Day trip into Georgia - Friday July 8 2016

Temperatures have been in high 90's, and today it is supposed to hit 100.  We thought it would be a good time to take a ride to Tugaloo State Park near Martin, GA.  It was about a 45 minute drive.  The park is along the south end of the Tugaloo river that forms an arm of Lake Hartwell. The river was named after a Cherokee town that was once on the banks of the river.  The park has 393 acres, several boat ramps and picnic areas, a swimming area with sandy beach,  tent, yurt, and RV camping sites, and rental cottages.  There were about 105 RV sites, but they were not as spacious as the ones at the Corps of Army Engineer parks.  After driving through the park, we rode to Lavonia, a quaint little town not far from the SC border, and had lunch at a mom and pop diner before heading home.

Entrance fee is $5 per car; not bad for a full day of family fun

A boat ramp closest to the park entrance

 The lake level is down 3 feet.  Folks were swimming outside the cordoned area where the depth would normally be about 6 feet.  

Bob sporting the new cap he bought at the park's general store.  For some unknown reason,  there were no bbq grills in this area.  It was comfortable in the shade with breezes coming off the lake.

I walked to the back of one of the empty cabins...beautiful spot to relax at day's end.

Crepe myrtle trees added a splash of color 

The Cherokee lived here before the  European settlers arrived in the 1780's.  The town grew because of the railroad that ran through it. Today there are about 3000 residents.

 The historic depot behind the city sign.  It is now a welcome center.

Old down town Lavonia away from the McDonalds, Hardees, and Waffle Houses...

and where one can still take time to enjoy the flowers.