I JUST POSTED THIS QUESTION UNDER WHERE’S BLUE RIDGE GOING IN 10-15. BUT I DON’T KNOW IF IT WILL GET A RESPONSE FROM THERE. ANYWAYS, AFTER JUST HEARING OF THE BEAR BEING KILLED IN HELEN, GA. I’D LIKE TO KNOW WHAT TO DO IF EVER WALKING OR HIKING AND YOU ENCOUNTER A BEAR? I KNOW WITH DOGS YOU ARE NOT TO LOOK INTO THEIR EYES OR RUN FROM THEM AS THIS WILL MAKE THEM CHASE YOU. WE HAVE A CABIN IN MINERAL BLUFF AND VISIT FREQUENTLY. I’M ASSUMING THAT MINERAL BLUFF HAS BEARS, HAS ANYONE SEEN ONE THERE OR HAD AND ENCOUNTER? I’D LIKE TO GIVE MY KIDS SOME TIPS ON WHAT TO DO AND NOT TO DO IF A BEAR SITUATION EVER OCCURED. THEY HAVE RECENTLY WENT HIKING ON BLOOD MOUNTAIN WITH THEIR UNCLE SO I FEEL IN IS A ISSUE WE SHOULD DISCUSS. THANK YOU!!!!!!!

Title - “Appalled”

Kip,

One of our favorite things to do in Blue Ridge is to vist the Toccoa River “rapids” on Aska Road where everybody parks and gets out to play on the rocks just before the curve about 1 mile before the River Restaraunt.

About a month ago, my sister-n-law took all the kids there and encountered “the owners” who were quite rude and very territorial stating they owned the property and everyone was trespassing there.

OK, I can understand that from a liability prospective however, more appalling was to learn that now they have spray painted all kinds of messages on these rocks such as “private property”, “no trespassing”, and even apparently have drawn a line delineating a property boundary.

If this is true, I am deeply saddened and appalled that anyone would deface such a beautiful spot on the river especially the owners of this property.

Please tell me this isn’t true.

Hey Kip,
Please let me begin by saying I am the one who wrote on the rocks. I am also the one, along with my sister, who was at the rocks on July 4th. My name is Sidney. Property owner is my cousin. We all own the property on the Toccoa. YES we do own to the middle of the river, DNR will confirm this fact for those of you who obviously are not very educated on river rights. Yes we can write on the rocks, per DNR, because we own them. Do any of you really think I enjoyed doing that? All of our signs, over the years, have been torn down. We are taking back our property and will do what ever it takes to do so. I was born in Ellijay. I and my family were running Aska rd. and the rocks b4 Aska was paved. I am as local as it gets. My Great, Great, Grandfather bought the entire mountain from the Cherokee indians, I am related to Anderson, Stanley, and Bramlett is my maiden name. I love the mountains and the people who live there.
With that said, let me apologize to anyone who I may have made angry or upset. I also want to apologize to anyone who may become angry or upset at what I am about to say. The trashing and commercialization of our property stops now. If I have to spend the rest of my life sitting on the rocks, something I would truely enjoy. We don’t want to charge anyone with criminal tresspass. However if that is what it comes down to, that is what I will do. Can I come to your home and get drunk in your front yard, cuss you, do drugs, urinate, leave my feseas, have sex in the broad daylight in front of your children and grandchildren? If the answer is no I am going to do it anyway, whether you like it or not. Oh, and by the way, I am going to bring 150 of my closest friends and they will do everything already mentioned as well as fight, break beer bottles, and when we leave YOU get the priviledge of cleaning up after us. Now doesn’t that sound like fun? That is what goes on at the rocks now. NOT ANYMORE!!! We have tried to be nice and share what God has blessed us with, but some people are not satisfied with shareing, they just want to take it over. The lady who had the emergentcy failed to tell you I helped her and her disabled daughter out of the river the day b4 and told her at that time they could not get out here any more. At that time she was very nice and said she understood and even thanked me for my assistance. Yet the next day she was back with her family saying she had an emergentcy. No one called 911 and she herself left her daughter on the rocks while somone else took her daughter up the bank. The daughter’s behavior was the same as the day b4. I am truely sorry for her personal problems, but why would she take such a trip with a handicapped daughter who was not happy about going down the river the day b4 either. Both days she was saying I don’t like this as she was taken out of the river. Shame on you for slamming me on this site. Shame on the lady who insulted my cousin for saying she is a christian. Your hatred was obvious. You just want what you want. OUR PROPERTY. It is not my family’s responsebility to provide a sun bathing spot or a swimming hole for anyone. It is people like you, and others, who are so angry and would sue us if you were hurt on our property. The liability issue is REAL. So is our determination to keep controll of our property. How would I feel if a child were to drown or be hurt at the rapids. I would feel terrible. But is that my resposibility? When do the parents become responsibile for endangering the life of their children. They bring their kids down without a life jacket ON their bodies. And the people who put those children in the tubes, knowing full well the only way to aviod the rapids is to exit on private property. 99% of the people we ask to leave are kind and understand. We have met some of the nicest people at the rocks. One lady brought us some home made ise cream. Three men,and their family’s, who we asked to leave, took their families home and then returned to change my flat tire. We have had people offer to buy us lunch or go get us a cold drink. We try to be very nice to everyone. There are some people you just can’t be nice to. We feel we are fighting for the property rights of all property owners on the river. If our property is taken what is to keep that from happening to others. If you feel we are wrong we will be happy to give your address to all those people so they can come to your home, and use your yard and pool. I truely apologize if I have offended anyone. I am just tired of people who have know idea about the rights of others and who don’t know me. Yet they call me names, threaten my life, as well as other menbers of my family, and down right intinually twist the facts to make us seem mean.
If someone has a child or is elderly or is truely affraid to go down the rapids, AND ASK, we will let them get out on the rocks. Their tube can not get out but they can. The tube must go down the rapids. Let it be understood, YES we take pictures of the people who tresspass more than once, and those who are beligerant. If someone were to follow through with the threat of personal injury to any member of my family, the police will have a place to begin looking. The same applies to our cabin. It’s insured and we will rebuild. That means we will be there even more than we are now, to oversee the construction.
PLEASE!!!!! b4 you judge me or my family come meet me. At the very least spend a few minutees and listen to how I, and my family, treat people.

Sorry I was so long

Sidney

There is no excuse for defacing God’s beauty. If you love the mountains and river as you claim, you would find a more reasonable solution. Also, I have conducted some research and have found ZERO cases in which the “owner” of land of non navigable waters was found to be liable for injuries on their “property.” This professed concern sounds like an imaginary horrible you are promoting to justify the seemingly petty actions of your family.

Recently, the woman I presume is your wife called the police because my children were playing in the river on the NORTH side of “your” property line. There were no postings and the “owner” was not present. You might be surprised to read this, but my four and eight your old sons were not doing drugs, engaged in sex, littering beer bottles or disrupting the beauty of the setting.

I respect anyone’s property rights. If you choose to take advantage of the bizarre and archaic Georgia laws pertaining to non navigable waters and prohibit public access to the river, it is certainly your prerogative.

But there are laws against littering, drug use, public sex etc. I’m sure the fine law enforcement professionals of Blue Ridge and Fanin County would promptly respond to complaints regarding such behavior.

And while I’m afraid that there are a very small percentage of the river’s users who are litterbugs, I am certain that a tasteful sign asking folks to clean up not only their own trash but ANY trash they see, would be honored by the vast majority of the river’s users who share your proclaimed love of this beautiful area.

That you and your family are seeking to resolve your claimed concerns through such draconian, unsavory and unsightly means speaks volumes as to your true motivation. I suspect ulterior (ie. financial) motives.

You inherited this property. How is it that the ancestors of whom you boast never restricted the public’s access to the river? Why are you the first of your family to do so?

Again, I respect your property rights, but be honest about your concerns. Is my four year old correct that this was just a “mean woman”? Or is it greed?

As I read through the comment made in this blog with the issue over the rocks.
It sickens me….Why?…Because of the untruths that surround it.

As I am the person who has had daily contact and first handle knowledge of the fine people who come to this wonderful place to share in special momments with thier children, mothers, fathers, inlaws, cousins, sisters, brothers and friends.

I am Edonna….the one who handles the orange tubes.

Each of our tubers are told of the legal issue at the rock…as it is and has also been posted in our store…..from day one.
We provide and place life vest on all our guest.

