The Little Grand Canyon

In April, Aaron's friends and their wives converged in Atlanta for the Group Stupid 2013 trip. Yes, that is the name of the group. I believe the reasoning is something like this: all these guys are smart, but it seems the more of them there are in a room, the dumber they get. One of the guys lives in Florida and enjoys hiking, so we (Aaron and I) figured it would be easy enough to meet up with him on a weekend for a day hike. Cut to a month later, and my super jealousy.

Has someone ever introduced you to something - a movie, musician, restaurant - and you are so impressed that you are a little jealous you did not find it first to show them? That is how it was for the hiking site Aaron's friend found for us. Providence Canyon is located in southern Georgia and boasts the well-deserved nickname "The Little Grand Canyon." The canyon was formed due to farmers' poor irrigation practices. Their disaster was our incredible fortune on a rainy Saturday in May.

When we arrived, it was pouring rain. We scurried along with our lunches to a picnic shelter in hopes of waiting out the storm. After eating some sandwiches and enjoying some great conversation, the rain had let up and we were off on our hike. The trail is such that you can walk through the middle of the canyon and then loop around the top, or follow the little streams to the edges of the canyon walls for some spectacular geology. I am not sure how long we roamed around the streams and canyon walls, but it was time well spent. Very well spent. 

After getting our fill (almost) of the neat geology from the ground, it was time to hit the trail again and see it from the top of the canyon. Better panoramas of the canyon, but not as amazing as being up close to the different layers and colors of the walls. The loop did, however, have some old cars from 1950s and 1960s, we guessed. There was not a sign indicating how the cars got there, so we made up stories of moonshiners, squatters, and gypsies. All too soon, sadly, our time at the canyon was at a close. We said our "see you later"s and we hit the road back home. In the car, Aaron and I talked about when would be the next time we visit this cool gem in Georgia.