Hike Info Page
DO  NOT  CONTACT  THE  CHURCH   OFFICE 
TO  SIGN  UP  FOR  THIS EVENT NOR  FOR  INFORMATION

CONTACT  THE  EVENT PLANNER  DIRECTLY
Data Updated: Tuesday, May 14, 2013 8:24:45 AM
Trip Status: Confirmed
Special Notes: This trip goes rain or shine. See below for current conditions

We will be meeting at the covered shelter (#1) unless the weather is stormy and not safe to be outside.

Please check the hour by hour forecast at the link below or listen to your weather radio.

Feel free to try calling Jeremy's cell phone at 770-861-8175 on Saturday morning to confirm current conditions at Vogel. Or call the park office.

Hope to see you all there.

Jeremy
Trip: Vogel State Park - Hike Group Picnic
Date: Saturday, August 3th, 2013
Trip Host: Jeremy Landers
Location: Vogel State Park,

Blairsville, GA.
Cost: Carry cash for fuel sharing, park entry fee ($5.00) & cash to share the picnic shelter rental cost. The rental cost will be divided among those who come. Approx. $3ea.
Difficulty: Easy & Moderate. No hiking required!
Departs From: Meeting at Park (10 AM Picnic Shelter available for our use. Come when you can leave when you must.)
Departure Time:
Meals: Bring your own meat for the grill, drinks (sorry no alcohol) and a side dish to share. A fire will be provided at 1pm.

If you wish to cook at a time other than 1pm you are welcome to do so, however you will need to bring your own charcoal, grilling utensils, etc...
Transportation: POV's carpooling, or drive on own. If you need transportation contact Jeremy Landers no later than July 18th and we will try to arrange transportation for you, you can also post an email to the hike group email list.

(Always be prepared to drive your own vehicle if necessary. If you carpool, fuel costs should be shared.)

Schedule:
Friday
(For those spending Friday night at Vogel)

Both Friday hikes depart from the Vogel Visitors Center at the stated time. Both trips require advance reservations with Jeremy.
3:00 PM Short easy hike within Vogel State Park.
8:30 PM Night hike around Trahlyta Lake (1hr. Easy) (time approximate)
Saturday
10:00 AM Picnic Shelter & kayaks available for our use.

Enjoy Vogel on your own!
1:00 PM Charcoal grill ready to cook lunch. MAIN EVENT of day
(Charcoal Provided)

Enjoy Vogel on your own!
4:00 PM Optional grill on your own!
5:00 PM Shelter Clean up.
Dark Shelter Closes
8:00 PM Concert at Lake
9:00 PM Campfire Fellowship, location TBA
10:00 PM Park Quite Time Begins

PLEASE REMEMBER:  Time lines are provided as projections and you may move in and out of the schedule as needed, but please let the hike planner known your intentions.  Things may move faster or slower than our projections due to many variables.  This hike will go rain or shine and will only be canceled for weather conditions which would be a safety hazard to the participants.  This is summertime please remember to carry plenty of water. Don't forget your bug spray!

Schedule Subject to change. Allow time for the trip to take longer.

What To Bring: Meat for the grill for yourself
Side Dish To Share
Beverage of choice (No Alcohol)
Chair
Bug Spray
Sunscreen
Bathing Suit
Bike
Kayak
Canoe
Water Shoes
Yard Games
Charcoal (if you wish to cook at a time other than 1pm)
Handi Wipes
Book
Walking Shoes or Boots
Life Jacket
Cash
Walking Stick


We will have several "spare" chairs for those who don't have one.
What Is Provided: 1 Large cooler of ice to share
Plates
Cups
Napkins
Plasticware
Charcoal for grilling at 1pm
Picnic Tables
Picnic Shelter
Grilling Utinsils
Jeremy will have two sit on top kayaks for our use
Lifejackets for use with kayaks: 2 small, 2 med, 2 large)
Spare Chairs (5)
Notes: Greetings Fellow Hikers, & Those Who Love The Outdoors
 
A Day In The Park
 
The annual Hike Group Picnic at Vogel Sate Park. is not far away This year we will be gathering on the 3rd of August and will be at Shelter #1 alongside Vogel's wolf creek. If you have joined us before you will remember this as being the "best" picnic spot at Vogel"

Vogel is also a great spot to pitch your tent or park your RV. Come up on Thursday or Friday and spend the weekend. Vogel also has cabins.

