It began about 30 years ago with an overnight tent stay at Amicolala Falls where the abundance
of rainbow trout made for our adventure's first dinner. The stinging mountain winds and drizzle-led approaching
cold front - the first of the season - was nature's inhospitable welcome mat as we set out the next morning
from the Appalachian Trail's southern terminus at Springer Mountain.
After several days of braving weather
and warnings about the "wild man of Gooch Gap," we shed backpacks and headed out in the comfort of a 1974
Opel Manta. "Brown's Guide to Georgia" was still crafted of paper and ink, and the world was unaware
of Al Gore's new invention - the internet. "Brown" guided us to Dahlonega, where in 1828, the
first significant U.S. gold rush began, 20 years before California would somehow stake its claim as
the nation's first gold rush site.
During the summer of 2003, a family vacation brought
me back to Dahlonega.
Things haven't changed all that much. California still thinks the rest
of the nation is behind the curve and Dahlonega hasn't lost any of its down home charm. Within 90 days we
acquired our property and in 2005 started construction on our "little cabin." Our home away from home
has hosted many gatherings. Family and close friends from near and far look forward to the events and
each year it grows. We will retire to our little cabin when work is done. But for now, we would love for you to enjoy
it like we do. Take care of it as if it were your own. Don't hesitate to call us if you have any questions and remember,
as our guest, you too, are a part of our family.
The Matyas Family
