A Trip Up The Creek

I've always wanted to see where the creek leads going east. Last spring before the leaves appeared I made it about halfway or so now it appears. As expected it opens up into a meadow which is partially visible from the main road between Ellijay and Dawsonville. Nice view eh?

What I didn't expect was this! Turning 180 degreees from the above photo and an old dam is revealed. Somebody put quite a bit of effort into this thing judging by the size. It runs about 150 feet wide and reaches about fifteen feet high. I'm guessing it was built before folks up here had access to plywood as you can see imprints of the 2 x 6"'s that were used to form the structure before concrete was poured into it.

Some metal was used in the construction but not much...

Front view....
Looking from the backside of the dam.

Couldn't handle the force of Licklog Creek...

Rain...More Drainage - Video

I've been waiting for a good gully washer to see what my latest drainage situation may be.

I was thinking of putting some kind of cover that absorbs water where you see all the water laying. But it's not going to help I figure. Look like it's time for some kind of drain and underground pipe that will empty into the creek. Besides grass between the flagstones in that area will not grow with the runoff problem. I'm not looking forward to the trench digging. I guarantee a few monster roots will be in the way. I'll have to find more work to do so a trench digger would be worth the expense for a day. Something like the one below but smaller.


Creek Gone Wild

Waterfalls - Nine Counted - "Running Waters"

This morning after checking out yesterdays snowfall (temps still at 32 degrees) around the property, I never have counted the small waterfalls I have. Being used to the subtle sound I don't notice it much anymore, but from time to time walk out on the porch and remind myself..."you have scenery with fantastic sound."

On the jaunt around this morning I counted nine small waterfalls up and down the creek. One on the far east side(first clip in the video below) of the property has taken on a different shape and sound thanks to some clogged leaves against a fallen log. It's now the loudest part of the creek. A few months back I had planned a continued walkway and a small sitting area. That additional log I was thinking about will make it a really nice secluded part of the property with cool sound.

Walking the length of the creek path there is never an absence of running or falling water. My mother had always wanted to put a name on this place. Why not simply running waters?

Ice - Winter Creek Views

With temperatures far below normal the past week it was a matter of time I would see some ice build up around the creek. Not much, but I was able to zoom in on a few areas.

and some creek photos without the leaf foliage....

Looking east towards the pasture

West towards my closest neighbor

...and some logs waiting to be split. I really like this exercise though I am certain it will not be a fun chore after a few months.

Creekside Cabin In The Cartecay Valley Ga.

After a day or so it became obvious I was going after the creekside property located in the Cartecay valley of Gilmer County. To this day I keep asking myself, why was I looking for raw land? Was I expecting to build the Ponderosa or something? Yes, I had visions of a chunk of land where I could buy a few horses and let them run. What I did not realize until a month later with the final choice, a large meadow connects to my current property. It also includes another 600 feet of the same creek. Over 600 feet borders the current property.

This area would be perfect for a small stable and a few horses. Perhaps up on the hill could be the main house...again at a later date. The cabin itself could become a guest quarters. See pictures tomorrow.

Back to the cabin I chose. Built in 1991 with two previous owners, it had seen some neglect and was primarily a weekend retreat for Atlanta folks. Oh, I forgot to add...everything was included. I didn't even have to buy a fork! Most of the furniture was drabby but what the hey...it'll work for now I thought.

Wooded? Definately. Upon the June '06 purchase I spent a few weeks and discovered how cold it was because of the shade (too many trees) and dampness from the creek. I mean, it's June 15 and 60 degrees outside at 8AM but I'm shivering. Sure it's going to take some time to get used to the climate after living in tropical Florida for the last 26 years.

April '07 Pictures...

A bit smallish was my thinking at the time, but now that I think about it...it's perfect. Approximately 1,100 square feet with a bedroom downstairs, and a loft upstairs that currently works for my bedroom and office. An addition is planned for the spring of '09.

Above photo is taken from the other side of the creek...

All others June '07...

Chink logged home. Just like the Ponderosa on Bonanza...

This picture is taken from the edge of the creek looking at the backside porch area. No problems associated with the house as it was inspected before the purchase. Trees however were creating some problems near the structure. The root system of one had begun to lift the porch by three inches. Leaves falling on the flat type porch roof was causing some minor rot on the edges.

The previous owners must have been paranoid of mosquitoes and other bugs as the porch was wrapped with screening. I asked around with those that had creekside property if there were bug problems. The consensus was very little. That stuff had to go!