July 2013
In This Issue
4th of July Activities
August Discounts & Offers
Make Plans for August & September...
Spaces Available in Horse Camp
Campground Etiquitte 109
What IS that AWFUL NOISE?
Now, That's a Nice Bass!
Out & About...
Don't Miss the Herb Crib
Trackrock Happenings
Stay Connected
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141 Trackrock Camp Road
Blairsville, GA 30512
706-745-2420
E-Mail for info/reservations
202 Trackrock Camp Road
Blairsville, GA 30512
706-745-5252
E-Mail for info/reservations
 
"We are open year round."
 
 
     
Summer is in full swing at Trackrock!    Lots of folks have been enjoying the lake with swimming & fishing.  Some have brought their own kayaks and paddleboats!  The Stables and Horse Camps have been busy, too!  There are many craft shows and fairs to see during July. 
  

We've had nice cool days and nights have been in the low 60s.  What a great summer! 

 

Time to plan that vacation or short getaway!  Come see us! 

  

4th of July Activities

All the usual fun of our playgrounds, hiking trails, fishing and swimming will be here at Trackrock, of course.  Don't forget to make advance reservations for horseback riding at the stables. http://www.trackrockstables.com/

 

This 4th of July will be no dud!  We will be having hay rides and plenty of opportunity for you and yours to see the back pastures, maybe some animals, and enjoy the beauty and relaxation of Trackrock.  http://www.trackrock.com/onsite.html 

 

As always there will be a fireworks display in Blairsville on the evening of July 4th.  See calendar of events, below, for more nearby things to do and local fireworks schedules.

 

We have 2 playgrounds for the kids to enjoy - complete with adult seating!  Volleyball, horseshoes, corn hole and a lake stocked with catfish, bass and bream. 

 

Lots to do -  or - lots of relaxing to do.  Rocking chairs are always available!

August Camping Bargains and Discounts!Money Bag 
    
Camping - weekend stays, pay for Friday & Saturday, get Sunday
FREE.  Offer valid 8/1 thru 8/29 only.  ** 
  
Camping - for weekday stays, pay for 2, get 1 FREE - Sunday thru Thursday nights.  Offer valid 8/1 thru 8/29 only. **

  

Cabins - weekday stays, pay for 2, get 1 FREE - Sunday thru Thursday nights.  Offer valid 8/6 thru 8/29 only.

PAY CASH!  SAVE MONEY AT TRACKROCK STABLES! 

The Stables will be offering cash only 1 hour horseback rides for $20 (plus tax) to our campground and cabin guests Mondays thru Thursdays from July 30 thru August 29.  Remember, this is a cash only deal - the price will be $25 plus tax (also a special price) if you use your credit card!  Note: this special is only for campground guests; pick up your discount coupon at the campground office when you check in!  http://www.trackrockstables.com

 

  

** These 2 offers MAY BE combined!

Plan Your August & September Outings Now!
    

Now is the time to consider a trip with your neighbors, church group, scouts or any other group of folks you can think of and make plans for your August and September group outings.  Remember - we cannot take groups during the month of October, but if you would like to plan a later date, the weather is great through November, the bathhouse is heated, and the showers hot! http://www.trackrock.com/onsite.html

 

There Are Spaces Available for Horse Camp!      

 

Horse Camp will be held each week through the week of August 5th, excluding the week of July 1 thru 5 (there will be no Horse Camp the week of July 4th).  The cost is $425 for each week.  Daily rates are available.  For specific dates and experience requirements, see our website at http://www.trackrockstables.com/horseCamps.html

 

If you have kids or grandkids who want to attend horse camp at Trackrock Stables this Spring or Summer, we hope you will make your arrangements soon as Camp Weeks do fill up quickly. You can find application materials and information on our website at http://www.trackrock.com and click on horse camp. Don't forget that you have to make separate reservations for horse camp, and cabins or campsites.  http://www.trackrock.com  

Campground Etiquette 109
    

Whether you're an experienced camper or planning your first outing, taking a look at some usual manners at the campground can't hurt! Camping Etiquette is, for the most part, common courtesy. Here are a few suggestions on being a courteous camper:

 

1 Respect other's rights. Don't walk across another camper's site - walk around it. Limit play of noisy games to the campground's playground or recreation area.

