tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36267608783528141602024-03-18T18:10:49.376-04:00Cumberland GalOutdoor lovers blog for the Cumberland Plateau and BeyondDana Kooglerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05415223619811093720noreply@blogger.comBlogger595125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626760878352814160.post-34372543968648399662024-03-11T20:28:00.003-04:002024-03-11T20:28:52.048-04:00Starr Mountain Spring Wildflowers & Waterfalls 2024<p> </p><h2 style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOgtJDY2J5iMsoXrNL2AG6diSBpI1TP_pgoDG5vEuLPZD8qXPZGyfR8EG2LEleIbUXqv1M4NZUET1lqDc-meRy9J3n1_TkLo52OuHCcyPU9ZXA6BmJiXzYJOS5fj9ls7GrB82mUSCA2PYfgq8UmcVdo5cHuEotv_nVIbgVuPfDy7_1xgdZuW49o6KHz5g/s3456/IMG_6881.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOgtJDY2J5iMsoXrNL2AG6diSBpI1TP_pgoDG5vEuLPZD8qXPZGyfR8EG2LEleIbUXqv1M4NZUET1lqDc-meRy9J3n1_TkLo52OuHCcyPU9ZXA6BmJiXzYJOS5fj9ls7GrB82mUSCA2PYfgq8UmcVdo5cHuEotv_nVIbgVuPfDy7_1xgdZuW49o6KHz5g/w400-h266/IMG_6881.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Looking at the back side of an oconee bell bloom<br /></span><u><br /></u></b></h2><h2 style="text-align: center;"><b><u><br /></u></b></h2><h2 style="text-align: center;"><b><u>Starr Mountain Spring Wildflowers & Waterfalls 2024</u></b></h2><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Friday March 8, 2024</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Dana & Kenny Koogler</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Photos are Here <a href="https://cumberlandgal.smugmug.com/Tennessee-Wilderness/Exploring/Starr-Mountain/i-4cMktKT/A" target="_blank">Starr Mountain Pix </a></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> Last Spring I went down toward Etowah to try to catch some flowers in bloom, but was too late. They were already spent for the year. I was stuck trying to figure what to do this past weekend. Kenny suggested we try to head south. He had an unexpected Friday off so we wanted to take advantage of it. The next day was forecast to be very rainy and cool. He had a couple ideas of stuff we could do. I was good with it so down the road we went. </p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> I had a theory that the oconee bells I wanted to see might be in bloom. Despite being in Tennessee they were supposed to have been transplanted from elsewhere many years ago. I knew from friends photos that the oconee bells were in bloom in South Carolina. Maybe they'd be in bloom in East Tennessee now as well? I figured it couldn't hurt to check. Last year even though I missed the flowers in bloom it provided me with a chance to begin a systematic botanical inventory of Starr Mountain. It also proved to be a fruitful day in turning up a couple new waterfalls to us! The scenery was lovely and we enjoyed it so much. </p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> I let Kenny sleep in and we got going at a leisurely pace. He surprised me with one of his plans. He asked me to check on my phone to see if <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057169311710" target="_blank">The Farm House Restaurant </a>was open in Etowah? I looked and they were. He suggested we go have some lunch before we went hiking. I was happy with that. I'd heard so much boasting from Jared and his friends about how good this place was. It is an area destination! Everyone loves The Farm House for meals. I did NOT know Kenny Koogler had already been without me. 👀 </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Below: Front porch of Farmhouse </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4JIOIrgBCt69WY13zVRUwbTKkz5IQutHcvGlmh5vmKcRkgvfrPGd4RIGu7q_pSdo9PUXjjGtGzVEtKN5sRpmVQP6lz0Y237kqKwJK-1Q12F7kVi5gXhyphenhyphenUM4aERMk0ElUeTOCZ_5jqA2R1Tzqu8f-Ys7uaRg0TA0NQ_cjk1MtDF61gUqqEMNEUupQ2YUE/s2048/432317725_8048688291827936_4856314115588201161_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4JIOIrgBCt69WY13zVRUwbTKkz5IQutHcvGlmh5vmKcRkgvfrPGd4RIGu7q_pSdo9PUXjjGtGzVEtKN5sRpmVQP6lz0Y237kqKwJK-1Q12F7kVi5gXhyphenhyphenUM4aERMk0ElUeTOCZ_5jqA2R1Tzqu8f-Ys7uaRg0TA0NQ_cjk1MtDF61gUqqEMNEUupQ2YUE/w640-h480/432317725_8048688291827936_4856314115588201161_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Below: Welcome flag on the porch. My kind of place! Country! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjRw0DG_mAlrrLJmp8Gfdhn6YBOhR-Av7p38ICCKeyz2bdvCD9k9ZDkUf708z3m2UUUS3bHI8TKbgn1LXcKcnIpwAfVIhO5EsO-kDxA6yeMnTK0EQ4kornLeNDR9hODIcppaLPCTEg1FffR6ItICcA_cEKTq5HyoVUyoq9aBR92fTspd-qxo8ErESeDZGU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjRw0DG_mAlrrLJmp8Gfdhn6YBOhR-Av7p38ICCKeyz2bdvCD9k9ZDkUf708z3m2UUUS3bHI8TKbgn1LXcKcnIpwAfVIhO5EsO-kDxA6yeMnTK0EQ4kornLeNDR9hODIcppaLPCTEg1FffR6ItICcA_cEKTq5HyoVUyoq9aBR92fTspd-qxo8ErESeDZGU=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcT5ee09O7DF6whph6wbG_GG-RUc8yF6smSgK-6NHkWPLa_PIpWbLF3wG3pZrYp96uEX7eaqwEvQSCMId7RZ2-06rWHogqpCDdagU-QeG7oeQ7W27sZlgUFZbUstRv9s1OaVvLCwS9dGc-XwpItjYIUkxWFVj7gcWss7p4WF4MdZk3CuV1U0CzfUy4ZkU/s2048/430070098_8048688825161216_1922631748175829053_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcT5ee09O7DF6whph6wbG_GG-RUc8yF6smSgK-6NHkWPLa_PIpWbLF3wG3pZrYp96uEX7eaqwEvQSCMId7RZ2-06rWHogqpCDdagU-QeG7oeQ7W27sZlgUFZbUstRv9s1OaVvLCwS9dGc-XwpItjYIUkxWFVj7gcWss7p4WF4MdZk3CuV1U0CzfUy4ZkU/w640-h480/430070098_8048688825161216_1922631748175829053_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Above: merchandise at the front counter and cash register in the restaurant </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Below: More of their decoration up in front of the place. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJHs5wDlMDSoU3hycQjOhbXmEcs1BC8cHS-yN4ov2OMYjeJlfjuMxvax-n_nUvgRe6yGhcL5U7v0WNBVkgI1uG8Kz_PoR0CdQKev4wlvLGillWgRBZbeSrql5YAqpruLyLgU8w0MiR_ECT8i8tyubrGdAZEao5T7424zdzKiyNc8S2bOF7Da5OC-IFd2Y/s2048/430081761_8048689435161155_6507567129612389443_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJHs5wDlMDSoU3hycQjOhbXmEcs1BC8cHS-yN4ov2OMYjeJlfjuMxvax-n_nUvgRe6yGhcL5U7v0WNBVkgI1uG8Kz_PoR0CdQKev4wlvLGillWgRBZbeSrql5YAqpruLyLgU8w0MiR_ECT8i8tyubrGdAZEao5T7424zdzKiyNc8S2bOF7Da5OC-IFd2Y/w480-h640/430081761_8048689435161155_6507567129612389443_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPoV-2Q7nZpjHcmdEIHyNu9z7pLr59_W65NfPoc6qJhlUqQccfw54YyzFsT73E_AfpGmPVzgNXGl9BS4Th8go3z6PVOupckzHPmXpGS4xmYblyneS0AeU-uHnoKe1Dt169jQeoqjmOuELfmXeaVfiBSchr-X6jx4ycK7dOmBTfRH-soYJgEa8_uWC0Bac/s2048/431802179_8048689008494531_5734318409678829288_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPoV-2Q7nZpjHcmdEIHyNu9z7pLr59_W65NfPoc6qJhlUqQccfw54YyzFsT73E_AfpGmPVzgNXGl9BS4Th8go3z6PVOupckzHPmXpGS4xmYblyneS0AeU-uHnoKe1Dt169jQeoqjmOuELfmXeaVfiBSchr-X6jx4ycK7dOmBTfRH-soYJgEa8_uWC0Bac/w640-h480/431802179_8048689008494531_5734318409678829288_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Above: You can look straight back in this view to the additional large dining area. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3CCzDGcf30gYXLFglMD0hsbN20_ZzWiYfhW6lq1xmKkxKh96FbXZdMWiTbEBdsSdPlFhFoBQCLSGClJKNKe0uImh4RKAWkd7OdprQWurV2YTctvy5KPJq7IPAmqar2FCrV15V9A6dZjYNnwOcQplhf0MdSTqcbQEQ1Dd9bpzuig0sRQjxWSHjFwcPrtc/s2048/432300343_8048689151827850_8337366718018423814_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3CCzDGcf30gYXLFglMD0hsbN20_ZzWiYfhW6lq1xmKkxKh96FbXZdMWiTbEBdsSdPlFhFoBQCLSGClJKNKe0uImh4RKAWkd7OdprQWurV2YTctvy5KPJq7IPAmqar2FCrV15V9A6dZjYNnwOcQplhf0MdSTqcbQEQ1Dd9bpzuig0sRQjxWSHjFwcPrtc/w640-h480/432300343_8048689151827850_8337366718018423814_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Above: Cell phone shot of the dining area around us. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Below: Kenny across from me at our table. This restaurant is one we first became aware of when our son was at Miracle Lake getting recovered. Hearing him tell about going there after church with his buddies really blessed me. It was some of the first healthy, wholesome things he began participating in. Farmhouse Restaurant will forever have a special place in my heart because of this. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiePA7OX78c1UnyflAy8I9VxGJSwwFqQiHOzmA1bY6f8ZPfIRbXRLKM9SxoFkNXZ6gnLPnVw9JsCx4t0M7FkwFucBE1wkz4Gjl8IQUi5532C5L3LTIycLx7v9bp-z4v7lCM8qafk2OpGNBcUQt7eoK5IKxuTVwi-AQ2_kquQW6Gclcbkk0v5eN5lJ1ws_w/s2048/432447621_8048690055161093_9004912921473734374_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiePA7OX78c1UnyflAy8I9VxGJSwwFqQiHOzmA1bY6f8ZPfIRbXRLKM9SxoFkNXZ6gnLPnVw9JsCx4t0M7FkwFucBE1wkz4Gjl8IQUi5532C5L3LTIycLx7v9bp-z4v7lCM8qafk2OpGNBcUQt7eoK5IKxuTVwi-AQ2_kquQW6Gclcbkk0v5eN5lJ1ws_w/w640-h480/432447621_8048690055161093_9004912921473734374_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Kenny had barbecue with macaroni and cheese and green beans. I had a house salad with a baked potato. Their sweet tea is silky smooth. Perfection! We enjoyed it and went on the rest of our adventure with lots of energy. We were in and out of there in the time it takes to go to McDonald's, but with a wholesome meal that is NOT fast food! If you haven't tried this place you should! I almost hate to tell people about it. If I go the next time and find it covered up busy I will feel like I should have kept it secret, but it is far from a secret. It is well known and loved. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> We headed to Mecca Pike to begin our adventure. On our way I did keep watch for wildflowers, but since we covered this ground in early April last year I didn't expect to see much. We didn't see any wildflowers at all along our route. The road is rougher than last year and more rutted out. At least it was not muddy. The first thing I saw with any color was periwinkle blooming near the site of the former White Cliffs Hotel. I also learned today that the hotel did not sit where I believed it did. It was opposite of that area. Down over the mountain side by about 200 feet is the spring where they got their water. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> I did see a few trout lilies this season. The ones here are very tiny and seem to have more reddish brown coloration than most others I've seen. They are the Dimpled Trout lily variety. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtvHmL1ETNGOM5lEsiK5UOpP7sqzFA38OwDV_RuQuJnu6kfEERF-J_8w9aMdN-UpIHAMwxtq-jz9k-ljAERWOqphjRojUftCryzvn114DLuZocm_zg1ejE0hntcJmH78xvmPm17mpfxtN9mKjqr9EYbKDZaR3OI8-YpEchmNubMaz02CVrkRobgK0jwyg/s2764/Trout%20Lily%20bv%20starr%20mtn.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1843" data-original-width="2764" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtvHmL1ETNGOM5lEsiK5UOpP7sqzFA38OwDV_RuQuJnu6kfEERF-J_8w9aMdN-UpIHAMwxtq-jz9k-ljAERWOqphjRojUftCryzvn114DLuZocm_zg1ejE0hntcJmH78xvmPm17mpfxtN9mKjqr9EYbKDZaR3OI8-YpEchmNubMaz02CVrkRobgK0jwyg/w640-h426/Trout%20Lily%20bv%20starr%20mtn.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Above: close up view of trout lily<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgYr-7L-m1HVMw4AxNm7M3XhPcTB8udDmrQN843irc5Ad4AxHAr3xKGCW42LzPZPSWJ7H7j3qFf8UHKW2PWYAFnWTtXcp8NnPJ2779JkA5_gQ1QEzDuGmHZ7TF_pAHE_4r6DSkHpQBuOGo2LDMTUSnktNMXZ15ZtHs7f1D7KG_EFXMfCn3CgNb3XirD4k/s2601/Trailing%20Arbutus%20bv.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1837" data-original-width="2601" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgYr-7L-m1HVMw4AxNm7M3XhPcTB8udDmrQN843irc5Ad4AxHAr3xKGCW42LzPZPSWJ7H7j3qFf8UHKW2PWYAFnWTtXcp8NnPJ2779JkA5_gQ1QEzDuGmHZ7TF_pAHE_4r6DSkHpQBuOGo2LDMTUSnktNMXZ15ZtHs7f1D7KG_EFXMfCn3CgNb3XirD4k/w640-h452/Trailing%20Arbutus%20bv.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Above: Trailing arbutus was along the roadsides and in the forest. It was such a pretty pink. It was one of the few flowers in bloom. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Below: The black water of a swamp atop the mountain. This flat, sandstone mountain is an oddity. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9RxqfDiMNBOdbgaeuvKC-kqqqvRRy3bBNZBeT3JX6dWegb8W8a1vSrCt4YONEeEyniIaddwjQ8_3vnWwehrcL_imFrEOoT3pDA0bVRq_6f8wGhUZhALt9hSbJERPeDiAEV_5BHNjijyJxYdVmKRDpJFUAb4T_caqtzeuOG1wFuWoLRBVTMyw-N7fGkJU/s3456/IMG_6869.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9RxqfDiMNBOdbgaeuvKC-kqqqvRRy3bBNZBeT3JX6dWegb8W8a1vSrCt4YONEeEyniIaddwjQ8_3vnWwehrcL_imFrEOoT3pDA0bVRq_6f8wGhUZhALt9hSbJERPeDiAEV_5BHNjijyJxYdVmKRDpJFUAb4T_caqtzeuOG1wFuWoLRBVTMyw-N7fGkJU/w640-h426/IMG_6869.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFQ8hEJ7SxzdC90oHlbJn8RqNlg2hIVeWjSlSXM3ek2pDKp-LoQOiB7sRlNdk0rnxO4B2r52kcaZiSXDynYSjwTAKCM-2yhPvsHngkLLlIcuDRKj2v3nhpded-4ua3uoQl3KKhKc1m3PdzRTQFetYtcoLpi-KUTcIZVYmAI5eXL1ZdXDZv6GaQ84x72uk/s3456/IMG_6867.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFQ8hEJ7SxzdC90oHlbJn8RqNlg2hIVeWjSlSXM3ek2pDKp-LoQOiB7sRlNdk0rnxO4B2r52kcaZiSXDynYSjwTAKCM-2yhPvsHngkLLlIcuDRKj2v3nhpded-4ua3uoQl3KKhKc1m3PdzRTQFetYtcoLpi-KUTcIZVYmAI5eXL1ZdXDZv6GaQ84x72uk/w640-h426/IMG_6867.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above; Beautiful clear stream of water flowing. This creek flows year round. I've never seen it dry up.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ9kjrXIHL0WsYwo98NiMZCYlmdCsm6OT3Wh0RlQPT4JKUw0OZwMRM80k8ozwTUnPxJkrsOAuauRJL5G5YTQwC5GpkpBhBTI2GvVA0gvMV2QSY1tiwG4-ccTDlXcxcoDBsvMMynxg_LB9aV02dhPciAvBa512tT8y9snU3cRh_gn52mHHI-QRSUWon2pQ/s3456/IMG_6864.