Sun, Nov 3 2013 - Gold Branch (View Original Event Details) Trip Leader(s): Lauren, Lisa Participants: Lauren, alanpugh, Lisa, Toni, Deb R, SusanF, Joe, Janice, Sharon Ogletree, Tim W, Minah, HK, Jenna H.

Who? Thirteen AOC'ers, longtime pals and brand-new friends alike.

What? A brisk four-miler through the woods, along the trails, up and down hills, and among downed trees and healthy stands of beech, oak and maple.

Where? Gold Branch, a unit of the Chattahoochee National Recreation Area that lived up to its name this morning. The golden leaves shimmered in the sunlight and a gentle breeze brushed our skin.

Why? Because we like it!

When? On the morning that heralds the end of daylight saving time. We made the most of our extra hour - not of sleep, but of hiking. And of cameraderie, the easy companionship shared with our fellow nature lovers as we marked autumn's season of transition from the long, hot days of summer to the shorter, chillier hours of winter. We conversed about past days - of completed work projects, vacations in Yosemite, thoughts that have come to fruitiion, feelings that we have let go of. And we mused about prospects to come - an upcoming opportunity to wear a new dress, perhaps, or develop a new relationship....

Thank you all for sharing in this perfect morning at Gold Branch.