Recently I spent a Saturday hiking a wonderful little section of the Benton McKaye Trail. The trail itself traverses across most of extreme north Georgia for over 200 miles. It is named in honour of the founder of the Appalachian Trail. The effort for the day was modest, being a 4-mile-slice leading up a nameless mount and then down a relatively steep grade to the Toccoa River. Crossing the river and the gourge, at that point, is a 270 foot swinging bridge.

Joining me was a friend from church, Clay, and his buddy from work, Roquesh. I really like Clay, especially because his wife is a professional cake and dessert maker. She has known for some time that I am quite happy to help her dispose of overruns of cookies and wedding cakes. Roquesh is from India and devoted to his Hindu faith. We had some interesting conversations about Jesus and Krishna, heaven and reincarnation, motels and 7-11's. He was good natured and it was fun. I found it interesting that Roquesh met his wife on a social networking site called match.com. She is from Indian descent, and a Hindu, from Zambia. I asked if her dad owns a motel there? Fortunately, he smiled and continued the conversation.

Here's some photos along the trail and bridge.

Clay and myself. He loaned me a hiking pole, and I'm sure there is a proper name for the tool, and it truly make things easier.


Here's the bridge as we first approach. It does swing a bit, and the precipice is about 200 feet. Apparently down below and along the river is a favourite camping place for those of, shall I say, a unique part of our society. They were nice enough, and the smoke wafting nearby smelled a tad sweet.


Bridge from below.

Clay and Roquesh tiptoed across logs to explore the rivers edge. I kept the camera rolling, hoping to catch one or both as they plunged into the water. I was disappointed.

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posted by: squirrelzone (reply)
post date: 08.21.07 (11:05 am)

Beautiful, absolutely stunning. I've been stationed in Georgia twice. Once at Fort Benning and the other Fort Gordon. A beautiful state with beautiful women.

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posted by: bawdy (reply)
post date: 08.21.07 (11:53 am)

I'm surprised they didn't end up tossing you from the bridge.

Nice scenery..looks like a wonderful place to spend a day.

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posted by: mimi (reply)
post date: 08.21.07 (4:14 pm)

i love that stuff! thanks for an excellent story! the pictures are wonderful!
xoxox

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posted by: surrogate (reply)
post date: 08.21.07 (4:26 pm)

Looks like a great time. Gorgeous area. I've been onswinging bridges before, but never one anywhere near that long. Was it bouncy to walk on?

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posted by: auntconi (reply)
post date: 08.21.07 (5:05 pm)

Neat - story and photos - i also wonder about the swinging of the bridge as you crossed it. Did you cross one at a time, or all three at oncce.

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posted by: auntconi (reply)
post date: 08.21.07 (5:10 pm)

oops - i see where you stated that the bridge does swing a bit - i believe my heart would be in my throat the whole time - what am i saying - i doubt i could even do it at all.

you are brave - i am chicken - period

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posted by: PastorDave (reply)
post date: 08.21.07 (6:08 pm)

Reply to: squirrelzone
Well, I agree it is a beautiful state. My beautiful wife comes from California. Lompoc.

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posted by: PastorDave (reply)
post date: 08.21.07 (6:10 pm)

Reply to: bawdy
Tossing me from the bridge? The signs said to respect the fauna and wildlife. Tossing me from the bridge would have been poor treatment of the environment.

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posted by: PastorDave (reply)
post date: 08.21.07 (6:11 pm)

Reply to: mimi
So, any good hiking trails down your way? Get your boots on, I'm coming your way.

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posted by: PastorDave (reply)
post date: 08.21.07 (6:15 pm)

Reply to: surrogate
It is billed as a swinging bridge. As you can probably tell, it is a suspension bridge. And it is a notable accomplishment, being several miles and hills from the nearest road. It is supposed to be the longest such bridge east of the Mississippi. That's a well-worn phrase: "the longest/largest/deepest ______________ East of the Mississippi." You fill in the blank. Hold on. Knowing your sense of humour, don't complete that sentence on my blog.

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posted by: PastorDave (reply)
post date: 08.21.07 (6:18 pm)

Reply to: auntconi
I remember a rickety swinging bridge at Rock City, outside of Chattanooga. It's a tourist trap. But, the bridge connects two huge boulders, each the size of giant house. The precipice below the boulders is probably a thousand feet. I walked across it, and it was a scary experience. Now, I would like to see you take that little walk.

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posted by: auntconi (reply)
post date: 08.21.07 (7:12 pm)

Reply to: PastorDave ~ Chattanooga TN Rock City - been there - saw that one - said NO WAY!!!

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posted by: fractalmom (reply)
post date: 08.21.07 (7:19 pm)

wow, sounds like a GREAT day PD. I think occasionally of doing something like that with the girls, but I never actually go and do it. sigh. it just seems to much to try to fit it in between karate and school and everything else. maybe i will have to make time.

your day sounded like alot of fun, good conversations, exercise and beauty.

i'm jealous

D

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