If you love animals like I do, you’ll surely want to know about the two new places I discovered recently.  They’re not really new, but they’re new to me.  It’s interesting that so many different organizations have chosen our area as a sanctuary for their animals.  I’ve already told you about the Amicalola Deer Park which is “dear” to me, since I care for so many deer in my own backyard.  And, you probably have heard about or visited the Kangaroo Center in Dawsonville–a wonderful habitat that promotes both wildlife conservation and education.  It was established 26 years ago and boasts the largest kangaroo mob in existence outside of Australia.  They have been extremely successful in their captive breeding program.  They’ve been closed to the public for the last few months, but I’ll keep you posted and let you know as soon as they re-open.  In the meantime, you can visit their website at www.kangaroocenter.com.

The Dewar Wildlife Trust, formerly known as Gorilla Haven, is a state of the art holding facility for gorillas.  It is located on 189 rolling acres in the tiny town of Morganton, just outside of Blue Ridge.  Currently there are two Western Lowlands Gorillas living on the premises.  Joe, the third oldest male in the world living in a zoo setting, was Dewar Wildlife Trust’s first resident in 2003.  He’s now 48, enjoys the tranquility of the mountains and loves to have visitors.  His friend, Oliver, another amazing gorilla, is unfortunately deaf.  Stratton, a goat, is the third member of their group.  They all get along famously.

The gorilla facility was established in 1998 and has become a top-notch habitat, certified by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums.  It was not designed to be open to the public, but now the Dewars are giving you the opportunity to go on a behind the scenes walking tour.  You will see the Gorilla Villas, the veterinary hospital, the food prep kitchen, the animal group building, their mountainous home terrain and have a face to face meeting with Joe!  There are only 6 tours offered throughout the year.  Three remain–Septmeber 10th, October 15th and November 19th, 2011.  All begin at 11:00AM and last 2-3 hours.  Each tour is limited to 25 people and there is a $39 donation per person.  Reservations are on a first come, first served basis.  Call (706)374-4833.

The King Kong Zoological Park is not technically in “North Georgia,” but it is just over the state line–in Murphy, NC.  That’s so close to Blue Ridge that you just might want to make the trip.  Small town Zoos are great fun–no crowds and no traffic getting there.  This one has an interesting variety of over 14 species of animals, about 60 in total.  There are lions, tigers, bears, primates, reptiles and even a Zedonk and a Liger.  The Owner/Operator, John Curtis, grew up in the “Zoo Bus.”  He and his father, Stanley, have over 100 years of combined experience working with exotic animals.  The King Kong Zoo is privately owned, very pretty and well-kept.  Many of the animals are “rescues” that are much loved by the owners and the entire community.  The Park is handicap accessible, even keeping wheelchairs on hand in case you need one.  The King Kong Zoological Park is open from 11:00AM to 7:00PM on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays and from 2:00PM to 7:00PM on Fridays.  I haven’t been there yet, but it sounds like a terrific place to take the kids.  It has a nice family atmosphere with a chance to see some cool animals up close and personal.  The cost is $10 for adults over 14 and $6 for children.  They offer senior citizen and group discounts and accept credit cards.  The Park is located at 184 Blairsville Highway, Murphy, NC, 28906–at the junction of Hwy 64 and Hwy 19/129.

The North Georgia Mountains are the perfect setting for animal havens.  Our temperate climate is an important factor in caring for the animals.  Also, Atlanta is a central hub for air travel worldwide–making it convenient for shipping out and acquiring new animals.  The next time you’re in Blue Ridge, why don’t you take a day trip and visit one of our animal parks?

In an effort to cover the great variety of exciting things to do when staying at your cabin in the North Georgia Mountains, I wanted to tell you about The Tail of the Dragon at Deal’s Gap.  The Drgaon is internationally known and possibly the most famous road in America, among motor sports enthusiasts.  If you have a motorcycle or a sports car, you’ve just got to ride on The Dragon.

Tail of the Dragon is an 11-mile stretch of two lane road that is part of Route 129 (sort’a the Southeast’s version of Route 66).  The Dragon lies mostly in Tennessee along the border with North Carolina, sidling up to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  What makes The Tail of the Dragon so unique is its 318 curves in the 11 mile span!  Some of the sharpest curves have names like Pearly Gates, The Whip, Beginner’s End, Gravity Cavity, Parsons Curve, Copperhead Corner and Hog Pen Bend.  The road earned its name because it resembles a dragon’s tail.  This area is remote, isolated and undeveloped, therefore the chance of another vehicle pulling out in front of you is slim.  But, don’t think for a minute that you can speed.  The 180 degree hairpin turns pretty much take care of that, and the TN Highway Patrol is usually closeby.  The speed limit was reduced to 30 mph in 1992 (from its previous 55 mph) because too many people were getting hurt or killed.  The Tree of Shame showcases pieces of wrecked motorcycles hanging from its branches.

Hundreds of thousands of visitors flock to The Tail of the Dragon each year either to test their mettle or just to survive the ride.  Due to its notoriety, you’ll probably never get to ride alone.  Weekends from April to late October are the most heavily trafficked.  If there’s a rally or a meet in the vicinity, you can count on The Dragon being a circus.  But, the scenery is spectacular as most of the road travels through thick forests of hardwoods.  There are scenic overlooks and pull-offs en route.  Just be sure, if you are the driver, to keep your eyes on the road.  It requires great skill.

This serpentine stretch of road is not for wimps and certainly not for those who have a squeamish tummy.  The Dragon was built to be challenging and if you take that challenge, be sure to stop by The Tail of the Dragon Store at Deal’s Gap to pick up some souvenirs.  Get yourself a T-shirt to let others know that you slew The Dragon.

There are lots of signs with warnings to turn back.  Some semi-trailer trucks, anxious to get to Knoxville, ignore the signs and quickly find  they cannot make the hairpin turns.  The trucks get stuck and traffic backs up for hours.  Many photographers, such as Killboy.com, are staked out along the way to take your picture as you round a curve.  When you get home, you can go to their websites and order pictures to commemorate your adventure.

Tail of the Dragon is part of a 120-mile loop that also contains the Cherohala Scenic Skyway, which is becoming known as the 2nd most thrilling ride.  Please check out my article on the Cherohala at www.Rainbowcabins.com website under the Fun Activities category for more information.  I don’t know how long it takes to travel The Dragon’s 11 miles.  That would depend on the weather and traffic.  But, I understand that if you start at The Tail of the Dragon at Deal’s Gap, you can easily make the entire 120 mile loop in one day, allowing for scenic stops, food and gas.  Please understand that this is all hearsay (although heavily researched) because I personally am a wimp and wouldn’t go on this ride.  And, my husband, John, gets very carsick.  But, I know there are a lot of you daredevils out there who would just love taking the challenge of the Dagon’s Tail. 

Other incredible rides in the area are The Moonshiner 28, Devil’s Triangle, The Diamondback, Six Gap in North GA and The Snake.  I hope that when you plan your trip to Blue Ridge, Georgia, that you will get out and take some scenic rides.  This is a glorious area–with picturesque beauty around evey curve and over each hill.