GTA Mt. Cheaha Run
July 15, 2006

Fourteen cars showed up to participate in the July drive to the Talladega National Forest in Alabama .  The “Southside Gang” of Richard Waldrop and Allen Knight planned the drive and picnic, and led the group through the scenic byways of west Georgia and eastern Alabama .

The drive began just north of downtown Tyrone, near Fayetteville .  Allen provided some great directions, and we set off to see some places that most of us had never seen before. 

Chinnabee Lake is in a valley below Cheaha State Park , the highest point in Alabama .  The thick forest and narrow roads provided the perfect setting for a summer drive. 

The picnic area we used was in a shady grove near a small mountain lake.  The group enjoyed a picnic lunch in the little pavilion in the park, which provided shelter during the brief shower just before we left for the drive back.

After lunch, the tour guide took the group to a scenic overlook for some photos of the cars and participants.  The steam was beginning to build after the shower, so many of the drivers opted to find Interstate 20 and take the quick way back towards Atlanta .  This proved to be counterproductive, as there was a heavy downpour on the highway – while the low roads were engulfed in a low-pressure system that dropped the temperature to the low 70s… very comfortable.  

At the end of the day, the survivors of the whole route enjoyed burgers and ice cream at the Sonic Drive In, just across the street from our point of origin.  Thanks to Richard and Allen for a great tour.