Our Guest/ Guest of Blue Ridge….Have asked if they can get off on the rocks because they felt the rapid may cause injury to there children or if they become fearful or ill. Yet, time and time again their told NO.
As they watch others enter the rocks with a welcome from the owners.

I too would become angry and/or cuss you for your selfish act…
I would only hope you would also stand with such love and strengh for your children and or family.
I have become angry and cussed this matter time and time again.
It is so very sad for me to see these family’s and their children with tears in there eyes as they leave our area.

Including the women who was pregnant and was allowed to get off her tube at the rock and then made to get back in on the other side of the rapid….?
Why was she told to get back in water?
Why could she not walk the rest of the way on the few rocks?

One family who’s father was given the hopeless outcome of an illness.
Requested to have his family meet together for a weekend of tubing as they all have for past summers…..for he did not feel he would have another summer to do so.

As they approached the rocks… THEY DID ASK IF THEY COULD GET OFF DUE TO THIS FAMILY MEMBERS HEALTH.
He began feeling weak part way through the trip down the river…..
Weakness was due to an illness ….which will take his life….
They knew they could not get off at the rocks. Yet, felt the need to ask anyway.
They were told “NO” and made to go throught the rapid area.
I ask you and your family members….
Is this illness his fault, our fault, your fault???
No…..nor would I ever find it in my heart to make a statement of such.
Nor, would I ever state that parents are to blame for taking their children down the river …
We inform each parent of the rapid…… which they are now forced to go through…..and…. WHEN THEY GET THERE AND HAVE DESIDED NOT TO ENDANGER THEIR CHILDREN BY STOPPING AT THE EDGE OF YOUR ROCK.THEY ARE TOLD NO THEY CANNOT GET ON THE ROCKS.
THAT YOU OWN THEM …SO WHERE THEN DOES THE HEART COME INTO PLAY?

There was another issue just today…..where a older lady who had sugar and had become ill while tubing and asked if they could get off on your rocks…again told NO.

I can go on and on with story’s told by fine family’s who have been hurt…in many ways….because they were told NO. WHILE WATCHING OTHERS GET OFF ON THE ROCKS.

As for the trash issue:

I / we have offered our help…Stated we would pay for trash pick up everyday.
I was told No!!!!

I have seen more trash this summer than ever before…perhaps folks are angry and feel less love for that area.
I hope folks will still clean up the river during Rivers Alive…WILL THEY BE ALLOWED ON YOUR LABD FOR THIS?
The ugly fence and lack of care for your yard, as you call it…
Looks worse than the trash cans would have that I offered to pay for place there for you. Along with paying for pick up of the trash daily.

On July 4th guest were told …..” IF YOU WANT TO GET OFF ON OUR ROCKS GO TUBING ACROSS THE BRIDE WERE THE BLACK TUBES ARE…THEIR ALLOWED ON OUR ROCKS”…

I mean no harm to the company that owns the black tubes. They are one of the finest family’s in Blue Ridge and we would encourage anyone to go tubing with them.
The folks with the Black Tubes have tubed the river for many years…and clean up down there at the end of each day.
We think the world of them.

It has been said that they ( the Black Tubes)…were being charged to be allowed on the rocks.
So, if this is the truth …perhaps it is an issue of MONEY.
PERHAP MONEY IS THE ROOT OF ALL EVIL.

Commercialization is and has been on Aska Road for many years.
There are cabin rentals, home sales, food stores, etc…

Of course we are doing what we do for money…This is how we pay our bills, for we have to work.

We tell folks just what they will face when they approach the rapid…..and so far we have yet to be wrong.
They are told…. Not to get off on rocks and that it is private property.

When they return…..time and time again we have had to let them know how sorry we are for what was said or done.

Folks don’t understand the laws of the water here. Because they are so strange. Folks who don’t tube with us have no knowledge of the rocks being owned by the five girls who were willed the land.

Nor, can they understand why the rocks are spray painted and they have to tell their children never to do such a bad thing.

By the way…You stated this was approved by DNR…Which I have been told your husband is part of in FL…could this be true?…AND WOULD THE FOLKS WHO PROTECT OUR AREA APPROVE OF OUR WATER WAYS BEING ENDANGERED BY PAINT?

I can tell you that the actions at the rocks has and continues to effect the dollars that where once spent in the Aska Aventure area and LONG TERM will effect the future of cabin rentals, tube rentals and taxes in Blue Ridge.

Yes, this angers me….I am honest enough to say….This is the way I pay my bills and put food in my family’s mouth.
We have been GREATLY INJURED BY THIS.
Guest don’t want to sit in our deli and eat after they have been treated so very bad. They want to leave just to calm down.

BLUE RIDGE AS A WHOLE IS AND WILL CONTINUE TO BE EFFECTED BY ALL THAT HAS HAPPENED ON ASKA ROAD THIS SUMMER.

I could share with you the the many many many many times folks have re-entered our store and stated…”You folks are so kind”…But, We will never come back to Blue Ridge because of how we were treated down there at the rocks….Why…are some allowed out there and others are not?
Why were the police called….My children think I am a bad guy because the police came to me.

Folks are leaving Blue Ridge with a very bad thought of their vacation to Blue Ridge.

Their not going back to their cabins, friends and family’s talking about how wounderful the folks are in Blue Ridge and how much fun they had.
Their going home with anger and dislike for our area.
Don’t you see how this issue effects the Big Picture of things or perhaps you don’t care.
It isn’t just about you and your rocks….it effects everyone and their means of providing for their family’s.
From down town…… to the cabin rentals on Aska. NO I DONT OWN A RENTAL..BUT….. I STAND UP FOR THE OWNERS WHO HAVE WORKED FOR WHAT THEY HAVE HERE AND RENT THEIR PLACES. WITH THE HOPE OF ONE DAY COMING TO A PLACE FULL OF PEACE AND LOVE.

I too have sat and watch from a distance taking photot of our tubes being tossed into the river when our driver would pull off.
Our tubes have been taken and held over night because they were placed on the rock. Which I might add you had someone else bring them back…you did not return them yourself…WHY?

Folks have called me from their cell phones… while at the rocks and I have heard them being cussed and spoken to VERY BADLY.

On one occation…We the Orange Tube Rentals….had ran out of all but one tube and had that one family member to go across the bridge to the Black Tube Rentals….and rent a tub.
Once at the rapids / rocks the one person in the Black Tub was allowed off on the rocks and the rest of the group were told NO the rocks were private property.

So, I guess my point is, Who is truly causeing harm to the fine folks and young children who come to the mountain area to be free from crime, anger of the city, to breath our fresh air and to be greated by a smile and warm welcome?…
Is it truly the tube rental company’s or is there another reason…..
THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE.

Yes, I have voice my thoughts to many who have asked and I have posted the news paper clipping. I too have cussed the issue at hand and the way it has effected our guest, our business and the fine folks who live here.

You never wanted to share the river rocks…
Our first day of opening the tubes.
We had not even put the first tube in the water and you came to our location informing me you owned the rocks and wanted us to stay off of them…You have tossed our tubes back into the water.
You ask someone for a knife…. So you could put a whole in one of our tubes. That man was kind enough to take the tube and return it to us so we didn’t lose yet another one to your cause.

Your right a few time you have told our guest to get off on the rocks…but leave to tubes in the water …knowing they would be lost down the river.

You bring God into your comments and the word Christian.
You have cussed folks and then said you were sorry while attempted to hugg them. Including my husband. You have stated I was a poor rep for our company….I don’t take kindly to folks who feel they are GOD.
I have no time or place in my world for such a selfish acts as you have shared.

You approached me and have ask me to be your friend…As I have stated to you..You and Your actions are evil and I pick my friends carefully.

What I will do is…Reach out to
The God of my understanding and ask that you and your family see the light and do what is right for all the fine folks who love this place.
Punish the ones who need to be……. Not the folks who love the land. All of the area would support you 100%..if you went about this in the right manner..
There are ways to take care of the REAL problems and issues at hand without placing hurt and anger on folks……how are here to share this wonderful place we are so greatful to have…BLUE RIDGE.

Edonna,

I feel badly for the people who have left in tears and anger.
I am so sorry to all the folks who have had to be faced with this unpleasant mess. Who ever thought tubeing down the Toccoa would ever hurt so many fine familys.
There appears to be many double standards on this issue.

