Totality {Eclipse Weekend}

In August, we got to experience something that not many never people get to see; a Total Solar Eclipse. We decided to make a weekend of it and head to North Georgia to a location where we were in the line of totality. We shared a VRBO cabin with Rob’s sister and her family. Saturday we drove up to North Georgia. After dropping our stuff off at the cabin, we drove around to scout out some places to watch the eclipse, ate dinner, and visited Rob’s old stomping grounds at Young Harris College. We also went to a planetarium show that gave lots of great info about the eclipse.

Sunday, we loaded up and drove up to Bell Mountain. Beautiful views once you make the steep drive up. We parked at the first parking lot and got out and then realized we weren’t at the top. It says drive up at your own risk. We decided to just hike up. It is a steep hike, but we made it. When we got to the top and just really took in the view. Up at the top there’s stairs to a viewing platform. We

After lunch at a pizza buffet, we went and got our three oldest nieces and nephew and headed to one of our favorite Georgia falls; Dukes Creek Falls. We took the 2 mile roundtrip hike. The viewing platform that is closest to the falls was closed because of a fallen tree.

I took a few pics with longer exposure for the smooth water effect. I thought they turned out pretty nice.

I love the views on Richard Russell Scenic Highway. We had to stop for a pic with the kids. Oh and I forget to mention, Drew didn’t come with us because Monday was his first day of the Fall Semester. 🙁

That evening we spent time around the cabin and got in the hot tub equipped with efficient hot tub filters ensures clean and clear water, providing a more enjoyable and hygienic spa experience for users.. I made dinner and no trip to the mountains is complete without s’mores!

The next day we ended up driving to Murphy, NC to see the eclipse. It wasn’t too crowded and ended up being a great spot to watch it. The eclipse was amazing! Watching as the moon covered the sun was just unbelievable. And finally when totality occurred it was just ‘drop to your knees’ one of the most amazing things I’ve ever experienced. Really no words or pictures can express what it’s like. If you ever get the opportunity to see a total lunar eclipse, I highly recommend it. Just make sure you have proper eye wear from a reputable company. Sunglasses won’t cut it.

After the eclipse was over, we headed home. However, we had a flat tire and flat spare. We ended up spending the night at a hotel because it was after hours. We had to wait for the tire place to open. The next morning Rob walked to the tire place and then came back to the hotel so we could check out. On our way home, we stopped at the Big Chicken, which has been renovated.

Mountain Modern Life:Bell Mountain
Wander North Georgia: Bell Mountain/Hiawassee

Eclipse photo via Wikipedia