Fall Break in Rabun County, part 2

 Our two night stay in  Dillard Georgia was at Chalet Village, which is owned by the Dillard House. This property has about 20 cottages, some that sleep up to 14 people.  Our little house would sleep five - 2 bedrooms, 2 baths and a pullout sofa.  It was a nice place - quiet, clean & simple! Perfect for the three of us.

Great place to enjoy the quiet.

Side view of the house.

View from our porch. There is small pond, tennis courts, pool & hot tub in this area.

This picture is from the den. You can see the two bedrooms. The kitchen, family room and eating area
are all in this big room.

 After our morning at Black Mountain State Park, we ventured south to Tallulah State Parks. This park is worth the drive to northeast Georgia.  The visitor center is amazing.  It has helpful, informed volunteers. The habitat exhibit is beautifully crafted.  We enjoyed looking at the many animals, birds, reptiles that can are indigenous to the area.  Our plan was to hike on the rim trail, and possibly down to the suspension bridge. After talking with one of the volunteers we learned there was a special event taking place! More on that later.

Checking out the gorge from the suspension bridge.  It's over 300 steps down to the bridge.

Looking up at the rim from the bridge.

 Kate & I went all the way down to the river, which was another 300+ steps.  Of course, that means we had to go back up!  Good thing I have been using the elliptical, it really helped my ability to not "die" on the way back up to the rim. The total number of steps is over 1000!! Randy stayed at the suspension bridge.

Waterfall at the bottom of the gorge.

Mom & Kate at the bottom of the gorge.

We made it back to the top of the rim, and here is  view! It's a LONG way down.

 The special event I mentioned was a rehearsal for a rescue.  There were lots of EMT's, and other rescue type personnel at the park.  There were rescue personnel were at the bottom of the gorge with a backboard.  A helicopter was scheduled to come into the gorge and practice picking up the backboard.  It was so cool to watch this undertaking. According to the park volunteer, there is typically one rescue a year at Tallulah Gorge.  People fall rock climbing, or get dehydrated and can't make the return trip. He told us of one couple that had a tree fall on them and break their legs. To make sure they are rescue ready, they come in and train for the real deal.  I'm glad it was just a drill.

Do you see the helicopter? This was crazy to watch, such precision & patience is required

Tallulah Gorge State Park is one of three state parks in Rabun County.  So, if you like to get out and enjoy God's creation...Rabun County has lots to offer. My next post will highlight the third park of Rabun County, Moccasin Creek State Park.  We were pleasantly surprised at all this county has to offer in terms of  exploring the great outdoors!