NEIL and edonna,

I do not feel I am required to justify my actions on MY PROPERTY. If you don’t like it that is tooooooooooo bad. STAY AWAY FROM MY ROCKS!!!!!!!
Not your rocks, but mine. My previous info provided on the Toccoa River blog, and this one is obviously not enough for ignorant people such as your selves.

We have tried to be nice to people like the two of you who want what you want and will go to any lengths to steal what you want. Both of you are
pathetic, and no amount of your lies are going to allow people like you to use our property.

By the way I DON’T HAVE A WIFE, [snip], I AM A WIFE. That shows me you are talking from some where other than your mouth.

By the way edonna the tubes you rent are not orange they are yellow and blue. Your lack of education of colors is surpassed only by your attempt to appear wholesume and nice. What a crock. You come on this blog as little miss lilly white, you and your friend neil. Anyone who knows you knows what kind of [snip] you are.

Yes I am FURIOUS I have had it with all this garbage,
crummy people like you are spewing. Do you understand? I have been pushed to the point where NO MORE NICE GUY. WOMAN

Yes I asked someone for a knife to poke a hole in your tube but did I do it NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. And yes I kept one of your tubes but later thought better of it and gave it to Matt to return to you. I realized keeping it would reduce me to your level.

UNDERSTAND THE ROCKS ARE PRIVATE PROPERTY STAY OFF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I own them not you and no amount of LIES the two of you spew will change that.

Oh and by the way if you or any of your friends follow through with your threats against my life there will be at least 8 of my family members who will take my place.

So chew on that while you are discussing how you wish I was back to being the mean old woman on the rocks. As you have told people I am the _itch on the rocks, well from now on that will discribe me just fine.

I have NEVERRRRRRRRRR custed anyone on the rocks, but buckel up. This is going to be a new day.

Sidney

PS No need for you or any of your crummy friends to respond. I won’t be reading anything from you or the [snip] you hang around with

Dear Doug Miracle, Neil, Edona and husband, Ron Coleman, and any other tresspasser,
From Property Owner
Important men in my life, my husband, my Dad, Sydney’s husband, and even my attorney advised me not to respond to your pitiful drivel, which alludes to you wanting what I have, but the North Georgia Mountain Girl in me wants to have my say!
The difference between you and me is solid ground. On what grounds do you base any of your opinions? You say our laws are draconian. Our laws are based on the sound principles of the United States Constitution. We have the right to own property and we have owned the piece you covet so, for decades, and we have paid the taxes and insurance. Not you! Your principles reflect only communisim and nazzyism. You are also sorely misinformed about ownwership. My 80 year old Dad lives, and wants you off his property, and my 79 year old white headed Mother, was on the rocks for you to go disrespectfully toe to toe with on Aug 17th.
I’m glad you point out the fact the trouble began this summer. This is the summer that commercial entity #5 and #6 (that includes you and/or Ron Coleman, Edona) decided they could capitalize on our property. Where do you get off? Our invited guests have always been welcome on our property, that included you Doug, or you Neil, but not anymore. You and anyone else who thinks commercial entities have a right to our property without our permission can stay off–Now and forever.
You belly ache about two small, painted, legal, and temporary signs. TOUGH! Leave our fences and signs alone and that complaint will go away.
You say we are rude to you and your family and friends and have used profanity. You are LIARS! Nobody but you has ever been rude or used profanity, or been abusive. We have been as polite and understanding of anyones fears or disabilities as anyone could possibly be. We have never made anyone go over the rapids. We simply explain the truth–Your refusal to accept private property. Private Property! What about private property do you not understand? You are the ones endangering lives by sending customers where they cannot go. It is your responsibility to explain that there is rapids before any allowable take out place.
Excuse me Edonna, no one, not even you has the right to base their lively hood on someone else’s property, especially when they have been told to cease and desist and with the backing of the sherriffs department.
The laws are for you to obey just like everyone else. Don’t try to rewrite them to suit your wants and desires.
Bottom Line? “Greed,” you say? Thats funny! Who is trying to profit from whose property? You!!!You want to profit or use our property without permission. You could never have enough money to pay us to use our property. And….Whats more….you’ve ruined the priviledge for everyone else.
You certainly have the right to your pathetic opinions, but your dishonesty is staggering! I hope the North Georgia Bloggers can read between the lines. The commercial property owners posted their land the monent they obtaoined it. What hippocrits!! How about practicing what you preach. You and your commercial cronies have slowly and surely been ruining the beauty of the Toccoa River and the North Georgia Mountains. Its over! Get over it!!!!!
This is my last response in the negative. May God Bless Us All.
Property Owner

Come on Kip give me a break,

I didn’t use any cuss words. Is it simantics. I have been called greedy, heartless , rude, territorial, a defacer of God’s beauty, petty, draconian, unsavory, a mean woman, selfish, I could go on and on. Those who did that name calling were not edited. I did not say one cuss word!!!!!!!!!!!

Tell me, was the problem that I said “you” are a sleeve, or “you” are stupid, or “you” are jerks?

As long as I say something like “your actions are evil,” does that keep me from being edited?

Well I’m very sorry I used the wrong language. Yes I was very angry. I guess I should have waited till I calmed down.

You and your lovely wife are doing a great service to allow people to release their anger and frustrations. As a matter of fact your blogs may very well be the reason the situation on the rocks has not become physically violent.

Hope to see you soon

Sidney

I was a bit harsh on my editing; sorry, it was late in the evening. I’ve reedited it and just snipped a few unsavory words.

I don’t even mind a few “nice” cuss words here and there. However, things can get too personal sometimes with the wrong choice of even non-cuss words in context. If I think it’s leaning towards personal attacks, I usually try to “snip” it.

If I missed someone’s post that you consider a personal attack, please point it out and I’ll take a look at it.

Since we are all mostly adults here…I hope…why can’t you all discuss this property matter somewhere else besides the public blog?

It would be greatly appreciated…since this website is dedicated to the beautiful city of Blue Ridge and all of it’s beautiful glory…NOT its issues regarding people’s private properties, etc. Let’s keep this website open for discussions regarding the cities history, current events, questions for first time vistors and current events taking place.

I understand that this is an issue, and I hope that it gets settled in a postive manner. I love going to the river and seeing the beautiful landscape of it all…I hope this problem can be solved soon so we can all go back to enjoying time with friends and family during those hot summer days.

As a local and a respectful citizen, PLEASE take this conversation elsewhere…it’s kind of annoying…and it makes you all look very childish.

RLK, reference your comment about not wanting the discussion taking place here in a public place such as this blog… I do very much appreciate that you are looking for positives, not negatives, to be out in public. You bring a good point. However, just for my own interest, I am glad that it is being made available in a public way that I can access, so that I can be informed about what is going on. We own property not very far from “the Rocks”, and unfortunately we are not full-timers there quite yet (hopefully summer ‘09 we will be). We were in Blue Ridge this summer and was wondering what the heck was going on at “the Rocks”, with the paint and markers. This blog has allowed me to now know some of what is going on, and also hear some of both sides. Yes, I agree that some of it has some definate emotions and attitude in the comments that are like throwing stones at each other, but I also see it as a form of allowing the parties to vent and post each other’s sides. Hopefully they can each read the other’s posts and maybe TRY to see it from the other’s side, at least a little. It might be difficult for all the parties to meet in person, and may just turn even more ugly than what it has been here. Hopefully some posts, from those that are not directly involved, will add more food for thought for the ones that are directly affected. But more importantly, from my perspective, it is allowing me to see some of both sides of the matter as there has been good points brought out that I hadn’t considered. I hope that it will eventually be resolved in a good, positive manner, without too much mud-slinging going on. (there is enough of that going on nowadays with the political candidates! ha!)

Quick ? Neil,

Are you the guy who was leaping around on the bank, at the rocks, like a woods nimph, while I took a picture of your car tag?

Sidney

Hey Kip,

I ment to ask you, what in the blue blazes are funny cuss words? Make a sentance with a funny cuss word. I really have more to do than ponder your comments, like the ozone layer depleation as well as the meaning of the existance of wroms. However your statement of funny cuss words is a puzzel to me.

Have a nice day

Sidney

P.S. Where are all the faces like on the Toccoa blog. I need faces!!!!!!!!!!

Hey Terri,

You are right there is a lot of mud slinging and for that I appologize. I really do try to keep my Bramlett temper in check but well sometimes I loose it. I hope you will not judge me by my bouts of anger. Or at least wait till you meet me in person. I really can be a nice person. My daughter tells me I have the type personality where people either love me or don’t like me at all.

