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How this was done is beyond me! The views are just as amazing from the various overlooks. I was going to hike up to Inspiration Point Overlook but I was beyond tired. I had been up since midnight and it was almost noon time and I was starting to get hungry + it was time to head over to my campsite to get set up. I ended up going to a diner not far from the campground to grab something to eat for lunch.

Usually Im camping in a tent, but this time I decided to sleep in our SUV. It’s a 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe. I left enough room on the drivers side (back) door to get in and out. I didnt put blackout curtains on the rear window and front windows. I used a sunshield for windshield and put up blackout curtains for more privacy.

I made myself a sandwhich for dinner and after eating, I went to take a shower. I noticed after going through my pictures that I didnt take any pictures of the bathroom and campground. I will say that the water was nice and hot. The bathroom was nice and clean. The campground sites are pretty tight and you are pretty close to your neighbors.

* The extension cord is in no way being pinched. The window is cracked and I used electrical grade tape to seal the opening. *

After my shower, I climbed into bed, ate some snacks, texted with hubby for a bit, then proceeded to crash. Since I had the electric fan with me, it was nice and cool inside. As the night progressed, I actually had to turn it to low because it was cool enough outside.

My intentions were to make myself some breakfast at the campground. That ended up not working out because the skillet I brought kept tripping. I’m gonna have to get over my fear of using propane. We have the Coleman 2 burner propane stove and Blackstone Adventure Ready 2 burner propane stove.

Luckily, the diner I had grabbed lunch from, also did breakfast. But first, I wanted to sit to at least enjoy my coffee, journal a bit and enjoy the fresh, morning air before I packed up and headed out. The breakfast was delicious. The staff was amazing; including the owner. I wish I had taken some pictures with them. I think I will start doing that; with permission to also post their pictures on social media.

I like to read up about the history (The Story of African-Americans in Rabun County: Slaves) of where I’m traveling (The Green Book) to and if there is or has been a history of racism. Sundown towns are still very much a thing, and being Black and a Black woman…well. OutdoorsyBlack Women.

I can say that I didn’t encounter any racism. Even so, I’m always aware of my surroundings and I do not give out information. That doesnt mean it’s not happening, just that I didnt encounter it on my trip.

My plan after eating breakfast was to go visit Anna Ruby Falls but upon further research, I decided on Providence Canyon State Park. That blog will be up soon.

Overall, I had a wonderful time exploring and I will definitely be going back to hike the gorge.

Here are some maps as well as what the permit looks like.