outdoor

Keely and Phil hook up with Okefenokee Adventures and set out on a canoe adventure through the Okefenokee Swamp. The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is a four hundred thousand acre wilderness in the southeast corner of Georgia. It’s some of the wildest terrain in the United States. This is Phil’s first time through the swamp, and for a guy from the city, canoeing the six miles to Coffee Bay Shelter was some experience! After a lunch break and a little relaxation, it’s time to canoe the six miles back. In a 12-mile canoe trip, team work is important, and Keely and Phil soon find their respective places on the team! Stroke, stroke! www.okefenokeeadventures.com and www.fws.gov/okefenokee

Sea kayaking is a great way to burn some calories and see a unique part of Georgia along the way. After getting her gear and guide at Up the Creek Expeditions in St. Mary’s, Keely sets out on a kayaking expedition to Cumberland Island. Upon arriving on Cumberland, Keely sets out for the plum orchards, and sneaks a quick peak at the 1898 Carnegie mansion, which is slated to open to the public soon. www.nps.gov

Looking for some fun in the summer sun, Keely and Phil head out to the water on Lake Allatoona. They hook up with Scott from Paradise Rental Boats and get wet and wild! Keely first tries her hand at waterskiing, and after a few tries gets up on her feet. Meanwhile Phil goes in for some personal power on a personal water craft. Watch out, Keely! Keely and Phil remind you that on the water, safety always comes first, but be sure and have a good time…our crew sure did! www.parkmarine.com

When our Traveler crew pulled up at Lake Blackshear Golf Course at Georgia Veterans State Park, some thought the Three Stooges had arrived. Instead of Larry, Moe, and Curly, it was Keely, Phil, and David, but the hilarious hijinks were on a roll. Join the Traveler Trio as they show their golf skills, or lack thereof, and have a great time putting around at Lake Blackshear Golf Course. www.lakeblackshearresort.com and www.gastateparks.org

The Pine Mountain Hiking Trail begins in FDR State Park, one of the oldest and largest state parks in Georgia. Accessibility to the trail is key, and several parking lots are located along the length of it to facilitate long hikes or short loops. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, himself, helped to supervise the construction of FDR State Park as a project of the Depression-era Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). This historic park features the famous Liberty Bell Pool as well as Dowdell’s Knob, FDR’s favorite picnic spot, overlooking the gorgeous valley below. Join Keely as she hikes the trail and discovers what made FDR fall in love with this part of Georgia. www.pinemountaintrail.org and www.gastateparks.org

Known as the Little Amazon, the Altamaha River winds through middle Georgia all the way to the coast. Along with the owner of Southeast Adventure, Michael Gowen, Georgia Traveler explores this majestic wonder. With only a kayak and a sense of humor Phil tackles the Altamaha and all of its splendor. To set up your own trip or find out more information visit Southeast Adventure at their website at www.southeastadventure.com

The Appalachian Trail stretches over 2000 miles from Georgia to Maine, and Keely steps off our route to hike up Blood Mountain, which is the part of the AT most traveled in Georgia. She starts out her trek at Mountain Crossings for a guide and some advice. Along the way she sees some amazing scenery, and crosses under the only manmade structure that the Appalachian Trail passes through. The long hike up Blood Mountain is rewarding, but the view from the top really takes the cake! www.nps.gov and www.mountaincrossings.com

Phil teams up with a pro as he goes fishing on Lake Seminole. Woman’s Bassmaster Champion Pam Martin-Wells shows Phil the ropes (he already had the line and the bait!). The best time for bass fishing on Lake Seminole is from about March to May, so Phil and Pam had better luck pole fishing for brim and blue gill. Whoa, Phil, watch the side of the boat! For more information on fishing on Lake Seminole, check out Jack Wingate’s Lunker Lodge; it’s the base of operation for Pam and Steven Wells’s guide service. www.wingateslodge.com

Phil satisfies his need for speed as he dons his helmet and gear and hops onboard his Harley. After completing his Motorcycle Safety Program Basic Rider Course, Phil and a group of motorcycling buddies show off their skills in our Rabun Gap Ramble. Their route: U.S. 441 North through Rabun County. Their objective: to have as much fun (safely) as possible! Join Phil and his crew as they ride through Rabun Gap and demonstrate this unique way to see Georgia! Vroom! www.dds.ga.gov and www.gamountains.com

They’ve been teaching folks to hang glide since 1978 out at the Lookout Mountain Flight Park in Rising Fawn, so, what better place for our hosts to take the leap? Well, actually, Keely and David we towed up by an ultralight for their tandem flights with Instructor Dan Zink. If you’re interested in a similar hang gliding experience, what we did is called the "Discovery Tandem Flight". Check out their website to find out more: www.hanglide.com