Thu, Aug 19 2021 - Rain-or-Shine Nature Walk at Mason Mill Park: Weather looks good! (View Original Event Details) Trip Leader(s): Charlie Cottingham Participants: Charlie Cottingham, Miriam C, Bonnie B., Katherine M, Jeanne

  Although we were disappointed that our friend "Ranger Jonah" couldn't join us due to illness, we five AOCers still had a good time together this morning hiking the beautiful forests of Mason Mill Park and Emory University's adjoining Lullwater Preserve.  Along the way we paused often to admire and discuss the fascinating wild critters, native wildflowers, towering trees and historic ruins.
  We began by taking the sinuous PATH boardwalk from the Tennis Center down through the forest canopy and northward to the sunny wetlands area along Burnt Fork Creek.  Then U-turned and took the PATH trail southward via its convenient spur and Clairmont Road underpass to Emory.  Our first scenic stop there in the campus preserve was to admire the South Fork Peachtree Creek waterfall, its long-retired stone hydropower tower, and the historic "Lullwater House" high atop the adjoining hill. We then continued around the periphery of Candler Lake where we had nice views of a gorgeous long-necked white egret - at first standing like a statue and then taking flight.
  After returning to Mason Mill we hiked the high bridge & boardwalk over the RR tracks to the ruins of the old Decatur Waterworks - then took a shorter route from the old stone fireplace back toward our cars.  - Submitted by Charlie, Thu afternoon Aug 19th.