 

2. Obey the campground's quiet hour -  10pm. Voices, radios and other noises carry further than you might think on a quiet summer night.

 

3. Pack-in what you pack out or put it in a trash can. A good rule is to leave your campsite cleaner than you found it. Recycle when possible - many campgrounds have recycling programs.  We recycle aluminum cans and plastic bottles [please remove caps] at the office.

 

4. If you own a pet, keep it contained, on a leash and clean up after it. Don't expect to tie your dog to a tree and leave him unattended. He will likely bark at strangers, dig holes and annoy your fellow campers.

 

5. Don't cut living trees for firewood. Find your own wood on the ground or buy it at the office/store.

 

6. Bathhouses and other campground facilities exist for the benefit of all campers. Help keep them clean!

 

7. Clean fish at the lake rather than at your campsite so as to not attract bears. Waste water should not be dumped in a lake, stream or on the ground.

 

8. Know and respect the campground's rules, even if you don't understand them all. The rules have been established to protect and respect the rights of campers, the campground and the environment.

 What is that "Awful Noise"   

Over the last 4 or so weeks, our guests have asked, "What is that awful noise".  "Is it some kind of strange electrical frequency?"  "What IS IT?" "Can you make it stop?"

 

The noise is from Cicadas - an insect that emerges from the ground every 17 years.  Check out the "official video" at http://vimeo.com/66688653

 

And the video taken by Trackrock's own John & Joan Willis at http://youtu.be/pZlmdIWcAWg 

Now, That's a Nice Bass!  

   

When Jim Gibson of South Georgia is at Trackrock, you see him and his dog, Shammy, fishing every day.  His hard "work" paid off on June 3rd, reeling in this 22", 3 pound bass. This great meal was caught on a rubber worm.

 

No special tackle or fishing license is needed to fish in Trackrock's pond.

 

Enjoy and happy fishing!

Out & About...   

 

Just Horsing Around!

 

To get a real feel for an experience it's best to get the story 'straight from the horses mouth' as the old saying goes. I asked a young lady who has attended Trackrock Stables Horse Camp to give us a first-hand account of her time there. She graciously accepted my request and following is her story:

 

My experience at Trackrock Stables was amazingly life changing. Before camp I had barely even seen a horse. I went there not knowing what it would be like. Even with no experience I say I warmed up to it pretty well, my first ride was a little scary, but I soon learned that my place was on a horse.

 

My group at horse camp were close to my age and we all became quick friends. On my first day I was given a horse named Eggo. I simply adored him, he was beautiful and affectionate, but it was decided that Twister better suited me. Twister was strong but slow. I like him but not as much as Eggo. The next day I was given Onar. Onar was the one! I loved him and I think he loved me. One morning when I walked in his stall to get ready for the day, he started walking towards me; I felt like he was excited to see me. From that moment he was my favorite. I loved Onar with all my heart.

 

Every day after we went on our trail ride, we all helped clean stalls and the barn. I have no problem with some labor, it gives me time to think. After the cleaning, Miss Sonya would go with us to the lake to swim around for awhile. It was fun hanging out with my new friends I had made. I haven't seen any of them since horse camp, I live in Alabama so it's hard for us to keep up with each other but I will always remember them. Most summers when I come up to Trackrock Campground I camp with my grandparents and I love meeting all the people there. I love visiting the horses, riding and being with the people who work at Trackrock Stables. They are the best!

 

One week at horse camp has made a lifetime hobby that I share with everyone I'm around. I just wish I could be on a horse every day of my life.

 

Written by Ashlyn McClearia

 

"Horses and children, I often think, have a lot of the good sense there is in the world."    ~Josephine Demott Robinson

 

Don't Miss the Herb Crib!
 

The Herb Crib is located less than 1 mile from the Campground.  In addition to the wonderful herbal products, you will find a wide variety of potted herbs and lovely annuals & perennial plants for sale. 

