Almost Emergency On National Trail Day

This weekend I was suppose to be in the woods in Southwest Virginia on High Knob for three-days of camping and hiking with the Clinch Coalition. I have been trying to do this hike for three years and I again didn't get to go as the weather caused the cancellation of the hike (I hope we are going to reschedule). So, after three-days in Atlanta I decided to take it a little easy Saturday, but I still wanted to do something for National Trail Day. It is on the first Saturday in June and I at least wanted to do a hike so since Deb wanted to go to her Mom's we decided to do a short outing on the Takoma Creation Health Nature Trail.

Last year's Clinch Coaltion hike (sans me).

Because I didn't go out I thought I would make my self feel better with an Oskar Weekend!

We first did this trail back in May and for a short trail it does have some elevation. So when we started out everything seemed to go fine. I will say it was pretty hot 90+ degrees. At some point the heat got to Deb as she started to feel dizzy on the last uphill. So when we reached the R Bench (yes it is for Rest) Deb sat down and then passed out.

At the start of the hike, those bricks were new. 

Deptford Pink.

Andrew Johnson....

...Overlook.

An old tree.

On the trail.

This was a new exit...

...across from Hal Henard Elementary....

...it is also a new entrance.

Camp Creek Bald.

Headed for the last, hot, uphill.

Deb needed one.

She has hiked the Roan Highlands and as Deb likes to say "I have hiked to the top of Blood Mountain" (three times) but it was the Takoma Nature Trail that got her. I caught Deb before she fell off the bench and hit the ground, but she was white as a sheet, so I decided to call 911. While on the phone with the dispatcher Deb came to and said she was alright, so I poured some water on a handkerchief and cooled her down.

Deb conquered Blood Mountain in 2013....

...& the Roan Highlands in 2014.

In front of the bench where she would later pass out.

Lucky for us while only minutes before it was sunny and hot it clouded up and then started to sprinkle and then rain. We waited a little longer and headed back. On the way I mentioned to Deb to be careful because it was getting slick and then it was me who slipped and almost took a gainer.  So the moral of the story stay hydrated and where the right clothes.
Anyway, that is how we spent National Trails Day...oh, Deb is fine.

Some Pictures From Our Three Days On The Road In The ATL

Deb and I went to Metro Atlanta last week for three days. Besides our doctor appointments we also ate at a number of places (chronicled here) and did some shopping at places like REI, Total Wine & More and Sprouts. I also most likely for the last time went to a Sports Authority as they are closing all of its stores soon. On the way back we got to see why the Smoky Mountains get their name. Finally, I would also like to thank Clint and Cindy for hosting us while there...big thanks! So, with that said here are some pictures.

Mt. Cammerer.

New rest area on the Smoky Mtn. Expressway (US 23).

Balsam Mountains.

Smoky Mountain Host &...

Carolina Rhododendron...

...Mountain Laurel.

Back in Georgia.

Clint & Cindy.

Rolls Royce.

Bye Sports Authority.

Had to make a stop at REI.

Sawnee Mountain.

Smoky the Bear's crazy brother.

Fried Apple Pie time.

This is why...

...there called the Smoky Mountains.

Trucks in Davenport Gap.

Back in Tennessee.

Three Days Of Eating In The ATL

I said goodbye to spring and welcomed in (unofficial) summer in the ATL (Atlanta). While there I had to eat and I went to a number of places. Some I have blogged about before, others were first timers and still some that are long overdue a place on this blog.

Deb and I headed down on Tuesday, both of our main appointments were Thursday, but Deb had one in Dawsonville that day. We moved from here last June, so when we got there we were surprised that a Culver's had opened right there in Dawsonville. For those who don't know Culver's is a mid-western hamburger chain and I made my first visit to one in November and discussed it here. I had heard that Culver's had planned to expand out of the mid-west, but I didn't expect to see one in Dawsonville and it is the only one in Georgia. What is funny is that I was going to text my friend Marty about this Culver's being in Dawsonville, because he loves places like this, but when I went to my phone he had texted me about Culver's being in Dawsonville...crazy.

There wasn't much difference between the Dawsonville location and the one in Indiana. The hamburger was good but the best part was the frozen custard. Oh, and like my Dad, Deb didn't go for the tried and true but instead got a chicken sandwich and salad (not a good move).

That evening we went to Mellow Mushroom in Kennesaw with Clint and Cindy. When I go to Mellow Mushroom I normally stick to pizza, but on this night I decided to try the calzone. I hadn't had a calzone in a long time...not since I was in Rome and that one was one of the best things I had every eaten. Let me say that I know not to compare anything I have here with what I ate in Italy, that wouldn't be fair. So, my grade is judged against Mellow Mushrooms pizza. I got the veggie one (spinach, tomatoes, mushrooms & I added ham). It was alright, but I think next time I will just go with pizza.

Since we had went somewhere I wanted for lunch on Tuesday I let Deb pick on Wednesday. It should be no surprise that Deb picked Chipotle, but not just any Chipotle, here favorite one off Windward Parkway in Alpharetta. Instead of my usual burrito I went with a trick I read about on the Internet. I ordered a bowl and get taco shells on the side. You get more food than if you just get the tacos. I got the Barbacoa, which is the shredded seasoned beef I will say that I will get it this way again. I know Deb was happy (and it was much better than Sevierville).

That night it was time for somewhere new as Cindy and Clint treated us to dinner at a restaurant in Kennesaw named Capers. Clint does maintenance work for them so they gave him a gift card and he and Cindy shared it with us. I had a lot of options, but since the place was called Capers I though I should get something with capers and I elected for the sauteed trout. It was sauteed in a pan with fresh lemon capers beurre blanc sauce and topped with fresh capers (it is called Capers). My sides were mashed sweet potatoes and creamed spinach, it was all very good but I really like the trout and mashed sweet potatoes. Clint got the other thing I was thinking about and that was the grilled lamb (which I love) and cut me off a slice and it was excellent. For dessert I got the coconut creamed pie which I enjoyed.

The final place we ate at was after our appointments on Thursday and you could say I saved the best for last and that is the Caribbean Fiesta. Located at the corner of Old Milton and Northpoint Parkways in Alpharetta I mentioned it in the blog I did on what I would miss when I left Georgia. I have to say that it is one of my favorite places...period.

I have had the jerk chicken and oxtail and both of these are outstanding, but on this day I went with my favorite the curried goat. For some this might not sound good, but trust me it is fantastic! With it I had the red beans and rice and something I always get when I come here, fried yellow plantains...yum! Unfortunately on this day they didn't have Deb and I's favorite dessert the beard pudding with rum sauce. Let me just say it is a slice of wonderful, but the girl up front said if she couldn't have that then the carrot cake was the next best option. Well, let me just say...good call. I have to say I do miss this place.

Anyway, that is a summary of our three days of eating in the ATL.