We’ve had about 1-1/8″ rain over the past several days at our place. Some parts of the county probably got more, as we are in a fairly dry place, about two miles southeast of Mineral Bluff. But part of the rain was a thunderstorm that “backed in” from North Carolina and didn’t seem to get much further west than our place. It looks like more rain in the forecast, so I hope that this mitigates the dry summer we’ve been having so far.
Our woods looks saturated, and the moss looks especially happy. I’ve heard the Yellow Billed Cuckoo calling here and there, and the katydids have been singing at night for over a week now. Just for fun, here’s a not so great photo of a toad that I snapped on the way to work this morning. American, not Fowler’s. At least I think. I can’t tell them apart without the book in my hand, unless they happen to call.
The Benton McKaye folks are sponsoring a hike of the Flat Creek Loop off Aska Road on July 14th (Thursday). Hike: Flat Creek Loop: This shaded, moderate hike is part of the Aska Adventure Area off of Aska Road just 2 miles outside Blue Ridge, GA. Hike on a moderate 6.2 mile hike and bike trail. Bring plenty of water and a snack. for meet-up and start time. Afterward, join us us for some of the best pizza or Greek Salad in Blueridge at Blue Jeans. The hike is hosted by the Benton MacKaye Trail Association and is welcome to everyone. PLEASE CALL OR EMAIL HIKE LEADER TO CONFIRM ATTENDANCE AND BE AWARE OF ANY LAST MINUTE HIKE CHANGES. Contact hike leader Ken Cissna – kcissna@usf.edu, 706-636-1741.
The Georgia Mountain Fair is on Juy 15-23. If you haven’t been, it’s well worth exploring. The exhibit halls alone are amazing, and the musical offerings this time are strong. The include Asleep at the Wheel, Bellamy Brothers, Gibson Brothers (excellent bluegrass outfit), Bluegrass Day (Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Grascals, Little Roy & Lizzy), Shenandoah, The Association, and Jim Wood and the Georgia Mountain Fair Band.
Here’s a link to the schedule:
http://www.georgiamountainfairgrounds.com/events/georgia-mountain-fair#schedule
It’s been an especially good year for the Fannin County Follies. First, there’s been the traditional smoke and mirrors on the library. Now, along with all the revelations about how the SPLOST funds are sometimes used and what’s going on at the road department, we have a wonderful freedom of press issue rolling. Don’t want to get litigated, so here’s a link from the Chattanooga Times Free Press that explains to all fairly well.
Enjoy!