Volume VIII, Number 1 
 
Vogel Sta_te Park, Georgia 
 
2002 Issue 
 
The new CCC Museum 2002 Volunteer Day a success 
 
For ten years, Vogel State Park has used the old cinder block concession building located across from the beach to house the Civilian Conservation Corps Museum. This facility has served the park well for this purpose but, with time, we have outgrown the building with the CCC 
memorabilia that has been donated. The facility is also, not conducive to protecting the paper and fabric articles and photos. These bits of history are deteriorating at a fast rate with moisture, insects and varied temperature changes. 
To remedy this problem the Vogel Volunteers have undertaken a fund raising campaign to construct a new Civilian Conservation Corps Museum that will proudly display the artifacts of this Depression Era program. This museum of post and beam construction will have 1200 square feet of display space. (See related story of Pine Beetles on Natural Resources Page.) This new facility will be climate controlled to aid in maintaining the integrity of the artifacts. 
The Vogel Volunteers are soliciting donations of money, material and help to bui1d this facility. Anyone interested in helping us make this museum a reality is encouraged to talk with David Foot, the Park Manager. Volunteer labor and under the direction of the park staff will be used to help defray the expenses involved in the museum construction. Along with this construction, several new exhibits will be developed as well. The intent of the museum design is to allow the guest to walk through and learn about the Civilian Conservaiion Corps and the Great Depression through interactive interpretive displays. The park is continually soliciting old photos and other memorabilia of the park and the CCC era. If you have any pertinent information or memorabilia suitable for the museum displays or the park archives, please contact David Foot, Park Manager. The Vogel CCC Museum is the only one of its kind in Georgia and one of just a handful in the nation. Vogel State Park is extremely proud of its CCC heritage and pleased that we can share this history with our guests. 
Please consider being part of history and support our efforts to save our past. 
 
With over 80 part1dpants working at the 
2002 Volunteer Work Day numerous projects were completed. These included the cleanup of the past winter's beach debris; installation of bricks in the Memory Walkway; installation of the final section of curtain on the pavilion; stabilization of the lake shoreline at picnic shelter 2 using bio-logs; residing of the CCC barn on Highway 180; and the construction of picnic table pads in the day-use area above shelter #3 . This last project focused on the area that lost so many pine trees to Pine Beetle Damage. 
Volunteers came from afar to participate in this special day at Vogel. Miami and Ft. Myers, Florida; Michigan and cities from all over Georgia were represented . This community of volunteers gathers each spring to work 
on the park to get it ready for the upcoming recreation season. This is a rewarding experience for those who participate. Life long friendships have been forged between the staff and the hearty volunteers. Several of our volunteers have been coming since 1994 w'fien the program began. This day .alone saw 520 hours of contributed labor. Had these individuals been paid $6.00 per hour the park would have expended $3, 120. This is labor money that does not exist. A special thanks goes to these hearty volunteers for helping to lceep Vogel State Park a special place to visit. ' 
 
A volunteer on the go............ 
 
Bob & Georgine Phinney of Ft. Myers, Florida  are shown on ' ,.._ Volunteer Day , 2002 
Are you brave enough to be a park volunteer? It is a fun way to give a little back to a park that has so much to offer. 
 
When David Foot, Vogel State ences in the past six years. 
 
Park Manager, asked me to write an 
 
Yes, it has been six years since 
 
article about camphosting for the we first began. The time has slipped 
 
Park's yearly newspaper, I agreed but by so quickly, I guess because we 
 
was somewhat dubious about what I have found something that we both 
 
could write that had not already been really enjoy. Well , you might ask, 
 
written before. After all there have how did you become camphost. 
 
been some very informative articles 
 
We enjoyed camping and went 
 
in The Voice of Vogel by other thru the usual progression as we aged 
 
camphosts. But also I knew that Walt and our backs got a little less accus- 
 
. and I had h\J-d some .uniq!le expc'I.;i-  tomed to bending, etc ... from tent to 
 
popup to tagalong. At first , tent camping was done entirely in the Chattahoochee National Forest but when we graduated to a _popup we started staying in state parks and that is when we first discovered Vogel. It quickly became our favorite. Our three and four-day breaks away from the daily grind of long hours and even longer commutes soon became our favorite lifestyle and during this time 
 
we discovered camp hosting. Walt immediately said, "This is for me!" and I agreed we should try it. When he retired- the following year we secured applications from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and when we camped at a park we liked, would drop them off. Vogel called us first! No hosting spot available but a local volunteer group was be- 
Please see Volunteer, page 7 
 
 Page 2 
 
:.... . 
Voice of Vogel 
 
The Civilian Conservation Corps 
 
In the early l 930's the United States was financially and morally bankrupt and the spirit of the people was at an all time low. It has been estimated that more than two million youths were ai mlessly wandering the ci ti es and country in search of jobs and a future. On March 4 , 1933 Franklin D. Roosevelt became president of the United States . In the first I00 days in office he initiated numero us progra ms to ge t the coun try back on its feet aga in . The most widely acclaimed and accepted program by nea rly all of the people at the time was the Civil ian Conservation Co rps. The plan was to recruit young men into a peace time army. An army th at would reclaim the land , waters and 
 
forests that had been so abused in the preceding years; as well as build parks such as Vogel while at the same time attempt to save the youths themselves. 
The Department of Labor recruited the yo uths from the relief roles. Clothing was provided by the Army which also managed the camps. Control of the work accomplished by the CCC was under the direction of the US Forest Service ,, Soil Co nse rv ation Service, Fish and Wildlife Service , Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation and Bureau of Indian Affairs. Vogel State Park was under the direction of the National Park Service. 
Life in the 3 C's appealed to the American frontier spirit. The 
 
3,240,399 young men worked for a dollar a day plus room and board . (This was referred to three hots and a flop). Besides restoring the depleted natural resources of this country the other primary purpose of the CCC was to provide financial support for the families at home. Many of the men who were in Roosevelt ' s Tree Army said it was the best years of their lives. The Civilian Conservation Corps was the only government conservation organization that worked to save our country's environment on a national scale. It still holds that title. While many youth work pro' grams have been initiated, none i have come close to the accomplishments of the CCC. 
With the buildup of the war 
 
effort in 1942 the various CCC projects were completed and the organization was shut down . Many of the CCC Boys enlisted in the various branches of the military. 
These boys were unique as they were already discipltned, having worked under military com- 
 
manders in the CCC camps; They were in excellent physical and mental shape having worked at hard labor and been given an education, good food and medical care. Because of their training , the boys spent little time in boot camp, but went straight to the war front. 
 
Generations @ Vogel 
 
The 1941 phot o (be low) taken at the log beach hou se over Lake Tra hl y ta show s Nellie L. Brown and her daughters Eve lyn and Mildred (L to R). 
 
The Browns 
 
were from 
 
At lant a a t 
 
the tm1e. No- 
 
 
 
tice Nellie is working on 
 
a cross-stitch (Photo 
 
I). Nellie was always 
 
busy with her hands 
 
creating some beauti- 
 
ful piece of work 
 
even on the family va- 
 
cation. The small photo shows this cross-stitch on displ ay in her granddaughter's home today. Evelyn 
 
(she is the one with the long legs) is shown with her family in 
 
200 l in cottage #20 (photo , above left) . 
Unfortunately this was Evelyn's last visit to Vogel as she passed away soon after this photo was taken. 
In the picture of Nellie sitting by herself doing her cross-stitch see the Brownie box camera in the lower right comer. She was also wearing her shoes with high heals . 
The picture taken in 
 
cottage #20 (Photo 3) shows Evelyn Brown Cross (seated); Loretta Sewell , Evelyn's daughter (behind her) ; Martha Bishop, Loretta's daughter (to the left) with her children Sarabeth (baby), Caleb and Macy; and Cannen (Loretta ' s daughter with her son Joey Boyce to the right. 
It is not unusual to find families that have been coming to Vogel for many years. Vogel has always been a popular place to spend a vacat ion . 
 
