mason-jar-lanterns

http://www.etsy.com/listing/72017256/the-rebecca-european-style-picnic-tote

Bottom Row:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/51069958/picnic-placemats-with-napkins-set-blue

http://www.etsy.com/listing/80473407/bamboo-cutlery-set-with-carrying-cozy?ref=sc_1

http://www.etsy.com/listing/79936965/handmade-picnic-blanket-for-summer

Below is my favorite "bring something to share" recipe for Dark Fudgy Brownies. Enjoy!

Dark Fudgy Brownies Ingredients:

3/4 cup all-purpose flour
2/3 cup confectioners' sugar

3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, American-style or Dutch-process

3 ounces semisweet or bittersweet chocolate (50-72% cacao), coarsely chopped, plus 2 1/2 ounces chopped into mini chip-size pieces, divided

1 1/2 tablespoons canola oil

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 1/2 tablespoons light corn syrup, blended with 3 tablespoons lukewarm water

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/8 teaspoon salt

1 large egg

1/3 cup chopped toasted walnuts, (see Tip), optional

Preparation

1.Position rack in center of oven; preheat to 350°F. Line an 8-inch-square baking pan with foil, letting it overhang on two opposing sides. Coat with cooking spray.

2.Sift flour, confectioners’ sugar and cocoa together into a small bowl. Combine the 3 ounces coarsely chopped chocolate and oil in a heavy medium saucepan; place over the lowest heat, stirring, until just melted and smooth, being very careful the chocolate does not overheat. Remove from the heat and stir in granulated sugar, corn syrup mixture, vanilla and salt until the sugar dissolves. Vigorously stir in egg until smoothly incorporated. Gently stir in the dry ingredients. Fold in the walnuts (if using) and the remaining 2 1/2 ounces chopped chocolate just until well blended. Turn out the batter into the pan, spreading evenly.

3.Bake the brownies until almost firm in the center and a toothpick inserted comes out with some moist batter clinging to it, 20 to 24 minutes. Let cool completely on a wire rack, about 2 1/2 hours.

4.Using the overhanging foil as handles, carefully lift the brownie slab from the pan. Peel the foil from the bottom; set the slab right-side up on a cutting board. Using a large, sharp knife, trim off any dry edges. Mark and then cut the slab crosswise into fifths and lengthwise into fourths. Wipe the blade with a damp cloth between cuts.

Tips & Notes
Make Ahead Tip: Store Brownies in an airtight container for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.

Tip: To toast chopped nuts: Cook in a small dry skillet over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until fragrant and lightly browned, 2 to 4 minutes.

NutritionPer brownie: 86 calories; 3 g fat ( 1 g sat , 1 g mono ); 11 mg cholesterol; 15 g carbohydrates; 2 g protein; 0 g fiber; 19 mg sodium; 25 mg potassium.

Things that make you go awww....



I just couldn’t resist sharing these photos.  This little brown bear became separated from his mum in Slovenia.   He wandered out of the forest and into the yard of a kind family. “Medo” (the Slovenian word for bear) made friends with the family dog and decided to stay; he has been with the family for 4 weeks. Slovenia's national newspaper said that Medo has "stolen the nation's heart"; he now has more than 550 fans on Facebook. Looking at these extraordinary photographs, it is easy to see why!

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"Who Wants to Go Camping?"

 

Vintage Camping Equipment found on Etsy 

My Husband and I just returned from a fabulous camping trip on an island off the coast of Georgia.  The only access to the National Seashore is by ferry, so packing light is essential due to the long walk from the ferry to designated campsites. We aren't known for camping "light", just the opposite actually, we typically look like the Beverly Hillbillies arriving at the campground with gear lashed to the top of the SUV and me squished into the passenger seat holding overflow items from the cargo area in my lap. We carefully open the doors so gear doesn't spill out when the pressure is released.  No, we're not known for camping light.....   

Vintage Camping Equipment found on Etsy

 Lightening the load was a challenge; we both like to camp comfortably.  How was I suppose to survive without a plush rug under my feet when I got out of bed in the morning? For that matter, how was I suppose to sleep without a camp cot covered in soft linens selected for their breath-ability? And just how was I going to cook our gourmet breakfast without my 15" cast-iron fry pan that is so heavy it takes two hands to lift it...hmmmm?  

Well after sorting through our gear three times, we did come up with a good assortment of must haves that wouldn't weigh us down too much.  WE successfully survived 5 days without most of our beloved gear.  You are probably thinking that we will continue to camp "light" in the future, but some habits die hard...LOOK what I found on Etsy today!  All are must haves and shouldn't take-up tooooo much room in the SUV.

See you on the road, we'll be in the vehicle that looks like it might explode...

I love to camp! Cheers!