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ9kjrXIHL0WsYwo98NiMZCYlmdCsm6OT3Wh0RlQPT4JKUw0OZwMRM80k8ozwTUnPxJkrsOAuauRJL5G5YTQwC5GpkpBhBTI2GvVA0gvMV2QSY1tiwG4-ccTDlXcxcoDBsvMMynxg_LB9aV02dhPciAvBa512tT8y9snU3cRh_gn52mHHI-QRSUWon2pQ/w640-h426/IMG_6864.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Above: another cluster of trout lily blooms. They weren't more than a few inches high.</div><br /><br /><p style="text-align: left;"> We kept looking as we went along. Nothing in bloom to speak of, but I did find my oconee bells I'd hoped for. They were done last year. This year they were just getting started good. These are globally rare and endemic to a few locations primarily in Western North Carolina and upstate South Carolina. </p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8PKKaWtOXxgTkoIOBXvmcYbMlNiDXSGApS0V0LW-foioIzwDppHQkHLBAAzQLboEJbPGHyET1mUk2p3yM6BQwKEM1X5HWK4GegHrpYwS5Mb42rM20NAkUwcCVSd46VmeJY3cabcO057ON3_tWHDrrn9O-BO1z0aYTJuaCysWDkEHqA70qCNPvr7W1iUo/s2764/Oconee%20Bell%20bv%20fingers.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1843" data-original-width="2764" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8PKKaWtOXxgTkoIOBXvmcYbMlNiDXSGApS0V0LW-foioIzwDppHQkHLBAAzQLboEJbPGHyET1mUk2p3yM6BQwKEM1X5HWK4GegHrpYwS5Mb42rM20NAkUwcCVSd46VmeJY3cabcO057ON3_tWHDrrn9O-BO1z0aYTJuaCysWDkEHqA70qCNPvr7W1iUo/w640-h426/Oconee%20Bell%20bv%20fingers.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhepEKX3nEh8pem7QPKloeqA3SmJJYip0WThSsOsuSWT4PFkJdBVf2AfMPKp7dP79shVf0ZHI3EcYzpruyUptYP85RbZzHHrolRoT0oB6jj-C-mM9ej90a-1DLDpV-i0ODLp9n8MT-nGF00uaUsIyIibYwGJpK9Iyu_BnbWqco3N6M_HSPaW7MY2mmCmRA/s3456/IMG_6877.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhepEKX3nEh8pem7QPKloeqA3SmJJYip0WThSsOsuSWT4PFkJdBVf2AfMPKp7dP79shVf0ZHI3EcYzpruyUptYP85RbZzHHrolRoT0oB6jj-C-mM9ej90a-1DLDpV-i0ODLp9n8MT-nGF00uaUsIyIibYwGJpK9Iyu_BnbWqco3N6M_HSPaW7MY2mmCmRA/w640-h426/IMG_6877.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLIAFKXPf59hhD0TJ5cXL3Sr-CDh_ZT3CeGJFc_qxigggGKsTYW6Ari_Fn4ul4jAaHpTDiw65JRoJFBgYPWgn-zo0tMqm49ReyEhyGAH8dgtNPBCh4hztYA410gcXMVm1RQ-451eeG38IQ6KFdoOqRFOs1CKbSgbL6q0e2AYi6T5-yH1JQq3Og2WUnNIk/s3016/Oconee%20Bell%20bv%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1843" data-original-width="3016" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLIAFKXPf59hhD0TJ5cXL3Sr-CDh_ZT3CeGJFc_qxigggGKsTYW6Ari_Fn4ul4jAaHpTDiw65JRoJFBgYPWgn-zo0tMqm49ReyEhyGAH8dgtNPBCh4hztYA410gcXMVm1RQ-451eeG38IQ6KFdoOqRFOs1CKbSgbL6q0e2AYi6T5-yH1JQq3Og2WUnNIk/w640-h392/Oconee%20Bell%20bv%201.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>The three photos above are oconee bells blooming. (Shortia galacifolia ) They are so delicate and beautiful! <div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> <br /><p style="text-align: left;"> We proceeded toward the rest of our route. We knew there wouldn't be much blooming besides the few things I'd hoped to find. We'd go see some waterfalls on the rest of the journey to fill up the day.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Recent rains have our streams flowing wonderfully! </p><p style="text-align: left;">Below: a partial view from the road off of Starr Mountain. It was sunny one moment, gloomy the next. This pattern was repeated all day. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwDrY-B3KjvGy2RG9ahOvV6ZuxdFCoJ-Qt8ZNZupXJZbetXVpgX72jIerQHFGM-qcV6cFH37tOmRBm4SPQsZioP8YDvh2PBgNskfaNTQqGCCqDiekoIAL-MMTf6wHp96zejmZimGGbzFzAq55hiPDDIwOzXubKs4La2kstb5XfxZILFJ_c-YtDiiHZRgs/s5568/GOPR2423.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwDrY-B3KjvGy2RG9ahOvV6ZuxdFCoJ-Qt8ZNZupXJZbetXVpgX72jIerQHFGM-qcV6cFH37tOmRBm4SPQsZioP8YDvh2PBgNskfaNTQqGCCqDiekoIAL-MMTf6wHp96zejmZimGGbzFzAq55hiPDDIwOzXubKs4La2kstb5XfxZILFJ_c-YtDiiHZRgs/w640-h480/GOPR2423.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Below: Yellow Creek near a "camp site" that was very trashy. I'm not sure it is actually a legal campsite. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinVJ7pFJe_BBJ94QLI85dMeX53Zxb_odWftX5gjl9tkK4JCqQ9Oxj6mojMylV5_kNy4lou3tdOZ_nDgspExS61nsEVwDJDFhxDevfRIuKGFTh94TOX6yDR06rKZsHDdXNpzmX-kPjipAPriFDTz5vySBxykrAeEmz0VpQJfvH7KGtMr7AaDlnIFg9L_38/s5568/GOPR2428.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinVJ7pFJe_BBJ94QLI85dMeX53Zxb_odWftX5gjl9tkK4JCqQ9Oxj6mojMylV5_kNy4lou3tdOZ_nDgspExS61nsEVwDJDFhxDevfRIuKGFTh94TOX6yDR06rKZsHDdXNpzmX-kPjipAPriFDTz5vySBxykrAeEmz0VpQJfvH7KGtMr7AaDlnIFg9L_38/w640-h480/GOPR2428.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Below: a layered cascade near the campsite. It is about 12 feet high. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKbYh3WLc4zhjsyvcVTf6Bh2s-CVa6ZfOve9yNW1-cFOHqdwtlO9Rse1dp1XS1q26d12tQCSXHDVrvSwg21HezVNqYtlSRCRo2n92Q0TwDAZ6iSCo-o-oB9msv6r7BZZ2j1yG7UnewSqo1I0V0vMsV4Js70mSrj0LLEecCIVzl7rYcVxksOM0eV_-I_5M/s5568/GOPR2435.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKbYh3WLc4zhjsyvcVTf6Bh2s-CVa6ZfOve9yNW1-cFOHqdwtlO9Rse1dp1XS1q26d12tQCSXHDVrvSwg21HezVNqYtlSRCRo2n92Q0TwDAZ6iSCo-o-oB9msv6r7BZZ2j1yG7UnewSqo1I0V0vMsV4Js70mSrj0LLEecCIVzl7rYcVxksOM0eV_-I_5M/w640-h480/GOPR2435.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi27rumi1UCRrG7lYaE5oPZ1Lug4W6GsNgZ2ZiDCYhjgnrjim_5ilOtgwN7I8FTGgRkd_dd8cNp2eF00ttMru6rzeAu50rrFKcdKxJ4aIIpH2Ar80dIpvWw0nTCCBln3fsymAd89TcuCCP-SN1mpNAVQ9OQ2IGXIkr_GuEQPYh0n8txJdkRmsnDNjLJTdQ/s3456/Cascade%202%20Starr%20Mtn%20YC%20bv.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi27rumi1UCRrG7lYaE5oPZ1Lug4W6GsNgZ2ZiDCYhjgnrjim_5ilOtgwN7I8FTGgRkd_dd8cNp2eF00ttMru6rzeAu50rrFKcdKxJ4aIIpH2Ar80dIpvWw0nTCCBln3fsymAd89TcuCCP-SN1mpNAVQ9OQ2IGXIkr_GuEQPYh0n8txJdkRmsnDNjLJTdQ/w640-h426/Cascade%202%20Starr%20Mtn%20YC%20bv.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Above: a lovely hole of water and powerful cascade just below the first one. Yellow Creek was one pretty cascade after another today! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNZV5lhZTHgqhBECYeKzDU7e9JLPAeyfDkAf3DN5uJPICHXt43IF1npvZNRoN16ySVlmZuBGKKQwRfe4vQT_jbBcSkCZnVBpjZbAORb-qpQt4gKsPzAIjJsbH9PLpnEZpzZM6E7RFXGjwqly3aJsD6KVgQx9RfbeGVQ5y2VXYuqa6qs20Yu5T_eS06jTc/s5568/GOPR2444.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNZV5lhZTHgqhBECYeKzDU7e9JLPAeyfDkAf3DN5uJPICHXt43IF1npvZNRoN16ySVlmZuBGKKQwRfe4vQT_jbBcSkCZnVBpjZbAORb-qpQt4gKsPzAIjJsbH9PLpnEZpzZM6E7RFXGjwqly3aJsD6KVgQx9RfbeGVQ5y2VXYuqa6qs20Yu5T_eS06jTc/w640-h480/GOPR2444.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: <a href="https://tnlandforms.us/landforms/m.php?wpt=MOF059" target="_blank">Upper, upper Yellow Creek Falls.</a> </div><div><br /></div><div>Below: a side view of it and the jade green water hole with it. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjvekBXQSMxi_0Js6hQrzW38wxPFkbDslspL0WvR3ijcAjpodpT-0mRxstnvZNjDNEaUaDaR4NKQKpk4eggJkJLhrFzvWDlFPYT8YpaLlPS9JSaE0LyJfk8F_hoKQ5XpelLrQTnfT1Df6QcCdLBVvDo2_mom39VXE1OsiyGhsHjI-CXNSvr0cptIgTr6Y/s5568/GOPR2448.