CCC research by an A+ student 
 
Sarah Hicks shown with her mom Kathy did some research at the park on the history of the Civilian Conservation Corps for a Social Studies Fair. Sarah is in the fifth grade and attends Austin Elementary School in Dunwoody . The park staff assisted Sarah in her research, gave her a tour of the museum , and made suggestions for her project design. Sarah 
 
received a 96 on the project, which included her report and display . We are proud of Sarah 's accomplishment of placing third in her school's Social Studies Fair. This was quite an honor. Other students are encouraged to use the park for research. The park staff is always excited to see a young person get enthused when they are learning something new. 
 
Times were hard in the l 930's during the Great Depression . It was no different for Clarence Miller of Lumpkin County, Georgia and his family. Clarence was a tall man of 6' F and thin . Of course most men during these years were thin , because they were going hungry. The banks had closed, there were no jobs and it was difficult to find enough money to buy the basics like bread and milk. 
To help his family get through these hard times Clarence enrolled in the Civilhm Conservation Corps. He saw this as the only way to get money into his parent 's hands so they could survive this crisis. Clarence was assigned to a camp just over the mountain from his home . It was referred to SP-2 or Camp Enotah. The National Park Service had opened this camp in 1933 to build Vogel State Park. This park was out in the middle of nowhere , but he wasn't homesick like some of the other fellows. He knew he wasn ' t too far from home , but more importantly he knew his family was depending upon his working to earn that much needed money. 
Clarence enjoyed his work. Years later he was heard to say that this was the best time of his life. 
 
ACCC~~ 
 
went to work for Bell Aircraft in Atlanta . When the United States entered The 
 
Clarence did several jobs but he eventually settled down Second World War Clarence 
 
to being the camp's dynamite man and blacksmith . He was not drafted because it 
 
worked under the guidance of a Local Experience Man, was determined his job at the 
 
N. N . Adams of Cleveland who was an expert blacksmith. defense plant was essential . 
 
In this job they made all the hardware for the doors, win- Clarence was exempted from 
 
<lows in the park and at Walasi-Yi at Neel Gap. Matter of military service. 
 
fact Clarence was responsible for making the large hand 
 
This couple who were 
 
forged electric lamp located above the door at the head of married for 51 years had a 
 
the steps at Walasi-Yi. Clarence was chipping a rock for good life. Belle was a good 
 
placement of a bronze plaque (located behind Walasi-Yi) cook, but she never made 
 
when a piece flew off and lodged in his chest. Years later scrambled eggs for Clarence. 
 
when Clarence was getting an x-ray , the doctor asked if he You see, he never did like 
 
wanted that rock removed. Clarence declined the offer the eggs in the CCC camp 
 
and said as long as it wasn't hurting he would keep it as a because of all the shells that 
 
souvenir of the CCC. An unfortunate accident happened seemed to find their way to 
 
one day when a fellow CCC boy drowned in the lake at Clarence's plate . So he 
 
the park. Clarence was assigned the task of making a hook swore off scrambled eggs 
 
to be used to drag the lake bottom to retrieve the body . and stuck to Belle's fried 
 
Clarence was glad he could help . I-re was impressed with eggs. The eggs were perhaps 
 
the hard work of all the CCC Boys . He had the utmost the worse memory Clarence 
 
respect for each and every one of them. 
 
had of his time in the Civil- 
 
Ever since elementary school, Clarence was smitten ian Conservation Corps . 
 
with a young lady named Belle Gerrell. Belle came from a Some people were ashamed 
 
large family of 14, so she was never lonely. However , and embarrassed of their 
 
Clarence held a certain charm that she admired from the CCC enlistment. Granted 
 
first day they met. Clarence and Belle were married in these men were in the CCC 
 
1934 . She was 15 he was 21. There was a problem how- because their family had no 
 
ever. A CCC Boy could not be married. So, they kept money, but no one had any 
 
their marriage a secret. This was a difficult time for the money . Clarence didn't look 
 
newly weds. Clarence was in camp five days a week and at it as a stigma, but rather 
 
got home on weekends by bumming a ride with another it meant life. 
 
camp member. Belle got up to the camp one time. She was 
 
His work was doing 
 
warned to keep away from all those boys by her father good things for the natural 
 
because they weren ' t use to seeing many women . How- resources while he was send- 
 
ever Belle had nothing but good to say about_these boys . ing money home to his fam- 
 
They were all gentlemen. The reason Belle was in camp ily so they could eat. 
 
was to see Clarence in the camp infirmary. He had measles Clarence was extremely 
 
and wasn't feeling too well. 
 
proud of his work in the 
 
They kept their marriage a secret for about.a _ yp.a~ ,, T!ir~e <;:: s. ,They made him a 
 
until he got his two years in, in the CCC's. The couple' man and a loving husband . 
 
 Voice of Vogel 
 
Page 3 
 
Pine Beetles 
strike Vogel 
Regular guests will notice that the day-use picnic area in the vicinity of shelters 3 & 4 has taken on a new complexion over this past winter. An infestation of Southern Pine Beetle has hit the park. Unfortunately Vogel is not the only location to be affected. In recent years, Florida, Tennessee, and, Kentucky have all been devastated by this little pest. Now the Chattahoochee National Forest is on the menu. 
Researchers are still unsure about all the habits of the Southern Pine Beetle. What is known is that they create more damage during and immediately after periods of drought when the trees are stressed. Mild winters work in their favor as well. Both of these scenarios have been the case throughout the south for the past several years. 
Generally the first obvious symptom of an infestation is the pine needles turning brown. It will also be noticed that the bark is flaking off. The bark will separate from the cambium layer where the beetle bores its galleries. The galleries are obvious when the bark falls off. They appear as dark S shaped tracks. The wood will have a blue stain that eventually penetrates to the center of the log. 
Unfortunately the value of the wood dimin(shes once the beetle has st ruck . A wise forest owner will monitor this pest in his stand of Pines and cut out those that have been hit as well as a peri meter of trees in the event the beetle has spread. This can be devastating to a forest. When it happens at a location such as Vogel, it can be even more so as we are already short on trees. 
 
f'fsl1f115 at V05el State l'a,.k 
 
-(" -. 
 
: 
 
.... 
 
In an effort to make the best of a bad situation the staff of Vogel State Park decided to mill the timber into lumber to be used on the park. This is a unique problem as the CCC planted many of the trees that are being cut. This lumber will be used in the construction of a museum to honor the boys of the CCC. This allows the wood to make a full circle. The boys of the CCC planted the trees and we are using the wood to honor their work . 
What goes around comes around. 
 
The most common questions asked of the park staff during the summer are where 
 
is the nearest restroom and how can I catch a fish? And they may not necessarily be 
 
asked in that order. It all depends upon the questioners priorities. This article is going 
 
to try to answer some of the fish questions. 
 
Lake Trahlyta is a 22 acre impounded reservoir. It is stream and spring fed making 
 
the water cooler. The water at the bottom of the lake averages 10 degrees colder than 
 
the surface water temperature. The lake 's bottom surface is pretty much void of any 
 
obstacles. When the lake was built 67 years ago all the trees and stumps were removed. 
 
Over the years the park has made a few efforts to install brush piles and other cover to 
 
create fish habitat, but this has not helped the fishing much. 
 
Channel catfish have been stocked in past years and have seemed to thrive in these 
 
cold waters . Rainbow Trout are stocked several times during the spring up until June I. 
 
They are not stocked after May because the water temperature gets too warm to keep a 
 
healthy population. Other fish in the lake include Bream and Largemouth Bass. 
 
The Largemouth Bass have grown to 14 pounds in the park's lake . The bass is a 
 
wa:rm water fis h that is best caught from late spring to early fall . They can be found in 
 
the prespawning phase when the water temperature gets to 58 degrees. They will spawn 
 
(Lay eggs) on beds in shallow water. It is possible to catch bass while on the spawning 
 
beds if they are agitated by a cast lure . This takes patience and persistence. Largemouth 
 
Bass like shade or brushy areas . They are most commonly caught in the evening and 
 
early morning . Don't let your shadow cast across the water because they will see it and 
 
steer clear of biting. The best bait for bass is night crawlers. Top water lures and plastic 
 
worms work as well. The creel limit is IO Bass per day. 
 
Bream arc a warm water fish as well. They are most easily caught during the 
 
summer. They like crickets . Bream will spawn in sha ll ow water on the full moon around 
 
mid May. The creel limit for Bream is 50 per day. Rainbow Trout are a coldwater fi sh. 
 
