WarWoman Dell

I have always said, if there were ever a picture that could describe my soul it would be this one.  WarWoman Dell is located in the Northeast section of Georgia in a wonderful town called Clayton.  The drive to Clayton reminds me of of the mountains in Colorado, they just seem to be right in front you, calling to you to keep moving forward.

Clayton is located in Rabun County and you will see a little of everything there, mountains, waterfalls, springs, forest, lakes and so much more.  Rabun County is nestled in the southern tip of the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains.  It is a convenient drive from the major metro areas of Atlanta, Georgia, Asheville-North Carolina, Greenville-South Carolina and Chattanooga-Tennessee. 

History of WarWoman

WarWoman was a beloved Cherokee dignitary who voiced the decision of the Council on war and peace. Legend states that each spring this woman visited the Dell to preside over rituals.  

America's first natural born botanist, William Bartram, explored the area in the 1770's.  He documented the plants, climate, geology and culture of the people of this period and paved the way for future development.  A railroad bed was constructed here which would have connected the south and mid-western markets in Cincinnati.  Work stopped suddenly at the beginning of the Civil War and no rails were ever laid.  Unmanageable logging in the late 1800's and early 1900's degraded the forest.  The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCCs) went to work restoring the land by planting trees and controlling erosion.  Enrollees in Company 457  built the original picnic shelters, fish holding tanks, latrine and stonework drains in WarWoman dell. 

I was introduced to WarWoman Dell after attending a  Woman's Ceremony that was held in that general area, many moons ago. The second my feet touched the ground at WarWoman I was in love.  This is a place that no matter where I moved, it always stayed in my heart and has always been considered my sacred sanctuary. 

In 2008 when I visited there shortly after returning to Georgia, my heart sank.  The trails were no longer taken care of.  There were many trees down, the energy was extremely low and somehow it had lost a huge part of its spiritual energy.  Sometimes, I often go there and just sit by these huge hemlock trees often referring to them as my elders.  Those trees have heard many of my stories, my sorrows and stories of my spiritual path.  One of the most favorite times I had at WarWoman was when I was walking a trail and as I looked down to the ground I found a Hawk feather.  Many people that I have gone there with; always tells me the same thing, they say: "Oak, watching you here (WarWoman) is like seeing you walk right out of Nature as if you were a part of it."  To be truthful, often I felt like I was a part of WarWoman.

Many times, I would go there and walk this small trail away from  everything and sit by this tiny waterfall and just play my drum.  I always felt spirit activities there often wondering why I was always drawn to a certain place where there was a spirit of a young girl.  She would always stay at a distance from me but she was always near me.  The stories are endless when it comes to WarWoman Dell.  If you ever visit North Georgia, put WarWoman on your list of places to visit.  I hope you will love it as much as I do. 

Weekend Getaways

What can be more romantic?

Since life is always so busy these days, weekend getaways could almost be considered medicine. Getting away whether on motorcycle ride, a hike through the woods or going out and doing photography are all things to break you away from your busy life.  One thing I have had lately is HUGE wake up call reminding me life is really short. And although we are always rushing around trying to work harder, and longer hours to make ends meet, relaxing and enjoying life needs to be put onto your schedule.

Since I live in the South, I mainly write about about beautiful locations that are pretty close around.  But I have lived in many different states that also have beautiful vacation spots.  Take for example Colorado.  Colorado has the most beautiful place to explore and that is the "Garden of the God's".  It is a huge park that has giant rock formations.  One of them is called the "Kissing Camels".  Another spot in the Garden of the Gods is called "Eagle Rock" which use to be my favorite spot to go to and just relax or just listen to nature.

Below you will find some links of different pages I have written.  Please take a look because you just may be interested in visiting one of the places as a surprise for your spouse.  It could be a surprise romantic weekend getaway!  How romantic is that?

Brasstown Bald, North Georgia Mountains

Now the drive to Brasstown Bald is as beautiful as actually getting to this park.One the way there are many places to stop and do some photography.  If you love the Appalachian Trail you will be able to stop at the point that leads you the full 2,178 mile trip to Maine.  Click on the link and read more about Brasstown Bald located in the North Georgia Mountains.

Georgia Covered Bridges

If you love historical things, you should do a research for Covered Bridges that is in your area.  My husband and I love to photograph covered bridges, so we did a search of the them in our area and this link shows the bridges and gives a little history behind them.  I love the feel and the history of Covered Bridges, do you?

Tallulah Falls, Georgia

This is really a funny how I wrote this article.  It was Easter Morning and my husband and I decided to head up to Black Mountain and try to do some photography right as the sun was breaking through the top of the mountain. After freezing our backsides off waiting for the sun to come up, we were not able to get the right angle shot of the sun AND we were actually pushed out of our space where we were standing.  So driving home, we seen a sign that lead to the Gorge at Tallulah Falls.  We have been through Tallulah Falls many times but never noticed the sign for the Gorge.  So we decided we would check it because we really wanted to shoot some landscape photos.  This article shares everything we found.  I promise if you make this one of your weekend getaways, YOU WILL NOT BE SORRY!! 

Weekend at Grandfather Mountain, North Carolina

I do not even know where to start on this weekend getaway! This is a photo that I took from the top of Grandfather Mountain.  You HAVE too put this trip on your list.  Although it makes a great weekend get away, you  may want to go and check it out and than plan on going back to spend a few more days.  Grandfather Mountain is among one of the most beautiful places I have seen.  By the end of the day, all you will want to do is stop by and grab some dinner to go, get to your hotel, eat and crash! There is so much to do there, you will literally have to make yourself leave!

North Georgia Waterfalls

If you really enjoy waterfalls, this would be a great weekend getaway trip.  There are several falls, Anna Ruby Waterfall, Toccoa Waterfall, Tallulah Falls Gorge State Park and many more.  There is nothing better than hearing the sound of a creek beside you as you walk to the falls.  During each season the view will be different.