From Grits to Chopsticks

This week, we celebrated our final teenage birthday, with Timothy having his 19th birthday on January 6th.  It has been colder than normal here in Georgia with a dusting of snow last night and a low temperature of 15F.  On Timothy’s birthday, we went for a hike out the back door and down to Lake Allatoona.  On the way, we crossed the footlog over Blankets Creek.  Since I’ve gotten wimpy in my old age, I picked up a big stick to provide a little extra stability.

Over the last few years, the lake level has been unusually low due to drought conditions.  2009 saw a return to normal with rainfall amounts significantly above normal and floodwaters rising above the mountain bike trails.  But as is routine for this time of year, the Corps of Engineers lowers the lake level about 15 feet below normal to prepare for potential spring flooding.  The low lake level makes for an interesting walk on sandbars, rock banks, and mud flats.

Fortunately, the recent cold has frozen up the muddy flats and standing water pools, providing enough stability for a nice walk.