Please if any of you get the chance come to the rocks, when I’m there, so we can get to know each other.

Take care and God bless

Sidney

Hello Everyone,
I don’t live in Blue Ridge, but I have been vacationing there for about 5
years. Being an outsider just looking in it seems that Sidney is completely
justified to do anything she wants to her land. I sure wouldn’t want people to trespass on my land just because it was pretty or handy.
I also must confess that a couple of years ago my family and I trespassed on Sidney’s land, and for that I apologize. At the time I didn’t notice any signage. We just took a couple of pictures and left. It was in October and a little chilly to us so we didn’t stay long.
It seems that hostility is rising and only bad can come of it. Maybe the people that rent tubes should only let people who can make it all the way rent the tubes. For those that have become accustomed to trespassing, all good things come to an end. Time to face facts and get over it.
Now that I know about the property ownership i certainly will not violate thier wishes. If any of us owned that property we would probably have to do exctly what sidney is doing. We do live in a sue happy world.

just a humble opinion from someone who loves to visit Blue Ridge.
Mike Williamson
Tampa, FL

finally someone who we would like to invite to the rocks when all the dust clears

Rita aka Sidney’s sister

To All Who Have Been So Understanding

I have been keeping silent and letting Sidney and my cousin do all the comments. I think the time has come to do my own. We appreciate all of the wonderful folks who have been so understanding and would really like to meet you all. I have been with Sidney 90% of the time she has been on the rocks. It saddens me to here the local tubing (yellow and blue) talk the way they do about her. I do not have the patience she has. Blue Ridge it a beautiful piece of HEAVEN. We have shared until people decided to try to take it as their own. I have been there when Sidney climbed the bank for our posts for the signs and I’m not talking about the river side bank. She has fought briars and God knows what else. Still she has been nice to those who pushed her to the limits. Most of the time people do not know i’m there until she is being threatened, and then I speak up. We love the mountains and intent to stay. It is beautiful. People should understand it is not a money issue. We do not want all the tubes and strangers on our property.

By the way Mike next time you are up, if you haven’t already been go to the LILY PAD it is a terrific asset to ASKA RD and Gina and her husband are great folks.

Rita
Gulfport,Ms

Hey Mike

Nice to hear from a cool head with nothing to gain or loose in this issue. I can not say I have always possesed a cool head in all this.

If you would like to read even more opinions about this matter you can go to http://www.ngaforum.com/toccoa-river/

But let me apologize for the harsh words I have used on the other site as well.

Thank you so very much for your kind words of support. There was a time when we felt as if everyone was against us. But gradually more and more nice folks like yourself have come forward to tell us they think we are right.

We would truely love to meet all those who support us in this struggle.
Please feel free to stop by when you see us on the rocks. When our friends are invited back we would love for you to be one of them

Again THANK YOU and GOD BLESS

Sidney

Kip

I have read about last years river clean up in September, is there also going to be a clean up next month and if so what weekend and what does it involve

thanks Rita

Stumbled upon your blog during a search. Nope never been to your piece of heaven. Would like to tell you what I have gleaned from reading this……….apparently some bloggers got the spell check software on their pc wet….probably happened when you overbearingly pushed them back to the water,or if I am speaking of the other side maybe as you greedily rushed by them when exiting the water to steal some serenity. What is wrong with you all? Anger has never been the catalyst that resolved issues. It will make you crazy, or in technical terms, “just because you are not paranoid, that does not mean they are not after you”.
I lived in North Georgia for about ten years (Quillen’s Corner), both of my daughters were born at Hall County Hospital. My neighbors parents even had a campground in your general vicinity.
It’s a little hard for my non legal mind to understand how it is possible to own the property (river) but evidentially not the water or rights to it. What I am reading is that land owners cannot prohibit trespassers in the river if there is water. And, you can plan on some unknowing person receiving some type of disabling injury because they could not get out…….good luck boys and girls….. probably 95 percent of the time a jury would find against a land owner who refused to allow someone to exit and immediately afterwards the greedy trespassers were severely injured.
There was a solution for things like this when I lived there…..if you are old enough you too will remember the bodies that the FBI and GBI began to dig up on the banks of several rivers. Oh yes, the solution; those bodies got there by a rather inexpensive method……10 to 25 dollars and a case of Bud!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Many of them for dumb-ass actions like you all are exhibiting.

One other observation. The group who owns the river but not the water (how does that work? How can the water trespass on your property like that?) has a couple of very bitter/angry members. Enough that it is not all about the “Rocks”. From the tone of those message I doubt if you would talk to a counselor, it’s the stigma, you know, but you could ask your doctor for medication…….then you might stay healthy enough to enjoy your place.

Again, you should attempt to resolve this in a reasonable manner. In less than five minutes I have come up with 7 general solutions that could be used to start a discussion about “how we all resolve this in a manner that is easy to reinforce” to all concerned. Once I saw how many options there are I realized that you all don’t want resolution. Now that we have figured that out…..why do you keep this going………….somebody needs the attention or notoriety, whether they realize it or not. That in itself should not be surprising………recognition is the NUMBER 1 motivating factor in human nature. No not this kind, but the kind you get for being the bigger person, setting examples, finding resolutions……especially if you are the one who has the final “say”. You have much to lose and much to gain. It just depends on the way you handle public issues like this. Keep on like you are and your life will be miserable, be the visible person in brokering an understanding (I did not say giving in as you are thinking) that gives both sides adequate resolution and everyone maintains their dignity (you don’t lose face). Your blogging does not even hint at any sense of dignity or self esteem, especially the blogging of you who are trying to project yourself as what, more educated, higher class, who knows, but you are failing miserably. Take time to use the info available in most word processing software to express yourself in the manner you desire. Spell Checker and Thesaurus.

Shame on all of you if you don’t at least sit down and try to talk, even if you have someone as a moderater, or referee….you probably need one. That person (moderator, mediater, whatever) should speak with each group individually so that he/she has the background, has a chance to ask a few question, and then can put together some format choices for a reasonable starting point. If you eliminate what you are doing now, that is don’t allow anyone to just walk out because they are mad. That’s a “cop-out” because they refused to process something mentally, and review their options. NO WALK-OUTS.

Do I think you will take my advice…….my kids say I am cynical, so of course I don’t think you winnies have the testicles to do it right, in public, for all to see….. it’s easier to be billy or brenda “bad-ass” where you can hide behind your IP address.

Hey Steve,

Nice to hear from you, but if you think this site has been testy, you really need to visit ngaforum.com/toccoa-river, the conversation has really gotton hot there. Thankfully things have calmed down. Hopefully everyone has accepted the fact the rocks are private property and only invited guest will me welcome.

I would like to meet you. My kids think I am cynical as well. I think I am opinionated. I have tried to work on that vice, but I’ve been too busy working on all the other vices I have.

After you have read the other site let me know what you think. My email address is elsid2@bellsouth.com. If you decide to contact me, please also respond to this site as well. I really want to keep everyone in the loop.

Thanks for your thoughts

Sidney

Teenage Thieves and Break-ins-
Tarnish BlueRidge / Morganton’s Peaceful Reputation.

For well over a decade, I have always thought of the BlueRidge and Morganton area as a quiet and peaceful retreat. Some of my best memories involve my wife and dogs hiking, camping and canoeing the lake with family and close friends in the North Georgia mountains of the Fannin county area. Those years of enjoyment led to purchasing a small bit of wooded acreage, followed by the lifelong dream of building a second home there. Some day I hope to make it my permanent home. For the past six years, we have enjoyed both the scenery as well as the good and generous people and businesses in the area. Recently we have twice arrived at our home only to find that the door has been kicked-in and our home rummaged and robbed. Local police are confident that it is the work of nearby neighborhood teenage boys. As we filled out our (second) police report, the Sheriff’s deputy said that robberies were growing more and more frequent, with reports of multiple break ins occurring regularly. I am not a rich man, but I have always considered myself to be a fortunate one. I have managed to repair and replace my broken doors and frames two times now. I have mulled over the security of my pregnant wife and soon to be born son. I now wonder if it wouldn’t be better to sell my place altogether and leave the area warning others of the same. Instead, for now I have decided to work with a local security business and police to try to discourage further burglaries.

