Amicalola! My church had a ladies’ retreat at the Lodge this past weekend, and I had the opportunity (thank you, family 
) to stay at the Hike Inn the night before. Tried to get all the way to see Springer before coming back down to the lodge, but the frozen snow was too much for my nearly-bald trail runners. I’ll make it next time. Every view was different, so I took a ridiculous amount of pictures. Here they are, unedited.
Proof of life and proof of snow before I headed to the Hike Inn.
To Hike Inn
Yes. Hot chocolate awaits.
Tried to do a whole puzzle, but the fire wasn’t going after supper. I passed the task on to some folks staying two nights.
I met some great people.
Hiking Begins Early Morning
Morning “sunrise”
Hiking Out.
There were some other Hike Inn visitors that also headed to Springer. We kept meeting on the trail, so any pics like this were taken by them.
The mountain was sooooo quiet with the snow and ice. It was nice knowing I had friends out there.
You shall not pass!
Okay, but step over gently.
This ice. It kept getting weirder.
The crossing for Nimblewill Gap Road. I’m going to make it about another half mile or so.
Sometimes you gotta stop and look straight up part one.
A Brave Hike
Proof of life for the family.
Unbeknownst to me, there is actually ice in my hair at this point.
Feeling good. And I’m thanking God for getting me here.
Sometimes I plan things during moments of bravery and then let the anxiety set in and ruin it. Not this day!
And this is where I turned around. I really didn’t want to, but I couldn’t break through the frozen snow with my trail runners. My foot slipped every time I set it down. The rocks were covered in black ice, so I couldn’t step on those, either. 🙁
Dirt and leaves good, frozen snow and rocks bad.
It did help that most everyone else had bigger footprints than me on the way back. I just stepped in those.
Nimblewill Gap
Back through the gap. The return climb out was hard. This was also my first time carrying weight on a hike. 14-15 pounds. 10 essentials, lots of extra layers, and a puffy blanket. Plus whatever else I was afraid I might need.
Sometimes you gotta stop and look straight up part two.
These branches sometimes moved and gave me Matrix vibes.
What the Situation Calls For
Nothing beats a Hike Inn bagged lunch. Well. I’m sure lots of things do. But it depends on the situation. This situation called for a big oatmeal/pb/peanut M&M cookie and a PB&J.
I couldn’t stop stopping for crazy ice pics.
Pretty sure Andy and I ate our lunch on this log a couple years ago.
Just when I thought I’d passed all the snow, I find this.
This bridge means I’m almost back to the falls.
Amicalola Falls State Park
Evening view from the lodge room.
Morning view from the upper level ❤️
Gizmo the screech owl was brought out to meet guests.
And one pic of the falls before I head back to my family. You might have to zoom in. No way I was taking the stairs up after my hike the day before. 😆 Nimblewill Gap chewed up my calves and spit them out.
Amicalola, A Brave Hike
Thank you, Jill Fogarty, for sharing your bravery and your discoveries while inspiring us all!
Kristy Dodson Daybookblog
The first time I saw these pictures and read her writing, I knew I needed to find a way to share. How can one not be enchanted by Jill’s photography and unique style of storytelling? She has inspired me to find an adventure to take all by myself and continue sharing life through photographs and narratives. We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments. Always stay curious!
