Temp vacation

Our refugee status ended when we traveled north from Atlanta to Jasper GA. Roughly 50 miles or 2 to 3 hours in metro Atlanta traffic. We rented a cabin for 10 days with the goal of attending a family wedding and reunion then spending the remaining time with Tristan and Kat in the North Georgia mountains.

Alas, Tristan's ship was called to hurricane relief and all leaves were cancelled. My plan had been to send Tristan off hiking with De Anne. As a young, fit Navy Officer and amateur marathon runner I thought him the ideal candidate to keep up with De Anne's long stride and mile-eating ways. So much for that plan.... I have accompanied her, and slowed her down.

My least favorite hike was an early morning excursion on Burnt Mountain. We were the first people of the day on the trail. I am sure of this fact since my face broke a few spider webs. I kept picking up increasing larger sticks until I had one 6 feet long. Try waving a 6 foot 10 pound stick constantly while hiking a rough trail with your wife behind you laughing.

Given a choice I opted one day for water falls. The brochure mentioned a quarter-mile trail to the falls. Just the right distance for me to hike. Not mentioned were the hundreds of stairs next to the falls.

From the top of the falls

Our temp vacation is ending, so time to head back to Siesta Key to resume our permanent vacation.