They are stream oriented and will search out the running water. They are easiest caught 
 
in the spring 'and fal l. Trout are caught on small spinners and flies using a #8 hook. The 
 
creel Iimit is 8 per day. Channel Catfish are a warm water fish. They are tempted by 
 
smelly bait such as chicken livers. Catfish are easiest caught on a warm summer night 
 
on the dark of the moon. Catfish are not structure oriented so they can be caught most 
 
anywhere in the lake . There is no possession limit for channel catfish. 
 
Some of the best times to fish are right before a weather front comes through and 
 
when it is cloudy with low fight. The worse time to fish is right after a storm has passed. 
 
The combined creel limit of all fish caught excluding catfish is 50 for one day. 
 
Once the daily limit is caught for a particular species it is unlawful to continue to fish 
 
for that species. Handling and releasing a fish:  Use a barbless hook if you are not planning on 
keeping the fish.  Play and release the fish as rapidly as possibl e.  Whenever possible, do not take the fish out of the water.  Hand le the fis h with bare, wet hands. Do not squeeze the fish, put your fi ngers in the eyes or gills or cause scale loss .  Remove the hook as quickly as possible using needlenose pilers  Hold the fish in an upright 
 
position and move it gently back and fo rth so water runs ove r its gill s. Release the fish 
 
when it is able to swirri. 
 
Fishing licenses are required by anyone 16 and over fis hing in Lake Trahlyta. 
 
Trout stamps are required if you are fi shing the streams in the park , but they are not 
 
required to catch trout from the lake. Trotlines are not allowed on the park waters. 
 
Have fun fis hing at Vogel State Park. 
 
 
 
Stream bank stabilization 
One of the Volunteer Day projects included the installation of 300 feet of coconut fiber rolls called Bio-Logs . These teenagers are show_n working with Roger Phillips and Larry and Becky Thomas on the installation of the flexible logs . These 20 foot long rolled blankets were installed on the bank of Wol f C reek adjacent to picnic shelter #2. This heavily used area has had serious erosion over the years . It is hoped that this material will help keep the bank in place and add to the natural beauty of the park . 
 
---------------------------------Beaver Tales--------------------------------- 
 
Hikers around lake Trahlyta can't help but notice all the trees disappearing from the shoreline . We often get questions of what is chewing the trees? The answer is simple . It is the beaver. The solution to this prob-. !em is not nearly as simple. 
The beaver is a water based, fur-bearing mammal. Throughout history , the beaver pelt has been prized . The fur is luxurious making it quite suitable for coats and hats . The beaver trapping industry was so wide spread during the 1700's and 1800's that the beaver became endangered . Over trapping and loss of habitat really put the crunch on this unusual creature . 
The beaver is a nocturnal creature that is very difficult to view. More often than not you hear him rather than see him . With the slap of its flat tail on the lake's surface as a warning to danger, the beaver quickly dives under water to safety . This loud slap is a warning to other beaver. For the unsuspecting human the loud report of the slapped tail can send goose bumps up the spine . The beaver is renown for it's engineering feats of dam and lodge construction. The dams are built to impound water to create ideal habitat. Water is a security blanket for the beaver where other predators can 't 
 
reach it. Beaver don' t alw ays live in the traditional lodge built of trees, twigs and mud that can be seen as an island popping out of the pond 's sur face. Beaver as in the case of the ones living on Lake Trahlyta can den in the lake bank . 
Why do the beaver chew all the trees? The beaver traditionally uses the cut trees to construct his dam and lodge . But living in a utopian environment such as Vogel' s lake with a human made dam , life is pretty relaxed . The beaver gains some nourishment from the cambium layer under the tree  ' bark. But perhaps the most important reason for the constant chewing is the fact it is a way to keep the beaver 's teeth worn down . The teeth are continually growing and if not worn down will grow into the skull . The beaver have done some major damage to the shoreline trees at Vogel. For this reason W!! have had to take measures of trapping and relocating them . They are a very elusive creature and very prolific . It seems where there is one there are several more waiting in the wings to take its place . When word spreads of a good thing such as at Vogel, who can help themselves but pay a visit and enjoy paradise . 
 
 Page 4 
Heed the signs 
by Ed Parker Vogel has been my fa- 
vorite camping place for over 50 years. Naturally when my wife and I dec ided to spend a quiet weekend in the mountains for our 12th anniversary in Septembe r we chose a cabin at Vogel. I thought we had seen every thing, but when we were driving back from Brasstown Bald I glimpsed through the trees at the water falls below the Vogel lake dam . We had to see them up close before we le ft. Now the story ge ts personal. I didn ' t know about the good trail to bottom of the fa lls , I immediately saw a path with a sign that said closed due to e ros ion . This old Boy Scout didn ' t let that stop him. I suggested to my wife that we carefu lly fo llow this path down to the bottom of the fall s , When we ran into cobwebs I picked up a sti ck to knoc k them out of o ur way . Ginger was following w ith Corky our dog secured with a wind up leash. We did well go ing over the exposed roo ts until G inger stepped dow n a sli ght bank to the le ve l tr a il be low. Corky pulled Ginger off balance , causing her to step wrong, breakin g her ankle. I couldn't believe it. All these years of hiking in the mountains with scou ts and friends, my dear wife breaks her ank le . She said she was in no pain, matter of fac t the ankle was somewhat numb . I ran for help and found a park employee who in turn summoned help . The first on the scene was Ranger Foot wh o a ppli ed a s plint a nd made Ginge r comfortable. I was impressed with how the staff carried G inger out of thi s situ ation us ing a one wheeled basket stretcher. This made for a smooth and comfortable ride . An ambulance was awaiting us when we got to the top of the dam . 
Ginger has reminded me more th an once had we heeded the signs thi s would neve r have happened. Ginger's ankl e has hea led but she still takes it easy with all the pins keeping her together. I am more alert and follow the adv ise of warning signs. 
Despite thi s fall Vogel is st ill our favor ite camp ing spot. We hope to return many more times. The mo ral of this story is: " Heed the warnin g s igns", it mi ght mean the diffe rence between an enj oyable stay or a stay in the hospital. 
 
Fire safety: Want the warmth? Do it right 
 
Years ago Vogel had a rash of fires that could have been disastrous , but the fire fairy saw to it that Vogel was spared. Fire is always a danger at Vogel espec ially around the fireplaces in the cottages . The following are some bas ic fire safety rul es that should be followed when using a fireplace . 
 Keep the fire small and toward the back of the fir e pl ace. 
 Open a window a crack in the room with the firepl ace to create a draft. 
 Do not use lighter fluid or gas to start a fire . This can cause an explosion or fl ash l:iack. 
 Beg in making the fire with ti ghtly ball ed up 
 
newspaper in the bottom of the fireplace. Pl ace small sticks (kindling) on top of the pape r. Gradually add larger wood . 
 Leave the fireplace sc ree n in place to protect from flying embers . 
 Never leave the fire un atte nd ed and supervise children around the fire. 
 If you must dispose of ashes , place them in the metal bucket and immediate ly carry them outside, placing th e m away from any flammable source such as a wood deck , grass or cottage siding . 
 Do not place water on the fire !in the fireplace as thi s will crack the brick creating the potential for 
 
future damaging fires. Let the fire die out naturally . 
Our cottage guests come to Vogel because they want to experience the comfort and coziness of sitting around the fireplace . This experience can be made more enjoyable if the fire is made correctly and safely. 
No outside ground fires are permitted. Please do not forage for firewood. Natural ground litter is intended to be left to help restore ground cover, prevent erosion and protect tree roots from ground compaction in heav ily used areas. Firewood can be brought in by the guest, purchased locally or purchased at the Visitors Center. 
 
Fire fighting equipment 
Last year Vogel purchased a new piece of fire fighting equipment called CAFS (Compressed Air Foam System). This piece of equ ipment was designed to supplement the existing fire fighting wagon that carries 300 gallons of water. The old system has a gasoli ne pump that could never be depended upon in an eme rgency. The trailer that the syste m was mounted on is also difficult to hook up taking up valuable time in an emergency. The old equipment had to winterized in co ld weather by draining valves and lines after each use and it had to be stored in a heated building. 
The new CAFS unit fits in back of a pickup truck. It is comprised of a compressed air bottle , 32 gallon water tank with foam mixture, and 50 feet of hose with nozzle . The water makes the equivalent of 200 gallons of sprayed foa m when mixed 
 
properly. The object of this compact unit is to act as a rapid response vehicle and to attack a fire in its infancy when it is still manageable . The unit can be kept in a pickup truck during all kinds of weather and be readily available on a moments notice . 
The staff of Vogel State Park takes pride in the fact that they are ready for any emergency. This newest piece of equipment is just one more example of the staffs readiness in an emergency . 
 
Walking on thin ice 
 
Generally every winter a portion of Lake Trahlyta freezes over. Sometimes the entire lake may be a sheet of ice or if it has snowed, 22 acres of white emptiness. This is a beautiful site after a fresh fa llen snow and everything is pure (as the white driven snow). It has got to stay below 32 degrees for several days for the lake to freeze partially. It needs to be in the 20 ' s for several more clays for the entire lake to freeze entirely . Despite this cold air temperature, the park still gets visitors. Th is beauty is like a magnet drawing people to the lake' s edge to see the fro zen water . 
It can be rather disconce rtin g to see footprints where someone has ventured out onto the ice. It is even more fri ghtening to see a lone indi vidual out in the miclclle of the lake attempt ing to cross the ice. Don' t they realize how dangerous it is to wa lk on the frozen 
 
. ' 
/i j~/ii;.... 
~l'i- 
Greg Brock wearing cold water immersion suit for winter rescues 
lake. Do they not realize that there is stream current making the ice thinner in certain areas of the lake? Do they not realize that the popping sound they hear is the ice contracting and cracking from the heat of the clay? Do they not reali ze that the next step they take may be their last as they crash through a thin spot of ice and submerge in 32 degree water? Do they not reali ze that if they clo fal l in the water , they may get caught under the ice and not be able to resur face; or if they clo resurface they won't be able to pull the mse lves out because they we igh too much 
 
from the wet clothes and will 
continue to break ice becoming exhausted in just a minute or two? Do they not realize that they may have five minutes to survive, before they become so exhausted and cold that they just slip under the water and are never seen alive again? 
This is an all too real scenario that gets repeated numerous times every winter around the country. It can't happen in sunny Georgia! It is probably more dangerous here than up north as the ice is not as firm and the chance of falling through is higher. This is a very difficult rescue . Anyone .who ventures out onto the ice will suffer a si;ni lar fate . It takes spec ial training and equipment to facilitate such a rescue. The staff has practiced various scenarios and each time has discovered how difficult it is to save so meone wh o h as fa ll e n through the ice . 
 
Voice of Vogel 
 
Bicycle helmets are the law 
 
Every year Vogel Rangers are called to the scene of bicycle accidents that occur in the park. Many of these are minor incidents where, the rider escapes with -scrapes , bumps and a bruised ego. Occasionally the accident victim. is not as fortunate and has to take a ride to the hospital in an ambulance . 
The rangers have noticed that the most serious injuries are to those people not wearing a safety helmet. In the State of Georgia it is law for children under the age of 16 to wear a protective helmet. The parents of the child are responsible for this. 
An accident victim With a head injury is not a pleasant situation . Bes ides creating trauma to. the victim it creates trauma for the rescuers and family. In a severe bicycle acc ident the ' skull may be fractured and penetrating objects and bone fra gment s may tear the b ra in. 
The brain may also be injured by violent impacts that leave the skull essentially undamaged. Most brain injuries are irreversible . The source of all these injuries is impact. 
When the head makes a sudden, violent impact with something unyielding, the small part of your ,head that is struck, stops moving instantly . But the rest of the head remains in motion . As a result, the brain and skull may break and tear before they too can stop moving. 
Hlc...i injur::!s are noted in 65,000 emergency room 
 
cases and 7,700 hospital admissions . 
Bicyclists with head injuries are 20 times more likely to die as those without. Bicyclist injury rate is highest between the ages of 5 to I5. Fifty-six percent of fatally injured bicyclists are age 20 or older. If you encounter a bicycle accident victim, do not move them. Get help immediately. -Keep the head and neck stationary. If necessary, maintain an airway and provide C PR and first aid to the best of your ability. Bicycle helmets save lives and prevent major trauma. 
... DON'T BE A STATISTIC. Wear a helmet when riding a bicycle, no matter what your age . 
 
DNR Search & Rescue trains at Vogel 
 
Three days during the month of February saw 40 members of the Department of Natural Resources Mountain Search and Rescue Team (DNRMSRT) converge on Vogel State Park for training. The team made up of DNR staff from various parks , Wildlife Resources and Environmental Protection Divisions participated in a simulated missing person incident, high angle rope refresher, CPR and first aid training. 
The team members respond to more than 60 incidents annually comprised of searches for missing persons, high angle technical rescues , automobile accidents, and cave rescues. The team trains for incidents that occur on DNR properties or in response to incidents they may be called on by the Georgia Emergency Management Agency. - 
Because the team is so far flung across the state, whole team incidents are rare. The team trains so that the individual members can handle incidents with staff and resources that are readily available. Hopefully you will never need the services of the DNRMSRT but if that occasion should arise, rest easy that there are indjviduals trained to handle the situation. '  - 
 
 Voice of Vogel 
 
Page 5 
 
The original paddleboats 
Before fiberglass the paddleboats that plied the waters of Lake Trahlyta were made from aircraft aluminum. These original paddleboats were called tanks, because they were so heavy. The pontoons were hollow with no flotation like today's boats. If they sprang a leak , they went to the bottom of the lake. The date was May 1957 . There have been a lot of changes to the park over the years. One thing that hasn't changed is the fact that park guests still have fun in the same way. 
Below: Photos from May 1957 (note date at right of each photo) 
What can a first time camper expect? 
This was asked of the park staff recently and we thought it was an excellent question. 
The first thing that came to mind was to expect to be miserable. It will invariably be raining or cold. Camping is a gamble any time of the year when you are at the mercy of the weather. If you prepare for the worse then you can probably stay comfortable. 
Some supplies every camper should have with them whether they are tenting or in an RV. These include: Rain tarps to go over the top and ground tarps to put under tents to keep dampness from entering the tent floor . Rain and cold weather outer clothing, even in the mouritains in the summer this may be necessary; entertainment, whether it is in the form of board games or cards or books . Especially have some fun for the children planned. Practice putting your tent up at home to be sure all the parts are included and to familiarize yourself with its construction. Some tents recjuire that they be seam sealed or waterproofed before a rain to insure its water resistance. Cooking gear, food and snacks that are easily prepared. Tent campers should insure they are able to secure their food from critters whether they are bears or raccoons. A water container is necessary , especially if a water faucet is a distance from the site. AHd don't forget the toilet paper and can opener. 
Be familiar with your destination. Know what there is to do in the area. Be aware of dangers whether they are environmental, manmade or geographical. Don't plan too much. Be flexible and participate in park activities . 
Keep a list of supplies that will go on every trip. A list of suggested camping essentials can be found on the internet at: coleman.com. 
 
The 89th Date 
 
By David Foot Two years following the end of World War 11 a young couple decided to take a trip into the mountains and visit a relatively new park called Vogel near Blairsville. This young couple by the names of Barbara Gann and Charlie Storm were a quarter of the way through their courtship. Now this seems like an unusual statement, but it is true. You see their date at Vogel State Park on October 5, 1947 was their 89th, date out of 343 dates. Apparently they met each other's satisfitction because, 55 years later Barbara and Charlie Storm are still together enjoying trips to Vogel State Park. Barbara kept a meticu101.is diary of her dates with 
 
Charlie. Every event was captured in writing and many photographs were taken as well. Being the typi cal male , Charlie has had the burden all these years of try ing to remember specific dates. When Barbara would ask, "don' t forget our Vogei anniversary," he would have to come up with an exact date, as she would have the evidence in writing and photos of the event. 
Knowing it was impossible to remember 343 specific dates when he was quizzed, Charlie came up with a novel answer. "Every day I think of you I also think of the beauty of Vogel. How dare I remember this beauty on just one day, I will forever remember your beauty everyday I wake ." Now Charlie was one 
 
It's boot season:This flock of youngsters discovered that the rubber boots they were wearmg wa enough to keep them dry as they waded in the beach area during their April school break. You can always find something to do keep yourself entertained at Vogel. 
 
New RV dump station 
 
Using Park Pass funds the park staff constructed a 
 
second RV sewage dump station at the exit from the camp- 
 
ground. It is hoped that this additional location will expe- 
 
dite the rush of campers on summer Sunday mornings as 
 
they head home from a weekend's camping fun. In the 
 
past, long lines would form creating a bottleneck for camp- 
 
ers and just plain cars. Many a temper would flair over the 
 
disposal of human waste . At your next experience using 
 
the dump station thank the park staff for making this camp- 
 
ing ritual more efficient. 
 
 
 
Voice of Vogel Editor 
The Voice Of Vogel would not ,,. :. have the professional appearance that If it has were it not for the time and effort of Norman Cooper, the paper's editor. Norm 's paying job during the day is as editor, sports editor and photographer of the local Union County paper, The North Georgia News. He donates his time to layout : the Voice Of Vogel and arrange what has been given him. This is a very time consuming job, but one he does . very well. We appreciate what  Norman Cooper does for the Voice .:: , Of Vogel and for his promotion of .,;:;~ Vogel State Park. 
 
smooth talker , but this 
 
statement won Bar- 
 
bara over in an in- 
 
stant. She knew she 
 
couldn't find a man 
 
with more of a silver 
 
to ngue th an her 
 
Charlie. 
 
She decided to 
 
keep him for a life- 
 
time. You see Vogel 
 
State Park has this ef- 
 
fect on people. We 
 
have had couples com- 
 
Barbara Gann/Gene Phillips, Jr. 
 
ing to this 
 
mountain 
 
cove for 
 
many years, 
 
enjoying the 
 
same peace 
 
and serenity 
 
they remem- 
 
bered on 
 
their first 
 
quarter 
 
date. 
 
Barbara Gann/Charlie Storm 
 
Charlie Storm 
 
Where are they now? 
 
Hundreds of young people have worked at Vogel State Park over the years in a variety of summer jobs. These jobs ranged from 1ifeguards 
on the beach to concession stand workers , maintenance employees and registrat ion clerks in the visitor's center. For many years this was a plum job because it was the only summer employment available in this mountain area. 
As the years have passed and the population of the mountains has increased Vogel has had to share the job market with a lot more businesses . Despite this higher demand for summer labor, Vogel still is able to hire a strong and talented work force . These young people that have worked here over the years have done well for themselves in later fife. One of these "kids" was Troy Collins. 
Troy was a lifeguard for six years beginning in 1973 . Troy is a native son, so he had grown up around the park and was familiar with the area. Troy remembers h aving good time-s while in the park's employ. Troy remembers he had to rescue several distressed swimmers during his summers as a guard. He also remembers swimming the length of the lake after work with the other guards to stay in shape. There was .always 
 
friendl y competition among the crew. Being the competitive in - dividual he was, he would play volleyball with his friends and relatives. It was at one of these volleyball games that Troy ' s life changed. A young camper from Woodstock by th e name of Debra was staying on the park with her parents when she saw the volleyball game and asked if she could participate . As Troy says, " it all happened from there." This young couple 
dated for over a year before they were married. 
Troy is proof positive that those who work at Vogel State Park do well in later life. Both Troy and Debra are teachers in the Union County (Blairsville) School system, Troy teaches Physical Education and coaches at the elementary school and Debra teaches fourth grade. Troy is just one example of what our young em.ployees h ave accomplished over the years. 
There are other examples of the staff going on to bigger and better things. In our portfolio of success we can account for Doctors, Nurses, Missionaries, Small Business owners, Military, State Park Rangers , and of course Teachers. Perhaps you might consider a life changing job and work on a State Park for a summer. It could be -an opportunity of a life;ime, 
 
 Page 6 
 
it!~- - Outdoor classroom 
 
Spring at Vogel sees 
 
scores 
 
of school 
 
children 
 
) 
' 
 
coming to Vogel for edu- 
 
cational field trips . Pro- 
 
grams given by the park 
 
rangers are a continuation 
 
of the cl assroom studies 
 
the students have had 
 
over the previous year. 
 
Program subjects may in- , 
 
d ude: All about the Black 
 
Bear in North Geo rg ia ; 
 
Lost Prevention or how 
 
no t to get lost in th e 
 
woods; Trout Stream Habitat ; The Civ il ian Conservation 
 
Corps; as well as other resource related topics . Greg Brock , 
 
Senior Ranger is shown giving a bear program to a cl ass of 
 
fo urth graders. Learn ing has never been so much fun. 
 
When blooms can be found at Vogel 
The fo rest fl oor and hillsides in and around Vogel are always in a constant change of fl owering colors . From early spring to late fall , the flowe rs, plants and trees at Vogel are always sharing their delicate gifts of beauty. The fo llowing is it listing of when blooms can be expected around Vogel. The dates wi ll vary by a few days from year to year . Some years, there may still be colored fo li age up through late November . Serviceberry (white blooms) .. .... . ... . ... . .... . .. .. .. ... .. .April I Bluebells..... ...... ... ... ..... .... .. ............... ... ....... ...April 16 Wild Magnolia tree (large white blooins) ...... . . .... Apri l 15 Pink Lady Slipper. .... ... . .. .... .. ... .. ... .... ... ... . ..Last of April 
Iris and Trill iums .. .. .. .. ... . .. ... .. .. ..... . .. .. ...... .. First of May Dogwood blossoms... .. .. .. . .. .... .. .. ... ... .. .... .Month of Apri l flame Azalea (orange blossom). .. . . .. ... . .. .. .May 5 - May 25 Mounta in Laurel ........ .. .... ......... . .... . .. ... .May 15 - June I Native Rhododendron .. .. .. ..... ....... ........June 15 - July 15 Sourwoods (white blooms) .. . .. .. . ... ....... . . ... ... .First of July Sourwoods (red leaves) . . ... . .. ...... ... ... . . .... . .mid September Poplars (yellow leaves) .. .... . .. .. .. .. ..... .. .. .... .late September Maples (red and orange leaves) .. .. .. .. . .. .. . ... .. . .. October 15 Hickory (yellow leaves) .. .......... .. ........... .. .. .. .October 15 Oaks (red and yellow leaves)... ..... ... .. .. . ......... October 20 
 
An uncommon bird made famous 
By Andy Beckman I know it seems ridiculous, but did you ever wonder where the idea fo r the fa mous cartoon character, Woody Woodpecker came from? I never gave it a second thought either until I saw his real life look alike (counterpart) here in the -park . The caricature of Woody certainly must have been modeled after thi s largest of all North American woodpeckers: the Pileated Woodpecker. This crow-size bird has a very prominent red crest and long beak just like Woody. Perhaps this is stretching it a bit, but its loud , ringing call could be compared to Woody 's crazy little ditty which .is his trademark . The rhythm is very similar. This alarming repetitive call will definitely get your attention if you hear it in the woods . It drowns out everything else . Cuk-cuk-cuk-cuk-cuk or Kikkik-kik-kik-kik-kik etc., is the pattern of its flicker-like 
call. This uncommon bird is rather quite common here at 
Vogel State Park. Unlike Woody , this bird is very wary of man and is usually heard but seldom seen. It has adapted to the inroads of civilization. 
Unfortunately its look alike cousin, the Ivory-Billed Woodpecker is now believed to be extinct in the United States , if not all together. It couldn' t adapt to changes in the enviornment caused by man . It once lived in vast river-bottom forests of this and other states until logged off. 
If you see the Pileated (Pee-lee-ate-ted) Woodpecker, you will never. forget it. Its flaming red crest, white neck stripes , jet black back and very noticeable white wing patches Wlderneath it wings seen while in flight are all signs. 
Well, as Woody woutd,say, "That's aJC Folks . " Ha-ah, '-la-ah , Ha-ah , Ha-ah , fla ahahahahahaha~a_hah.  
 
Voice of Vogel 
 
Afair weather camping trip 
 
By Henry Watson The fami ly left Honolulu on a jet plane , landed in San Francisco and transferred to the "RED EYE' headed fo r Atlanta where they wo uld pi ck up th e ir re ntal car and popup trail er . They were go ing to Vogel State Park where they would camp for two glorious we e ks on a be autiful campsite on Wolf Creek . The Pop-Up camper they rented was easy to set up and very comfo rtable fo r Mom , Dad, Jenna and Justin . After the camper was set up, Dad said he wanted to go to the Visitor's Center to get some firewood and a few other necessities. Jenna asked her Dad why he didn't go out into the woods and pick up some woodAkfe' Dad explained that since Vogel was the busiest park in the state that if everyone that visited the park went out and picked up firew ood, it wou ld look 
more like a desert than a lovely State Park. Jenna then said " Dad , why don' t you go buy some firewood." 
Before Dad left , he fi ll ed two glasses with ice and po ured sodas for the youngsters. He said "Here, study these and we will talk when I return to find out how much yo u have learned about the Weather. " 
When Dad returned he said "We ' ll start a campfire in a little while. but first. tell me what you have learned about the weathe r. Justin said 'Tm confused " . and Jenna said " Dad, how can we learn about the weather if all we have is a wet glass and a puddle of water on the table? " 
Dad said "Good , you have learned a lot. Would you like to learn more?" 
"Sure would. " said the children enthusiastically . 
Dad said "That 's a forest in England , now let me ex-plain what you have learned about the weather." 
"First you have learned about condensation, the process that creates fog , clouds and precipitation." I then went on to explain that when the glass cooled down it also cooled the air surrounding it and that the water vapor in the cooled air condensed on the side of the glass. The pull of gravity made the moisture on the glass trickle down to the tabletop and formed a puddle. When you put your 
 
finge r in the pudd le and 
 
moved it around , the water 
 
fo llowed your finger for a 
 
while , then broke apart and 
 
formed othe r sma ll e r 
 
puddles. That demonstrated 
 
how high pressure cells and 
 
low pressure areas can move 
 
on the face of the earth ." 
 
Dad said "Jenna, what 
have you learned so far?" . . ' 
 
Jenna said " I have learned th at you can make water puddles on a table top move 
 
:,:-_~ ~. . ,..... . 
 
if yo u dr ag yo u r fi nge r 
 
through them. " Dad replied 
 
"Jenna, that's great What 
 
you have really learned is water vapor in the air con- tornado or hurricane . 
 
that weather systems move denses and can become dew , 
 
There is a weather rock 
 
exactly like that. " 
 
fog, c lou ds, o r va r y in g at Vogel: have you found it 
 
Justin chimed in and for ms of precipitation" Jenna yet and does it predict ac- 
 
said "What makes weather said proudly . Justin added curate ly? 
 
syste ms move across the " h igh p ress ure u sua lly 
 
If the moon will "hold 
 
Earth?" D ad said "the en- mea ns re l a tiv e ly goo d water " a drought is on the 
 
gine that powers wea ther weather and that weather way and it will rain if it will 
 
systems is heat and cold, but can move north or south , but not hold water. 
 
that is not exactly correct that it primari ly moves form 
 
Jenna thought for a 
 
because it is the differences west to east." 
 
minute and said " You know 
 
in temperatures that drive 
 
Jenna thought for a Dad, that the time-honored 
 
the weather machine. Hot minute and asked if we can weather fo recast of "red at 
 
and cold might be appropri- predict the weather . Justin night, sailor's delight and 
 
ate at Vogel, but hot and told her that we can predict red in the morning, sailors 
 
hotter or cold and colder are the weather and that the "old take warning" has some ba- 
 
more appropri a te for a timers " did predict weather sis in fact since the "red at 
 
desert or the North Pole . w ith wh at we ca ll " o ld night" is caused by refrac- 
 
High pressure cell s gener- wives ' tales." 
 
tion and reflection of light 
 
ally have good weather and 
 
Justin said that the old shining through dust which 
 
low press ure syste ms are timers predicted the weather is in dry air (west of you) 
 
thought of as having dete- by wa tching th e woo ly and dry air generally pro- 
 
r iorating or bad weather . buggers" crossing the road: duces fair weathe r. Since 
 
High pressure systems can _ If they are traveling north , weather moves fro m west to 
 
block low pressure systems the winter will be mild . I east, the dry air will be mov- 
 
but low pressure sy ste ms they are traveling south , the ing over you tomorrow. Red 
 
cannot "push " high pressure  winter will be harsh. If their in the morning indicates that 
 
systems . 
 
red belly bands are wider (or the dry air is to your east, 
 
The clouds in a high nar rower) than they were and the moist air (west of 
 
pressure system range from last year, the winter will be you ) will s oon be o ver 
 
non-existent to the white harsher or m ild e r th an you . " 
 
puffy clouds known as "cu- usual. 
 
Justin and Jenna were 
 
mulus of fair weather " we 
 
Mom add ed th a t a very happy with what they 
 
see on bright , beautiful sum- piece of wood tied on a two had learned and were proud 
 
mer days. Low pressure sys- foot string and h a ngin g of their Dad and asked him 
 
tems contain clouds that cre- down from your out- to g iv e them a noth e r 
 
ate bad weather or are the stretched arm will help you "Vogel We a ther " le sso n 
 
remnants of bad weather interpret the weather: If next year when they return 
 
clouds . 
 
the wood is oscillating on their annual camping 
 
Jenna interrupted and slowly, the breeze is light. trip . 
 
asked " How does weather If the wood is warm , the day 
 
Mom said "this has 
 
move?" 
 
is warm. If the wood is wet, been great, but I think we 
 
D ad explained that it is raining . If the wood is better get our c ampfire 
 
weather usually moves from _ gone, you have survived a started. It looks like rain." 
 
the west to the east and it 
 
often moves toward the 
 
south and then picks up a northerly track. 
 
America's victory 
 
over terrorism "Please note" said Dad 
"that I used the term usual) 
 
because weather can move in any direction when the 
 
By Gina Brown 
 
conditions are right (or 
 
wrong) ." "Well , before we start 
our campfire, tell me some of the things that the cold soda gl ass taught you. Jenna, you start." 
"Well, Dad , we learned that when we cool a parcel of air down that the 
 
America's emotions are waving vigorously, as our flag does on a blustery day . U. S. will stand firm, stout and strong. As we toil our way through to the rugged end. Our nation has much diversity , has various faces and its numerous leaders do many jobs. We unite with praying, compassion and concern, to .meet each others needs . Harboring great faith , hope and love as should one nation under God. 
 
 voice of Vogel 
 
Page 7 
 
100 hours 
Ryan Rucker , age 14 is shown receivin g h is recognition fo r contributing m o r e th a n 100 hours as a vo lunteer at Voge l State Park. Ry an is the son of Debbie and Ke nny Rucke r of Woodstock. The Rucker 's have been camping at Vogel for years and have been staunch suppo rters of the Volunteer Progra m Ryan encourages other young people to participate as a volunteer at Vogel State Park . He has found it fun and rewarding . 
Junior volunteers 
The Vogel Volunteers are sponsoring a new program geared tow ar9 the younger se t. The Junio r Vo lunteers fo r ages o f 12 - 16 yea rs wi ll be a m odified ve rs ion of th e Volunteer Program designed fo r the adults . P er fo rming m any of th e sam e ty pe of p roj ects the younger volunteers w ill be do ing trail w ork , conservati on projects, assisting with programs and helping to make Voge l State Park a be tter pl ace to pl ay . T hey will wo rk closely with the Vogel staff as w ell as the adult Vo lunteers . If you are interested in j o ining the Junior Volunteers, contact Randy G ambrell , Assistant Manage r. We are looking for a few interested souls who want to m ake a differe nce . 
Vogel Christmas 
The Vogel Volunteers and the Vogel Sta ff he ld their annual Chri s tm a s party . This .. 
p as t yea r e v e r yo n e was asked to bring an unwrapped toy to be g iven to the Union Count y She riff s e 111 pt y s t ockin g progra m . We were extremely proud of what was donated . We will be making this an annual program. If anyone is interested in m aking a donation of a toy during the year, please get with one of the visito rs center staff. Consider making C hristmas a little merrie r fo r a little one . 
 
At every Mountain Music Festi- 
 
The Vogel Volunteers are spon- 
 
val, the Vogel Volunteers raffle off sev- 
 
soring the development of a 
 
eral works of art to raise funds fo r vari- 
 
Memory Walkway by selling en- 
 
ous proj ects on the park . The 2001 
 
graved bricks. The walkway is 
 
Festival was no exception with three 
 
located on the pathway in front 
 
winners. M athew Smith , age 8, fro m 
 
of the beach. The goal is to have 
 
.,: 
 
Tucker, Georgia won the dulcime r made 
 
the entire length of the pathway paved with the bricks. This is an ambitious 
 
by John De rden. M athew had been buy ing 
 
goal, but one that is quite obtainable with the re sponsewe have received so 
 
ti ~kets all year long w ith ~is allowance money in hopes of __:....:;:.:_,..::: ~.:~ 
 
far. The money raised from this project will be used by the Vogel Volunteers 
 
w1nnmg the coveted dulcimer. Mathew and his parents - 
 
Lauren and Carl Smith are Vogel Volunteers. Judy and 
 
I, Ezra Roberson of Cedartown , Georg ia won the Wood 
Duck print painted by Lynn Gam bre ll. C athy and W ar- 
 
~.. 
 
,,;.i 
 
ren W eaver o f Clermont , Georgia won the Wild Turkey , .;;.f. 
 
-~ 
 
;:. 
 
~:~ . 
 
"  - 
 
to work on special park projectsor to purch ase equipment for the park staff that could not have been purchased otherwise . The bricks are $30 each. They can be engraved with up to three lines with 14 chara cters per line. Ordering a brick is easy. Fill in the application below and submit acheck for $30 per brick .. Make checks payable to : The Vogel Volunteers, Inc. Mail 
 
print also painted by Lynn . Consider spending $ 1.00 to :, 
 
ta ke a chance of winning one o f these w o rks of art th at -~",'~""_!-!-!.",!il!!l'!..!t1.11- -  
 
are always highly sought afte r. The money raised by the 
 
 
 
Vogel Volunteers goes toward projects and educational programs on the park. 
 
Volunteer Day 2003 
 
r - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -  orders to address on order form. Call 706-745-2628for information. 
 
Vogel Sl a te Park M cmor }' Wa lkway 
I Name: I Address- , - - - -- - 
 
I --I 
 
I Cirv 
 
.  --- - - - - - - - - -s-,-a,-e- - - -Z-.ip- 
 
., 
 
I Ph,; ne- - - - - - -E--,-na_i_l - - - - 
 
--- ---, 
 
Pl anning ahead , the staff a ntic ipa tes the 2003 Volunteer Day to be fo cused o n the new CCC Museum that will have been underway . Work will include landscaping, constructi on , sta ining and gene ral 
 
I Numbe-r -o l-. b- r-ic-ks--, - - x $30 -c-- - -- - - - -- - - - , 
 
I I have enclosed a ch~ck or 111011ey order in lhe a111ou111 nr $___ 00 
 
) 
 
I_ 
 
I 
 
clean up of the park . Sign up now at the park v isitors , _ - - - - - - -  -- --- - - - - ,1 
 
center for this annual ritual of spring . Life lo ng frie nd- I - - - - - - - - .. _ ..... - .. .... -- ---- j 
 
~-------------------- ships have been created from this fun day of park work. 
This special w ork day is schedul ed fo r April 12 , 2003. 
 
1 
 
Vogel Sratc Pa rk Memo ry Walkwa y r- und . c/o Vo~cl State Park . 7485 Voge l Slate Park Rd . Ol airsvill c. GA 305 12 
 
I 
 
--------------------------Volunteer -------------------------- 
 
Continued from page 1 
ing organized, would we be inte rested . We said yes but almost immediately after attending our very fi rst mee ting, a hos ting s po t be came avail ab le . Walt stayed almost six months that first year . I was still working and would drive up o n F riday eve ning a nd return to work early Monday morning. For me, it was like be ing on vacati on th e entire summer! 
But ... I wondered, Walt was having so much fun should I take an early retirement th e fo ll owing spring . I really enjoyed my work . It was stressful but rewarding . Then something else occurred that really settled the" question for me . We had taken a trip to Austria and were sitting at an outdoo r cafe whe n Walt noticed a rather elderly couple nearby . The gentl eman , probably in his mid-80s, was becoming very agitated and we could not he lp but overhear parts of their conversation. He was most up se t because hi s wife had wande red off a nd he did no t kno w where . He said , in a rather loud , a nd sharp , worry -fill ed voice, "What if you became lost like last time"? W alt po inted out then and there, that could be us if we waited too long to enj oy our retirement! I fil ed fo r retireme nt the fo llo wing week and hav e not reg retted it once since . 
Aft e r- getting o ur fee t we t camphosting in Georgia , we now vo lunteer throughout the United States . We find jobs on the internet and have traveled to South Dakota twice , New Hampshire , Texas and Virginia . Thi s summer will see us voluntee ring at a park in Pennsylva ni a a nd this fa ll in a park in Louisiana but we always return to Geo rg ia parks. Not only is Geo rgia our home but it has the nicest state parks o f any we have see n. 
 
To g ive bac k something o f wh at we have take-.1 over the years, we try to vo luntee r in at least one Georgia Park each yea r. We make it bac k to Voge l at least every other year. 
Our lifestyle has changed somewhat since we began . We now pull a fi fth whee l tra iler that gives us a little more room . We are go ne anywhere from eight to ten months at a time . A fri end described us as the only " parttime full timers" she knew 1 
We have met so many genuine ly nice peo pl e th ro ug hout o ur travels, have worked with so many devoted employees , and have experienced so much more than I would have ever thought poss ible, it is truly an amazing lifes tyl e. They say a picture is worth a thousand words . We have seven albums full of photos! Let me share with you just a few o f our experi ences . 
Our first trip out of state was to South Dakota where we volunteered at Angostura State Park just at the edge of the Blac k Hills . Our first weekend there , a camper came carrying over a huge fi sh fo r us . I believe it was a pike. When we left two months late r, anoth er coup le came bringing us a memento o f the area . . . a local cookbook complete with sto ries about early pi onee rs . It was their way o f saying thank you for our time and effort. In my way of thinking we should have been th anking them! .We still keep in touch with thi s couple : 
We wanted to visit th e New Eng land states so we vo luntee red at the Family Camping Museum at Bear Brook State Park near Concord , New Hampshire. We worked two days on, .four days o ff and eve ry third wee kend openi ng th e ca mping, CCC , and snow mob il e museums and visiting with guests. We had p lenty of time to sightsee 
 
and s ightsee we did . The hi sto ry Mexirn , picked pecans in a camp- 
 
in th e a rea is a weso me a nd we gro und , visited the Alamo and mis- 
 
trave led all over New Eng land but s io ns o f Sa n A nto n io. W e h ave 
 
when we returned to the park one wa lke d b a refoo t in th e d az z ling 
 
day in mid-October and road signs whit e a labas ter sa nd of Wh ite 
 
had been erected warning " Bewa re Sands , NM , seen the bats tly ou t 
 
of Drifting Snow" , we knew it was o f Carl sbad Caverns at dusk . We 
 
time to hook up and leave. On our h ave fo ll o we d th e foo ts te ps o f 
 
return tri p to Georg ia, we, and John Smith a nd Poco ha nt es at 
 
" O ld Man Winter ", cl osed eve ry Jamestown , watched candles be ing 
 
ca mp g round th a t we stopped at. m ade a t Willi a msbur g and so 
 
We made fri ends in NH too. In fact much more it would take pages to 
 
even talked one couple into vo l- reco unt. And .we h a ve e nj oye d 
 
unteering at a Georgia State Park! th e peace and bea uty o f li ste ning 
 
Every where we go we make new to a creek ru sh over the roc ks in 
 
fri e nds . 
 
an isolated campgro und as we fe ll 
 
One parti cularly amusing in- as leep , enjoyed the camaraderi e of 
 
c ide nt that I o ft e n reco unt hap- fe ll o w c amp e r s a nd c a mph o st s 
 
pened while we were in Texas. We around the camp fi re s ipping co f- 
 
v o luntee re d a t a pri va te c a mp - fe e or cocoa , e xchanged all so rts 
 
g rou,1d in Alpine nea r Bi g Be nd of travel tales (and some exaggera- 
 
Nati onal Park . We wanted to ex- ti o ns, too) . All of thi s and mo re 
 
pl o re thi s pa rt o f T e xas because are just waiting to be enjoyed . And 
 
ano th e r camph os tin g c oupl e h ad the best pa rt is, we c an take our 
 
told us so much about Big Bend. time to truly abso rb the lifestyl e 
 
While hiking in the park we came a nd c ultu re o f eac h c o mmunity. 
 
upo n a ro adrunne r. 
 
