
Christmas vacation for this college student from Selma so far has included a nearly 40-mile, three-day hike along North Georgia's Appalachian Trail.
His team began their trek at Dick's Creek Gap and ended at Neel's Gap at the Walasi Yi Center, a hiker hostel where the trail runs through the shelter.
Here, after climbing several mountains through fog, rain and unusual winter warmth, he is happy to be just a mile from trail's end. The adventure was not without close encounters. The team saw a mama bear and her cub, which quickly moved another direction. There were also glove-eating varmints at the Tray Mountain shelter.
And yes, if you are wondering, he's one of my boys!