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjvekBXQSMxi_0Js6hQrzW38wxPFkbDslspL0WvR3ijcAjpodpT-0mRxstnvZNjDNEaUaDaR4NKQKpk4eggJkJLhrFzvWDlFPYT8YpaLlPS9JSaE0LyJfk8F_hoKQ5XpelLrQTnfT1Df6QcCdLBVvDo2_mom39VXE1OsiyGhsHjI-CXNSvr0cptIgTr6Y/w640-h480/GOPR2448.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Below: <a href="https://tnlandforms.us/landforms/m.php?wpt=POF031" target="_blank">Ellis Branch Falls is a roadside beauty. </a> </div><div><br /></div><div>I am pretty sure this waterfall is on private property, but there is nothing that says I can view it from the road. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ8MM1sU9FjNn3ZoAqN4FqEtT9vImBjRmbA_bBNrDbLgzYF8g5CAGlS3l3OvUiZOpQKcVVHbSdfQUfvuKgGU1Um1pcOZEGKtuQ-DWC6Nb64roiSi2aRMnYeDJwkAntlQBGkXmfsgz6qQR5i6Xq1pTu5KYAY_1hLMublnhIYJytO9_HUeZEoTZvjvWCrKI/s5568/GOPR2451.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ8MM1sU9FjNn3ZoAqN4FqEtT9vImBjRmbA_bBNrDbLgzYF8g5CAGlS3l3OvUiZOpQKcVVHbSdfQUfvuKgGU1Um1pcOZEGKtuQ-DWC6Nb64roiSi2aRMnYeDJwkAntlQBGkXmfsgz6qQR5i6Xq1pTu5KYAY_1hLMublnhIYJytO9_HUeZEoTZvjvWCrKI/w640-h480/GOPR2451.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align: left;"> We eased down toward the Hiwassee River and Reliance. Kenny initially wanted to stop at Webb's store and get ice cream, but thought better of it. We motored onward. I checked the areas along the road where I'd seen flowers last Spring. Not much out yet. I will have to head back down there once things start blooming good if I get the chance. I did not bother to hit up a lot of areas in the core of Starr Mountain because there was nothing blooming April fifth of last year. I knew full well there wouldn't be anything out this early.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> Below is a video of the various cascades we visited on Starr Mountain today. </p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4baOBUirZMM" title="Cascades on Starr Mountain" width="670"></iframe></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><u>Notes to Self for Future Trips</u></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><u><br /></u></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Get video of Hiwassee River and Railroad bridge </b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Get photos of the old store building along Mecca Pike</b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Located White Cliff Hotel site and spring down over the mountain</b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Take RZR and cross Sheehan Branch to look for additional waterfalls </b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Webb's Store for a popsicle and a t shirt</b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Drive Spring Creek Road to see cascades and wildflowers</b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Stop by Starr Mountain Outfitters for a Bigfoot shirt</b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Lowry Falls</b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Left Prong Falls</b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Reliance Fly & Tackle</b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Towee Creek Picnic Area </b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Check for T flexipes on the slopes near river</b></p><p><b>Spring Branch Falls</b></p><p><b>Water Tank Branch Falls</b></p><p><b>Stairway to Heaven and Bluffs view</b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><u><br /></u></b></p></div>Dana Kooglerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05415223619811093720noreply@blogger.com0Starr Mountain, Tennessee 37325, USA35.2495173 -84.527152899999996.9392834638211554 -119.68340289999999 63.559751136178846 -49.37090289999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626760878352814160.post-65436402894049035592024-03-03T09:16:00.002-05:002024-03-06T18:58:21.002-05:00Valley So Wild Blog Series-- Scona Stories by Guest Author James Buchanan<h2 style="text-align: center;"> <u><b>Valley So Wild Blog Series-- Scona Stories</b></u></h2><h2 style="text-align: center;"><u><b> by Guest Author James Buchanan</b></u></h2><div><u><b><br /></b></u></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw7VwHNlftDsT7BKZzCjsWfEG0u1lMA1ioaEkTwQDnpqzFiuDSyEiE3doJw0Oi5DetxhH_pTZyMUj3LRUZJqvp-brlxRiLwmtKIVEvzjONusVR4zdgVjTJvG4k9jCsDoiNlYqeGiU23EjtWTGunBQrOWhmc4DpHULaS-uiuWcWFCo3WEs9DQJ9KfNvva4/s2016/Jim_CF_Creek_1%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw7VwHNlftDsT7BKZzCjsWfEG0u1lMA1ioaEkTwQDnpqzFiuDSyEiE3doJw0Oi5DetxhH_pTZyMUj3LRUZJqvp-brlxRiLwmtKIVEvzjONusVR4zdgVjTJvG4k9jCsDoiNlYqeGiU23EjtWTGunBQrOWhmc4DpHULaS-uiuWcWFCo3WEs9DQJ9KfNvva4/w480-h640/Jim_CF_Creek_1%20(1).jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><b>Above: Mr. James Buchanan </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>March 3, 2024</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><b><br /></b></u></div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><b><a href="https://cumberlandgal.smugmug.com/Tennessee-Wilderness/PaddleTrips/SCONA" target="_blank">Scona Lodge Gallery of Photos</a></b></u></div><div><u><b><br /></b></u></div><div><u><b><br /></b></u></div><div><b><u> </u> I posted the first in this blog series. I had a good bit more to include, but the entry was growing long. I decided to give it a separate entry. The book <u>Valley So Wild</u> was to be a folk history of the Little Tennessee River. Mr. Buchanan's stories are perfectly in keeping with that theme and spirit so I feel they are more than worthy of recording. I am including some of the others here below.</b></div><div><b>I am working on obtaining a photo of him to include. </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b> I am also including the photo gallery and some info on sights in the area people may want to visit.</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhS16pB4FkrtZaJL_Z0Qihn2ozn2pe8VwUCB-l60zea7qaMZUHOA9EVUzm-RpyjNEeFHjLZAKDFL8trwRwV-SG4KoGH4lu4-UEyDRY7ytp5-wAsfRCmp-EXHBr1VmYXMTDxd_nrfoVshRLCHHxwOani0m0Ld_0VG4XVcQnsI2ae8hIFNzYx-PpuaSkXY-I" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="148" data-original-width="223" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhS16pB4FkrtZaJL_Z0Qihn2ozn2pe8VwUCB-l60zea7qaMZUHOA9EVUzm-RpyjNEeFHjLZAKDFL8trwRwV-SG4KoGH4lu4-UEyDRY7ytp5-wAsfRCmp-EXHBr1VmYXMTDxd_nrfoVshRLCHHxwOani0m0Ld_0VG4XVcQnsI2ae8hIFNzYx-PpuaSkXY-I=w200-h133" width="200" /></a></div><br /><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u>AUNT MATTIE’S BISCUITS ARE AWFUL</u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>(The story was one of Beverly Buchanan told to James Buchanan from her childhood.)