Hey Guys and Gals, join us for an incredible night under the stars on Georgia's Highest Mountain. If you've never done this or been there, it should definitely be on your bucket list. So, come stargazing as we bask in the wonder of the Lord’s creation in an amazingly dark star-filled sky. We will have telescopes available to view distant objects – and encourage that you bring your telescope (if you have one). If you need to use one of ours, no problem! OPEN TO ALL: Children, neighbors and married friends!! WEATHER PERMITTING: Cloudy or rainy - it’s off. Call if not sure. 770-316-9200 WHEN: Saturday night June 29th 9pm – 12am. WHY GO TO BRASSTOWN BALD? Well, it’s quite possibly the best place in Georgia to stargaze from, and here’s why. • We have 4,784 less feet of the thickest atmosphere obstructing our view. • It’s very, very dark there and far away from any city light pollution. • It’s so dark there that you can even see the Milky Way clearly and easily. • Parking lot near the summit offers unobstructed views nearly to each horizon • If you’re feeling adventurous, you can hike in the dark up to the observation tower for a 360 degree view looking down on the lights of distant towns. Feel free to spend the night in a sleeping bag too! PREPARE! PREPARE! PREPARE! TEMPS: Temps at summit are 10 - 20 degrees less than Atlanta and could be windy. WHAT TO BRING: PREPARE!!! Or you will be cold! You will be at 4784 ft. Bring a Sleeping bag or 2-3 blankets per person, Pad for comfort, pillow, jacket, flashlight. No tent camping allowed, but we are allowed to lie on the ground in our sleeping bags. CHAIRS: Bring only the ones that recline because you are looking straight up. It is best to lay on the ground so bring pads or extra blankets. Don't forget snacks and soft drinks or coffee. NO ANIMALS! If you have a telescope, please feel free to bring it! BATHROOMS: YES! Travel time: (1 hour 15min) From Kroger in Dawsonville. CARPOOL: ALPHARETTA: Best Buy on corner of Northpoint Dr and Haynes Bridge. Park in outer lot straight out from entrance. Meet at 6:50pm. Leave at 7:00pm sharp. DAWSONVILLE: Meet 7:30pm at Kroger (in front of ATT store), Hwy 400 and 53 just before outlet malls on left. Leave at 7:45pm sharp. DIRECTIONS: You can Mapquest Brasstown Bald (NOT Brasstown Valley Resort or Brasstown NC) Going Hwy 19 north of Dahlonega then over Neel’s gap is OK, but the FASTEST WAY is through Helen. GPS sometimes does people WRONG!!! PRINT out these Directions: Go 400 north to end at Hwy 60. Go straight on 2-lane (115E) approx 5 mi. Turn right toward Cleveland (115 east)for approx 13 miles. In Cleveland, ¼ mi before square turn left (sign to Helen) Go 1/4 mile to light and go straight on 75 north toward Helen. (Ingles on left) Stay straight (approx 8 miles) and go through Downtown Helen. Keep going straight out of Helen on 75 North (toward Hiawassee) Go up and over Unicoi Gap and down to 180. (approx 11 miles total from Helen). Left on 180 approx 5 miles to entrance on right for Brasstown Bald. 3 miles up to summit, look for silver Chevy Avalanche. LOOK FOR US: at far end of the parking lot.(Echo signs) Cell service is very sketchy up there. KEEP IN MIND: that there are always dangerous elements when out in nature: Cliffs, weather, animals, insects, reptiles, falling limbs or rocks, Poison Ivy, Oak, Sumac, etc. Trails may be un-maintained, slippery, icy, rocky and have steep embankments. Shoes may get muddy or wet. WAVIER: By attending, each person assumes all responsibility and liability for themselves and their actions and hereby releases Echo Ministries, its employees, directors, officers, agents, and volunteers from any and all liability resulting from any loss, injury, illness, damages, or death, while attending, participating or volunteering in this event. If you invite someone, make sure that they receive this information and they understand and agree to all aspects of it, otherwise you’re responsible for them. CONTACT: Greg Ford at 770-316-9200 or gregford@echoministries.com