Today we drove about 30 miles north to a private, gated community north of Atlanta in the North Georgia mountains called Big Canoe, where our friends/military comrade Brad & Beth Herren live. We were here back in 2021 and they showed us not only their beautiful home but all around Big Canoe, an off-road jeep ride in the mountains, and a visit to Amicalola Falls. The Big Canoe development started in the early 1970's and it occupies about 8000 acres. There are about 3000 residents with around 60% fulltime, the remainder are weekenders. There are over 20 miles of hiking trails, 3 waterfalls, 3 lakes, over 50 community clubs, 27 holes of golf, and much more. It is an absolutely beautiful area, where you typically cannot see your neighbor's house as they are spread out across the mountain terrain in widely spaced, heavily wooded multi-acre lots. Brad says Big Canoe controls everything you can think of from an architectural standpoint. You cannot cut trees without approval. Outside paint colors require approval, Replacement roof materials and color require approval. And the list goes on.
Many residents use pine needle straw as ground cover
Brad met us outside the gate this morning and led us through. Security gave us a vehicle pass and then we headed to his house.
We parked the big ol' brown truck and I had forgotten to put out trash bag in the dumpster as we left the campground this morning. Brad grabbed it and stuck it in with his trash can inside his garage. Had we left it in the back of our truck, the bears would have likely damaged the truck clawing their way in there to get our trash!
We went inside their house and talked for a bit. I took these pictures out their second floor deck.
In the distance is Amicalola Falls, but foliage covers it from our view this time of the year
This one was taken in April 2021
We loaded up Brad's vehicle and headed down to the marina where he had rented a pontoon boat for us to enjoy on this gorgeous day.
We are on Lake Petit, one of the lakes here at Big Canoe. They do not allow gasoline motors on the boats, only electric low speed trolling motors.
Residents with waterfront property cannot have docks. If they have boats they must use the marina. Even kayaks and canoes are centrally stored and launched from one location.
So we boarded the pontoon along with coolers and other items for lunch, and headed out on a cruise. The skies were clear and the winds light. Temperatures were to peak at about 80 degrees today so picture perfect day for a pontoon ride. As we got started, an eagle circled above us but I did not get a picture. There is an island in the middle of the lake and Brad says there are usually three or more eagles nesting there but not today.
In the distance, the mountain sides were dotted with houses. Like Brad's house, I can only imagine what the views were from there houses.
These houses are on the mountainside that faces Atlanta
so the lights of the city could be seen on some nights.
We continued to cruise around and enjoy the day. Brad found a cove that was shaded from the wind and Beth unpacked lunch including three different types of Italian sandwiches with veggies, condiments, fruit and chips for lunch. It was delicious and filling for sure!
We had a great time and great conversations with Brad and Beth, but the time had run out on the pontoon rental so Brad headed back to the marina and we loaded up and drove back to their house. He had told us the entire area is inhabited by bears, deer, coyotes and various other critters. Here is a coyote that was checking us out as we passed by today. Can you see him?
Back at the house we said our goodbyes, thanking Brad and Beth for their hospitality, and we headed the big ol' brown truck back to Cumming to get ready for our departure tomorrow. We have really enjoyed our stay here and the time we've had with Brad and Beth.
Our next destination is Rockmart GA, just about 65 miles away, so we will not be in a hurry to leave here tomorrow. Check-out time here is 1200 hrs and I cannot find the check-in time there, but 1300 hrs is usual.
Next report from Beautiful Rock RV Park in Rockmart GA!
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