</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><b> In the old days in the South, the nineteen forties and </b><b>earlier, Southern women really prided themselves in their </b><b>biscuit making. A cook’s worth depended on the quality of </b><b>their biscuits.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Shortly after WWII my family as well as my Uncle Pete, </b><b>just back from the war, and his new bride Mattie were all </b><b>living with Granddaddy and Grandmother </b><b>Cain at their place in Oxford Mississippi. </b><b>One morning after Aunt Mattie had made </b><b>the breakfast biscuits, my brother Bobby</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>and I decided to play a trick on her. We </b><b>took one of her leftover breakfast biscuits</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>out to a place on the back porch that was </b><b>clearly visible through the screen door to</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>those finishing breakfast, including Aunt </b><b>Mattie, supposedly to feed our dog Rex,</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>but we had other plans. </b><b>We had found one of the very in the basement when we</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>moved in with our grandparents, and we </b><b>had quickly discovered it generated a</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>voltage when the call crank was cranked. </b><b>The voltage’s purpose was to ring the</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>bells of any other phones on the line </b><b>when you wanted to call someone, but</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>we had found all sorts of interesting applications for it. In this case, we put the wires</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>from it in the leftover biscuit and hid nearby waiting for our dog Rex to find the biscuit.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>When Rex found the biscuit and took a bite, Bobby gave the crank a few good turns and</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Rex gave out a terrible yelp, dropped the biscuit, and took off. It appeared to all that</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>new bride Aunt Mattie’s biscuits were so bad even a dog couldn’t stand them.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiMCqcsgxTqq8FS9qO8dpknkyeE6ouiSvt67DHwV6KkBB385QYWcQhcN8kQxURQki3Upi0-Mi1XFRQCF18VBtFJEWugFo12MvrgGu2JgqrsfC7D8_EUWttj7qZ3Zugiix4-uvqs--J-L2b1mgkPzRqaxqvIdUPmDJdhywI4D31u9tvoygsuzKacZnuiYKU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiMCqcsgxTqq8FS9qO8dpknkyeE6ouiSvt67DHwV6KkBB385QYWcQhcN8kQxURQki3Upi0-Mi1XFRQCF18VBtFJEWugFo12MvrgGu2JgqrsfC7D8_EUWttj7qZ3Zugiix4-uvqs--J-L2b1mgkPzRqaxqvIdUPmDJdhywI4D31u9tvoygsuzKacZnuiYKU=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u>SMOKING IN THE GREAT SMOKIES</u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Jim Buchanan</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgh0abGyp2ncUbqd4nQlzVg2szZz4dOx4WwtubV5drva9OSA8ZkpS7j1MWIZAv6DmI3VX3jo3fBlBpbthrC7-DwhZoKAGrcrD6tGyWzk-w-c9kpUvaVCS8mevtC1eSJ693G0INQbXPYYJITHDIbWG9s7CTb3CGZA9D2NpalUoYGkkctpfqR6vs-Ugbr9LI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="843" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgh0abGyp2ncUbqd4nQlzVg2szZz4dOx4WwtubV5drva9OSA8ZkpS7j1MWIZAv6DmI3VX3jo3fBlBpbthrC7-DwhZoKAGrcrD6tGyWzk-w-c9kpUvaVCS8mevtC1eSJ693G0INQbXPYYJITHDIbWG9s7CTb3CGZA9D2NpalUoYGkkctpfqR6vs-Ugbr9LI=w285-h400" width="285" /></a></div><br /><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> </b>When I was in the middle years of grammar school, this would have been around 1946;</div><div style="text-align: left;">my family lived on the grounds of Scona Lodge, a private retreat for the top executives</div><div style="text-align: left;">of the Aluminum Company of America, Alcoa, and guests that they wanted to influence</div><div style="text-align: left;">such as US senators, Air Force Generals, and other big wheels. My dad was in charge</div><div style="text-align: left;">of general maintenance and we lived in a house that was next-door to the main lodge building</div><div style="text-align: left;">that is shown in the picture. Scona was deep within the Smoky Mountains. It was located a little</div><div style="text-align: left;"> South of the most southern part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on the southern side of the Little Tennessee River across from Calderwood, Tennessee. Access to it was by a ferry</div><div style="text-align: left;">owned and operated by Alcoa, so access to it was strictly controlled.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div> It didn’t function as you mightthink a lodge would with guest there all the time,</div><div> it only hosted Alcoa executives and their guests on weekends. Typically, by late afternoon Sunday all the guests, cooks, maids, and butlers were gone and my mother would make a tour of the lodge to see that it was all secure, doors locked, lights out, and any leftover food taken care of. </div><div>Taking care of any leftover food typically meant taking it to our house for our dinner. </div><div>If there were a lot of leftovers, Mother would take some to the other two families that lived on</div><div>site or the ferryman, Jim Edwards. The standard entrée at Scona was Cornish hens and</div><div>the regular dessert was strawberry shortcake with rum in the whipped cream. We had</div><div>lots of both. Whipped cream with rum in it was a little different taste than us kids were</div><div>accustomed to, but we still liked it.</div><div><br /></div><div> My younger sister Rebecca and I would typically accompany Mother on these closing</div><div>up inspections and one of the things I noticed right off were lots of packs of cigarettes</div><div>left about. Some were only missing a cigarette or two. Why the guest left the cigarettes I</div><div>have no idea but they did. The lodge provided them free to the guest so I guess they felt</div><div>they were the lodges’s. Whatever the case, it was a much too tempting situation for me.</div><div>I would put a pack or two in my pockets each time. Soon I had a good supply of</div><div>cigarettes of all kinds – Chesterfield, Lucky Strike, Marlboro, Kool, you name it.