Columbus Chattahoochee River Walk 3-21-18

Most of my work during the month of March had me in Tifton, GA. I hate to say it but there is really not a lot going on in Tifton. I searched for a park with a nice walking trail or some kind of outdoor recreation area but did not find much. I didn't have much time in the afternoons after work to drive anywhere and didn't want to be out in an unfamiliar area by myself, so most of my physical activity was limited to the hotel gym. 

During part of the month though, I was in Columbus. Due to "springing forward" and also the fact that Columbus is practically in central time anyways, I had a lot more daylight to work with. The weather has been mostly horrendous all month but I had one or 2 ok days while I was in Columbus. So of course I had to see how the Chattahoochee down there compared to my beautiful river up here north of Atlanta. I was delighted to find a 15 mile long walking path along the banks of the river (I could have walked to Alabama, but why would anyone do that?). My part of the river is more scenic because obviously the area around the river in downtown Columbus is developed and has a lot of buildings, traffic, etc. I'm sure as you get away from the city, the river and scenery becomes more serene. The path itself is lovely; it's very wide and flat, which makes it great for bicyclists, joggers, and walkers. 

I only walked a mile or so on the path after starting at Woodruff Riverfront Park near downtown, because I also planned to walk around downtown Columbus. It was extremely windy and cold and very few other people were out and about. I did see some kayakers, as this part of the river is quite rapid-y, and fisher folk. I was also shocked to see motor boats on the river. I walked down to some old mill buildings and looked around there and also walked across a small bridge onto an island, which would be a great place to hang out if it wasn't freezing and windy. 

After walking along the river, I went up into downtown Columbus (which is apparently also known as Uptown). It's slightly sketchy but overall I found it quite nice. I went in a great coffee shop and met several storefront dogs who were hanging out on the sidewalk in front of their respective shops. I always like to support local businesses and there were quite a few in downtown Columbus. There seems to be a culture of coffee, beer, and bicycles (and dogs) in Columbus and I can't argue with any of that. There is also a lot of public art. It seems like they are really trying to make it an interesting place. Just my assessment after spending a few hours there. 

So in a month of traveling for the first 3 weeks and rainy weather every weekend I was home (not joking), I am happy I managed to find a little adventure wherever I could. There are many places near Columbus I would like to go such as the Warm Springs area and Providence Canyon but alas, no time for that when working. Maybe another time..

Augusta "Locks" 2-21-18

I have been traveling a lot in the month of February so between that and the mostly horrible weather we've had all month, there has not been much outdoor recreation. We did go to Little Ridge Park and Bowmans Island (in the rain- very muddy) a few times but really my only new or interesting excursion was in Augusta last week. Actually, it was in Martinez and make sure you pronounce that correctly (Martin-ez)!! Again, I was traveling for work so didn't really have much time for leisure each day but I did manage to go to Savannah Rapids Park one day after work. I visited this park before about 7 years ago when my sister-in-law lived in Augusta, so I made a point to go back.

The park is situated at the headgates of the Augusta Canal and the property also includes historical features such as a Lock Keeper's cottage (add Lock Keeper to my list of old school, preferred professions). It's different than a lot of places I hike in that the history of it is just as interesting as the scenery. The trail from the headgates winds its way all the way down to Augusta (about 15 miles round trip) and unfortunately, I only had time for a mile or 2 before sunset. It's a flat path (nice change of pace from the mountains) and wide enough for all manner of walkers, jogger, or bicyclists. Canoe and bike rentals are available at the park and I imagine either one of these methods of transportation would be a lot of fun to use at this location. I had time for neither but should I find myself in Augusta for any reason other than work, I would love to ride a bike all the way down the path. 

One major difference I noticed from the first time I visited was the actual locks all over the guardrails. Apparently it's become very popular to place combination or key locks with inscriptions (dates, names, etc) along the guardrails (similar to other famous bridge in Europe). Research tells me this all started about 5 years ago and apparently there is some debate as to whether it's harmless or vandalism. I can see both sides, especially since this is definitely the opposite of leave no trace, but I did enjoy looking at the unique lock styles and wondering about the people who left them. 

So that was my short, sweet trip to the Augusta Locks. I enjoyed a peaceful sunset with the clouds reflecting perfectly off the water and moss swaying in the trees. Not bad for a weekday after work. I've got some upcoming trips to South Georgia areas so I've got to research and see what other recreation I can find. Tifton is up next and so far I haven't seen much on the map to do around there. I might just have to stick to the hotel gym. We shall see.