I love the paths at Fort Mountain. If you have never been to this magical place, then take a day trip and go! You’ll thank me for the suggestion. The  lower pathway winds around the south side of the mountain and ascends through a forest of hardwoods, pines, Hemlocks, and fir trees.

The day we were there it was late and there wasn’t much light left but that was okay. I have always loved being on this mountain late in the day and especially on rainy days. Can’t explain why and won’t even try.

This is what I really wanted to see. From the top of Fort Mountain you can see the Black Mountains in the distance. This is one of the best state parks in Georgia. And there is lots of history to discover on the mountain. A rock wall runs 855 feet around the top of the mountain. It varies in height from two to six feet. When it was built, it was probably much taller. Lots of unanswered questions remain about its construction: Why was it built? Who built it? When was it built?

Researchers believe its construction ranges from 500B.C. to 1500A.D. The current commonly accepted date for construction is 500 A.D. The myths of the culture who built it abound. Some people say local Indian culture tells of a race of “moon-eyed” people. Some choose to interpret this as “white people”, inferring that the dark eyed Indians would select this as a description for a light skinned blue eyed race. If the “moon-eyed” people myth can be believed it would more likely be a reference to the god they worshiped than to the shape of their eyes.

This is northwest Georgia, which so different than the other side of the state. And it was Chipley’s first visit. It’s beautiful in any season.

Years ago I learned a tremendous lesson on this rock. After a long climb up the trail in the middle of summer when it was hot and humid, I stopped here to rest. The woods were dense with leaves and though I could hear people on the path in front of me, I did not realize just how close the overlook was. In fact, I was sure I would have to travel another mile to reach the summit. I was wrong, the deck that overlooks the valley below and the mountains to the south and north was only a few more yards! But I just stopped and rested and then I turned around and walked back down the path missing one of the most amazing views in the state. Later after a return trip, I discovered what I had missed—an amazing view. It was then that  I promised myself  that I would always see the trail through to the end and never quit until the journey was over.

Earlier today, Cocoa had an operation. A small fatty tumor needed to come out, and we found out that while it was attached to the chest muscle there is no need to worry. She will be fine and probably up by tomorrow and ready to make a day trip to North Carolina by Thursday or Friday. Her doctor even said she could go for a short hike by the end of the week. But right now, her eyes show just how exhausted she is.

Yesterday Cocoa Joy visited one of her favorite places—Fort Mountain State Park. The drive to get there is much longer than when we lived in Atlanta, which means she doesn’t have the opportunity to go there as often. In fact, it’s been over two years since we were last there but it is still just as beautiful and just as wild and free as ever. Today Cocoa is having a small operation today. Please pray for her. We’ll give you an update later this evening.

Don’t you just hate to be walking along a wooded pathway in the middle of 1,100 acres of dense forest and someone in front of you says with alarm, “What’s that?”

I mean it can only be one of four things: a very large squirrel, a deer, a bear, or a mountain lion. We didn’t hang around to find out which one it was. It was late and the sun had set. . . . so headed back thinking all along the way that it, it was just a squirrel forging for acorns or a deer . . . . I hope it was a deer.

It was a perfect afternoon to visit this warm and welcoming shop outside of Cleveland, Georgia. For a long time now, it has been a favorite destination on Sunday afternoons. Yesterday, a steady stream of shoppers looking for Christmas decorations and gifts came in and out of this place on a regular basis. But when there was a break in the action, I let Cocoa and Chip get out of the car long enough to say “Hi” to Mr. Goat and Mr. Pig—new additions to the front yard.

Though both know the difference between alive and fake “yard art,” it never hurts to be sure. As you can see in the photo below.

Checking out the sniffs!