Oh Peach State, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways—mountains, swamps, beaches, rivers, pinelands, farms, waterfalls, museums, gardens, rich history, beautiful people. The list goes on and on. You hold so many special places and experiences within your boundaries.
I know I left. I’m sorry. It was time. We spent over two decades together—living life and weathering its ups and downs, raising two boys, hiking, exploring, geocaching, adventuring, motorcycling.
The view over Lake Chatuge from Georgia’s highest point, Brasstown Bald.
I was young when I moved there. Fresh out of college. Yet you’ve always known I longed for the solitude and vastness of the West. But you, my dear Georgia, you will always hold a special place in my life and memories. We have a deep and lasting emotional connection. And even now you still hold my best friends and my sons in your bosom.
I hope you know leaving was no easy task. That leaving doesn’t diminish what was. It’s necessary to weave a new tapestry for myself now. And I’m not leaving for good really. You know I return often to your lush landscape to embrace the people I hold dear.
Our years together have been amazing. I’ve criss-crossed you in the name of exploration and experience, most of the time with my beloved Fred, George, and Disapproving Beagle in tow. I’ve spent countless hours reveling in your state and national parks. My sons have blossomed in our time exploring there together, their education enriched by what you offer.
Your geology provides the framework for varying landscapes across the state. From the piedmont that forms the foothills of the Appalachians to the barrier islands on the coast, you offer endless possibilities for vastly different adventures:
Fred and George trying their hands at fencing at the Georgia Renaissance Festival. (Fairburn)Geocaching adventures with Fred and George have taken us all over the state. (Skidaway Island State Park)The Disapproving Beagle has explored almost as much of Georgia as I have. With the Chattahoochee River practically out the back door of my Georgia outpost, adventure is always just around the corner. (Old Roswell Mill/Vickery Creek)Georgia’s state park system includes gems like the waterfalls of Sitton’s Gulch. (Cloudland Canyon)An urban nature oasis… Old Fourth Ward.One of my very favorite Georgia trails is the approach to the Len Foote Hike Inn. (Amicalola Falls)Georgia is home to Going Caching, one of the best geocaching events around.Paddling in the Okefenokee Swamp. (Fargo)Georgia is home to magical gardens like the Atlanta Botanical Garden (Atlanta), Gibbs Gardens (Ball Ground), the State Botanical Garden of Georgia (Athens), and Callaway Gardens (Pine Mountain).Geocaching at Cockspur Island near Tybee Island. (Fort Pulaski National Monument)Nature and history meet at Fort King George Historic Site. (Darien)Georgia’s state parks offer well-appointed developed campsites that make family camping easy and fun.Hands-on experience learning about the history of gold mining in Georgia. (Consolidated Gold Mine, Dahlonega)The Dungeness Ruins of Cumberland Island National Seashore. (St. Marys)I can’t begin to tell you how much time we’ve spent on Atlanta’s pet rock. (Stone Mountain)From mountains to swamps, there’s no shortage of adventures to be had in Georgia. (George L. Smith State Park)Georgia’s opportunities for experiential education are a goldmine for homeschoolers. (Jimmy Carter National Historic Site)Fred and George have hiked more miles in Georgia than they likely remember. Georgia offers trails suitable for all ages and ability levels. (Chattahoochee Nature Center)A hiker and backpacker paradise, the Appalachian Trail begins in the north Georgia mountains.One of my favorite Georgia pasttimes? Riding out in search of fabulous barbecue. (Amos’ BBQ, Ball Ground)
A handful of images to summarize over two decades of adventures. They don’t quite do the Peach State justice but I do feel I’ve done Georgia justice in discovering what it has to offer. I hope you find it as exciting as I have. Happy adventuring!
Anyone who follows the adventures of Camp Granola knows we’re nuts for geocaching, even going so far as to drive across the country to geocache the E.T. Highway.
It’s always a thrill to meet Signal, the Groundspeak mascot.
Sometimes I sound like a broken record, always talking about the benefits of using geocaching to explore the world around us. Aside from the intriguing places this sport takes us though, it’s also a wonderful community of people to be a part of… especially when hundreds of us get together for what’s known as a mega-event.
The most famous geocaching mega-event is probably GeoWoodstock but we’re partial to Georgia’s Going Caching event that happens each fall. For the past two years the event has been held at the wonderful Skidaway Island State Park near Savannah. For those events, hundreds of geocachers descended upon Georgia’s coast to embrace a weekend of pirate-themed geocaching madness including activities such as a pirate talent show, a nighttime pirate booty treasure hunt, a screening of Pirates of the Caribbean… and of course, pirate-themed geocaches.
But the good folks of Going Caching are mixing it up this year with a History and Mystery theme that will be taking place at FDR State Park near Columbus, GA.
Fred getting his fortune told at the 2012 event.
What to expect…
Chow time at Going Caching 2012.
To be obvious, lots of great geocaching: Over 100 new geocaches will be hidden in honor of the event and there are event-only challenges to be had as well.
Food: Joining your fellow geocachers for meals is optional but highly recommended. It’s a great time to meet everyone while they’re not rabidly chasing caches and tackling challenges.
Activities: GPS accuracy contest, vendor booths, kid’s adventures, geocoin and pathtag trading events, and a flash mob, just to name a few.
New friends and community: Throughout the event, you’ll meet friendly faces of the geocaching community. Trust me, they’re a welcoming and charming bunch, ready to embrace geocachers of all levels so don’t be shy even if you’re new.
Raffles, prizes, and silent auctions: These will be held throughout the event and there are many opportunities to win.
Volunteer Opportunity: One of my favorite parts of geocaching are CITO events. It stands for “Cache In Trash Out” and again this year a CITO event has been arranged in conjunction with the mega-event.
More info…
Even our disapproving beagle loves Going Caching events.
The event itself is technically only Saturday, October 19th but associated events will be taking place from Thursday (October 17th) through Sunday (October 20th).
Be sure to get your swag items early since they can sometimes go quickly… plus the online store closes Sept. 19 for all event and meal tickets. Don’t wait!
For added fun and getting to know fellow geocachers, order Cache Cards that are part trading cards and part game pieces. (Hurry! Deadline is August 31st.)
Because of the popularity of this event, the campground at FDR State Park is already sold out for the weekend. There are other nearby lodging options though including camping and cabins at Pine Mountain, the Mountain Creek Inn at Callaway Gardens, and Meriwether Country Inn. (Mention the Going Caching event when you make your reservation at either hotel for the event discount.)
For more info on the event, the location, and geocaching in general:
