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Volume XI 
 
Vogel State Park, Georgia 
 
2005 Issue 
 
Chimney Construction at CCC Museum 
 
A project during February and March 2005 has been construction of the chimney and fireplace in the CCC Museum. Randy Gambrell, Assistant Manager, undertook this monumental task. In a previous life, Randy was a stone and brick mason doing some major projects in Downtown Atlanta. In an effort to maintain the same CCC style architecture incorporated throughout the museum Randy decided to go big. This ten foot wide fireplace reaches 18 feet to the cathedn~l ceiling. 
Take a close look at the fireplace as there are some interesting features built into it. We decided to take a modern liberty by using a fireplace insert with gas Jogs. This was done to keep dust down in the museum. The mantle is made from pine milled off the park from trees that were killed by the pine beetle. The rock pine tree above the mantle was a logo for the Civilian Conservation Corps, hence the name The Tree Army. The mantle supports are of the same design used in the CCC log cabins on the park. The iron pot crane actually came from one of the CCC built log cabins. (See related story). 
This project could not have been accomplished without the assistance of many volunteers who also helped in the construction. As with the rest of the museum this project was funded through donations from individuals and businesses. From here on out this museum will interpret the story of the Boys of the Civilian Conservation Corps. They have left a legacy of State Parks like Vogel that will be enjoyed by many future generations. 
 
Randy Gambrell is inspecting the fireplace he built for the Civilian Conservation Corps Museum. 
 
Lakeside Art Work 
By: David Foot When taking a walk. down by Lake Trahlyta take a 
look at the gate to the boat dock. This creation was the brainchild of the staff. The original chain link fence had been there for more than thirty years and had become unsightly. It was decided that a new gate was needed . 
The gate was fabricated on Volunteer Day 2005. Larry Thomas, General Trades Craftsman at Vogel was assigned the task of heading the crew that would do the welding. Using different sizes of rebar, Larry and his volunteer crew of Ken Adams, Don Winn and Leonard Zeh began cutting and welding. What they came up with surpassed all of our expectations. Roger Phillips, Travis Henry, 
Tony Cruce 1--....:._ _:;:__ _ _ _ _ _ _.=;._----J and Glen Al- Larry Thomas (left) and Travis Henry show off the derman de- gate they created for the boat dock. signed the arbor. The entire crew did the construction. A local company, Panel Built, was generous enough to donate the powder coating paint used on the metal. This was truly a group effort. 
There have been many suggestions as to what the designs represent. What do you think they depict? Use your imagination. 
 
2006 Volunteer 
workday 
Sign up now for the 2006 Volunteer Work Day to be held on April 8. Everyone is invited to participate. 2006 will see a new decade of volunteering at Vogel making it a better place to play and relax. This is always an outstanding day to meet new friends and give a little back to a park that has given so much over the years. 
Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "It is one of the most beautiful compensations of this life that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself." 
Improve yourself, be a volunteer. 
 
100 volunteers at 10th annual Vogel work day 
 
One Hundred - 100 - volunteers descended upon Vogel for the Tenth Annual Volunteer Work Day on April 9, 2005. 
David Foot, Park Manager was heard saying, "It is hard to believe ten years have passed since our first work day. Each year we accomplish thousands of dollars. worth of work - all with volunteer labor. These are the best people in the world and we are so appreciative of their loyalty to Vogel State Park." 
It is estimated the park has received an estimated 8,000 hours in free labor on this one workday. Scores of projects have been accomplished over the years that would have gone undone due to 
 
staffing and budget constraints. The 2005 Volunteer Work 
Day was no exception. Projects included staining structures throughout the park; installing bricks on the Memory Walkway; constructing picnic table shelters at two volunteer host sites; cleaning winter storm debris from the beach; spreading mulch and planting trees; making trail repairs; garden cleaning & fabricating a gate out of metal. 
This day is always fun with individuals coming from all over Georgia and surrounding states. New friendships are made and old ones renewed. The day is not all work. Breakfast and lunch are served. All prepared by more vol- 
 
unteers. The day ended with a banquet at the park group shelter hosted by the park staff and paid for by the Vogel Volunteers. The meal was delicious with the shelter decorated as Davido's Italian ,~ 
Bistro. This was .-r,  
named for the Park ' Manager's alter ego. Randy Gambrell, Assistant Manger; presented awards to the volunteers. David Foot roasted a few more volunteers with extra special recognitions. 
See 10th, page 4 
 
 Page 2 
 
Our Guests 
 
Voice of Vogel 
 
Remembering Vogel in the early days 
 
By Louise (Hall) Maguire 
 
I'm enclosing 
 
some snapshots that 
 
were made sometime 
 
during the early days 
 
of the park. I'm pretty 
 
sure that this was a 
 
year or so after the 
 
end of World War II. 
 
_I grew up in 
 
Blue Ridge and I re- 
 
member riding up to 
 
Neel Gap on Sunday 
 
afternoon. We parked 
 
by the side of the 
 
highw ay and looked 
 
down at the space 
 
= where they were get- - _ 
ting ready for the lake. 
 
The trees and under- 
 
brush had been removed. I think the 
 
Vogel State Park in mid- to late-1930s 
 
dam had been built , but the water year. 
 
was still going through. 
 
I'm not sure, but I don' t 
 
After it was fini shed and think the slide and swing were 
 
ready for people to <.;ome , we were there the first year. 
 
one of the first families to visit. 
 
Those first years' horses 
 
. Through the years we had picnics were kept at the upper end of the 
 
with big groups or just swimming lake. You could ride for an hour 
 
and a simple picnic for a few. We for a modest amount. That was 
 
had house parties too . 
 
close to the space where the min- 
 
For several years the build- iature go! f course is now . 
 
ing down by the beach had a juke 
 
I've done lots of camping at 
 
box, snacks and was a fun place Vogel. When my three sons were 
 
for teen agers to hang out. We little we camped in a tent. Much 
 
danced there every night. There later, my husband and I bought a 
 
' were only seven cabins then. If motor home. Vogel was our first 
 
there were not enough young trip and also the last before he 
 
people staying for the week, we died. We had several favorite 
 
c9uld always count on the two spots by the creek. 
 
lifeguards. They lived at the pa- 
 
I have more snapshots I will 
 
vilion, brought towels around to send as I find them. I'm almost 82 
 
the cabins each night, took up now and not very well organized . 
 
money for the daily swimmers, I am planning to go through all 
 
cleaned up the areas around the the pictures before spring. 
 
beach and other things too . They 
 
If I get there again, I'll be 
 
were college students working for interested in seeing what you've 
 
the summer . When I entered the added to the museum. 
 
University of Georgia in 1940 one 
 
[This letter was written by 
 
of the first people r saw was one Louise (Hall) Maguire and sent to 
 
or the lifeguards from Vogel. He the park. Several old photos were 
 
was one of three cheerleaders that included.] 
 
Where does the $3 I_>ark Pass money go 
 
The $3 Park Pass that 
eveiyone pays to use the park does get used wisely throughout the park system. The purpose of initiating this program was to raise 
revenue to help maintain the parks.  , 
This is exactly what has happened. Each park receives 17% back into its budget from Park Pass funds earned the previous year . This may not sound like much, but in Vogel's case this amounted to $14,000. During Fiscal Year 2005 this money was used to fund: 
 The purchase of five handheld radios for improved communication among the park employees. This has improved efficiency and safety. 
 The purchase of restroom partitions in the visitor's center public restrooms . The old partiLions were made of a _laminate 
 
material that had deteriorated. 
 The purchase of 2 semitrailer loads of wood mulch. This is used throughout the park as a g_round cover and to control ero- 
s1on.  The purchase of 6" x 8" 
x 12 ' pressure treated timbers to reconstruct campsites in the 6285 camping loop. 
Other projects over the years that have seen Park Pass funding have included the construction of the #I campground comfort station; the seating under the pavilion over the lake ; the wind screens on the pavilion; tons and tons of wood mulch; and the purchase of thousands of timbers for the renovation of the campground campsites. 
So, the next time you pay your $3 Park Pass you can rest assured that it will be well spent improving your parks . 
 
Afy secret place 
 
By Dock "Silverhawk" Green From the first day I set foot 
in the North Georgia Mountains at 
Vogel State Park, a life Jong Jove 
affair was born. I quickly developed a love for the land and it's people. After 30 plus years of "Coming Home" this has become my second home. My friends in the mountains are a part of my family. 
During my early years camping with my family at Vogel, I had already discovered the magic and mystery of the beautiful mountains. "Choestoe", the name of the surrounding area even suggests this magic and mystery. The name means, "Land of the dancing rabbits". 
Being of Cherokee and Scottish descent, my ancestors lived in rhe North Carolina, North Georgia areas . Often, I've wondered if this is where my deep rooted love for these mountains came from . 
It is a common practice for an Indian man to have a "secret place " . This is a special place where he has special feelings and can go alone to think, meditate and have vision. From the very beginning I knew my "secret place" was hidden close by. I could feel it. And, so the search began. 
With every trip to Vogel I would spend countless hours in the forest hiking with my family, friends and by myself. This, combined with jeep and horseback rides exposed me to the surrounding forest and it's beauty.  
Vogel has always been a special place to me and I wanted a 
 
place close by. Finally, one year I made 
arrangements with a realtor to help me in my search. 
On the first piece of land he took me to, all I could see was mountain laurel with a trail cut through it to survey . This tract seemed to be covered with mountain laurel and this was not what I was looking for. 
For the next three weeks we looked at land every day, criss-crossing and walking boundaries. I saw a Jot of beautiful land, but none gave me that special feeling I was looking for. . Finally the realtor told me I had seen every piece of land that was for sale in the area. He said the only one I hadn't looked at was the first one he had taken me to. 
As we got out of the truck- 
 
I knew this was not what I was looking for. 
We walked through about 30' of mountain laurel and then it just opened up into a beautiful little forest. The laurel was like a giant hedge hiding this cove. There is a gentle slope down to a tiny little branch.fed by two small springs. The little branch flows a short distance and then goes back into the ground. Beside the branch is a carpet of ferns. An old trail with an Indian trail-marking tree crosses above the springs. All of this in a beautiful little forest hidden under it's canopy of trees. 
(Editor's note: Legend has it that the Indians would bend a tree to draw attention to or mark a specific location in the forest. In this case it could have been indicating the location of the double spring that would have been a food source of clear water.) 
As I stood there taking all of this in , a flood of emotions came over me as I felt the magic of this place. I had found my "secret place", just three miles from Vogel. 
I still camp at Vogel and always will. It is a family tradition and I have friends there. One of the highlights of my year is my annual camping trip to Vogel. I visit my friends, roam the mountains, and perform with my Native American flutes . And from time to time I slip off to that special place three miles down the road where I get lost in my own little world , my "Secret Place." 
 
Nestled 'neath Blood Mountain's peak With waters cold and green; Vogel's grandeur I recall When I was just a teen. 
Our teachers took us there in May, Awarding our school year's feat; We carried our picnic lunch with us 
Of cookies, fruit, and meat. 
The pines and hemlocks gave us shade; The swings were tall and fast; We rode the metal paddle boats And walked the trail's crevasse. 
The game room brought a lot of fun To kids of every age; 
Sometimes they had wild animals Locked safe inside their cage. 
When school was out we traveled back To visit there once more; 
We swam Trahlyta's chilly waters And sunned on sandy shore. 
The water slide was the big thrill, But always had a line; 
Grown-ups and the children came, And .to the top they'd climb. 
 
The old log cabins lined the lake, The summer tourists came; 
Some would ride the horseback trails Or pitch a horseshoe game. 
In later years I came again To try the waters out; 
I walked around with fishing lures In hopes of catching trout. 
The park is still a favorite spot For those who like to camp; 
The ground fire's smoke still fills the breeze, With night air cool and damp. 
I spent some happy times back then With friends I knew at school;  
We met some lovely ladies there, And often played the fool. 
Those youthful days have come and gone, And never shall return; 
But I remember glorious times Where babbling waters churn. 
Charles W Cook 2003 
 
 Voice of Vogel 
 
Park Staff 
 
Page 3 
 
The days of an intern 
 
By Clint Rouse 
 
work to have one anyway, just a waste of 
 
"So, what exactly do you do?" I brainpower. The only thing that is a given 
 
am often asked this question by friends, each day is 8 a.m., time to be at work. 
 
acquaintances, and especially relatives 
 
Of course, some of the early days 
 
who are wondering if I would ever grow were spent reeling. Each night by the end 
 
up and cease to being a kid. As an up- of the day I was exhausted, both men- 
 
coming graduate from Georgia Southern tally and physically. School does not pre- 
 
University, part of the curriculum is to pare you for that kind of initial inten- 
 
participate in a 12-15 week internship, sity. Random and Diversity became my 
 
depending on the semester. Most of my two words of choice for the first couple 
 
fellow classmates I dare say shared nearly of weeks. (You remember that riddle 
 
the same experience as I did. The fol- about chickens and roads. I felt like a 
 
lowing is a summarized account of be- chicken in the middle of Interstate 85.) 
 
ing an intern. 
 
 
 
I became accustomed to this 
 
I arrived the afternoon of Sept. 6, lifestyle however, and now it almost 
 
2004 in the midst of Hurricane Frances' seems as days "drag" until I realize that 
 
remains. R,andy Gambrell greeted me I actually accomplish things. Three hur- 
 
with a key to my quarters, pointed me _ricanes, a motorcycle wreck, search & 
 
in the right direction, and said if I rescue, tree cutting, and my favorite 
 
needed anything to let him know. I pro- thing of all, The reservation system, it is 
 
ceeded to unload,. in the rain, and settle all part of the job, not to mention bed 
 
in. I saw David Foot, Superintendent, making, cleaning cabins, operating trac- 
 
and asked him about hot water for my tors, supervising burning brush piles, 
 
showers. I was soaking wet and of course, trail maintenance, cleaning out gutters, 
 
no hot water. (It was fixed shortly there- programming, teaching, inspiring, mak- 
 
after, just for those of you who were won- ing the computers work, music festivals, 
 
dering.) 
 
and campfires, and this does not begin 
 
My first minute of the first day on to include interactions with people. 
 
the job, 8 a.m., Sept. 7, 2004, I walked 
 
The staff at Vogel have been won- 
 
into the office, greeted with Missing derful, friendly, and quickly welcomed 
 
Person's Report. I assisted in helping me into their family. (It does not hurt 
 
David page out the Mountain Search and having a mother that can cook. That was 
 
Rescue Team. Once this was completed, the entire secret to my success. Not re- 
 
I then received the more standard intro- ally, but it sounds good.) I strongly en- 
 
duction of paperwork (signing your life courage anyone interested in pursuing a 
 
away), personal introductions, and such. job to look into State Parks . It is always 
 
Rounds through the campground, up to exciting. I never know from one day to 
 
the maintenance barn , which shortly the next what might happen or what I 
 
became a standard occurrence, were might be doing . I look forward to mov- 
 
given. It was only lunchtime at this point. ing on with my career, but will always 
 
This job is not for the obsessive/com- look back to my time spent at Vogel. I 
 
pulsive type , you'll go nuts . No set would like to thank all of the staff for 
 
schedule, I quickly learned it does not making my experience a wonderful one. 
 