Fresh herbs, garden gifts and herbal body products are available. Good cooks know that fresh herbs are tastier than the dried and bottled ones from the store. Grow your own; it takes very little room. Karin can set you up with plants and provide suggestions about growing them. It is a MUST SEE when you are in the neighborhood - a simply beautiful garden experience!

Hours are Wednesday thru Sunday from 10am until 3pm.  www.herbcrib.com

What's Happening...  

 

July 3 - Firecracker Special Train Ride, Blue Ridge; http://www.brscenic.com

 

July 4 - Lake Nottely Boat Parade, 11am, call 706-745-3638 for details

 

July 4- Lake Chatuge Boat Parade, 11am, http://www.mountaintopga.com

 

July 4 - Fireworks at Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, Hiawassee; http://www.georgiamountainfairgrounds.com

 

July 4 - Fireworks at Meeks Park, Blairsville, 9:15pm; http://www.blairsvillechamber.com

 

July 5 - Blairsville Cruisers Block Party, Walmart, Blairsville; http://www.blairsvillecruisers.com

 

July 6 -  Blairsville Cruisers Block Party, Blairsville Restaurant 4-6pm, Blairsiville; http://www.blairsvillecruisers.com

 

July 13 & 14 - Festival on the Square, Hayesville (NC); http://www.clayhistoryarts.org/2013festival.pdf

  

July 19 thru 27 - 62nd Annual Georgia Mountain Fair, Hiawassee; http://www.georgiamountainfairgrounds.com

 

July 20 - Kathy Mattea in Concert, Smoky Mountain Center for Performing Arts, Franklin (NC); http://www.greatmountainmusic.com

  

July 20 - Georgia Mountain Fair Parade, 11am, Downtown Hiawassee

 

July 20 & 21 - Butternut Creek Festival, Meeks Park, Blairsville; http://www.butternutcreekfestival.com 

  

July 26 - John Berry in Concert at Copperhead Lodge, Blairsville, http://www.copperheadlodge.com

  

July 27 - Green Bean Festival, Union County Farmer's Market, Blairsville; http://www.greenbeanfestival.com

 

August 2 - Blairsville Cruisers Block Party, Walmart, Blairsville; http://www.blairsvillecruisers.com

 

August 3 - Blairsville Cruisers Cruise-In, Blairsville Restaurant, 4-6pm, Blairsville; http://www.blairsvillecruisers.com

  

August 8, 9 & 10 - 5th Annual Moonshine Cruize-In, Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, Hiawassee; http://www.gammoonshinecruizin.com/

 

August 9 - Clint Black in Concert, Smoky Mountain Theater for Performing Arts, Franklin, NC; http://www.greatmountainmusic.com

 

August 16 & 17 - Kiwanis Rodeo, Blue Ridge; http://www.blueridgerodeo.com

 

August 24 - Annual Tomato Festival, Crane Creek Vineyards, Hiawassee; http://www.cranecreekvineyards.com

 

August 24 & 25 - Young Harris Arts Festival, Mayor's Park, Young Harris; http://www.robinrobertspromotions.com

 

August 31 & Sept 1 - Unicoi Art Fest, Helen; http://www.robinrobertspromotions.com 

 

August 31 & Sept 1 - Georgia Mountain Heritage Festival, Blairsville; http://www.unioncountyhistory.org 

 

 

Every Wednesday & Saturday, tours at 2pm - Misty Mountain Model Railroad, http://www.mistymountainmodelrailroad.com

 

Fridays at 8pm - July 5 and July 12- "Saturn: Jewel of the Heavens at Rollins Planetarium, Young Harris College, http://www.yhc.edu

 

Fridays at 8pm beginning August 2 "Skies Over Georgia"  at Rollins Planetarium, Young Harris College; http://www.yhc.

 

Every Friday beginning May 3rd, Friday Night Concerts at the Courthouse, at 7pm thru October, Blairsville; http://www.unioncountyhistory.org

 

Every Saturday beginning June 8th - Union County Farmer's Market, Blairsville; http://www.ucfarmersmarket.com

141 Trackrock Camp Road  |  Blairsville, GA 30512
706-745-2420
E-Mail for info/reservations
 
"We are open year round."