Journal 11
During the Thanksgiving Holiday in 2005 the Stoltzfus family traveled to Helen, Georgia to film the head waters of the Chattahoochee River along the mountian side. This is what we saw.
There were a few fall colors left on the trees on the side of the mountian.




As we started up the side of the mountian on the Appalachian Trail, it became difficult for us to breathe. We started at 3000 feet and at the top of the trail we were at 4200 feet. About half we up we entered into the snow area. At first it was fun, but after awhile we started getting wet and cold.
On trail I filmed a short segment, this was my first experience measuring light on snow. It seemed dark, but there was plenty of light because of the all the white. Kinda like the sand on the beach.

We made it back safely to the cabin before sunset with aching feet, wet shoes, tired bodies, but satisfied with our accomplishments.
A journal entry by Laura Stoltzfus

 "11-21-05"
Wow! It is really rainy up here in Helen. It might even snow!! I am sooo tired. When we arrived at Helen today, I honestly thought I had been blindfolded, taken to the Alps, and dropped in the middle! But our cabin isn't really all tourist-y.
I just am tired but I can't sleep. Darn the rain!

 "11-22-05"
Hiked!! Today all of us went on a long hiking trip. We trudged slowly through the Appalachian trail. It reminded me of something off of "Lord of the Rings". There were huge rocks covered in moss, tiny streams that trickled slowly from nowhere, and, near the top, there was even snow! We were hiking up the side of a very large mountain, oh say.... six miles we hiked, maybe? Nic and I played around and threw snowballs at trees and on the ground, and eating the snow was also interesting. The snow was uniquely refreshing. Dad got some great pictures, to be used in his upcoming film, but Mom was very worried, because it started to snow. Unfortunately, I had a bit of asthma, and I missed out. (Regardless, in the end, my feet were sopping wet, so I put gloves on my feet- a very comical sight- but I was warm! Everything on that mountain was beautiful. The snow glistening in the sunlight, the snowflakes gently landing on my nose and hat, the wind swirling them around like tiny fairies. There is something about being with nature that awakes a certain... feeling in you. This invigorating sense of being... alive. And the snow, oh it was untouched and just so clean and pure! It is that kind of feeling that makes you just want to sigh happily. Like you discovered something, a gem or a jewel, and you can share it, too. Well, I am stiff from hiking and sleepy from writing, so I'll turn in. Wait, I hear my parents talking.... maybe... I might eavesdrop. Bye now!
Jane Atkins