Links to the Etsy items featured in first image:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/70821085/vintage-kerosene-lanterns-electric-blue?ref=sr_gallery_1&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=camping&ga_page=6&ga_search_type=vintage&ga_facet=vintage

http://www.etsy.com/listing/73557743/vintage-boy-scout-handbook-circa-1966?ref=sr_gallery_3&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=camping&ga_page=26&ga_search_type=vintage&ga_facet=vintage

http://www.etsy.com/listing/59963872/now-were-cookin-vintage-coleman-camp?ref=sr_gallery_13&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=camping&ga_page=4&ga_search_type=vintage&ga_facet=vintage


http://www.etsy.com/listing/74202743/skotch-kooler-mint-condition-with-box?ref=sr_gallery_15&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=camping&ga_page=15&ga_search_type=vintage&ga_facet=vintage

Links to the Etsy items featured in second image:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/74418083/vintage-lot-lantern-flashlight?ref=sr_gallery_11&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=camping&ga_page=11&ga_search_type=vintage&ga_facet=vintage

 http://www.etsy.com/listing/72431941/vintage-fishing-lure-repurposed-keychain?ref=sr_gallery_32&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=camping&ga_page=15&ga_search_type=vintage&ga_facet=vintage

http://www.etsy.com/listing/74766340/coffee-on-the-farm-2-vintage-blue-and?ref=sr_gallery_30&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=camping&ga_search_type=vintage&ga_facet=vintage

http://www.etsy.com/listing/74737820/vintage-camp-pocketknife?ref=sr_gallery_29&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=camping&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=vintage&ga_facet=vintage

Spring has Sprung in my Etsy Shop

Spring in Atlanta is a short-lived event each year.  The full-on flower blooming, pollen covering, light jacket in the morning and drinks outside on the terrace in the afternoon kind of spring weather lasts for about 90 seconds before the harsh heat of a Southern summer settles over us. And every year, just a few weeks before the daily temps soar; we get to enjoy the blooming flowers and sounds of nature while strolling through the Atlanta Botanical Gardens.  Below are some of my jewelry designs reminiscent of the spring colors in the garden...



Mermaids' Tears

Running out of sea glass "mermaids' tears" seems impossible, and a little sad, like running out of seashells. But one man's collectible is another man's trash, in this case quite literally. Sea glass is essentially pretty litter, broken bottles and jars abandoned on the beach or heaved overboard years or decades or even centuries ago, then smoothed by the ocean's movements.

Attitudes toward oceanfront property and litter in general, have changed dramatically. Americans' new found reluctance to hurl junk into the sea has limited the supply of fresh glass, and with the arrival of plastic, glass is a much less popular packaging material than it used to be. There have been sweeping efforts to clean up existing beach garbage, even the collectible kind. In the years to come sea glass may be a relic of the past.

I'm currently work on a sea glass collection for my Etsy shop. The sea glass featured in the designs pictured here came from the Caribbean Seashore of Puerto Rico.  I love sea glass and I will be crafting several more items this week.

Logging my favorites...

This is the fourth installment of a ongoing log of my favorite things. Once a month I will post a favorite. It might be a person, or a place, or even a event. Hopefully it will help you get to know me a little better. I'd love your comments and I hope to make some connections through our mutual enjoyment of these treasures.

Tent Camping

I love to camp. Sitting around a campfire under a clear sky, gazing up at the stars, and listening to the sounds of the night can strengthen our bodies, pacify our minds, and restore our spirits. Camping is rejuvenating!  We camp 2 or 3 times a year; planning our next destination months in advance. 

For some camping purists, a backpack, pocket knife, two sticks and a tarp is all you need for a weekend camping trip.  Not us, we are in the growing group of 'luxury' campers. Our list of necessities includes a very large two room tent, camping cots with thick memory foam mattresses, luxury linens, a kitchen box that contains everything but the kitchen sink, a fondue pot and lots of candles for ambiance.  We probably look like the Beverly Hillbillies when we pull into a camp ground; our SUV piled high with all our camping gear. We are all about comfort, and taking the time to rest and replenish. It's wonderful, even with the bears lurking in the forest!

 

Logging my favorites...

This is the second installment of a ongoing log of my favorite things. Once a month I will post a favorite. It might be a person, or a place, or even a event. Hopefully it will help you get to know me a little better. I'd love your comments and I hope to make some connections through our mutual enjoyment of these treasures.

Cumberland Island, GA

My greatest and most lasting memory of the Island is its ability to change me in just a few hours. It is my place of transformation. Whether sitting on the beach gazing out to sea, probing around the edges of the marsh as fiddler crabs scurry for cover, or simply walking down one of the many tree lined roads of the Island, I am changed. It is this intangible quality that seems to be the most important benefit which Cumberland Island holds for me. This spiritual quality is what, year after year, I seek and find comfort in. The most consistent message delivered by those who know Cumberland best is one of being "touched" by the Island and being somehow affected by all the natural, cultural, and historical values of this extraordinary place. It is my safe haven, my place of rest, and my favorite camping destination.

It's easy being GREEN......

Each trip to the grocery store ends with “paper or plastic?” For those with an armload of fresh veggies and juice boxes – with no canvas bag in sight – the handiness offered by the grab and go plastic bag may possibly win out. But then what?

Plastic bags are most often compared with that prehistoric pest of the earth, the cockroach; once in the home, they’re a crunchy nuisance that refuses to exit quietly. Both will outlive the human race by thousands, if not millions, of years. Both tend to harmoniously cohabitate (and multiply) in the dank, dark, space under the sink. I believe it is time to eradicate the pests.

On your next shopping trip, reconsider your use of plastic bags and take one of the fabulous canvas totes or fused recycled plastic bags available on Etsy. I love the totes that I have featured above, and there are literally hundreds more available; I’m sure you’ll find one that strikes your fancy. Our planet and future generations will thank you.

Rock Hunting in Colorado

I just returned from a wonderful vacation in Estes Park, Colorado.  The area is a rock hunters paradise.  I purchased several geode agate slices to transform into pendants for my Etsy shop.  I love the deep colors that were available in the West. I will post pictures as soon.