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhu8q1gIYc-soFTK7Z4p08UAcj6BrEv85Tc5AD-nygpk_XQ6j72T_8eFLB7SAYs_YRyAlSAc4lP-XBuiiXcYz8APxUIzVu2og-hDDr3xLMnd-cniCjF-XlqDMwH6tByi9HQ3Ebm_YFOSCWSi1aSLJVGQGTNJ3SwYHwv_I8GQVrSpsDfz-Ii0SD0WrMRIQ0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="390" data-original-width="390" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhu8q1gIYc-soFTK7Z4p08UAcj6BrEv85Tc5AD-nygpk_XQ6j72T_8eFLB7SAYs_YRyAlSAc4lP-XBuiiXcYz8APxUIzVu2og-hDDr3xLMnd-cniCjF-XlqDMwH6tByi9HQ3Ebm_YFOSCWSi1aSLJVGQGTNJ3SwYHwv_I8GQVrSpsDfz-Ii0SD0WrMRIQ0=w320-h320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div> Shortly after we had moved to the lodge, I had built myself a club house a little ways up</div><div>the mountain behind our house. It provided me a good place to stash my cigarettes as</div><div>well as smoke them. Of course I never inhaled – I just puffed on them. I would also take</div><div>some with me when I went fishing at the mouth of Tallassee Creek which was only a</div><div>couple hundred yards from our house. I would sit on the bank fishing and puffing away.</div><div>My parents seemed to have had no idea I was doing this. And I didn’t see it as a big</div><div>issue since most adult males smoked at that time – I was just getting a head start.</div><div>When summer came, my cousin Eddy who was about the same age as me came to</div><div>stay with us for a little while. I quickly introduced him to my cigarette supply and</div><div>smoking and provided him with a good supply when he went home. That was a big</div><div>mistake. It wasn’t long until his dad caught him smoking in the shed behind their house</div><div>and he ratted on me. He told his dad where he had gotten the cigarettes and it wasn’t</div><div>long until my parents heard about it. That was the end of my smoking in the Smokies.</div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgKTOQjdC_W_XsERdXOYMuyV27Mof291mp6o-VGmXwmHJL-g5F1AC7yQVBqonIkrimpFdy-xq53VtVXG7cxluFUvtqxaKBIog0KOcmHG7NiEAQhDVzHVFvNuDsahGxg9j84axMOFAq3zOaWUP6FEAyKZIIHANNqA-FSK3JdxFHvccp3vDoQBdDQtvRzuzI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="248" data-original-width="300" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgKTOQjdC_W_XsERdXOYMuyV27Mof291mp6o-VGmXwmHJL-g5F1AC7yQVBqonIkrimpFdy-xq53VtVXG7cxluFUvtqxaKBIog0KOcmHG7NiEAQhDVzHVFvNuDsahGxg9j84axMOFAq3zOaWUP6FEAyKZIIHANNqA-FSK3JdxFHvccp3vDoQBdDQtvRzuzI" width="290" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><u>SAVING ME AND DAD FROM THE RAPIDS</u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div></div><div> When I was in the middle years of grammar school my family lived on the grounds of</div><div>Scona Lodge, a private retreat for the top executives of the Aluminum Company of</div><div>America, Alcoa, and guests that they wanted to influence. My dad was in charge of lodge grounds,</div><div>buildings, and ferry operations and maintenance, but not the lodge staff. The lodge was right by the Little Tennessee River and to get to it you needed to take a ferry owned and operated by Alcoa across the river to it. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div> My dad got the part and we went back to the landing and got in a rowboat to take the</div><div>needed part out to the ferry. I volunteered to row but my dad insisted he would do the</div><div>rowing so off we went. It soon became obvious we were not making good progress</div><div>toward the ferry. Dad’s rowing was not very good and the river current was taking us</div><div>downstream faster than he was getting us in the direction of the ferry. I kept asking him</div><div>to let me row but he kept insisting he would do the rowing. The problem was there were</div><div>some very serious rapids a little farther downstream and we were getting closer and</div><div>closer to them. When the situation was getting really critical, I guess my dad finally</div><div>decided I wouldn’t do any worse than he was doing and handed the oars over to me. I</div><div>quickly got us out of danger and to the ferry. The two guys on the ferry couldn’t hold</div><div>back from ribbing my dad about being saved by his kid even though he was their boss</div><div>and someone that they should have known did not take things lightly. I am sure it was</div><div>an awfully embarrassing situation for him to be saved from the rapids by his 10 year old</div><div>son.</div><div>Below is a photo of old Niles Ferry from the McClung collection of UT. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidDdR6MBqp1Su6jImUoAHbv9X1qEXojlxxf5ZFNRdamxg9NE-3e28N7ORH-yKe2KHoqgHT4n5jlTvNdYJkUvS2zmY5XmJvPqMmLH006ZiFO4uFZxC-w0UmKgVTrYUykevFRKsUlc-FEAZAyaltycEm94rZ1vYJ76kPhP9N9hYC8IMPR-jKFN_F2nwMMzg/s243/images.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="243" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidDdR6MBqp1Su6jImUoAHbv9X1qEXojlxxf5ZFNRdamxg9NE-3e28N7ORH-yKe2KHoqgHT4n5jlTvNdYJkUvS2zmY5XmJvPqMmLH006ZiFO4uFZxC-w0UmKgVTrYUykevFRKsUlc-FEAZAyaltycEm94rZ1vYJ76kPhP9N9hYC8IMPR-jKFN_F2nwMMzg/w400-h316/images.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxb1Rm-4n5DGT_Iof10mgliUoxfxBPo9zoxD_BkNgnHeieXNgFnI_1OAnGlj6z1UWsmS4pYZECabRxXDg5MNdQb3_tkhfklMdBhY_sZ-lDYwfR0VUDSTuEnFLHCik_jYMhjTs-mlgfaSnvDAO4t_wa8EA17LmdRCOW0xbFqK0tRnHXfnCb0grLQKBnHf0/s285/images%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="177" data-original-width="285" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxb1Rm-4n5DGT_Iof10mgliUoxfxBPo9zoxD_BkNgnHeieXNgFnI_1OAnGlj6z1UWsmS4pYZECabRxXDg5MNdQb3_tkhfklMdBhY_sZ-lDYwfR0VUDSTuEnFLHCik_jYMhjTs-mlgfaSnvDAO4t_wa8EA17LmdRCOW0xbFqK0tRnHXfnCb0grLQKBnHf0/w320-h198/images%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://tnlandforms.us/landforms/m.php?wpt=MOF025" target="_blank"><b>Here is a link to the info for Tallassee Creek Falls</b> </a>which is over at Scona. It is a paddle and hike trip. Below is a photo of it. If you stand facing the falls.. and climb up the left side you can reach the top. There is a "bath tub" up there you can sit in safely as long as the water levels are normal. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Tennessee-Wilderness/PaddleTrips/SCONA/i-hQ5qdpz/0/CBcbLprHMdDpNbnrKgdCJMS6TtPxkr8ZmVjCjHKwc/X3/Tallassee%20Creek%20Falls%202020-X3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="427" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Tennessee-Wilderness/PaddleTrips/SCONA/i-hQ5qdpz/0/CBcbLprHMdDpNbnrKgdCJMS6TtPxkr8ZmVjCjHKwc/X3/Tallassee%20Creek%20Falls%202020-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://tnlandforms.us/landforms/m.php?wpt=MOF030" target="_blank"><b>Here is a link to Nighway Branch Falls nearby that you can paddle to across Chilhowie Lake.</b></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://tnlandforms.us/landforms/m.php?wpt=MOF030" target="_blank"><b>I've not visited this one yet.