We do not have to rush. 
 
No w th ese b irds are no tori - 
 
You may ask what do we do, 
 
ous hams . I was taking pictures and what are our duties as camphosts. 
 
thi s bird was ac tu all y pos ing ' He We do whatever the park needs. If 
 
w as o n th e gro und a nd pl ay ing they need litter picked up , we do 
 
hide-and-seek with me around the it. If th ey need tr a il s and ca mp - 
 
tree trunk . Never will th at be fo r- sites c leaned , we do it. If campers 
 
go tten. Nor will I fo rge t see ing my nee d he lp se ttin g up a te nt o r 
 
fir s t ta rantul a a nd wa tc hing a backing into a site, we do it. If the 
 
fri end pet it' The tarantula almost o ffi ce is understaffed , we do it. We 
 
purred 11 Another pi cture inde libly bag ice, bring in firew ood , look 
 
inscribed is the hawk gliding over for los t childre n and act as local 
 
South Dakota ranc hland with a tour guides , cut down dead trees 
 
snake dang ling fr o m hi s bea k' I and pl ant fl o wers . 
 
had read of it but neve r see n it 
 
T he ho urs we e xchange fo r 
 
until th e n. 
 
our campsite is not work ... it is a 
 
We have seen so much of the p leas ure . It kee ps us ac tive and 
 
hi story of the United States, spent occupied . We don ' t have time to 
 
one full week in Was hington , DC r e co unt o ur ac hes a nd p a in s o r 
 
touring the nati onal histori c Site3 . wo rr y ab o ut life's min o r c h a l- 
 
W e have Vi s ited Mt. Rushmore , le nges. 
 
C r azy Ho rse mo num e nt , th e S D 
 
I am so th ankful we stumbled 
 
Badl ands and seen buffa lo run in upon thi s li fes ty le . It is a good fit 
 
Custer State Park . We have waved . . fo r us,. a1Jq.,perhaps . for. y ou ,. to o . 
 
in the Rio Grande and loo~t;, imQ, ,T ry. _jn_Yp \J'.tJ )iJ<e ,_it! 
 
. ,, 
 
 Page 8 
 
Vogel State Park hosted its 18th annual Civilian Conservation Corps Alumni Reunion on May 11, 2002. This program is always a highlight of the spring programming schedule as members of the 1930's era Tree Army gather to reminisce about their experiences. Several of these "Boys" actually worked on Vogel State Park when it was being developed. This picture shows the CCC Boys planting a Redbud tree in front of the 
 
group shelter during the 2002 reunion . This tree planting is symbolic of the billions of trees the CCC planted across the country during its nine year run . 
Another reason for the planting was to start the reforestation of Vogel State Park to replace the loss of the all the pine trees that have been cut due to the Pine Beetle infestation . This is a unique circle of events . 68 years ago the CCC planted the pine trees that 
 
are being cut today due to the beetle damage . Vogel has managed to salvage thousands of board feet of lumber from these dead and dying trees to use in a museum that is planned to honor the Civilian Conservation Corps . With the planting of the redbud tree we have completed the cycle . 
The public is encouraged to come visit the present museum and see the plans for the future museum. 
 
Voice of Vogel 
 
From Memonal Day weekend May 25 through October, celebrate Music In The Park every Saturday. The lakeside Trahlyta Theater comes alive with mountain , bluegrass, and country music and song. The programs begin at 8 PM. There is no admission charge but we do ask that you consider making a donation to help defray the expenses of the performers. This music is a living history of the Appalachian traditions before there was radio , telev i~ion or the internet. Come and enjoy a cool evening breeze, relax and listen to the mellow tunes and dream of a simpler time. 
 
ffi ffi 
Summer Saturdays 
 
Fourth of July Bicycle Parade 
 
What has become a tradition , the July 4th bicycle Parade has grown every year. Youngsters are encouraged to decorate their bicycles in a patriotic manner. We want to have more participants than ever this year so we can show the world we value our freedom and that we are proud to be Americans. Take part in the fun. 
 
Wildflower Walk 
The last Saturday of April, a Wildflower walk is held in the park. This annual sojourn celebrates the beauty of the forest floor. Led by a professional naturalist, this walk is a seasonal favorite. Flowers such as False Solomon Seal, Pink Lady Slipper, Bluets, Dwarf Crested Iris , Flame Azalea, Trout Lily , Dutchmen's Breeches and Hepatica are all in bloom for display. Join us for a walk in the park it will open your " eyes to a hidden beauty. 
Eat ... Sleep   
Allison Manning age 3 of Lawrenceville ,  Georgia is making a fashion statement with this bumper sticker. She was seen fishing at Vogel's annual Kids Fishing Rodeo held on the second Saturday of every June. Allison along with scores of other youngsters get a chance to fish in Wolf Creek for stocked rainbow trout. The stream is open to youngsters under 12 during the program. Every child gets a prize for participating. A limited number of poles and tackle are provided for those who may be lacking the proper equipment. This is a fun day of fishing excitement. No child leaves without catching at least one fish and many leave when they catch their limit of eight trout. If you want to see grown adults cry and show that look of envy come to the Kids Fishing Rodeo . It is fun for everyone. The 2002 Rodeo will be held on June 8 th . 
 
Mountain Music Festival 
 
Fishing 
 
T he 
 
annua l 
 
Mountain 
 
Music Festi- 
 
val is a cel- 
 
ebration of 
 
the music 
 
and crafts 
 
indi ge nous 
 
to this Ap- 
 
p al ac hi an 
 
Region. Ev- 
 
ery Septem- 
 
ber brings 
 
the best of 
 
. 
 
mountain culture to the lakes ide at Vogel. Banjo, guitar, fiddle, dulci - 
 
mer , washboard and harmonica music can all be heard reverberating 
 
throughout the mountain cove we call Vogel. Craftsman will be dem- 
 
onstrating and selling their wares. This festival is a celebration of a 
 
simpler time when the entertainment was music created by family and 
 
friends and you created your personal needs yourself. Take time to 
 
relive a simpler era when you could understand the music and you 
 
..'derived yout. income .from what you ct.ea'ted with your hands. 
 
intensity 
This fishing duo shows what it takes to get the job done. Son and Dad are participating in the Vogel's annual Kids Fishing Rodeo in June. 
 
Face of summer fun 
Whether its climbing a greased pole or getting a face full of fruit in the watermelon eating contest July fourth promises to bring all sorts of fun for all ages. Hundreds of adults and children alike will participate in the field games held on the afternoon of July fourth . Take time to run , play in the sun, and have fun . 
 
Junior Ranger Program 
 
Youngsters are encouraged to participate in the Department of Natural Resources Junior Ranger Program . Each park and Historic Site ~ in Georgia ~ , ,.__ .. 
 
has the ,111/C . "'-' 
 
booklets 
 
~ ' 
 
to begin the adventure. -: There are three levels of participa tion for ages 6 
- 12. Level I is for ages 6 & 7; level 11 is for ages 8 - 10; and level III is for ages I I & 12. Each level has a few more challenges and incremental degrees of difficulty . 
Subject matter includes study of the natural resources fo und in Georgia, fishing, wildlife , trees and flowers, history , animals and more. This should be fun for the entire family. The books can be picked up at any park or historic site office. If you have questions, feel free to talk with a park ranger. 
Join in on the fun . The staff of Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites is waiting to show you the fun and excitement that can be found in the outdoors. 
 
Damon Eggert 
 
Damon will be working with the staff and guests at Vogel this year. He is a junior at Clemson University, majoring in Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management. Damon's interest is the natural sciences. An interest in Native American dancing sparked his interest to find out more about the old way of life. He has taught survival skills, flint knapping, buck skinning and fire by friction. He has more than 5,000 artificts he has found. 
Check the bulletin boards for his summer programs.