Objects stolen range from reproduction stone flint-spearheads made by me, to hand-crafted Stone Indian tobacco “peace” pipes fashioned by the hand of my father. These items were not antiques nor overly valuable items, just precious crafts hand-made by my family. Additionally, the teens have destroyed doorways, smashed tables, and stolen countless other articles from my home. They have rummaged through our bedrooms, clothing drawers, smashed glass and taken beer and alcohol from my pantry. Some call my level of damage and theft “lucky” compared to others and that saddens me. None the less, if I am able to make a conviction of these teens or any who were involved, I will prosecute them to the farthest extent of the laws allowance. I have been reduced to showing the same courtesies as those they have bestowed on me when they entered my home as thieves.

As a boy, I grew up in a small town in Northern Michigan’s upper peninsula and to me BlueRidge has always been my adult home away from home. Until now, it has been a place where I can go to get away from the stresses of adult life if only for a weekend. My childhood town was considered a haven for tourists and cabin-weekenders, much like yours. The reputation of a peaceful and restful community is what brought people to us and with them of course their money. Money that helped to support our family and community. The same money that I now spend in your community, in the form of monthly taxes, utilities, and patronizing local establishments. I hope that families in the area can express upon their teenagers the importance of a positive reputation and the long term relationships with vacationers and weekenders. Please help me to make sure BlueRidge and Morganton remain the quiet and peaceful place I remember of the past. Thank you.

Brian, confessed weekender.
Marietta Georgia.

Hey Brian,

Please allow me to comment on someone telling you, you were lucky, because of what little damage you suffered. Let me say right now when someone robs your home you are never lucky.That is a very traumatic experience. YOU WERE VIOLATED. I know exactly how you feel.
I have been robbed twice. It took me a long time to feel comfortable in my own home.

You also need to realize “THE KIDS” are not really doing it for anything other than money and thrill. They care nothing for the emotional anxiety they inflict on others. They are also lazy and have no self respect, and I would bet you $10,000.00 if you caught them red handed their parents would swear their child would not do such a thing. It is truly a shame but this is now our society. If someone wants what you have they believe they are intitled to it because you have more than they do. Some are loosing all pride and want the government (YOU)to provide everything they think they deserve.

Please don’t let them sour you and your family on all MOUNTAIN PEOPLE. It’s very difficult to find a more loving and loyal people than those in the Blue Ridge area.

You can send me a private communication and I and all my family ( there’s a lot of us) will be happy to keep an eye on your cabin.

Take care

Sidney

Hey Sidney,
Thanks for your more than heartfelt comments.

I spent over 5 hours going throughout the surrounding area Sunday, talking with my neighbors, telling my story, and warning them to keep an eye out for intruders. I was constantly reminded that the good people and neighborhood values would not stand for such thieves in our midst. My full time neighbors had no idea of what had happened next door, but now reassure me- that they are well armed, well connected with local law enforcement and now watching our house closely.

I was repeatedly reassured that everyone I talked to would would keep an eye out on me, and also as importantly- on each other. I will still proceed with the local security company on implementing a system into my home. On a plus note- I also received several tips that were forwarded on to the Sheriff’s department this morning.
As you have said, it would be difficult to find a better group of folks anywhere, so that is definitely where we intend to be now and in the future- I can’t think of a better place to spend my time with my wife, and to raise my boy. Thanks again- God bless, and have a wonderful Thanksgiving. - Brian

Brian,

I am so pleased to hear your positive responce from your neighbors. Another suggestion would be to install a motion activated camera. That is what we have done.

If I can be of any help to you please don’t hesitate to let me know. If there is any advice we can give you please let us know. My husband is a lawyer as well as a cop, go figure.

Take care and God bless you and your family

Sidney

P.S. I will be at our cabin for Thanksgiving. If you are up and see me and my children and grandson on the rocks please stop and say hello.

To the man in the black suv,

On several occasions you have driven by our cabin, blown your horn and made a vulger gesture with your finger. I do wish you would stop and talk to me. Hopefully that will relieve some of your anger and you will not feel it necessary to make such a statement with your finger. However, for what ever reason you are angry at me, I would appreciate it if you would not do your gesture this weekend. My young Grandson will be at the cabin and he has notihing to do with your anger or anything to do with issues in the mountains.

I hope you and your family have a good Thanksgiving.

Sidney

Hi Sidney,
Thanks again for your kind words and advice as to security- we do love the area and the people- we are now making an investment in both a monitored system and cameras.

On a side note- It looks like you’ve been taking a bit of a beating over the whole rocks-thing. I guess in many ways, it’s no surprise as it is certainly a loss to all and I do understand the disappointment. To say the least, I’m sure it;s not the first or last time that the masses will need to suffer a loss, due to the actions of a few. I’m sorry to see the hard edged type of reaction to your requests for privacy and respect to your property and area.

The rocks will always remain part of my early memories of the Toccoa- whether they are mine to utilize or not. All things change in time. My mother once said, “you don’t need to own something to be able to appreciate it….” and your rocks seems to now fall in that category for myself and those of us that mistakenly took them for granted as “public property”. I will gladly respect your family wishes and -continue to appreciate them- just from a distance now.
Thanks again, have a great day- Brian.

Brian,

Keep in touch. You are the very people we will be inviting back to our property once we have controll and can choose who we want to enjoy our property.

Hope your Thanksgiving was great, mine was.
I spent my time there in the cabin. I thank God for creating it and my Grandmother for providing it for me.

May God bless and keep you and your family

Sidney

I want to wish all of you a very merry Christmas. May our Lord keep you and yours in the palm of his hand.

Merry Christmas

Sidney

MY GOODNESS! I am terrified now, I am going on summer vacation with my family in June. I wanted to go tubing b/c we’ve never been before, now I’m scared to do the wrong thing. I don’t know anything about the color of the tubes, we just wanted to go! What do I do if my children want to get off of the tube. I live in Okeechobee, Florida we don’t have the same water laws as you guys. We go all around the lakes and canals here with no problem. Anyone have any suggestions about where to go tubing and what to do if my 4 children get scarred? Thanks

Heather, Use toccoa wilderness campground. They have the pink tubes and I dont think they pass this part of the river. Dont take all of this the wrong way or be scared. It’s just locals and weekenders voicing there opinions. Its a great place to visit!

Heather, Try the toccoa below the dam there are two tube companies in Mcaysville. I suggest you try going on a Thursday because on Thursday nights starting in May you can enjoy Pickin-in-the Park with very good local music. The park is along the Toccoa with a playground for the kids . Bring a picnic and enjoy!! If you float past my house be sure to wave hi!!!

It is my understanding that the Toccoa Wilderness Campground with the pink tubes will now exit at the Shallowford Bridge which means you will not go down as far as the controversial rocks. You and your family will love it.

I do wish the town would buy that property so everyone can continue to enjoy it. I’ve seen many Mom’s there with their little ones splashing around in the shallow water. There really aren’t any public areas or parks with the exception of Sandy Bottom that I am aware of in the Aska Adventure Area where people can enjoy the beautiful river. Does anyone out there know of any?

its his property stay off of it
HIS PROPERTY…if it were mine i would do what i wanted… his property GET IT!!
stay off

HEY MR JUMPUP

You go guy. If you see me on the rocks PLEASE stop and say HEY.

