After being in a car for twelve hours, most people would agree--it's time to get out and walk--

Well in route to Florida, that's exactly what I did after seeing a sign for Stone Mountain in Georgia.

Much warmer to me even in the early morning air than any previous Christmas Eve morning so recalculate the GPS and off we go. Paying a nominal fee to enter the park area and winding through narrow curved streets, I am careful to avoid joggers and dog walkers. I safely find a parking spot and kill the engine. Looking up at this magnificent piece of granite rock. If only I were bigger I could pick it up and toss it about like a pebble. This large rock resting on the earth's crust. This must see from the ground, had only heightened my desire to reach the top.

Quickly I grab my cup of coffee(Viers Coffee) of course, and head up to an area where others had gathered with the same intent. A yellow dotted line painted the suggested path, or (road if you will) to take, so as Dorothy and her crew had done with much success, I followed the proverbial "yellow brick road".

With notepad, camera and coffee cup in hand I ascend on up toward the top. Tall pine trees lines the paths as well as large cuts of stone to navigate.

About half way up I catch another trekster, taking this idea much more serious than I. He had the workout suit and shoes to boot, climbing with arms in full motion, proper breathing and an alarming pace, similar to the speed walking women who once ruled the streets of my neighborhood growing up. Hesitant to stray off my yellow path, I'm faced with the dilemma of slowing my pace or confronting this stranger in his exercise routine. I decide to pass. while going round and saying "hello" we engaged in small greetings and soon full conversation.