11-3-17  to Helen, Ga:

After going to Gibb's Gardens with Angie yesterday, I was more anxious then ever to get up to the mountains to check out the colorful leaves.  It looked like it may be past peak already, although it seemed like a lot of trees just lost their leaves before they could change colors.  We were told later that when tropical storm Irma came through, it blew the leaves off a lot of trees, thus the bare trees now.  But it was still pretty,  I know in a couple weeks the rest of the leaves will be gone.  With our busy schedule, today was the best day to get up there.  Our destination----Brasstown Bald (the highest point in Ga.).  But a stop in Helen for lunch was in order along our way.
I guess the first destination was actually the ride to the mountains.  It was about an hour drive with a good part of that on highway 985.
Beautiful views along hwy 985

 At one area along hwy 985, you can see School Bus Graveyard.  I bet it would be interesting to wander around in here, but I understand it's private property and the owner charges something like $20/person to get in and only on certain days.  So I shot these photos as we were driving by at highway speeds.

 Wonder how often they get repainted?

 Looks like it's a graveyard for old cars, too.

 One last photo

 back to other views along hwy 985.

 This was on the state route off hwy 985 on the way to Helen.  I thought it was interesting how the kudzu (?) has taken over this poor tree---but didn't seem to spread anywhere else.

 I love taking photos of old barns, too.

 Don't often see white cows.

 getting into a lot more hills.

 I also like taking pictures of churches. 

 If I remember correctly, this is an Indian mound just outside of Helen.

 almost to Helen.

 Helen---such a cute little German tourist town.

 even the pavilions by the river are styles like German chalets.

 Nov. 3rd and there are still roses blooming!

 a walk along the river.

 the river.  In summer, this river is covered with tubers.

 Even with all the bare trees, it was still beautiful.

 lots of colorful leaves floating down the river.

 even the bird houses are in the German chalet style.

 another pavilion. 

 Farther down the river.

 looking back at one of the pavilions.

 another little pavilion.

 I bet it's fun tubing down these little rapids.

 Love the reflections in the water.

 looking back upstream.

 downstream and one of the pavilions

 back on the hwy and heading out of town.  Looks like they were starting to decorate for Christmas.

After another great lunch at Big Daddy's, we continued on our way to Brasstown Bald.