If you’ve been saying “I want to take part but I can’t hike much”, this is the event for you as well as those of us “die hard” hikers. Vogel the second oldest and one of the most popular state parks in Georgia is located on Blood Mountain not far from the Appalachian Trail.
 
Vogel has many offerings to choose from.

Hike one of Vogel’s many trails ranging from the 1 mile Trahlyta lake trail , to the 4 mile Bear Hair Gap trail, up to the 12 mile Coosa Back Country trail,

Not up for hiking just take a stroll along the paved park road up to the campground which follows Wolf Creek.

Bring a canoe or kayak (Jeremy will bring two sit on top Kayaks, and a canoe) and do some paddling in lake Trahlyta (no motors),

Bike on the bike trail or park roads,

Bring your tent, or park your RV and make a weekend of it camping,

Prefer a bed? Rent one of Vogel’s many cabins,

Mini golf, horseshoes, volley ball, softball, paddle boats, swim, build a sand castle or relax on the beach, & more.

Just want to eat, sit and enjoy each others company? That’s fine too!

 
What do I do to take part.
 
1. Make a reservation for the picnic with Jeremy by Sunday July 28 at jlanders@gracechurchgainesville.org or 770-861-8175 (cell). If you will not know until Saturday, sign up as a maybe or come anyway. It's just helpful to know how many are coming and who to watch for.

To make a reservation for the bus please contact the church office.

2. Bring a meat for the grill for yourself and those in your party

3. Bring drinks for your party (Sorry NO Alcohol allowed in public areas of the park)

4. Bring a side dish to share (Let Jeremy know what you will be bringing so we don’t all bring the same thing.)

5. Bring cash for the park entry fee $5, and a couple dollars to help cover the cost of the pavilion rental fee and supplies, approx. $3. We’ll know how much once we know how many people are coming.

6. Don’t forget your folding chairs! A few tongs for the grill would be great if you have them.
 
Jeremy will provide Charcoal for lunch. If you wish to cook supper at Vogel as well you will need to provide charcoal.
 
The church will provide a cooler of ice, plates, cups, napkins, & plastic ware, etc.
 
Schedule
Day begins at 10AM
Charcoal Grill will be ready to cook lunch about 1:00PM
Stay as long as you wish
 
 Hope to see you there.
 
 

===============================================
Walk at your own pace!  Try to walk with someone when possible and try to stay in sight or sound of the main group which means the lead hikers may need to slow or stop to let the rear hikers catch up. This is a good reason to carry a whistle on you at all times. Lead hikers should stop at all trail intersections to let everyone gather before moving forward.

If you need a potty break while on the trail, just let someone know you are leaving the trail for a few moments and have that person wait nearby until you return. If you should feel ill or become weak while hiking, let Jeremy or Marsha know immediately. Do not push yourself forward on the trail under adverse conditions. One of us will work with you to maintain your safety. If you have any medical concerns that need to be known, be certain a hiking partner or Jeremy/Marsha know about any issues that could require immediate attention.

Carpoolers should share the cost of fuel when returning to their base location.

If you have any questions regarding the logistics for this hike, please contact Jeremy Landers. If you are signing up to hike or have transportation issues, contact Jeremy Landers.  More info on our hiking plans can be found at:  www.LandersStudions.com/gechike

PLEASE - DO NOT CONTACT THE CHURCH OFFICE REGARDING THE HIKES. THE CHURCH OFFICE DOES NOT HANDLE OUR PLANS NOR ROSTER FOR THIS ACTIVITY. CONTACT JEREMY OR MARSHA DIRECTLY.


HIKE  AT  YOUR  OWN  PACE - BUT  HIKE  WITH  A  PARTNER  OR IN  SIGHT  OR  SOUND  OF  YOUR  GROUP  FOR  SAFETY.

Side Dish Items Already Signed Up:

(Optional Hiking)

Trail
Length & Description:
Hike one of Vogel's many trails, sit, visit, and relax at the picnic, bring a bike, canoe or kayak it's up to you! See below for more details.