Sidney

I really just don’t get this whole argument….I mean geez, she says it’s her property so respect her wishes. I love to go fishing in the Toccoa river, but I wouldn’t dare tromp through someones property to get to the river…at least not without asking permission….in some places that would be a good way to get shot. In fact, I know a few property owners that keep shot guns loaded with rock salt just for the few daring tress passers. The Toccoa river is a fairly large river with many places to tube, canoe, fish…whatever. Much of that land is private but much of it is National Forest land….here’s and idea, if her property right is somehow interfering with your business venture, than open up somewhere else. if there’s not access, lobby the National Forest for access or buy some of the hundreds of acres I see up for sale these days. I grew up here along the Toccoa and I have to admit that the commercialization of the area is disturbing. I can’t stand how realty companies and private citizens have made huge land grabs to capitalize on the growing popularity of the area….Many of my favorite “secret” fishing holes are now on private property, or are published in travel guides or part of commercial tubing ventures. But there are still public areas I can go fish and many of the now privately owned fishing holes are owned by people that understand my frustration and are more than willing to accommodate my occasional request for access. But if everyone and their brother started asking them for access, I would understand if they started saying no. I wouldn’t want strangers on my property day in and day out….if I was lucky enough to own property out there than it would be my get-a-way and I would want my privacy. If you went into the tubing business without knowing the property laws and after being told no after asking for access, than you didn’t do very thorough business plan prior to opening your business. I mean, come on, if your entire business depends on tresspassing on her property, than it sounds like you didn’t do your homework. It sounds like sour grapes to me….You say that the river and it’s beauty are for everyone to enjoy….as much I would love for that to be true, it’s just not. The National Forest portions of the river are for everyone to enjoy….hence that whole NATIONAL forest thing versus PRIVATE property thing. How would you like it if I got some of my college buddies together and set up camp in your back yard? I bet you wouldn’t be too pleased….you might even ask us to leave….and, after the second keg you would probably end up calling the police. Heck, I bet after we got through with your back yard you might consider installing a mine field just to make sure we never came back…..lol…..seriously though, even the national forest will close access to areas if it is being overused and abused. Look at the Cohutta’s. It is almost all maintained by the Forest Service. Over the years it has been “over loved” as they put it….and they have closed camping in certain areas and greatly restricted it in others. What would happen to your tubing venture if the National Forest stepped in and closed down or restricted access because of over use? It will happen eventually….trust me, I’ve been out there trying to fish and have seen how that stretch of river is over-crowded by people who have obviously never heard of leave-no-trace ethic. Once the National Forest steps in, everyone loses access…..

just my 2 cents,

Brian

Thanks Brian,

This year has been better than last year. Yes I still have a few trespassers but nothing like last year. Then agan DNR writting tickets as well as the sheriff has made a difference as well. I had a really nice lady come to the rocks and offer her help, I wish I could remember her name, She has something to do with the state. A few people who live on the river have thanked me saying they don’t have all the trash and noise any more.

I still have a law suite against ron coleman and so far it has cost me $10,000.00 to keep my own property. He is claiming he doesn’t have a tubing business and he doesn’t know anyone who does. Can you believe it. And he is still trying to get my property.

I know a lot of people hate me who don’t even know me. People like you are a blessing to me in this struggle, and I can’t thank you enough for your support.

If you are a praying man PLEASE include me and my family in your prayers.

To the person who blows his horn and then gives me the finger. Some day I will be able to follow you, in your blue jeep, and then I can ride by your house. Not to be vulgar just to be on the same playing field. I do so hope you visit this site. Better yet, why don’t you stop and just go ahead and cuss me out the next time you see me on the rocks to release your pent up anger. Then we can talk and maybe just maybe. Oh never mind.

God bless you Brian

Thanks

Sidney

Hey yall,

Maybe someone can help me. I want to buy a couple of kyacks, is that how you spell it,? I would like them 8 or 9 feet in lenght, with a back for the seat. Obviously I know nothing about them.

I really don’t to pay much more than 250.00 each. Is that common?

Thanks a lot

Sidney

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Hey,

It’s been a while since I have commented, but I have a ?. Some say they wish the situation with the rocks, it being private property and all, could be resolved. Or they wish the city or county would buy it. Let me assure anyone who wishes that, they will be dissapointed. THE PROPERTY IS NOT FOR SALE. So here is the ? how can it be resolved and allow me to maintain my privacy on my own property? The same freedom other people on the river enjoy.
Thank God the death threats and most of the harrassment has stopped. Even though I am still cussed from time to time, it has gotton better.

The encouragment I receive on this site is wonderfull. Your support is truly a blessing to me and I thank all of you.

Sincerely

Sidney

Curious, I grew up on Aska rd. Where is the “house” that goes with the rocks? Or is it access to the river for the house across from the rocks. Anyway , for the last 34 years of my 36 year life we have always got out at the “rocks” . I guess things change and so do people. My grandparents lived on Aska for 50 years. They moved here from Miami. Would have loved for you folks to tell him he couldn’t get out at the rocks. Hilarious , the 82nd Airborne , retired Firefighter, blue blooded all American guy would have found the loop hole. Folks float a little further and we will let you get out on our land. It seems some folks are feeding off the Drama. So what it is your land. Maybe the will widen Aska Rd and take some of your so ” glorious” property. Seems like a great spot for it. Or maybe RIPARIAN RIGHTS WILL CHANGE. Until then their are other property owners in the area that we all grew up together that will probably let you get out on their land…. it’s not like your walking through your yard . It looks like a pull off. Their is quit a trail to walk up , must have been traveled a lot before the “owners” realized it ??? I happened across this blog. I find it humorous that someone is trying to control the “RIVER” . I would hate to make my spear time into “watching for trespassers” WOW . Have fun because we have been using that area for 50 years… or so …. some habits are hard to brake but good luck bird watching. HAA HAA … ohh get a camera and live feed it to where ever you reside… anyway … you say NO that’s fine….. guess you will have to watch as I saw your PROPERTY recently and I can’t believe what trash has moved in on the rocks ….. ie YOU

and one more thing, it is what it is….. …… so you own the rocks WOW…… we will just float a little further… after all . Sure does look trashy from the river and the road.. Did someone dye their. ? If it’s so dangerous they probably should condemn it … and the area around it.

Where exactly is this disputed area, anyways? I was just down there over the Christmas holiday with my brother and sister-in-law at one of the rental cabins in the area and we were walking along the road next to the Toccoa from the Shallowford Bridge on down to the Riverside Restaurant. I’d sure hate it for someone to come walking out and acting like they were looking for a fight, threatening my family members with pepper spray, or whatever…

And another thing. It seems like there was no problems whatsoever until Sidney started acting like a b****.

Shark you have been out of town If you had family members here for 50 years they had to have know my grandmother. If he had and she told him to get off her property he would have. She would not have cared what branch of military service he was in because she had some sons who served and would have put him off of our land. If you all didn’t act like you own these mountains Sidney nor I would have to act like you say. Go up to shallowford bridge and park on their private property and stay off of ours. You are the kind of people we do not want on our land.

have a nice New Year
Rita (one of the other women who own the rocks)

There was no problems, apparently, until you bought that parcel in 2008. Seems like you hicks aren’t very neighborly, are you? You love the tourists spending their money in your backwards little hicktown, though don’t you?

Shark you are not doing your homework or you would see that property has belonged to the same family for way ofer fifty years. The problem is rednecks like you think people owe them something. We are not going to be nice to anyone who tries to take over our land. Our family also owns other property there. As far as being neighborly we do not want a neighbor with your attitude. All of those who think we are so rude, do not like our dogs, or our stick or us telling you it is PRIVATE PROPERTY then stay off of it. We do not come where you are and harrasse you.

Harrasse is French for harass.

Thank-you Scooby doo my fingers hit to much. God Bless and have a safe New year

Rita

Rita & Sidney , I have floated the river again for nearly all of my life and you are exactly correct if you would have told us to get off of your land . We would of and unfortunately if you had a flat tire , we probably wouldn’t be able to help you for fear of being on your land. It’s ok people are aware of your rocks , and my Grandparents, my parents , myself own and have owned property right down from your rocks. You are exactly correct its your land and you can have it looking as trashy as you like . Honestly from reading this blog the state really should make you provide prohibition fences as it is so dangerous , I mean honestly some one could get hurt as you say and with that being said , I have friends with pools for example they have to have fences for insurance to cover them. Are you insured ? If I were walking on the set back from the road and slipped and fell on “your rocks” you know the “dangerous ones” would we sue you? Gosh the ideas that come to mind, just don’t understand how for so many years that was known as the take out. Well anyway , if your power goes out, or you can’t make it over deep gap , or you need help you could call your neighbor , oh that’s right . YOU HAVE THE ROCKS . Neighborly things went out with the people that grew up their which is obviously not you. Enough said again if they are so dangerous and it is such a liability don’t stop with crime scene tape , or orange caution spray paint on the rocks, go for the gold put of a privacy fence and label it “WE OWN THE ROCKS” haa haa , I mean this sounds right up your alley : WE HAVE NEVER PARKED ON YOUR LAND & WOULD RATHER NOT . WE FLOAT FURTHER DOWN. I just find this whole blog thing about your rocks freakin hilarious. When again all of our life like 36 for me , 50 of 83 years my grandparents were alive , we had always got out were that well beaten path was now we just go further down and park on the side of the road… GET IT PEOPLE ITS THEIR LAND STAY OFF. Until its condemd for being so dangerous.
Well as you would say
Happy New Year
& God Bless
lol

It’s the Hatfields & McCoys. Give it a rest!!!!

