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Perseid meteor shower at Brasstown Bald + Bell Knob sunset




The Basics:
Event Type:Adventure
Event Location: North GA
Date(s) & Time:Thu, Aug 12 2010  3:45 pm >> N/A  (Carpool Departure: 4:00 pm   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Mon, Jul 19 2010 9:15 pm
Registration Cut Off: Wed, Aug 11 2010 8:00 pm
Event Duration:per itinerary
Difficulty Rating:D3: Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Tony C
Sarah H
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Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:16
Minimum Group Size:4
Number Registered So Far: 13 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Itinerary:
The Perseids are one of the best meteor showers of the year. Peak rates often top 60 per hour. Four our purposes in the Southeast, this year's shower should peak in the early morning hours of Aug 13. The thin, crescent moon will be out of the way early, setting the stage for a potentially spectacular show. For best viewing, look to the northeast after midnight.

And being the highest mtn in GA, Brasstown Bald is naturally an ideal location to view the celestial display.  Last year, even with interference from the moonlight, it was still a very impressive show.  So if we get lucky with some clear skies this time around, should be all the better.

There should be some other fun AOC events over the weekend focusing on the Persieds, which have a fairly wide viewing window and should be very active for a few days before and after the 12th/13th.  But we will hit the peak night with this event...and if the weather does not cooperate, there are still a few more days when one could give it another try.

Brasstown Bald is one of the best sunset spots in the state.....but we aren't going to watch it from here.  Instead, we are heading a few miles away to Bell Knob in Hiawassee. 

Bell Knob (3420')  is a small but prominent mtn that you don't hear much about.  You have probably noticed it from the top of Brasstown Bald.   While the summit is scarred from quartzite mining (and covered with graffiti on top of that), if you keep your gaze directed outwards, you will enjoy some beautiful views.  BB is to the northwest and Eagle Mtn (10th highest in GA) looms right next door to the east.  Lake Chatuge is below to the west...



The hike up Bell is about .8 miles and gains about 750'.  But we should have plenty of time, so no reason to rush.  It is fun to climb on the rocks on the summit and quite a few great spots to pose for photos....



Sunset is at 8:27 PM and we can enjoy the fading light as we already start to look for some shooting stars in the skies above.  But we can head down at about 9 or so and maybe stop for a bite to eat in Hiawasee.

From there we will head to the main event at Brasstown Bald.  It is another good little walk up the Brasstown Bald paved trail from the parking lot to the summit..about 1/2 mile and gains 450 feet.   You can stay in the parking lot if you'd like and watch from there...the views are just about as good...but it's fun to walk up to the very top, so most will probably choose to do this..or you can do both as we will be there awhile.

You can bring a lawn chair or sleeping pad to sit on or a blanket to lay on..  Also bring some extra layers as it can get rather chilly up there in the early morning hours, even in August.

What time we head down will depend on the weather and our mood, but should be about 2-3am at the latest.  

Summary-
Bell Knob- 1.6 miles , 750' ascent/descent
Brasstown Bald- 0.8 mi, 450' ascent/descent

Total: 2.4 mi, ~1200' total ascent

Also, this is the seventh installment of the Summit Sunset Series where we enjoy sunsets from some of the finest scenic viewpoints in GA...all on or near mountain peaks.  If you've never had this experience, you don't know what you're missing, so time to find out...


Required Items to Bring:
  • Water or sports drink
  • Trail Snacks
  • Good hiking shoes/boots
  • Jacket or extra layers
    		• Recommended Items to Bring:
    Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.
  • Camera
  • Hat and/or gloves if you get cold easily
  • Headlamp with red light (so as to not hurt our night vision)

    • How to Get There:
    Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):195Mile(s)
    Carpool Departure Time: 4:00 pm
    Carpool Location:   Log in for location
    Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions
    Carpool Cost: Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $78.00 using a reimbursement rate guideline of $0.400 per mile. The total amount should be divided by the number of people in the vehicle, including the driver. This is a guideline, not a rule, for drivers but the cost should not be higher unless there are extenuating circumstances.

    Notes:
    * We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.

    Cost Includes:


    Cancellation/Partial Attendance:   Please review the AOC cancellation policy.