Byron Herbert Reece Nature Trail
0.8 Mile Partial Loop, Easy 1hr
Trahlyta Lake Trail
1.0 Mile Easy Walk, 1hr
Bear Hair Gap Trail
4.1 Mile Moderate, Loop, 4 hours
(with nice view overlooking Vogel)
Coosa Backcountry Trail
12.9 Miles Partial Loop, Strenuous, Permit Required 9 Hours Min.


For More Trail Info Click Here

Trail Map Brochure (PDF)
Blaze: See Brochure
Links & Ref. For more information on Vogel State Park and to make campsite or cabin* reservations visit.
www.georgiastateparks.org/info/vogel

*Note: In June & July 2 night cabin reservations can only be made by calling 1-800-864-7275 (Monday-Friday, 8AM-8PM; Saturday-Sunday, 9AM-5PM EST).
A week minimum for cabin rentals is in effect for June & July. However 30 days out if a cabin is not reserved you can reserve it by phone for the regular two night minimum.
 
Vogel Trail Descriptions: http://www.georgiastateparks.org/net/content/page.aspx?s=147843.0.1.5


Camp Recipes From georgiastateparks.org
Photos
Map Vogel State Park Map http://www.georgiastateparks.org/content/georgia/parks/maps/Vogel-sitemap.pdf
 
Vogel Trail Map http://www.georgiastateparks.org/content/Georgia/parks/trail_maps/Vogel_map.pdf
Directions: Directions
We will be located at Picnic Shelter #1 located next to the visitor's center.
 
From Gainesville,
Take Hwy 129 north to Cleveland,
From Cleveland go up over Blood Mountain and down the other side to the park entrance.
Reservations: Yes, Make Reservation with Jeremy /
770-861-8175 or Click Here To Email
Deadline to Sign Up: Sunday July 28, 2013

Let Jeremy know what side dish you are bringing so we can try not to over duplicate things too much. If you will not know unitl Saturday come anyway. It's just helpful to know how many are coming and who to watch for.

If you will not know until Friday or Saturday as to whether you can come or not. Let Jeremy know you are a "Maybe" so he can pack enough supplies.

If your plans change & you can come at the last moment please come on up whether you have made a reservation or not. If coming up without a reservation please bring plates, cups, plasticware etc. for the people in your group as we will have packed for the number expected.


This is a family friendly event and children of all ages are welcome at this event. Parents are responsible for watching your children. Please see our policy below regarding persons under 18 years of age.

*Special Notice Regarding Hikers Under 18 Years of Age!


Post Trip Review:
Preserve Georgia State Parks


*Special Notice Regarding Hikers Under 18 Years of Age!


Please take a moment to read the Participation Guidlines prior to hiking with the Grace Church Hike Group.

Additional Info For All Hikes
Information provided by Marsha Conner

ICE  INFO
(In Case Of Emergency)

We are now carrying ICE forms with us for safety. The hike planner will
be responsible for being sure these cards are on the trail.  A form in a
sealed yellow envelope with critical contact and medical data on each
hiker will be available in case of emergencies.  You are required to fill
out the emergency contact information however the medical information
is optional, should an emergency arise, this data would go with you for
medical treatment and provide contact information for your relatives
and medical information at the ER that should be known.  Many of us have
ICE phone numbers in our cell phones, but our cell phones may not work
in some wilderness areas.

WHAT  TO  CARRY
You should be self-sufficient on the trail. Do not plan to borrow items you
do not have from people hiking with you. They may not have what you need
or they may need it for themselves. Carefully look over the trail description and
map before going, ask questions, and make sure that you are physically able to
handle the terrain, the temperatures, the possible wetness, and the other
interesting things that might happen to us while on the trail! As always we
set our hiking pace to accomadate everyone. So don't think you'll be too slow.
Jeremy & Marsha are always willing to help you to be trail ready.

1.  Daypack
2.  Water/Fluid Supplies
3.  Food/Snack Supplies
4.  Cash and Photo ID (ID should be on your person at all times)
5.  Other Outdoor Supplies
6. 4 AA Batteries to use in our walkie talkies.

