Snow on the AT

Kristy scored some "awesome wife points" today (not that she needs them) when she encouraged me to go on a trail run as part of my post-Christmas staycation. So, obliging her, I drove up to Woody Gap and ended up running to Gooch Gap and back on the AT. Below is a photo of snow on the trail that had not yet melted. The snow melt created many mini-creeks and waterfalls along the trail. Really cool.

I hear that the AT should be getting a good bit more snow on Tuesday. So, maybe I'll try to get away next week for some real snow running. :) Who says that north GA didn't have a White Christmas this year!

Dockery Lake Trail Hike with the Kids (Photos)

With the weather today being perfect for an outdoor adventure, I took the my three Caston kids on a hike on the Dockery Lake Trail, a spur of the Appalachian Trail just south of Woody Gap. Here are some memories. By the way, Ann Ferris, the budding photographer with quite the creative streak, took these photos.

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Father/Son Hike to Springer Mt.

On Friday, Schaeffer and I hiked to the summit of Springer Mt (3,780 ft.), the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. Some snow was still on the trail from Wednesday.

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Hayride with Friends

On Sarah Wynn's fall bucketlist is a hayride, or was a hayride. Thanks to our frirends, the Weavers, she has been able to cross that one off the list.

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Fourth of July (Photos)

From a party at the Schermerhorns to fireworks over the college drill filed, the Fourth was a great day spent with friends.

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At the Lake with Friends (Photos)

Thanks to our friends, the Weavers, for hosting our crew for an afternoon at the lake this week. Check out the pics of Sarah Wynn getting up on water-skis for the first time—and what a classic wipe-out. Way to go, Sarah Wynn!

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A Uniquely Special Party

Our friends the Pruitts, are hosting a young boy from Ukraine this summer. His name is Vlad (the one in the blue "M & M" shirt). He lives in an orphanage and has never had a birthday party of any kind. Yesterday we were able to participate in a very special party—Vlad's very first birthday party! Somehow I think that there is a helpful comparison in the joy we received from seeing Vlad smile to the joy the Father receives when we receive, smile and delight in the gift of the gospel. What a uniquely special party.

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Water-balloon War (video)

via youtube.com

This is a video of the water-balloon war that took place on Friday at field day at Yahoola Creek Park.

Images from Bear on the Square

Bear on the Square is Dahlonega's spring festival that celebrates the area's Appalachian heritage and culture. We attended on Saturday, which was a bit overcast, windy and cold. Sunday turned out to be a world-class day. Overall, the festival was enjoyed by over 40,000 people.