Historic markers 
Have you ever noticed those historic markers on the side of the road throughout Georgia? They may identify the site of a Civil War battle or the birthplace of a famous Georgian. The Department of Natural Resources believe it or not is responsible for maintaining these signs. More specifically the Georgia State Parks. Duties of maintenance inc 1 u de : washing - 
each sign once per year; tightening bolts and securing loose posts; removing for painting as necessary; and generally making-an inspection to insure each sign is in good repair. 
Tony Cruce of Vogel maintains six markers in Union County. These include the Union County marker on the Courthouse Square in Blairsville; the marker on top of Brasstown Bald, recognizing the highest point in Georgia at 4,784'. Davenport Mountain located south of Nottley Dam on Pat Colwell Road recognizes several early settlers. 
The marker for Blood Mountain is located at Neel Gap recognizing the disastrous Creek and Cherokee Indian battle. The marker at Track Rock Gap recognizes the ancient rock petroglyphs located on Track Rock Road. A marker at Woo_dy Gap School in Suches recognizes Joseph Emerson Brown a former Georgia Gover- 
nor. Next time you come upon a historic marker on a Georgia byway, stop and take a minute to read it. You just might gleem a little tidbit of Georgia history . 
 
A Few Ranger Tales II 
By David Foot After writing last year's article titled "A 
Few Ranger Tales", the response was interesting. The readers said they enjoyed the stories and could not believe they were true. Well, believe it or not they are true and here are a few more . The daily life of a ranger is never boring . 
o A man asks, "why is it so busy today? What is with all the people? Is there something special about today?" It was only July Fourth . 
o A young boy was asked what his favorite thing was about Vogel? His reply was , "Playing softball and buying ice cream. " 
. o Two girls get in a paddleboat, then , ask the attendant where the key is to start the boat. (Here's your sign.) 
o A park housekeeper asks a ranger to check a urinal at the restrooms at the visitor's center. The ranger asks if that is in the men's or women's restroom? (Must have been a long day.) 
o A camper asked a park volunteer to please go and find the squeaky tree. When the wind blows it gets really loud. Can they do anything about it? 
o A man and woman come down to the boat dock with a dog in tow. When they are informed the dog cannot ride in a boat, they say, "all those other people have their kids with them." 
o Do you have indoor plumbing? o A man is asked to remove his pit bull from the beach by a ranger. He goes through the normal procedure of complaining and saying he pays his taxes and should be able Lo do anything he wants . Following some further encouragement he finally complies . He is seen leaving the park in his vehicle with the pit bull in front seat while his wife and child are sitting in the back . You can see life as a ranger dealing with the public poses some interesting questions . 
 
Housekeeping crew 
 
Park Ranger Phillips 
 
Office staff 
 
By David Foot 
 
By David Foot 
 
By David Foot 
 
There are six ladies who undertake their job 
 
Roger Phillips is now Park Ranger II at 
 
Three employees who are of- question is answered as accurately as 
 
with gusto . They are the park housekeeping staff. Vogel State Park. Roger has been employed at ten seen in the visitors center are the possible. 
 
When it comes to performing their job du- Vogel for the past seven years as a General heartbeat of the Vogel operation . 
 
Janette Watson has been with 
 
ties , they go above and beyond . 
 
Trades Craftsman. In this capacity Roger was Sharon Kidd, Rhonda Mcilrath and Vogel for 5 yea rs. She and her hus- 
 
1. 
 
You will find them cleaning 75 commodes , responsible for many aspects of maintenance Janette Watson put 
 
band Henry began at 
 
',. 
 
making 96 beds, cleaning 35 cottages and four throughout the park. Mainte- V'.'' 
 
in some long days 
 
Vogel as campground 
 
I 
 
comfort stations, three day use restrooms and five nance duties included such ar- ".: 
 
standing on their 
 
hosts . 
 
rental shelters.  
 
eas as carpentry, electrical, 
 
feet greeting guests 
 
They eventually 
 
Even when the traffic is slow in the park, plumbing, HYAC, and general 
 
and taking care of 
 
moved Lo Blairsville 
 
you will see them keeping busy. During the win- repairs. Roger is an extremely 
 
their needs . 
 
and Janelle made the 
 
ter they can be found deep cleaning all 35 cot- talented employee who is able 
 
Sharon has 
 
logical move from 
 
tages or painting the interior of a rental unit. 
 
to handle about any situation , 
 
been working at 
 
Volunteer to em- 
 
They might be planning a staff lunch or cook- that arises. 
 
Vog<tl for 32 years. 
 
ployee. Janette has 
 
ing a banquet for 100 volunteers or planting spring 
 
In his new position of 
 
flowers . 
 
Ranger II, Roger is responsible 
 
Roger 
 
She is the longest employed of all the 
 
been responsible for improving the visitor 
 
These intrepid souls are Kristi Barber, Gay for all the maintenance of the park supervis- . staff. She began as 
 
Sharon, Rhonda 
 
center store retail op- 
 
Cross, Dale Culberson, Linda Fortenberry, Wanda ing a staff of four. This may not seem like an a teenager flipping 
 
eration . She has ex- 
 
Green and Lisa Henry. This crew only has a com- overwhelming job until you add up the num- hamburgers when there was a con- panded the selection of food, gifts, 
 
bined work service of 17 years with Linda having bers. Roger is responsible for 65 buildings, cession on site. 
 
apparel, camping, and fishing sup- 
 
worked ten of those. 
 
40 air conditioning systems, four miles of sewer 
 
Sharon has moved up through plies. Once a guest comes to Vogel 
 
We appreciate what they do for our guests and water lines, 2.5 miles of roadway, eight the organization to where she 
 
to stay, there is very little 
 
in keeping Vogel a clean place to visit. 
 
vehicles, heavy equipment, a sewer plant, well is now responsible for the 
 
reason to leave. 
 
system, and 85 campsites with power and wa- parks accounting and budget. 
 
Janette has discovered 
 
ter . 
 
Rhonda Mcilrath has 
 
what the guest needs, mak- 
 
As you can see from this listing of re- been with Vogel for 6 years. 
 
ing it unnecessary to ever 
 
sponsibilities, running the Vogel maintenance She is the front line clerk who 
 
leave to shop elsewhere. 
 
operation is not unlike maintaining the infra- always has a ready smile. 
 
Next time you see 
 
structure of a small city. Roger has been with Rhonda has greeted thou- 
 
these fine ladies , thank them 
 
the Georgia Department of Natural Resources sands of guests over the years 
 
for being the glue that keeps 
 
for 22 years. He has experience working at and is always ready to help 
 
the front lines and behind the 
 
Amicalola Falls and Unicoi State Parks. 
 
anyone out. Rhonda always Janette 
 
scenes together. 
 
The Vogel housekeepers (from left) Kristy Barber, Lisa Henry, 
 
We congratulate Roger on a well de- does a wonderful job of train- 
 
They are very much 
 
Dale Culberson, Linda Fortenberry, Gay Cross and Wanda Green. served promotion. 
 
ing the summer staff, ensuring any appreciated by everyone. 
, .. 
 
 Page 4 
 
Health & Safety 
 
Voice of Vogel 
 
10th: Volunteers 
From page 1 
This seems to always be the highlight of the day as David takes some light-hearted jabs at a few of the hard working volunteers . 
Consider turning over a new leaf as The Vogel Volunteers enter a second decade of volunteerism toward Vogel State Parle You will receive much more than yo u could ever give. Sign up today at the park visitor center to get an invitation to shed some sweat at next year's Vogel Volunteer Day . 
 
Medical advice for all 01ales 
 
By David Foot I had always heard that when 
you hit the age of 40 you begin to get aches and Qains. When you hit 50 you begin to fall apart. I think I will hold off as long as possible reaching the age of 60. You see, this year I had a scare with a diagnosis of prostate cancer. What is even scarier, I had 
no symptoms. It was found through my annual physical and a routine PSA blood test. Because my brother and father had prostate cancer I have been getting this test for several years. Generally all males should begin this test at age 50. If there is a family history, they should begin at 40. 
 
Going to the Urologist, it was recommended that surgery be performed to remove the prostate and therefore the cancer. Surgery did not thrill me , but I saw no other option. I was aware the recovery period would be 4 - 6 weeks. The surgery date was scheduled and everything was in order. Then a dear friend mentioned that an acquaintance or hers had just had his prostate removed and he walked out of the hospital the next day and was back to work in ten days . What was this miracle that this man experienced? . Laparoscopic Robotic Pros(atectomy (LRP) Surgery was the 
 
answer. The traditional open radical prostatectomy surgery requires an eight inch incision and rooting around to remove the prostate. LRP takes advantage of modem optics. It does not require a major abdominal incision but rather 5 small indsions that receive instruments. There are advantages to LRP over the traditional surgery: There is minimal blood .Joss; there is very little surgical pain which means no nar- 
cotics; the patient is on his feet in several hours; some patients have been back to work in 48 hours. This all suggests a level of comfort unimaginable with conventional surgery. 
 
There happens to be one disadvantage to LRP. It is not readily available. Matter of fact it is not available in Georgia at all. This is why my urologist never mentioned it. Pam and I had to go to Birmingham, Alabama to have the surgery performed. 
I generally don't talk about my problems . However, I thought 
it was important enough to bring my problem up in this forum so other men would understand the 
importance of being tested for prostate cancer. 
I will be glad to talk to anyone about the surgery. After what I have been through, I feel I am somewhat of an expert. 
 
Dehydration 
The warmth of summer brings out all sorts of people to hike and play hard. People whom exercise hard and even those that don't need to be aware of the symptoms of dehydration. Dehydration is the lack of water in the body. This .can be a life threatening condition if not corrected. Dehydration can be caused by illness where the individual is vomiting and or has diarrhea; the individual is exercising heavily but is not replenishing lost fluids by drinking liquids; or from prolonged exposure to the sun. 
Symptoms of dehydration include thirst, pasty tongue, sunken eyes, slow rebound of pinched skin, slow rebound of pinched fingernail where the white does not disappear immediately, confusion, concentrated urine (dark yellow with odor), and low urine output. 
Avoid getting dehydrated by drinking plenty of water. Normal activity requires at least 2 quarts of water per day. When exercising it is necessary to drink 4 to 6 quarts of water to replace lost fluids and electrolytes lost in perspiration. A person can even dehydrate in winter when they may not show signs of extensive sweating but they are not drinking fluids when exercising. 
To counteract the symptoms of dehydration, one needs to drink plenty of fluids at a steady rate. Don't just drink fluids when you feel thirsty, you may have waited too late. 
Avoid drinking too many "sport drinks " with added electrolytes . It is recommended that these be diluted so that the body's chemistry scales are not tipped roo far 'in the opposite direction . 
 
Rules for the road for bicyclist 
RIDE A BIKE THAT IS THE RIGHT SIZE FOR YOU 
 
Slowdown! 
 
BUY THE HELMET THAT FITS 
 
WEAR CLOTHING THAT CAN BE SEEN 
 
MAKE SURE SHOE LACES ARE TIED 
WEAR PROPER SHOES (NOT SANDALS) 
CHECK OVER THE BICYCLE FOR SAFETY MATIERS 
WHEN EXITING A DRIVEWAY, STOP, LOOK LEFT, LOOK RIGHT, LOOK LEFT AGAIN AND EXIT WHEN THERE IS NO TRAFFIC 
RIDE ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF ROAD WITH THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC 
USE PROPER HAND SIGNALS TO INDICATE TURNS 
RIDE SINGLE FILE 
GIVE THE RIGHT OF WAY TO PEDESTRIANS 
CARRY NO PASSENGERS (EXCEPT ON APPROVEp BABY SEATS) 
STAY WITHIN SITE DISTANCE OF PARENTS (UNLESS TOLD OTHER WISE) 
ALWAYS WEAR YOUR HELMET PROPERLY ADJUSTED AND SNAPPED 
ALWAYS LOOK WHEN LEAYING A TRAIL OR A YARD FOR VEHICLES AND PEOPLE - THEY ARE NOT EXPECTING YOU MOST OF THE TIME 
DON'T RIDE ON THE WRONG SIDE THE ROAD (EVEN IN THE PARK) 
RIDE ONLY ON THE BIKE SEAT 
BE CAREFUL WHEN PASSING PARKED VEHICLES 
DO NOT PLAY RIDE GAMES IN STREETS OR ROADWAYS 
DO NOT HITCH TO VEHICLES TO PULL YOU ALONG 
DON 'T CARRY PACKAGES (USE A BICYCLE BASKET) 
DO NOT RACE WITH OTHERS ON A PUBLIC STREET 
GET OFF THE THE STREET WHEN YOU HEAR A SIREN 
. . .  LOOK our FOR YOUR BUDDY 
 
This 
 
is a 
 
gentle 
 
reminder 
 
to 
 
all 
 
guests that 
 
the speed~== 
 
limit in the 
 
park is 15 miles 
 
per hour. In more-congested ar- 
 
eas, such as the camping area 
 
where there are narrow roads , the 
 
driver should keep the speed at 
 
about 5 mph. Park law enforce- 
 
ment rangers will enforce the 
 
speed limit. Please don't be a sta- 
 
tistic. There are many children 
 
and adults walking or riding bi- 
 
cycles that are not paying atten- 
 
tion. DRIVE DEFENSIVELY . 
 
Bike helmets 
 
are required 
 
Georgia State Law 
requires all " children ages 15 
a n d 
younger to wear a bicycle helmet. This law is enforced to keep your family safe. Every year park rangers respond to bicycle accidents. And some of these have to go to the emergency room. Bicycle helmets do prevent major injury and do save lives. Please, keep our children safe by insuring they are wearing helmet every time they are on a bicycle. 
. , Georgia La."'. -~~~6.-?96 .. , , . , 
 
 Voice of Vogel 
 
History 
 
. Page 5 
 
The goods have been returned 
 
CCC Museum at Vogel 
 
By David Foot 
 
quired in the North Georgia 
 
Seventy years ago a group 
 
There was a time when the 
 
Mountains. 
 
of 150 boys between the ages of 
 
rental log cabins at Vogel were 
 
This crane eventually ended 17 and 25 got off a train in 
 
in less than desirable shape. It 
 
up in the family's fireplace at Murphy , North Carolina, placed 
 
may be hard to believe now but 
 
home and stood there for 35 years . on trucks and were moved to 
 
back in the 1960s the cabins were 
 
On a recent visit to Vogel this Blairsville, Georgia. These young 
 
almost torn down because they 
 
couple now_retired and enjoying boys were thin, they had ragged 
 
had deteriorated so severely. The 
 
grandchildren told the story to clothes , and they appeared to 
 
roofs were leaking, the floors were 
 
Park Manager, David Foot. David have no direction in life. What 
 
rotten the bottom sill logs were 
 
the ever vigilant law officer he is was this? Was some community- 
 
decayed . They were in pretty sad an iron crane mounted in the wall made them feel guilty following clearing house and getting rid of and corporate donors , and the staff 
 
shape. 
 
of the firebox designed to hold their confession and asked if they their unwanted hooligans? Noth- of Vogel State Park have contrib- 
 
During this time a young pots for cooking over the fire. would be interested in donating ing of the sort. Thes,e boys had uted to build a museum to honor 
 
couple with a growing family This hand-forged crane made by the crane back to the park to be joined the Civilian Conservation the works of the Civilian Conser- 
 
spent their vacations at Vogel. a CCC Boy swung back and forth used in the new CCC Museum. Corps (CCC) and they had come vation Corps. 
 
They would drive from Florida on bolts mounted in the rock . David had determined there was to Blairsville to live in .a camp 
 
This new museum has been 
 
and spend a week -or more at a Upon arrival at the cabin the fam- a statute of limitations on this and build a State Park. That State a dream of the Vogel Volunteers. 
 
rental price of $30 per week. This ily discovered the heavy crane had type of "acquisition" so he had Park is Vogel and seventy years The objective in building a mu- 
 
made for an inexpensive vacation broken loose from its mountings to be easy on this couple and work later it is still as popular as ever. seum was to protect the hundreds 
 
and it provided plenty of activi- and was lying on the hearth. The on their consciences. It apparently 
 
If it were not for these boys of photos and artifacts that tell the 
 
ties for the children. Of course ever frugal husband and dad .that worked, because, on their next and millions like them during the CCC story. Through financial and 
 
there was the beach with life- he was, decided to do the honest trip to Vogel they delivered the ensuing nine years National and material donations the museum 
 
guards, fishing and boats, horse- thing and ask the park manager goods. 
 
State Parks would not have been has become a reality. David Foot, 
 
back riding and the juke box how much he would take for this 
 
This hand forged steel crane developed, forests would not have Vogel State Park Manager said, 
 
music in the trading post. 
 
chunk of iron. The manager said can be seen in the fireplace in the been protected, the Midwest "this museum has been a dream 
 
In 1967 the cabin this fam- he was not in a position to sell new CCC Museum. The couple Plains would have continued to for many years. It would not.have 
 
ily stayed in was not the excep- State property but that he could has asked that their name be with- blow away , and soil erosion been possible were it not for the 
 
tion but the rule when it came to have it. This sounded pretty good. held from public identity and want would not have been slowed . The generous donations and help of 
 
structural integrity. It was in bad So, as the family finished their to be considered anonymous do- boys of the CCC made a differ- so many people and businesses. 
 
shape. The rock in the fireplace vacation and headed home to nors. 
 
ence. These young men were un- This museum will be a regional 
 
was falling out from years of fires. Florida. They were a few extra 
 
Now you know the rest of employed as were millions of other attraction and a source of research 
 
One feature of the fireplaces was pounds heavier from steel ac- the story. 
 
Americans during the Great De- for students of the Great Depres- 
 
A journey through time 
 
pression of the 1930s. This period sion ." 
 
in American history was perhaps 
 
Perhaps the most noticeable 
 
the -most challenging with banks feature of the museum when one 
 
By Clint Rouse 
 
was studying English Literature Chili" every couple of months. closing, factories and businesses first sees it is the rough textured 
 
Nestled beside a warm cozy at Vanderbilt University. They She would cook for all the staff at shutting down, families going brown siding and large posts sup- 
 
fire , on a rainy October afternoon, were married in 1934 in Atlanta, Vogel when she would come up hungry, and people wandering porting the porch. This was lum- 
 
a lady reminisced of a beautiful Georgia where Brother Mac had and invite them for lunch. She did aimlessly across the country with ber cut off the park from Pine 
 
place she remembered as a traveled to preach. 
 
not share the secrets of this recipe no sense of direction. The CCC Beetle salvaged trees. The CCC 
 
younger adult. She told of many 
 
Many changes have oc- with me, but it sounded mighty was just one of a score of new planted these trees when the park 
 
hours spent fishing the lake of this curred over the years since Mrs. good for a cold rainy day. 
 
agencies started during the New was under development. 
 
wonderful valley and how her Mac first started visiting Vogel 
 
I asked Mrs. Mac why she Deal of President Franklin 
 
The inuseum features photo 
 
husband spent many days writing State Park. When I asked her what continued to come to Vogel ev- Roosevelt. This administration exhibits of camp life; a diorama 
 
sermons to spread to the people the roads were like when she first ery year, now with her caregivers was referred to as the alphabet of a CCC camp; exhibits of vari- 
 
of this land. Seventy-six years started coming up she replied, Jim and Martha Dunlap, and she soup administration . because of ous trades the boys would have 
 
separated us, and at the same time "Oh, no they weren't paved back took a deep breath. She still en- the new acronyms for infant agen- learned such as forestry, masonry, 
 
it did not. As a young man I was then." She then recalled a cold joys the solitude of these moun- cies. Agencies such as the WPA black-smithing and surveying; and 
 
taken back in time to Vogel State evening when "Brother Mac was tains. She remembers the count- - Works Projects Administration; a photo history of Vogel through 
 
Park, as it existed during the determined" to get to Vogel. It less hours that her and Brother FDIC - Federal Deposit Insur- the years . 
 
1950s through the present. The was 11-cold evening, snow and ice Mac spent here along with all of ance Corporation; TVA - Ten- 
 
The John B. Derden Civil- 
 
following account is of the jour- were setting into these mountains the memories. "That's why I still nessee Valley Authority; REA - ian Conservation Corps Museum 
 
ney she took me on and of the and many cars had pulled over but come. Vogel has good people that Rural Electrification Administra- at Vogel State Park is named for 
 
memories and events that she re- Brother Mac kept on driving un- are like family." She remembers tion. These_and many more helped a long time Vogel Volunteer and 
 
called. Ninety-nine years ago, til they reached the park. She re- David Foot, Park Superintendent, pull the United States out of a former CCC Boy who has been 
 
Mrs. Thelma MacPherson was membered when the first when he still had a full head of dark period . 
 
instrumental in preserving the 
 
born in Daytona Beach, Florida. paddleboats arrived at Vogel and hair and Sharon Kidd, Secretary, 
 
Vogel State Park became a CCC history of Vogel. 
 
She has been coming to Vogel told of how they brought many when she first started to work at reality in 1934 because of hard 
 
The museum is open on Sat- 
 
State Park for almost sixty years visitors to the park. She did not Vogel. This is where my journey times. This was like making lem- urday and Sundays from 1-4 p.m. 
 
with many fond memories and much care for them, but her sis- came to an end. 
 
onade from lemons. We are to this David Foot, Park Manager is 
 
good times. With the exception ter loved them and so she rode 
 
[Mrs. MacPherson was 97 day enjoying the fruits of the la- available for public speaking en- 
 
of one year she missed, Mrs. Mac with her. She recalled many hours when interviewed. Mrs. Mac died bor of these hard working indi- gagements on the Depression His- 
 
(as she is known to her friends) of hiking around the mountains on May 7, 2005. She was a won- viduals . To recognize the work of tory and the Civilian Conserva- 
 
has joined us at Vogel every year and could not recall how many derful friend of Vogel.] 
 
the CCC, volunteers, individual tion Corps. 
 
(once a month in the earlier days) continuing to come up and enjoy the beautiful mountains that she -discovered over a half century ago on a return trip with her husband, often referred to as Brother Mac during our interview. Rev. MacPherson was a United Church of Christ minister for 50 years serving the Moreland Avenue Church of Christ in Atlanta and the Church of Christ in Conyers, Georgia. Mr. and Mrs. MacPherson met in Nashville, Tennessee while Mr. MacPherson 
 
times her and Brother Mac traveled through Neels Gap and walked on Blood Mountain. They enjoyed hiking and being alone with each other exploring these mountains. Mrs. Mac jokingly remarked, "If I had a dime for every fish I've ever caught, I'd be a wealthy lady. I would fish for dinner, and my husband would fish for people's souls. " The trout she caught were prepared for breakfast and never wasted. An excellent cook, Mrs. MacPherson still makes her own "MacPherson 
 
~!"-'.,; Y)~:-.s.IS Looking for old photos 
 
: --:. , 
 
This photo was taken during the 1950s. The par 
 
' 
 
is soliciting old photos Did you take a camping 
 
ftrriopminth7an 
 
40s, 50s and old Army pup 
 
60s. ten 
 
or stay in one of the cabins before the roads were 
 
paved? Do you have a photo of the park when ther 
 
were overhead power lines? How about a photo o 
 
the visitors center before all the expansions and there 
 
was just a stone building? Were you camping in the 
 
ball field before it was a ball field? Pull out the old 
 
shoebox and show us your Kodak moments from year 
 
past. Contact David Foot, Park Manager for further 
 
details. 
 
 Page 6 
 
Volunteers 
 
Voice of Vogel 
 
Memory Walkway at Vogel 
 
I r 
 
- 
 
------------Vogel State Park Memory Walkway 
 
---- 
Order form 
 
- 
 
7 I 
 
Name 
I Address________________ I 
 
I City - - - - - - - = ~ ~_ _State _ Zip_ _ _ I I Phone_ _~ _ _ _E-mail = - - -- -- - - - - I 
 
Number of bricks: 
 
x $30 
 
I I have enclosed a check or money order in the amount of I 
 
I 
 
$ .oo 
 
I 
 
I Mail to: Vogel State Park Memory Walkway Fund, 
 
I 
 
I 
 
c/oVogel State Park, 7485 Vogel State Pqrk Rd . 
 
I 
 
Blairsville, GA 30512 
 
I 
 
Brick should be engraved as follows 
 
I 
 
1- - - - - - - - - - - - - -1 1- - - - - - - - - - - - - -1 
L-=--=----= =-----=--=-~-= =-- -=. =-~-=- -=.:::J 
 
The Vogel Volunteers are sponsoring the development of a Memory Walkway by selling engraved bricks. The walkway is located on the pathway in front of the beach. 
The goal is to have the entire length of the pathway paved with the bricks. This is an ambitious goal, but one that is quite obtainable with the response we have received so far. The money raised from this project will be used by the Vogel Volunteers to work on special park projects or to purchase equipment for the park staff that could not have been purchased otherwise. The bricks are $30.00 each. They can be engraved with up to three lines with 14 characters per line. Ordering abrick is easy. Just fill in the application below and submit a check for $30.00 per brick. Make checks payable to: The Vogel Volunteers, Inc. Mail orders to: Vogel State Park, Memory Walkway Project, 7485 Vogel State Park Road, Blairsville, GA 30512. Any questions can be directed to the park staff at 706-745-2628. 
 
You can choose friends, but not relatives 
 
By David Foot We have all heard jokes 
about in-laws . Many are probably true. However, 1 happen to ...,ow two brothers in-law who are outstanding guys. Just so happens they are not re1a ted to me. 
That may be the \  reason I get along so well with them. The in-laws subject may seem like a strange topic for a paper like this. I don ' t think so, especially when 1 can say nice things about them 
Bill Becker and Artie Weber of Fort Myers, Florida and their families have been camping at Vogel for many years . Their children grew up at Vogel and now a new generation is learning to enjoy this special retreat. It is hard to find many families that get along so well together. Bill is a firefighter and Artie is a contractor . These two jobs can  be very stressful. Coming to Vogel has always been somewhat of an oasis in a wild world. 
Bill and Artie have been coming to Vogel's Annual Volunteer Day from the very beginning . They have always shared their talents with us to accomplish some major projects. Over the years they have helped build the CCC Museum, rehabilitate the water fall deck below the dam, build 
 
campsites, and install the wind screen and seating on the pavilion. Their generous donation of 
time has helped make Vogel a better place to play . It is always a pleasure to work with them. They have a wonderful work ethic and a great sense of humor. 
On a personal note , I want to say how exceptional these fellows are. When my father was alive and living with my wife and myself; we were dealing with his Alzheimer's Disease. If anyone knows this disease , it can be very demanding on the caregiver. One afternoon while they were camping at Vogel , the two guys came to me and told me thev would sit with dad that evening so Pam and I could get out of the house and enjoy an evening by ourselves. This was one of the kindest offers we ever received. We knew dad was in caring hands . We could enjoy the evening without a worry. Whether it is Volunteering at Vogel or in their own community or performing a random act of kindness, these two Florida boys are exceptional. I thank them for being my friends. I am a better person for knowing them. So, I have two brothers in-law who I get along with. What else can I ask for. 
 
Black Bear 
 
By Travis Henry Do you have bear in the park? This is a common question and the answer is, yes. It is a rare opportunity to see one of these wonderful creatures, but when you do it will be a memory that will last a lifetime. Here are some facts on the black bear; Birth weight is 8 ounces. 
The black bear lives to eat. 59% of its diet is berries a n d 
Eric Wood, ONR Game Management Ranger, tags a sedated bear caught at Vogel. The bear was released near the park after he was worked up. 
 
acorns. They aiso eat grasses, ants and insects. 
An adult bear will weigh from i50 to 500 pounds. 
Bears can be brown or cinnamon colored. 
They have curved claws that don't retract. 
They have 42 teeth and a long sticky tongue. 
They have soft foot-pads that grow anew each year. 
They have two layers of fur that they molt during the summer.- 
Their sense of smell is 50 times greater than a human. 
Average life span of a bear is 8 1/2 years . (Life span of a nuisance bear is 4 years.) 
A bear may travel up to 50 miles in a day. They will travel up to 100 miles for food_, returning to an area they may have fed at years before. 
Bears in the south do not hibernate but rather sleep for extended periods of time. Threats to the black bear: Loss of habitat (Development). Garbage. Trash 
kills bears. Bears that lose their fear of humans are dangerous. 
Poachers. Road kill. Other aggressive bears. 
 
Relocating a problem bear is a threat to his life, as he may not survive his trip back to his original territory. 
If you see a bear, do not get any closer. Never run away. Do not play dead. 
Make noise by yelling, wave your arms, throw rocks if necessary . Take precautions to not attract bears by putting up food and keeping a clean campsite. Watch your bird feeders as they will climb porches to go after hummingbird water and birdseed as well as dog food. 
Vogel campers will notice that our garbage is controlled by use of the bear proof trash trailers located at each of the four comfort stations. These have been a tremendous aid in discouraging the black bear from raiding our trash. Using caution when you are in the woods will keep you and the bear safe. 
Editors Note: Travis Henry has been employed at Vogel for three years. When he was asked to do a bear program for some school children he took the task on with his usual enthusiasm. He is now our resident bear expert. 
 
Decade of volunteering 
 
Young Vogel volunteer 
 
By David Foot 
 
I'm Katie Rucker. My parents , Kenney 
 
A decade; a tenth of a century; half a score; or just and Debbie have been camping at Vogel with 
 
plain ten years is a long time to be volunteering at one my brother and myself for a long time. Ev- 
 
location. Bud and Carmen Fitton have been doing just that eryone at the park 
 
at Vogel State Park. What is even 
 
has watched us 
 
more fascinating is that they have 
 
grow up and 
 
participated in every Vogel Volun- 
 
change over the 
 
teer Work Day beginning in 1995. 
 
years. Every em- 
 
The Fittons moved to 
 
ployee and many of 
 
Blairsville from Miami many years 
 
the guests have 
 
ago to enjoy an easier life in the 
 
helped me become 
 
Georgia Mountains. Upon a.Jirival 
 
the person I am to- 
 
they began growing Christmas trees 
 
day. As a member 
 
for sale. They soon discovered this 
 
of the Vogel Vol- 
 
was hard work for retirement. Bud 
 
unteers, I am more 
 
had a boat repair business in Mi- 
 
considerate of the 
 
ami. These were not your run of 
 
land I walk on. Be- 
 
the mill dinghies, but massive 
 
ing a volunteer has 
 
yachts. Bud told me that when you 
 
taught me responsi- 
 
are renovating a boat on the water 
 
bility and the im- 
 
never use a level to make things plumb. Bud and his co- portance of finishing a job . I also realize the 
 
workers got a kick out of watching a contractor trying to importance of helping other people and be- 
 
level up some cabinets on a yacht one time. Just as he had ing down right respectful to everything. 
 
what he thought was the perfect plumb job, the others would 
 
Volunteering at Vogel has helped rrie 
 
walk to the other side of the boat. When the contractor get into the Air Force Junior ROTC program 
 
looked back he discovered he was out of level. This went at Sequoyah High School in Cherokee 
 
on after several attempts when he finally gave up. Bud County. This is my second year and I'm en- 
 
then informed him that you can't use a level on a boat. joying every minute of it. I am on the Com- 
 
This giv_es you some idea of what a fun guy Bud is to be petition Color Guard. Last summer I visited 
 
around. He enjoys life. Carmen is no exception. They com- the Citadel to get a feel of what college will 
 
pliment each other wonderfully. 
 
be like. 
 
Over the past ten years bud and Carmen have held 
 
If it were not for my parents and all my 
 
several officer positions with the Vogel Volunteers includ- friends at Vogel, I would not be doing what I 
 
ing President and Treasurer. They have been responsible am. They have helped me reach my dreams 
 
for many improvements to the park over the years includ- and beyond. 
 
ing being major fundraisers for the Civilian Conservation 
 
[Editors note: Katie and her brother 
 
Corps Museum. 
 
Ryan have been a joy to be around over the 
 
Bud and Carmen are not resting on their laurels as years. It has been fun to watch them mature, 
 
volunte_ers. They are entering their second decade of vol- growing into responsible and productive in- 
 
unteering as campground hosts at Cloudland Canyon State dividuals. Their parents, Kenney and Debbie 
 
Park this spring. Way to go guys. 
 
Rucker have been dedicated Vogel Volun- 
 
We appreciate all you have done for Georgia State teers for many years. Kenney. has been Presi- 
 
Parks. Thank you! 
 
dent of the organization for two years.]. . . 
 
 Voice of Vogel 
 
Natural Resources 
 
Page 7 
 
Trout habitat 
 
structures 
Have you noticed the small waterfalls in Wolf Creek created by the placement of large logs across the stream? These stream features are called trout habitat structures designed to create a more suitable living environment for the fish . The purpose is to create plenty of splash, which in turn supplies additional oxygen, a much needed requirement for the trout. Notice the deeper holes below the log. This too improves the trout's habitat requirements by providing deep colder water. 
 
Canada Goose management program 
 
By David Foot 
 
PROBLEMAs beautiful and graceful as they are, Canada Geese are posing a problem for parks, golf courses and other public areas. Because these creatures are eating machines, what goes in must come out. This fact of life poses pollution problems for bodies of water and makes walking on grass areas and sidewalks uncomfortable. Canada Geese can also be rather aggressive, especially during nesting season. 
 
WATERFOWL HISTORY AT VOGEL 
Vogel's Lake Trahlyta has always been a haven for waterfowl. In years past the park store would sell bags of corn for 25 cents. This tradition always helped maintain a large population of ducks and geese on the lake including Mallards , Ring-necked Duck, Wood Duck, American Coot, Hooded Merganser, and the Common Loon. All these waterfowl are pretty much migratory except the Mallard, Wood Duck and the Canada Goose. The migratory waterfowl will stay for a while during the winter then go on their way . . 
OPTIONS FOR. REMOVING GEESE 1) Shooting geese is one option, but not practical in a park setting. There is a hunting season from November through January for large bodies of water. State 
 
parks are wildlife sanctuaries and hunting is prohibited with a few exceptions. 
2) The live trapping or netting of geese is another option. An area is baited. When the geese are feeding a net is shot over the feeding area. This method has been used at Vogel in years past. The problem with this is you have only one opportunity before they are wise to what is happening. 
3) The last option and one that Vogel is presently using is referred to as goose harassment. This option is the recommended course of action by the Georgia DNR Game Management Division and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. A noise-maker that 
 
sounds like whistling fireworks is shot over the heads of the goose gaggle floating on the water. They immediately fly off, sometimes to the other end of the lake. This has to be done repetitively until they take flight and leave the lake. This method causes no harm to the geese except for some anxiety. The ducks do not seem to be alarmed by the noise. 
So, if you hear a whistling firework in the vicinity of the lake, do not be alanrted, for the noise that is to follow will be the honking t>f a gaggle of geese heading toward more peaceful waters. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask one of the park rangers . 
 
When is Vogel the most colorful 
The forest floor and hillsides in and around Vogel are always in a constant change of flowering colors. From early spring to late fall , the flower, plants, and trees are sharing their delicate gifts of beauty. The following is a listing of when blooms can be expected around Vogel. The dates will vary some from year to year. Some years, there may still be colored foliage through late November. 
 
SPRING - SUMMER 
 
Serviceberry (white blooms) 
 
April l 
 
Dogwood blossoms 
 
Month of April 
 
Bluebells (small wildflower) 
 
April 15 
 
 
 
Wild Magnolia tree (large white blooms) April 15 
 
Pink lady Slipper (Dry pine woods) 
 
Last of April 
 
Iris and Trilliums 
 
First of May 
 
Flame Azalea (Orange Blossom)  
 
May 5 -25 
 
Mountain Laurel 
 
May 15 - June I 
 
Native Rhododendron 
 
June 15- July 15 
 
Sourwood (white blooms) 
 
First of July 
 
FALL COLORS 
 
Sourwood (red leaves) 
 
Mid September 
 
Poplars (yellow leaves) 
 
Late September 
 
Maples (red & orange leaves) 
 
October 20 
 
Hickory (yellow leaves) 
 
October 20 
 
Oaks (red & yellow leaves) 
 
October 25 
 
Have you seen this lone 
sentinel in the campground? 
This hollow beach tree is probably close to 100 years old. Imagine the changes it 
 
VOICE OF VOGEL published by Vogel State Park 
 
7485 Vogel State Park Road, Blairsville, GA 30512 Operated by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources 
 
Park Manager David Foot 
 
Assistant Manager Randy Gambrell 
 
Layout & design Norman Cooper 
 
has seen over the years. 
What are you going to feel like when you 
are 100? 
 
Printed by West Printing Company 
 
1 t- 
 
 '  ~ 
 
  ' 
 
 J 
 
I' ' l  
 
" .' 
 
 Page 8 
 
Programming 
 
Voice of Vogel 
 
Independence Day Celebration Sept. 9, 2006 
Mountain Music Festival 
 
CCC Reunion 
This program is a wonderful trip back 70 years to when the Civilian Conservation Corps was active on the park. Everyone is welcome to come listen to stories from actual CCC Boys reminiscing about the days in the Great Depression. This annual program is the second Saturday of May. The program begins at 11 A.M. in the park's group shelter. 
The lunch is covered dish with the Vogel Volunteers providing fried chicken and drinks . This is a true living history program. 
 
Fall Hoedown 
 
1 
 
The annual Fall Hoedown October 22nd, 2005. This event 
 
is is 
 
scheduled for always popular 
 
, with the park guest. Activities include dancing in 
 
,. J. the lakeside parking lot, hayrides, story telling by 
 
. the campfire while roasting marshmallows and a new 
 
 addition this past year with the Cakewalk. The 
 
Cakewalk is where individuals pay a dollar for an 
 
opportunity to walk for a donated homemade cake 
 
with the possibility of being able to bring one home. 
 
The funds raised through the Cakewalk go to the 
 
Vogel Volunteers for projects on the park. 
 
Independence Day 
Join hundreds of your closest park friends as they play all day to celebrate the Fourth of July. The day starts off with paddleboat races. There will ~e sand castle building competition. The afternoon 
will see field games of dizzy lizzy , sack races, ball o o n toss, egg throw, greased p o 1e c 1i m b and culminating " with the traditional watermelon eating contest. These activities will bring back memories of a simpler time when neighbors gathered to celebrate the birthday of our country. 
 
Mountain Music & Craft Festival 
This annual program celebrates Appalachian culture with . music, song, dance and crafts. This popular program is placed 
in a beautiful setting along the shore of Lake Trahylta. As you peruse the crafts and watch live demonstrations, you will be able to  listen to the music that was common in this mountain region 100 years ago . The program begins at 11 A.M. Admission is $5 .00 adults, $2.00 children. A lunch concession is available. 
 
Music ip. the Park Saturdays, 8 pm 
How about spending an enjoyable summer Saturday evening listening to beautiful music wafting o-ver Lake Trahlyta? Every Saturday at 8 PM from Memorial Day weekend through mid October Music In The Park can be experienced. What a wonderful way to relax and soak up the cool night air . Watch the park bulletin boards for performance schedules. 
Kids Fishing Rodeo 
The Kids Fishing Rodeo held on the second Saturday of June is a whole lot of fun for youngsters 12 and under. However, if the adults are not careful they may be caught up in the fun as well. Wolf Creek will be stocked with hundreds of trout guaranteeing a catch for every child participating . Volunteers are available to assist first time fisherman. There is no competition involved with this program. Rather we emphasize the fun  of fishing. Every child does receive a prize. This program is sponsored in part by Coca Cola Bottlers and many other local businesses. 
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 booklets to begin the adventure. There are three level of participation for ages 6-12 . Level us for ages 6-7; level II is for ages 8-10; and level III is for ages 11 & 12. Each level has a few more challenges and incremental degrees of difficulty. Subject matter includes study of the natural resources found in Georgia, fishing, wildlife, fruits 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 park ranger. Join in on the fun. The staff of Georgia State Parks an Historic Sites is waiting to show you the fun and excitement tha can be found in the outdoors. 
Outdoor 
classroom 
Spring at Vogel sees scores of school children coming to Vogel for educational field trips. Programs given by the park rangers are a continuatiort of the classroom studies the students have had over the previous year. Program subjects may include: All about the Black Bear in North Georgia; Lost Prevention or how not to get lost in the woods; Trout Stream Habitat; The Civilian Conservation Corps; as well as other resource related topics. Learning has never been so much fun. 
 
Spring Wildflower Walk 
Join a park naturalist on a walk through the spring forest in search of the beauties hidden at your feet. Pink and Yellow Lady Slippers , Bluets , Dwarf Crested Iris, Violets, Cinquefoil, Spring Beauty, and Hepatica are just a few of the wildflowers that will be found. If you don ' t know the name of a particular flower or you wondered what the medicinal use may have been in an earlier time, this is the opportunity to find out. Take a walk on the wild side and see some.beauties. 
 
Christmas program 
Drinking hot mulled cider and eating cookies while you sing Christmas carols with good friends. What better way to spend the first Saturday of December to bring in the cherished season. Many will gather for hayrides, singing and the lighting of Vogel's Christmas tree. What a better way to celebrate the season.