Sat, Mar 19 2011 - Backpacking West Face of Blood Mountain (View Original Event Details) Trip Leader(s): Michael Johnson, Bob Bunner Participants: Bob Bunner, Michael Johnson, Jesus S, Neera, Scott Kozlowski, Michelle Spence, Smitha, Mary Kay, Megan H, Melissa M, Nancy L, Dave Fergemann, Dustin

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Write Up:
We had a fantastic group that went to Blood Mountain this past weekend.  Because of the short travel time and one of the shorter backpacking trips, we had a lot of time on our hands during the afternoon.  The weather cooperated with sunny skies and gorgeous spring weather as we made our way to the campsite located about 3/4 mile below the summit of Blood Mountain.  After setting up camp, we headed up to the top where the sun was particularly intense for this early in the year.  After lunch and some quasi-sun bathing on the rocks at the top of Blood Mountain, we returned to camp.  Scott set up our entertainment as we enjoyed a game of tossing washers near and sometimes into a small cup.  Most of us were humbled as we attempted what became a rather frustrating game, but Jesus adapted best and was deemed the overall winner.  Dave entertained us and satiated our thirst with his margarita concoction, which was steaming from the dry ice added to this wonderful mixture.  A big thanks to Melissa for packing in a six-pack and giving one to one of the leaders.  We started Happy Hour a little early on this trip and it lasted until around midnight.  Michele and Melissa treated everyone to cheese.  Bob brought some chips and salsa - unfortunately the chips were largely destroyed inside his pack, and the salsa was dumped as a casualty of the washer toss game.  The group continued to outdo themselves at dinner with a variety of entrees, including steaks, salmon, and quesadillas.  We headed back to the top of Blood Mountain at sunset to see the Supermoon - when the moon would be at its closest point to the earth in the last 18 years.  Unfortunately, the eastern horizon was cloudy and there was no moon to be seen.  After about an hour, a portion of the moon eventually peaked out, but it wasn't enough to justify all of the hubub.  We returned to build a campfire and traded stories while playing Catch Phrase.  People started heading to bed around midnight.  It was a late morning for most of us, but we managed to break camp around 10:15.  After we reached the trailhead, we gathered back into our vehicles and made our way to Johnny's Pizza in Dawsonville.  It was a great ending for a great group on a great trip.  Thank you to everyone for stepping up and making this a great weekend event.

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