</b></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><a href="https://tnlandforms.us/landforms/m.php?wpt=MOF031" target="_blank">Here is a link to Miry Branch Cascade</a> </b>which you can paddle to from Scona or from Tabcat bridge put in. This is a beautiful spot. I did not have a photo of the cascade, but here is one of the take out.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pjCd2hJc-Hc/VN1c7Fb1pMI/AAAAAAAAI6Y/phhQTFjAW7c/s720/428954_488871574476350_179039588_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pjCd2hJc-Hc/VN1c7Fb1pMI/AAAAAAAAI6Y/phhQTFjAW7c/w640-h480/428954_488871574476350_179039588_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Dana Kooglerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05415223619811093720noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626760878352814160.post-48888594433615929652024-02-29T08:26:00.005-05:002024-03-06T18:59:13.594-05:00Valley So Wild Blog Series-Scona Lodge and Calderwood <h2 style="text-align: center;"> <u><b>Valley So Wild Blog Series ---Episode 1</b></u></h2><h2 style="text-align: center;"><b><u>Scona Lodge & Calderwood </u></b></h2><p style="text-align: center;"><b><u><br /></u></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><u><br /></u></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5NZy2uJmHKvDiRaBRrzyG3PtJ5WlNns7U4Uos7q2nknoaA0UpatMO20nv8WsluMK-esPXPTne2dnc7HHbwunSSC5r7Dpi72aXoK5TYN-TZql71JPImkcFde6BoVqqzdU9p9Lop7AUkI8pKj5YAVYPeXDh7qRA4APmWQ-_5rKqjilOtL3xXOOsKOabBIU/s2016/Jim_CF_Creek_1%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5NZy2uJmHKvDiRaBRrzyG3PtJ5WlNns7U4Uos7q2nknoaA0UpatMO20nv8WsluMK-esPXPTne2dnc7HHbwunSSC5r7Dpi72aXoK5TYN-TZql71JPImkcFde6BoVqqzdU9p9Lop7AUkI8pKj5YAVYPeXDh7qRA4APmWQ-_5rKqjilOtL3xXOOsKOabBIU/w480-h640/Jim_CF_Creek_1%20(1).jpg" width="480" /></a></div><b><u><br /></u></b><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><u>Above: Mr. James Buchanan</u></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><u><br /></u></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><u><br /></u></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><u><br /></u></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><u><br /></u></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><u><br /></u></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><u><br />Guest Author Mr. James Buchanan</u></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Dana Koogler</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Feb. 24, 2024</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></p><h4 style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://cumberlandgal.blogspot.com/p/scona-lodge-1946.html" target="_blank">Scona Lodge 1946 --Description of the lodge during Mr. Buchanan's time living there. </a></b></h4><p style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></p><p> My reading of the book <b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Valley-so-wild-folk-history/dp/B0006CQ7OU" target="_blank"><u>Valley So Wild </u> </a> </b> began around Christmas. I finished it today. I recommend this book for anyone who loves history. I love reading anything written by Carson Brewer. The book was authored by Carson and his wife Alberta. They were both journalists. The TVA commissioned the two of them to write this book which came out in 1975. </p><p> </p><p> The book outlines the entire Little Tennessee River from its source in the north Georgia mountains.</p><p>It proceeds through the entire watershed It focuses on the geology, nature of the land, and the people who lived there in the past and up to the time of writing. I learned more in reading this one book than I ever imagined. It is a life enriching book. I am a nature lover and history enthusiast so it was very meaningful. </p><div><br /></div><div> I have decided to write a blog series focusing on the areas mentioned in this publication. </div><div> The reading of this book coincided with another rare opportunity. A fellow named James Buchanan read my blog and reached out to me. He did part of his growing up at Scona Lodge. He is eighty-eight years young and is a consulting engineer in Annapolis. He is married to his wife of many years, Beverly. He graciously shared with me short stories he has written and historical accounts of Scona Lodge and Calderwood. He agreed to be a guest author and allow his stories to be posted here. It was providential. Episode one is about Scona Lodge and Calderwood. I made a repeat visit today with Kenny. It doesn't get anymore Little Tennessee River than this! </div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: center;"> <b><u>Scona Lodge & Calderwood Revisit Today</u></b></h3><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Feb. 24, 2024</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><h4 style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://cumberlandgal.smugmug.com/Tennessee-Wilderness/PaddleTrips/SCONA/i-HxLCLd7/A" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;">Scona Pictures are Here </span></a></b></h4><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Below is the first story Mr. Buchanan shared with me. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><h3 style="text-align: center;"><b><u><br /></u></b></h3><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><div style="text-decoration-line: underline;">RIDING TO SCHOOL IN HIGH STYLE</div><div style="text-decoration-line: underline;">(BUT SOMETIMES NOT SO HIGH)</div><div>Jim Buchanan</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> When I was in the fourth and fifth grade right at the end of WW II but before car</div><div>production had gotten restarted, my family was living on the grounds of Scona Lodge a</div><div>private resort owned by Alcoa. My dad was the on site manager, and with that came the</div><div>task of getting the kids of the lodge employees to and from school. The lodge was</div><div>located across the Little Tennessee River from the Alcoa Company Town of</div><div>Calderwood Tennessee where the school was located. Calderwood was right near the</div><div>start of the infamous “Tail off the Dragon Road” on the southern side of The Great</div><div>Smoky Mountains National Park. It was in a very private location with the Little</div><div>Tennessee River on one side and miles of the wilderness of the Cherokee National</div><div>Forest on the other side. Due to this isolated location and requiring a ferry boat crossing</div><div>to get to and from the lodge to Calderwood, there was no school bus service for the kids</div><div>that lived on the grounds. Thus, my dad would take me and my younger sister and two</div><div>or three girls and a couple of boys about our same ages, who were kids of the other</div><div>employees of the lodge, to and from school. We were just early elementary school kids,</div><div>so we didn’t require a lot of space. The school at Calderwood only went to the sixth</div><div>grade.