In the two weeks prior to this hike I was sick with flu-like symptoms. After having not exercised at all during that time I attempted jogging on the morning of Thursday, September 30. Since I passed that test I decided to up the ante by embarking on this two-night 30-mile out-and-back trip later that day using the ready to go backpack that I had packed nearly two weeks prior (then canceled due to heavy rain). All I had to do was replenish the food supply.
Fortunately my path was already planned out from two weeks ago - I left the car at Warwoman Dell and started hiking North on the Bartram Trail in Rabun County, GA just after 5:00pm.
There is a day-use shelter at Warwoman Dell that appeared to have some tree damage. I am just glad that this time it wasn't one of the roofs on one of my rental houses.
I had no idea that there was a proposed railroad in these mountains.
Immediately after the parking area the trail crosses Warwoman Road. This sign is next to the road.
Once I started hiking I felt great. My cough disappeared and I had the same amount of energy as a typical hike.
The Bartram Trail is marked with yellow blazes. They are actually pieces of plastic nailed to the trees. Side trails are indicated with green blazes.
A couple of miles in there is a scenic waterfall with a bridge and photo platform.
A shot of the waterfall from the bridge.
At approximately 3.5 miles there is a ~1/2-mile side trail that climbs steeply to Pinnacle Knob. I chose to hike to the top and spend the night. Just before dark I was able to throw down my sleeping back, eat some tuna with crackers, and make some contacts using the 2m/70cm ham radio bands.
After briefly speaking with my buddy David Gottschalk on his Rabun County N4TS 2m repeater, my first radio battery unexpectedly died which forced my to use my only backup battery.
My sleeping bag atop Pinnacle Knob. I used the rock as a makeshift elevated pillow.
The following morning David told me that he had the day off, so he could meet me for a day hike at Courthouse Gap less than a mile down the trail from Pinnacle Knob, and that he would loan me his Kenwood TH-K2 2-meter radio along with four fully charged batteries. That sounded pretty enticing to me.
I departed Pinnacle Knob on Friday morning just after 8:30, but before I left I shot a couple of photos.
Shortly down the trail at Courthouse Gap I met David. We visited for the better part of an hour and then resumed hiking together North on the Bartram Trail. We hiked for a few miles, then stopped for a rest and some food. David gave me the Kenwood radio and batteries, and then he started hiking back South to his vehicle while I resumed hiking North toward Rabun Bald. We were able to stay in contact with 2m simplex for a mile or two.
The hike to Rabun Bald from the point where David and I diverged was strenuous. The first part was miles of low elevation where I could hear radio communication but not respond to it. The next part consisted of several miles of climbing for what seemed like forever. I was not able to reliably talk on the N4TS repeater until I was near the top of Rabun Bald. This photo was shot at 2:45pm on the way up. The dark clouds contrasted with the mountains and sky.
I reached the watchtower at Rabun Bald at 4:15. The dogs and I were tired, so I decided that this would be my second-night campsite. With great weather, plenty of daylight, and two working ham radios I was able to rest and talk with some hams including David and Clayton, W4CMB.
There is a 360° view from atop the tower at Rabun Bald, the second highest peak in Georgia.
The dogs didn't waste any time falling asleep.
I took off my sweat-drenched shirt, set up the foldable J-pole antenna that David gave me a couple of years prior, and commenced making contacts. Looking at this photo I realize I could probably stand to lose a few pounds.
The few hours I played with the radios flew by. Originally I planned to set up camp atop the tower platform, but once it cooled down and I saw Millie begin to shiver I changed my mind and instead threw down my sleeping bag at the base of the tower.
That evening I talked on the radio for awhile, and then fell asleep.
On Saturday morning at around 6:00 I was awakened by a slight drizzle, so I decided to immediately pack up my backpack and started hiking.
I started hiking in the dark through a cloud using my headlight. This photo was shot at 6:45 just below the base of the Rabun Bald tower.
Another sign I passed by fifteen minutes later at 7:00.
Once there was light it was a beautiful day. My plan was to return to the car on Saturday Afternoon.
The sign at Courthouse Gap - where David met mt the previous day - indicating that there was only 3.7 miles to the car.
Another view of Courthouse Gap.
The sign indicating the side trail to Pinnacle Knob.
Passing the waterfall from Thursday evening.
David's Kenwood TH-K2 radio. I only used 1.5 of the 4 batteries. Once I returned home I bought two extra batteries for my Icom IC-T90A. Hopefully this will give me enough battery power for future hikes. We'll see.
Back to the car at 2:15pm on Saturday. On the way home I stopped by David's house to drop off the radio and visit for a few minutes.
A random photo on the way home.
Millie sleeping on the passenger seat on the trip home.
Trail Map
