Sun, Sep 22 2013 - An Equinox Hiking, Sunset & Stargazing Celebration: Hidden Jewels of Stone Mountain (View Original Event Details) Trip Leader(s): Charlie Cottingham Participants: Charlie Cottingham, Mark P, Tory, Adam, Dawn D, Sharon Alaimo, HK, Diane, Rita Langerman, Gloria Colley, John C

We eleven had a ball together welcoming the official arrival of autumn yesterday, and paused along the trail at 4:44 PM to "salute the sun" as it crossed the celestial equator into the southern hemisphere.  It was fun having new members Dawn, Rita and Adam with us as their first AOC event!
W enjoyed portions of more than 10 lesser-known Stone Mountain trails and off-trail pathways as we made our way around the mountain.  At dusk seven of us found a nice vantage point on the SW shoulder of the mountain to gaze at the post-sunset sky and marvel at bright Venus, Saturn, and high overhead the "Summer Triangle" of Vega, Deneb and Altair.
After Saturday's much-appreciated rain we felt lucky to have such a gorgeous blue-sky afternoon and evening to visit rarely seen "jewels" of this lovely nearby park that too many of us "take for granite!"  -Submitted by Charlie, Mon AM Sep 23

p.s. Many thanks to John Caldwell for sharing this "clickable link" to his online Google Album of about 30 beautiful photos taken during the event!
https://plus.google.com/photos/112787541137709186220/albums/5926674438248552561?gpinv=AMIXal9zfgLU1CHnDSbtvtfCuo0-FpLxqpPdfEAatqnvFCapSv4QN-xbVjlpYEFJAzccRoWb1RJpp0qi8UOHrAvtl7I1mIyYDZ0Pt72VW7yDomId2w9DhEQ&cfem=1&authkey=CKf1p_Hy_vjjLQ