We went to the Tallula Falls State Park in north Georgia on Sunday. After attending Saturday evening Mass we had the entire day for the park. We were afraid it was going to rain, but it ended up being a really nice day for a hike. Isaac rode in the backpack down the 500 stairs to the falls and then walked up the stairs so that Quincy could ride in the backpack. We didn't realize that dogs weren't allowed on the stairs or suspension bridge leading to the gorge. So, I carried Quincy down because she got her toes stuck in the grates. We couldn't leave her in the car (too hot) and didn't want one of us to miss the trip. It worked well, although we broke the rules a bit. Spoiled dog--she clearly didn't bother anyone since she was in arms or our back the entire trip. We felt guilty leaving our other pug, Rascal, at home but was so relieved that we did because there's no way I could have carried both down those steps. I can handle an extra 23 pounds, but not 50+. Rascal just doesn't travel well and really doesn't enjoy car rides and being out of his element. He was quite content to take a nap at home. Quincy loved the special trip with us.
The park was really well maintained and suprisingly not overcrowded. We had packed a picnic lunch and sat by the arches (see photo) for lunch after our 3 hour hike. At the interpretative center they had a display of stuffed animals that was a hit for Isaac. Isaac did really, really well climbing the stairs. I was proud of him. He enjoys being out in nature, but really wanted to take a "bike trip" rather than a "hike trip." His days riding in the backpack are numbered.
We had a delicious dinner of grilled salmon (wild caught, not farm raised), brown rice and broccoli. Isaac enjoyed helping with the grill which consists of him taking some "grill tools" (spactuala, tongs) out to the grill area and playing with them in the dirt. Relaxing and fun Mother's Day 2009. We did miss seeing Mimi P, Mimi Y and Gigi.
