Blood and Yonah

I was able to cross two big hikes off my hiking bucket list this year (and lots of smaller ones).  I could absolutely not have done these a year ago.  Mount Yonah and Blood Mountain are two of the more famous and challenging hikes in North Georgia.  Of course, no matter how challenging any hike is...you will be passed by an 80-year-old grandma and several teens in crocks looking at their phones.  

Views are never guaranteed but always appreciated.  

 A new hiking partner for this one

 At the top of Yonah

At the top of Blood Mountain and I was so proud

We had snowflakes.  

We were all smiles at the beginning.  No so much 8 miles and about 100 blow-downs/water crossings later.

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Helen

My high school friend and I enjoyed a short girl's trip in No Ga.  I got to do all the touristy things No Ga has to offer (not much).  However, knowing the absolute vitriol some people up here have for tourists...I'll admit I may not have been totally into it.  But Helen, GA is all about tourism. Fun Fact Helen was a dying town with a sock factory, when they got the great idea to put "German" style facades on all the buildings and create a Tourist Trap Spot and it worked big time.  

Whoops, so much for our waterfall hike

You can't spend an afternoon in Helen without beer and pretzels overlooking the river.