Fort Mountain - There's a Fungus among us.

Adventure Journal - Entry Date: August 2012We have visited Fort Mountain twice this month, so I guess I can make single journal entry for both weekends. Fort mountain's altitude is especially inviting this time of year because of the oppressive heat and humidity in the valleys. In the south, we call these the "Dog Days" of summer. Fort Mountain State Park is a great escape from Dog Days.

On each of the two weekends we visited Fort Mountain during the month of August, we took a stroll around the lake. The lake path at Fort Mountain State Park is always beautiful, but each visit offers something different to see, hear, and smell. There always seems to be new flowers blooming, or leaves changing, or, in the case of this past weekend, fungus! As we walked along the path this time, we were watching for deer (and bear), reading the informative plaques that identify many of the species of plant, and photographing the picturesque view of the lake. Then one of the kids noticed a colorful mushroom. Then another, and another. Soon, it was a mushroom quest. We saw dozens of sizes, shapes, and colors of the neat little fungi. It was an unexpected surprise that we talked about well into the evening. (see more fungi photos). Note: When visiting a park, please leave all wildlife and vegetation just as you found it so that others may also enjoy its beauty.

When we returned to the campground, we grilled a bunch of peppers (from our garden), tomatoes, garlic, and onions, then combined them into a wonderfully hot batch of salsa that complimented our evening meal of burritos and tacos. The kids really enjoy spicy food, but there were a lot of cold beverages consumed during that meal.

Fort Mountain State Park has a new naturalist, and we had the opportunity to meet him on the latter August visit. He is a retired high school teacher with a lot of energy and knowledge of the mountain and the immediate area. He hosted an evening by the campfire and supplied s'mores for anyone that attended. He has begun a series of weekend activities like knot-tying and orienteering, scavenger hunts, bear talks, and wagon rides. We are excited that Fort Mountain has funded a naturalist again. It's so important to offer fun and educational activities to the park's visitors, especially the younger generation. We still miss Ranger Ruby, Fort Mountain's previous naturalist.

We have mixed emotions about Fort Mountain now. On one hand, we are pleased to see the park is becoming more popular. On the other hand, it's getting more difficult to find a campsite. Both campgrounds were almost full during our recent visits. We met numerous first-time visitors to the park. I'm not sure if it's the economy, or the desire to get back to nature that is attracting these folks, but it's ok. There is plenty of nature to go around. If you're considering Fort Mountain State Park for the fall, you'd better get on the ball. The campgrounds will book-up quickly.

For more details and hundreds of pictures of Fort Mountain State Park (and the fungi within), click here.

Q - Why was the mushroom always invited to parties?
A - Because he was such a fungi!
 

Chehaw Park (The Parks at Chehaw) - Albany, GA

Family Adventures with Wildlife

Homer the 1st, our first camper at Chehaw Chehaw Park (also known as The Parks at Chehaw) is located in south central Georgia near Albany. Named for a local Creek tribe, Chehaw was originally one of Georgia's first state parks. Like most of Georgia's parks, the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) was instrumental in Chehaw' Park's construction. After a series of improvements (including a zoo), the park was deeded to the city of Albany. The city has done a wonderful job of maintaining the park. Chehaw Park has several features that make it attractive to visiting families. There is a spacious and beautiful campground with large full-hookup sites, a massive mega-playground, and, as I mentioned before, a top-notch animal park/zoo. Additionally there are hundreds of acres of pristine south Georgia pines draped in Spanish moss to explore. All the park's amenities are accessible on foot, bike, or by car. Because it's so level, and the inner roads are so well maintained, we really recommend taking bikes to Chehaw.   For lots more details about Chehaw, read the Adventure Journals and view the pictures on Chehaw's dedicated PB&J page. We rate this park very highly, so you will not be disappointed. See over 150 pictures of Chehaw!