Hidden Beauty on Georgia's Southwestern Border

Heading south out of Bainbridge, we drove the densely forested scenic route along Hutchinson Ferry Road and Booster Club Road.  The road is built atop a ridge and we could see the steep descent to the lake.  We continue to be amazed by the dramatic shift in terrain from the area where we live to this area which is so close to home.

The approach to the campground was straight downhill and offered a dramatic view of the lake.  I found out just how steep the entrance is on Saturday when my bicycle brakes failed to slow me and I had to take evasive action.

Our first view of Lake Seminole as we approached on Friday evening.

Eastbank Campground located on Lake Seminole is less than a two hour drive from our home. Despite having crossed the bridge at Chattahoochee, FL, nearly every trip to the beach of our lives, we had never explored the Lake Seminole area.

The campground, which is situated at the southernmost end of the lake, affords a lovely view of the sunset across the water.

Evening sun gilds the lake

The confluence of the Flint and Chattahoochee rivers forms the Apalachicola River which runs to the Gulf of Mexico.  The Jim Woodruff Dam creates the lake. Our campsite had a nice view of the dam, and, of course, on Saturday, we explored the dam on our bikes.

Biking the dam at Lake Seminole

Jim Woodruff Dam

Public access for fishing

 After exploring the dam, we ventured further into Florida for some more sightseeing.

A theme is emerging here:  we've biked across state lines several times this summer!

Crossing the state line on the dam

The short ride parallel to the river took us directly to River Landing Park featuring oaks draped with Spanish moss, the old highway bridge - a portion of which still stands as it was too costly to tear down, remnants of a fort from the War of 1812, and a single surviving Indian mound from centuries ago.

Our initial view of the old bridge

River Landing Park in Chattahoochee, FL

Reading the historic marker to learn about the significance of the site

A British fort of the War of 1812 was established here

Prehistoric Indian mound located in River Landing Park along the Apalachicola River

We spent some time looking at the flood markers.  Jamie reminisced about 1998; he was on patrol in the area.  He claims to have a photo of the flood waters from atop the dam stored away somewhere in his memorabilia.  Time will tell if he can produce it ~ and a postscript is sure to follow if, in fact, he does.

Flood markers painted on the column of the old bridge

A marker erected in the park indicates flood levels

A closeup view shows the water level above 76 feet on July 10, 1994, March 12, 1998 and March 26, 1929

We started our ascent to the top of the ridge into the town of Chattahoochee, FL.  We made it about a third of the way before we ran out steam.  We recently rode 126 miles in the "mountains" of Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia, and nothing compares to the elevation change from the river into this border town!

We sat down a few minutes, took a breather.  And then, still gasping for air, our legs wobbly, our bodies drenched in sweat, we walked our bikes up the hill -- mountain!-- to Hardee's. An air conditioned water break.

Morning was turning into midday, the temperature rising, the humidity thick. {Later, viewing the elevation change in MapMyRide and the weather channel's heat advisory for the day, we have no shame in walking the latter part of that climb.}

In the refreshing coolness of Hardee's, we met a few gentlemen from the town's coffee crew who exchanged bicycle stories with us, and even invited us to church the next day.  We always find it interesting to strike up conversations with locals.

Recovered, we explored the town,

A Confederate memorial 

bought some ant-riddance at the DG (the camp host informed us of an invasion and indicated we should take precaution; the lady at the hardware store suggested Comet for the job), and continued on our journey, meandering through the grounds of the Florida State Hospital.

A sign warned us: No Photos -- guess that's because of HIPPA.  Anyway, the whitewashed buildings were beautiful; an historic marker provided insight into the origins of the facilities and answered our quandary as to why these buildings were erected here. In short, no, this was not an old military base turned psychological hospital; it was an arsenal at one point, then a prison, and, since 1876 a mental hospital.

Our return to camp was significant only in that my brakes failed on the descent.  Thank goodness there was no traffic so I could make the turn and keep going until I could reach flatter terrain to regain brake control.  Could have been disaster!  Now I understand those "Runaway Truck" signs along the interstate in mountainous areas.      

The south Georgia heat and humidity sent us inside for the afternoon.  Regrettably, our campsite lacked shade. {Lesson learned!} With both a fan and air conditioner running at full speed, we remained uncomfortably warm for the duration of the afternoon.

We can't pass up a sunset, especially one across water, so we braved the outdoors for a short walk around the campground.

Saturday's sunset at Lake Seminole

Looking across Lake Seminole toward Woodruff Dam.  

Hydrilla and other non-native invasive plants have taken over much of the lake.  Perhaps that's why we saw just two boats on the water this weekend.

As we prepped for the move on Sunday morning, what to my eyes did appear, but three tiny ants marching over our threshold. And then, the army followed.  The Comet had held them at bay a while. We had powdered around our tires and our hitch -- "anything that touches the ground," just as the camp host instructed. Our investigation revealed their entry point, and our oversight. We had not encircled the electrical box post.  The army marched across the electric connection right up to the camper frame, across the underbelly and directly through the door.  Much to our dismay, I'm sure we brought some home with us.

Despite the heat and the ants, we delighted in being tourists in our neighboring county, discovering the nearby picturesque landscape and historic exhibits, perpetuating our interest in dams, bridges, and crossing state lines on our bicycles.

Another travel trailer trail tale in the book.

Postscript
Photos Jamie took on March 11, 1998 showing flood waters at the Jim Woodruff dam on Lake Seminole.

Compare these to Saturday's view: