Tue, Jan 7 2014 - Six at Six at Six! (View Original Event Details) Trip Leader(s): Charlie Cottingham Participants: Charlie Cottingham, Ariane, Aaron, Lauren, Trena, Armin, Garrett, Anna C

A hearty high five to you seven hardy souls who joined me this morning to "thumb our noses" at Old Man Winter and enjoy a SIX-mile hike together at SIX AM at a temperature of about SIX degrees F.  The chill factor was reportedly about MINUS 10, but we still managed to stay cheerful and comfortable by wearing appropriate warm layers, gloves & headgear.  As we'd predicted the stars and planets were gorgeous overhead during the pre-dawn first half of the hike, with nice views of Jupiter, Mars, Saturn, Polaris and the Big Dipper.
  As a "first" for the AOC we extended our usual route (for hikes beginning at Mason Mill Park) by continuing past Medlock Park to lovely Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve.  Like Mason Mill & Medlock it adjoins the South Fork of Peachtree Creek and is just a half-mile upstream of Medlock.  While at Clyde Shepherd we explored a mile-long loop around the lake with a "daybreak" group photo stop atop the wooden tower overlooking the lake.
  It was fun getting to know newly active members Anna (who happens to be Garrett's "better half") and Ariane.  I kidded them about their courage - or perhaps extreme lunacy?! - in picking such a hike for their very first with our Club.  You both did great in these extreme conditions and we look forward to seeing you again often in the future!  
- Submitted by Charlie, 9AM Tuesday