It was such a beautiful day here yesterday. There was no way to stay inside. The temperature was in the high 60′s—almost 70 degrees, and everyone “out and about” was wearing tee shirts and definitely no sweaters. The above photo was taken at Watson’s Mill Bridge State Park, which is located near Athens. Four paws from the dogs on this trail even though it was short and had lots of tree roots. Chipley slipped on the rocks so be careful. When they are wet, they are like ice.

Watson’s Bridge is billed as one of the most picturesque state parks in Georgia, and this is probably correct. It contains the “longest covered bridge in the state, spanning 229 feet across the South Fork River.” The bridge was constructed in 1885 by Washington (W.W.) King, who was the son of freed slave and famous covered-bridge builder, Horace King. The bridge is supported by a town lattice truss system held firmly together with wooden pins. At one time, Georgia had more than 200 covered bridges but today, less than 20 remain.

The mill location was on the opposite side from where I was standing. There are several hiking trails and lots of places to picnic or just sit out in the sun and talk with family and friends.

This rope ladder is a part of an ultimate agility course, and Cocoa was up for the challenge. I’m sure in part because she knows no fear. Why? She took agility classes from Sandy and Xalina at Dog School 101. I’m not kidding I had to hold her back and tell her, “No, you can’t cross the creek on a rope ladder!” She was actually going to try, but finally she stopped when I asked her: “Where will you put your paws and how will you hold on if you should fall?” Just a couple of minor things like that.

Years ago while I was in San Juan, Puerto Rico, I saw a poster titled: The Doors of Old San Juan. I can’t explain the connection (I probably shouldn’t try), but for some reason every time I see local farm gates, I want to create a really cool poster titled: The Farm Gates of Stephens County. Go Figure. As for now, my collection is growing.

I hate losing things just as badly as I hate leaving things behind and having to move on without them. Once I was with a friend, who lost an SD card for her camera. Because we had to drive back to Atlanta, she had to move on without it. That had to be really hard. Photos can’t “simply” be retaken. It didn’t seem fair. I always wonder what happens to the lost things. Are they ever found and returned to their owners or just tossed in the the garbage? This past weekend while visiting Amicacola Falls, I noticed that people had found several lost things and had grouped them together, I guess, so they could be easily found. I can’t say that if I was the owner of the hat in the above photo, I would miss it. But I bet the mate to the glove feels really lonely.

Here’s a photo (snap shot) of Amicacola Falls. It’s very hard to photograph because of the winter light. Still, it is a really beautiful place with a wonderful lodge at the top of the falls.

I thought this was an interesting photo mainly because the pathway is in the shadows while most of the slightly frozen pond at the bottom of Amicacola Falls is covered by the light of the setting sun. Finally, the days are getting longer here.