EVENTS

April - June, 2005

1 - 2 pm  — Get-Together at Piedmont Park neat the 12th Street entrance. (daylight savings time begins so it's 12:00 noon old time)

This will be a chance for members to meet each other and for us to find out what kind of outings and trips the group is interested in and start making some plans for future activities. Everyone is encouraged to bring something to drink and/or their lunch if they would like. You are also welcome to bring some fun friends that might also be interested in our group.

11:30am — Lunch at the Park

Brown bag your lunch or pick up some take out and meet at the Picnic area

1pm–3pm — Ranger Led Walk Along the Chattahoochee River: 

The Trout Lily Loop Trail: Ferns & Flowers & Fur & Feathers

We will hike through the West Palisades forest and discover wildflowers, wildlife signs, and the beauty of spring time on the Chattahoochee. Enjoy grand views of the Chattahoochee River and the steep, rugged Palisades Cliffs, known as Devil's Stair Step. All were influenced by the geological impacts of the Brevard Fault, climate, time, and the waters of the river. Experience one of the most scenic sections of the Chattahoochee River Corridor. Reservations are required.

3pm–?  —  Those who would like to stay can do some additional hiking.

  11:00 am — Meet at the Publix/Highland Station shopping center

The Silver Comet Trail Extension starts at the southeast corner of the parking lot. There are several fast food restaurants in the shopping center if anyone wants to get something to eat/drink while waiting for others to arrive. This location was chosen for our first ride since it is a paved foot/bike path on an old railroad bed so it is not a difficult ride therefore you do not need to be an experienced biker. There are also periodic trail access points that have water and restroom access if anyone needs a break. We will probably travel about 10 miles and stop for food/drinks then bike further or head back depending on what the group would like to do. Helmets are required.

 6:30–8:30pm — Outdoor cooking class

Chillin' & Grillin': "How to entertain by the Warmth of a Roaring Fire"

Let Chef Anthony Laub be your guide to an effortless evening of entertaining and fun. Insperience Studio will bring the beauty and warmth of a fine summer's night into view. Be their guest for a relaxed and fun evening of Chillin' & Grillin,' "How to Entertain by the Warmth of a Roaring Fire." You will learn the value to preparing ahead, and the ability to wow your fans with last minute finishing techniques.

We will explore the wonderful world of fire-roasted foods, marinades and spice rubs. We will prepare appetizers of Moroccan Lamb Kefta with Yogurt Cucumber Sauce, Neapolitan-Style Pizzas and Bacon Wrapped Shrimp Skewers. A Grilled BLT Salad with Black Pepper Dressing will be our second course and Beef, Chicken and Shrimp Kabobs, round out the entree. We will conclude this evening's meal with a dessert of Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cake with Coconut Ice Cream and Grilled Pineapple-Mango Salsa.

6'ish~7'ish pm until ? — Gather after work for dinner/drinks

Come as you get off from work and we will hang out on the patio along Peachtree Street for some good eats and drinks.

6'ish~7'ish pm until ? — Gather after work for dinner/drinks

Come as you get off from work and we will hang out for some good eats, drinks and socializing on the patio.

Costs: Your food/drinks.

Reservations: None needed

Directions: 1895 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, 30324 at the corner of Cheshire Bridge Rd NE. Google map

12:00 noon — Meet behind the Burger King in the Publix/Highland Station shopping center

The Silver Comet Trail Extension starts at the corner of S. Cobb Drive & the East-West Connector. This is a paved foot/bike path on an old railroad bed so it is not a difficult ride therefore you do not need to be an experienced biker. This is a scenic ride mostly through wooded areas behind neighborhoods and other tree lined areas. There are periodic trail access points that have water and restroom access if anyone needs a break. Typically we stop after about 5 miles at the Silver Comet Depot for a water and restroom break. We will then travel about another 5 miles and stop for a late lunch then head back. This is about a 3½ hour trip. Helmets are required.

12 noon — Lunch at the Park then Hiking

Brown bag your lunch or pick up some take out and meet at the Picnic area. After lunch we will hike the trails from the Powers Island unit to the Cochran Shoals and Sope Creek units then back. These trails are classified as easy to moderate by the National Park Service.  

Costs: Group fund: $3 per person; Chattahoochee River Park Pass: $3 per vehicle.

6'ish~7'ish p.m. until ? — Gather after work for dinner and/or drinks.

Come as you get off from work and we will hang out for some good eats, drinks and socializing on the patio or in the air conditioning.

11:30 a.m. — Meet at Zesto for lunch [Zesto's web site]

After lunch: Carpool to Sweetwater Creek State Park

Sweetwater Creek is a 2,549 acre peaceful tract of scenic wilderness with over nine miles of trails only minutes from downtown Atlanta. A wooded trail follows the free-flowing stream to the ruins of the New Manchester Manufacturing Company, a textile mill burned during the Civil War. Beyond the mill, the trail climbs rocky bluffs to provide views of the beautiful shoals below. 

The many unique plants are greatly influenced by the presence of the Brevard Fault zone which runs directly through the Sweetwater Creek basin. This fault created rising elevation giving the park a more mountainous environment than the surrounding area.

The 215-acre George Sparks Reservoir is popular with anglers and provides a pretty setting for feeding ducks and canoeing. Fishing supplies and snacks are available in the parks bait shop, while maps and park information may be found in the Visitor Center.