Just watched my Daughter and grandsons and Son-in-law having a snowball fight at the gazebo loved it I am down here on Tybee island ga and they are calling for some of the white stuff down hear But i have three granddaughters down here but no webcam.

Danny & Patrcia Carpenter

Tybee Island

yes, the snow was nice. Deep Gap - not so much

Thanks Scooby doo.

I am not going to answer any of those inflametory statements. You just can’t fix stupid or covetness. I feel Rita said enough.

No one really asked you to Sidney. Thanks for your input though . I feel if you feel the need to air all your obsession on a blog why not act as stupid as you are being. We all aware of your rocks…. again I accidentally fell across this blog looking for property close to my family. I was shocked to see such crap online. I was sucked in . The property I am looking at is a way from “God’s ” rocks. So thanks again for input and glad that I ran across this as it has influenced my decision on which side of Aska to buy and it wont’ be near the ” orange painted rocks, with yellow tape, and some tacky looking orange fence”. Their are much better areas on Aska as I do remeber from my childhood and do frequent those areas often and we just drive fast past the ugliness that use to be one heck of a spot. Oh well “you can’t fix stupid”.

The river below the dam is very nice by the way and there are PUBLIC places where you can get in and out of the river with out fear from some crazy woman.

Can I get any of you hateful people to tell me why you are so angry? Instead of saying thank you for the memories all I get is hostility. There hasn’t been anything painted on the rocks but for the first year. All of the paint will wash off. I have intentionally left all the trash right where other people leave it. This year the orange tape and post will be removed. The large signs on the rocks will return. I know that will make some of you happy. Why? So you can throw them into the river. So tell me, WHY ARE YOU SO ANGRY?

I’m sure those of you who call me names on this sight won’t say these things to my face. I wish I knew how to locate YOU so we could talk face to face. You know where I am.

Sidney

I will say to your family that owned the property before you thanks for the memories. :-); they were some of the best years of my life.

Native,

You don’t understand, I have owned the property for 30 years. Please come to the rocks if you see me there. Please lets talk. As a native we might have played together on the rocks 30 years ago. My wish is to start letting people like yourself, come back as invited guest. PEOPLE I KNOW NOT TOTAL STRANGERS, who share my love for the river, and my love of good friends enjoying GOD’S wonderfull creation. I do believe we could be friends if you would just give us a chance.

Take Care and GOD bless

Sid

Native on Aska we are not being obsessive. We are very greatful that you will not be our neighbor. My Grandmother would not have liked you either, nor would any of my relatives. Sidney and I don’t want to have you on our land anyway. We know it is God’s land because everybody wants it so bad. when we tell folks that we are speaking for our many relatives who live up here year round. I hope you get neighbors just like you. That seems to be fitting. Have a nice life and God Bless Rita

Came across this blog looking for activities in the area and I have to ask…
are you all for real???
LMAO!!!!! Small town America…gotta love it.

Zoolie

I typed this once b4 but it did show up so let me try to say it again. Who are you to come on this blog and ask us if we are for real. Yes we are for real. The area about which we are debating means a great deal to all of us. We all care greatly for our SMALL TOWN AMERICA. How condisending you sound let me assume you are from a big city where every one agrees. What a utopia. Must be nice to live a life with no emotion toward your home. This site provides a great service. It allows us to debate, disagree, and maybe just maybe find some common ground to allow us to develop lasting friendships.

I take it you are not a local if you were this converssation would mean a lot more to you. If you want to know about the good places just ask on this site. I know the folks here will be happy to help you. Just be sure to ask politely. Believe me you don’t want to be on the receiving end of their anger. Been there.

Sid

shark,

Please come and say these things to my face. We are not nor have we ever been rude to anyone except for those who mess with `our signs or when they are asked to leave and give us some lip. I haven’t had the situation where I needed to pepper spray anyone. I have come very close though. I think Rita did a good job of putting you in your place, but let me add, get your info correct b4 you start running off at the mouth.

If you see me on the rocks stop and talk to me, but it sounds like you already have and brought your smart mouth with you. And you got to see Sid’s dark side.

Sid

Actually, I am from a small town, grew up in New England…dont get much smaller than that. I love small town America, which is what I said in my post. You have to love it because sometimes it is just amazing.
I know exactly where you are talking about out on Aska road.
Here is what someone who is reading this blog takes away…
There is a river in north Georgia where tubers go down the river and are met by this old lady who might just have too much time on her hands because she stands in the river waiting for the tubers to come down the river, holding a stick and waving at them and cussing them to stay off of her “river” and her “rocks” and her “road” and in case you dont, she sprays the rocks with spray paint, fluorescent orange I can only guess because no other color would do, and when that doesnt work there is yellow crime scene tape and signage to deter you and if that doesnt work she calls the law to keep you out of the river near her rocks and her road and if you happen to get out of your tube she will take the tube and hold it for ransom or some other reason, which isnt really clear, but eventually returns it to where ever it belongs.
I spend a lot of my free time up here in the woods. I will say that I havent come across anything quite as bizarre as this. But, what ever…to each their own. We’ll take our money and tube in Mccaysville where there doesnt seem to be any stress or sticks or crime scene tape.

Zoolie

They are typical of small minded America. Not small town.

zoolie and scooby,

Thank you for your appraisal of the situation. You have shown everyone on this site you either don’t understand or you two are angry because you can’t use my property either. Your opinon was a great reminder of the kind of people we have had to deal with. Because you can’t continue to use MY property to get drunk, do drugs, have sex and fight. Oh yes you have reminded us of how greedy and rude people can be when they don’t get what they want or what they think they are intitled to. And that my dear is my appraisal of you. But you know what really amazes me no one can or will tell all of us why you all are so angry and full of haterid for us just because we own property on the river. WHY ARE ALL OF YOU SO ANGRY?

Sid

I have never been on the river much less your property. But if you got there is booze drugs and sex I may have to seek it out. Just where is your property again?

P.S. I am not full of haterid.

Scooby,

What is, but if you got there? You may not be full of hatred but PLEASE answer the ? Why are you so mad at me? You’re to late for the sex, booze and drugs. I’m sure you would have fit right in. Oh I see now, that is why you are so angry. Sorry that’s all gone. By the way what is your address so I can send all those folks to your place.

Sid

They did not buy this land…. it was left to them. Their crazy and they lie so bad…BEEN THERE SEEN IT AND HAVE HEARD WHAT THEY SAY TO FOLKS…Including me.

SO SADDDDDDDDDDDD AND UGLY……..THE ROCKS AND THEM.

Well hello edonna, How have you been? If I were you I really wouldn’t come on this site and slander me any more than you have in the past. I know why you are angry. You ran the store at the bridge and the tubing company who refused to stop useing my property for your tubbing business. What is so amazing is when ron coleman bought that property no trespassing signs went up. That is where we would get into the river and float to the rocks. But after coleman got it that stopped. ron coleman used my property for 1 year b4 I told you and him to stop. Even after that the 2nd year you still used my property saying you couldn’t control your customers. You put small babies in your tubes knowing they would have to get out at the rocks. I have pictures of us helping folks out of the river. Do you remember when one of your employees started a fight with one of your customers? Rita and I jumped in and seperated them or you all would have been facing assault charges. Say what you will. You were using my property for your business. Then I decided I would let you guys use the property till you could find another exit. And yes I told you guys as well as S&B and jon ron they would have to pay $100.00 a week. S&B said ok but you guys said no and used the property anyway.That was the last year any business used the rocks. WE HAD TO SUE ron coleman TO MAKE HIM STOP. Go figure I had to sue to keep youall from taking over my property. WE NEVER CUSSED ANYONE BUT YOU SURE DID GET IN MY 80 YR OLD AUNTS FACE AND CUSS HER LIKE A DOG. And guess what video is GREAT. When all this is over I think posting it will show you for what you are.

I know you remember when I came up to you and asked if there was some way we could get past this and maybe be friends? Your responce was YOU ARE EVIL. I’ll ask you why am I evil? Because I would not allow you to make money off of our property. I hope everyone has read what you said earlier in this blog. You hate me because I cut into the money you were making tax free and unreported.

So go ahead say what you will IF you really think that is what you want to do.