1.  Packs:
a.  Plan and pack for medical emergencies including
     blisters, bug bites, allergies, cuts, etc.
b.  At least one snake bite kit (Sawyer style) should be
     with the group (sold in most sporting goods depts).
c.  Weather change needs such as poncho, emergency
     blanket, cap, gloves, wind jacket, etc.
d.  Cell phone (in case it might work) and other
     items important to you for personal safety or comfort

2.  Water/Fluid Supplies
a.  Plan on carrying a cooler in your vehicle with ice to keep
food and fluids cold throughout the trip
b.  Carry enough fluid with you for the designated trail hike
c.  Do  Not  Drink  Water  From  Streams - most mountain
    water is no longer safe to drink as they may contain
    protozoan imps and make you very sick

3.  Food/Snack Supplies
a.  Short hikes may only require a light snack
     on the trail (1-2 miles) - plan accordingly
b.  Longer hikes usually require a moderate
     snack on the trail (3-4 miles) - plan accordingly
c.  Remember that your appetite is enhanced by
    being outdoors and doing physical activity

4.  Cash and ID
a.  Carry bills in different increments especially "ones"
     for park entrance fees and incidentals - each
     person is responsible for their own fees and should
     share any group cost for parking and fuel
b. The cost of fule is to be shared between driver and
passengers.
c.  For your safety, have your ID with you on the trail at
all times.
d.  Do not leave valuables in your parked car which you
    cannot afford to have stolen!

5.  Other Outdoor Supplies
a.  Camera, Flash Card(s) or film
b.  Binoculars
c.  Sun hat
d.  Knife and compass
e.  Extra socks if prone to blisters
f.  Bug spray
g.  Sting relief especially if you are
     allergic to insect stings
h.  Hiking pole or sticks
i.   Sweat towel and/or bandana
j. Large Pepper Spray (for animal attacks and personal protection)


6. Hunting Season
Remember your Blaze Orange During Hunting Seasons.

UPON RETURNING HOME

1.  Critical - Shower and check your body - CAREFULLY -
     for ticks (if a tick has attached itself to your skin, do
     not crush its body while removing it, but lift it away
     from your skin and pull out by the legs - treat the area
     properly and watch for any redness - if redness appears
     seek medical attention promptly)

2.  Clean and treat any wounded areas of your body -
     use ice for first 24-48 hours on joint/muscle injuries
     and heat as swelling subsides

3.  Consider keeping a log of your hiking experiences and
     write your story in a journal while memories are fresh

4.  Develop pictures and share copies with your hikers

GENERAL  GUIDELINES  TO  REMEMBER

1.  Leave pets at home if hiking with a group. More Info

2.  Keep groups on the trail to no more than 4-6 together

3.  Walk single file in the middle of the trail

4.  Step to the side of the trail as you go downhill
     to allow hikers going uphill to have the right of way

5.  Do not wade with your boots on unless necessary
     Wet socks and shoes can create immediate blisters

6.  Swift water can cause you to lose your footing in
     6-12 inches of water so do not be fooled that you
     can wade without danger across a stream

7.  Snakebites are a critical concern to hikers
     THINK before putting your hands and feet anywhere
     that might be a place of hiding for a snake:
     a.  Step on the top of logs - not over them
     b.  Use your hiking pole to check on the backside
          of logs and rocks before sitting down
     c.  Stay on the trail where visibility is better

8.  Read the many different theories on protection
     from bears and other wildlife - bears are most
     aggressive when protecting their cubs and stay
     near water and food sources frequently - bears
     do not "growl" but will make a "grunting" noise
     to let you know they see you when you may not
     see them - stop, back away slowly, and move
     back down the trail without hesitation - do not
     mistake a "grunting" noise for random woods noise
     on a trail as it may only be made one time to give
     you one chance to back away. Carry a large pepper spray.

9.  Let members of your hiking group know your intentions
    in case you decide to return to the parking lot or leave
     for the day. 

10. Remember that the GEC Open Hike each month will
     have a mixed skill level and cooperation as a team is needed.
     The monthly planner has volunteered to set up the hike
      and there may be slight differences with each hike.
      There is room for both the scenic hiker and the extreme
      hiker with good communication and proper planning.

More information on Hiker Safety can be found at the following websites.
Georgia State Park Safe Hiking Tips

http://www.redcross.org/services/hss/tips/hiking.html


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