Take care and have a nice life

Yes, Sidney we probably did grow up together. If you were their 30 years ago. After running this by my brother in “shock and awe” he explained some of what’s going on here a little different and has apparently talked to you. I apologize if I offended you or Rita.. I can remeber neighbors that lived on the river sharing the tubes and actually floating together . It’s your land…. and we have our memories , and sorry Rita we are your neighbors…. and it’s our right to be a little upset as it is your right to boast about your land and who you let use it. Thanks Sidney.
Take care,
Last correspondence but will probably pass on Aska

Dearest Native,

Thank you so very very much. Yes we probably did run together. Please don’t let this be your last post. Right now this is the only way to stay in touch. Did you ever go to Stanley Church at night with a bunch of us and tell ghost stories and then while there my cousin Ralph would scare us. Do you remember what it was like b4 the road was paved? I have a picture and you can see all the way down the river to the bend. Do remember the rope from which we would swing just down the road from the rocks? I can’t believe how we would walk that road at night WITH NO FLASH LIGHT.

Please stay in touch. I really do want to meet you and maybe for the 2nd time.

Take care and GOD bless

Sid

I do rember… my brother was much older and my younger brother and I would follow him up to the pasture. If I rember correctly their was a donkey that was bigger then life as a small child .He was fenced in. We probably shouldn’t have been on their property either but as a child I rember the adventure of walking up to Stanley church , sitting on the long cement tables used for homecoming mostly . Although I rember the swinging rope , my brother’s had more fun with that then I did. I was a chunky child who was afraid. So I sat on the bank and watched them while wading in the “shallow end”. What I rember the most was taking a walk with my grandmother down Flat Creek which is before the rocks… the neighbors would let us have “brunch ” as she called it on the rocks. Goochs, Horns, Shipes , were the folks I rember down that way. You said Ralph was your cousin ? If it is Ralph S…… then yes we more then likely grew up together and I definatly apologize for throwing my 2 cent’s in.

Take care,
God Bless
Native

Adonna after how you treated your own sister I can believe you are still spewing your ugly attitude here. You and your bunch have been the worst of all the people in the entire area. Nobody wants anything to do with you. You are still the hateful ugly person you have not changed and it was not expected of you. You can stay as angry as you like and you still will not be able to use our property for your commercial gain. Just the few lines you wrote lets others know what kind of person you are so stay off of our land. You are so right we inherited the property thats what some people call family ties. I am sure would not know anything about that. Either way it belongs to us lock, stock, and ROCK!!!!!!! have a nice life and get over it. Rita the other lady with the big stick.

Hey,Hey,You,You, Get off of my rocks. Don’t hang around cause two’s a crowd.

Hey bigbbob,

Neat jingle come on and give us more info about your self.

Sid

Hey Native,

It is so good to hear you talk about the old times. My cousins Earleen and Cee Cee spent a lot of time up there too. Earlene passed away so its not often I get to relive those years. Hearing you talk about it is wonderful. Yes Ralph ——- is my cousin. Please don’t apologize for your 2 cents. Had you not voiced your opinion I would not have had the gift you gave me. The awakening of forgotton memories.

Take care and GOD bless

Sid

Bigbob you do realize the 2 people on the rocks are female and sisters. If it was someone else 2 might be a crowd. My sister is lots of fun but she doesn’t mean its a crowd. Let us know more about yourself. Because of the blogs you might know good things and bad about us, it is what you choose to believe. We are either hateful old women or people who are only trying to enjoy the land that belong to our family for over 100 years. You decide and get back to us.

Rita

I want to take this opportunity to invite everyone to come meet me. ALL OF YOU. Those who have not met me when you see me on ,the rocks, please stop and speak with me . Those of you who have met me and dislike me, you too please stop and speak with me again. Our relationship may be very different. We will be meeting as friends not land owner and trespasser. I truly want to make as many friiends as possible. No one wants to be hated such as we have been.

To all of you

Take care and GOD bless

Sid

Hey guys

2 things. I am looking for a used kayak. Does anyone know anything about a water botteling company taking water from the Toccoa? Some one told me there are 2 botteling companies taking the water. Do any of you know about it?

Take care and GOD bless

Sid

Finally found something that explains the eyesore on Aska. I soooo don’t want to get in this ‘pissin’ match’ & totally understand the need to claim the private property with all of those horrific things are taking place on your land. It’s sad to see that respect has been thrown out the window. Respect for personal property. Respect for nature. Respect to one another. We bought a cabin in July ‘08…apparently when this whole ‘heated situation’ was in full force.

We, as well as our guests that rent our cabin, have to drive along Aska & witness this ‘eyesore’…that definately takes from the majestic beauty of the surrounding area. My husband & I so desperately wanted to get a picture of the rocks & rapids to post on our site….showing future guests the beauty of Blue Ridge but found it difficult to keep the orange painted messages out of the frame. Unfortunately, we were rushed because we didn’t know if this would be impossing & didn’t want to cause any trouble. (I’m sorry if this is considered trespassing as we intended no harm & were only there a few minutes. You really have a beautiful view!!)

I did make sure that when my son & I went tubing this past summer, our first question was..’We don’t have to go anywhere near the rocks, right?’….since I didn’t want to step on anyone’s toes. Luckily, the ‘pink tubes’ don’t…and they have permission to get out where their pull out is. ~whew~

I understand the need for the signs & the ugly orange fence as there are so many visitors to the area & they don’t know where the public areas are for them to get in & out of. They just want to be up there, enjoying the beauty that surrounds them. If only they had the respect for the area as well. I’m glad to see that the DNR & Sheriff have stepped up to help you. Especially if they are passing out extra fines/tickets to those that litter, illegally drinking & using drugs, being vulgar…basically, being disrespectful. Perhaps they will focus more on the ‘crime’ & be more accountable for their own actions instead of pointing fingers & blamming someone that is just demanding the respect that they so deserve & looking out for their beautiful property.

I know as a ‘business owner’ (our cabin is considered a business), I pay for the ‘extra’s’ to insure my guests enjoy the experience. Perhaps if the tubing companies did pay the ‘extra cost’ (I mean…really…$100/week. That’s a drop in the bucket to insure your guests have a great time), the owners would be in more of an agreement…and everyone could just get along.

Fingers crossed that this whole ’situation’ gets resolved to the point that the guests to Blue Ridge don’t have to witness this eyesore or this mudslinging. They really just want to get away from it all.

Respectfully,
~Tami~

Tami my family thanks you and others that do not come on our property. It does seem to be getting easier to control. The only thing is we do not want to receive any money. We do not want hundreds of tubes or canoes getting in or out on our land. We can not enjoy our time up here with everyone walking on the rocks. We would prefer you did not post a picture, but if you do please make it clear about it being private property. It is because of the tubing and canoers that we fear for our friends safety. We were spending time at a couple of businesses up here but quit because we did not want them in a situation that would cause them problems with us there. If you see us on the rocks please stop, we would like to meet you we will be easy to spot because we generally carry a big stick to help us up and down the banks. I have had about nine surgeries on my back and my sister has had two or three. Our family has been threatened and we can not even let friends stay because of the hostility we encounter. We would not want our friends to have to defend themselves for something they no nothing about. Again if you see us on the rocks please stop we want to get to know you.

Take care and GOD bless

Rita

Rita-

The pictures were never posted. It’s kind of like taking a picture of the Grand Canyon….you just can’t seem to capture it’s full beauty in just a snap shot or the serine feeling you get whilst witnessing it. In the picture, it looked like nothing more than just a bunch of rocks.

Here’s to hoping that the crowds diminsh one day so you can enjoy your days without having to spend day in and day out monitoring ‘the rocks’.

Warmest regards,
~Tami~

Hey Tami,

It’s so nice to hear from you. I know exactly what you mean about a picture not really catching the feeling, the sounds and the great smell of fresh water.

Please stop and talk to me when I am there. I’m easy to recognize. I have stringy gray hair one eye, I drool, walk with a limp as I drag my left leg, and my knuckles drag the ground. Oh I’m sorry that’s the way others discribe me. You’ll know me, I walk with a big stick.

Take care and GOD bless

Sid

Tami thank you for your kind words. I hope to meet you soon. As far as Sid describing herself. She is pleasent and she is generally there more than I am unfortunantly. But as she said you will no it is us with our mountain walking sticks. Sometimes we also have one of her many dogs. You were right about the pictures not getting the full effect. I have taken so many , only being there do you get the full effect. You see why we do not want it to be full of tubers or canoes everytime we are there.

GOD bless and hope to see you soon

Rita