</div><div>Sometimes we got to ride in real-high style. The lodge had two 1942 four door Buick</div><div>Roadmaster sedans used to transport the guests to and from the lodge, and sometimes</div><div>my dad had the use of one of them to take us to school. They were the newest and most </div><div>elegant cars around since car production had been shut down in early 1942 due to the shift to</div><div>war production and hadn’t restarted. How Alcoa got some of the very last cars produced</div><div> I have no idea, but we really felt fancy when we got to ride to school in one of them.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1fH8SnX8CPTnmn06NorNCkXpznkFo8lZwHyYeH8CKUZTKbpFNTYG1gpImIyXttyeXVfttLaHA2-ofFe67dz6RYm2EFPilZSzHBAfpNEPJM9sm5WH-pFj3HLsMNTsGDYw39ohqWKwPIEkim33U-L2GkOpBihgb09K6gbBH8UMj2vSqyetV3v9qcSVC5Aw/s700/1942-buick-century.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="700" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1fH8SnX8CPTnmn06NorNCkXpznkFo8lZwHyYeH8CKUZTKbpFNTYG1gpImIyXttyeXVfttLaHA2-ofFe67dz6RYm2EFPilZSzHBAfpNEPJM9sm5WH-pFj3HLsMNTsGDYw39ohqWKwPIEkim33U-L2GkOpBihgb09K6gbBH8UMj2vSqyetV3v9qcSVC5Aw/w400-h258/1942-buick-century.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> The lodge also had a 1942 Chevrolet coupe and sometimes my dad used it to take us to</div><div>school. Although called a coupe it did have a small rear seat. The problem with riding in</div><div>it was that most of the time it was used by Johnny Gibson the lodge hunting guide. He</div><div> transported the hound dogs and bird dogs around in the passengers compartment. </div><div>The interior smelled really strongly like a wet, unwashed dog, especially on hot days. </div><div>I am sure we must have smelled that way all day at school after we rode in it. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-2Wk20DlA4YVmfsht4RhxwqK6oJCWRVUmRqOppvb-yCbvMUW6YlGk52YHTWoarxLUuNZmh5ln6HxveIgQRSSrVNBvA9FngXSadweRE-JU2VVv6gpPkPFKqPhFsLCpfHlTJGgPLILdaEEcbsyKf_hw_Z3csU51pCmUlAVyK8ODThweTTLh43I6Jk30DsQ/s1920/1942-chevrolet-special-deluxe.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1327" data-original-width="1920" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-2Wk20DlA4YVmfsht4RhxwqK6oJCWRVUmRqOppvb-yCbvMUW6YlGk52YHTWoarxLUuNZmh5ln6HxveIgQRSSrVNBvA9FngXSadweRE-JU2VVv6gpPkPFKqPhFsLCpfHlTJGgPLILdaEEcbsyKf_hw_Z3csU51pCmUlAVyK8ODThweTTLh43I6Jk30DsQ/w400-h276/1942-chevrolet-special-deluxe.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> Our arrivals and departures in it must have been a spectacle. It sat at a funny angle </div><div>because one of the rear springs was broken and couldn’t be fixed because no spare parts had</div><div>been made for the few 1942 models produced. Sometimes when we would arrive at</div><div>school in it the kids would bark and say such things as “those dogs sure weigh a lot”</div><div>implying the lodge had been hauling something else that caused the rear spring to</div><div>break. The lodge did have a good supply of bootlegged alcohol. Sometimes my dad had to</div><div> resort to our family car which was a 1935 Chevrolet single-seat coupe to get us to and from</div><div>school. The girls would ride with dad in the car on the single seat and us boys rode in the trunk. We had some wooden boxes to sit on and a plank to prop the trunk lid open so itdidn’t come down and hit us in the head if Dad hit a pot hole. This arrangement certainly wouldn’t have</div><div>met any of today’s safety standards. The trunk lid gave us boys in the trunk a little protection from the elements but not much. It certainly didn’t help when it was cold, but the girls and Dad did not did not have it a lot better in the car. The little Chev didn’t have a heater. It was a standard model and it seemed you had to buy the deluxe model to get a heater. It got us to and</div><div>from school just as well as the fancy Buicks, but we must have looked like a clown act</div><div>when we all pilled out of the little single-seat coupe at school.</div></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4AJCct8O8KQfFhGbjIJcvJt7jG3qkmJwky-yUym4vugDoy9MvYGkpdJXld13TA8t0jcCTmzlCffWy5pQ9NJ_RXWPk6lpGK0fJssB_ldLCefe4AM16gLSVpYItX6kaKFB-eYjxgpFE5ianakT47d8MFC6Q9wJmYVqMs40e2bNqqxxNOF5rNtYzTWgZJeo/s630/image-8-630x390.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="390" data-original-width="630" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4AJCct8O8KQfFhGbjIJcvJt7jG3qkmJwky-yUym4vugDoy9MvYGkpdJXld13TA8t0jcCTmzlCffWy5pQ9NJ_RXWPk6lpGK0fJssB_ldLCefe4AM16gLSVpYItX6kaKFB-eYjxgpFE5ianakT47d8MFC6Q9wJmYVqMs40e2bNqqxxNOF5rNtYzTWgZJeo/w400-h248/image-8-630x390.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYP8bCNIAmbhQC7RWxZllHOkaDIitCpiuEkmufnv_Uup62qQSC8Jflxn9iukMYjDDCITEgHp3RFw5G4ri6mNQKFJLr58h90js54zLydWtYZdXPiDw39xTMhiQIaqBXDHb2u59WZRNUUha5jUIksHGqh5MSIXT3fn5SE-SQo6eXIQW9Qs0yp0nvxuG-i04/s545/Shadrach-the-Bloodhound-standing.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="545" data-original-width="332" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYP8bCNIAmbhQC7RWxZllHOkaDIitCpiuEkmufnv_Uup62qQSC8Jflxn9iukMYjDDCITEgHp3RFw5G4ri6mNQKFJLr58h90js54zLydWtYZdXPiDw39xTMhiQIaqBXDHb2u59WZRNUUha5jUIksHGqh5MSIXT3fn5SE-SQo6eXIQW9Qs0yp0nvxuG-i04/w390-h640/Shadrach-the-Bloodhound-standing.jpg" width="390" /></a></div><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><h2 style="text-align: center;"><b><u><br /></u></b></h2><h2 style="text-align: center;"><b><u> My Revisit to Scona Lodge and Calderwood </u></b></h2><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Feb. 24, 2024</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> Kenny and I revisited Scona Lodge site and Calderwood last Saturday. It was not the most fun visit we've ever made there. I mainly wanted to revisit with a fresh set of eyes after all Jim's wonderful descriptions of the area from 1946. I could see a good bit more of how things used to be based on his stories and photos. It was Winter and there wasn't a lot to see this time of year especially if you've been before in Spring or Summer. We managed to make it across the lake without taking an unintended swim which is a plus. Kenny was too big for kayaks. He is still too big for a canoe. We need to get a different water craft. Something a bit more stable like a small model bass boat. I bet it wouldn't take much to convince him. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> I am going to let the pictures and captions tell the story. I still have to go back and take Paul and Amanda. We'll go in Spring when the flowers are out and it is prettier. It will be more fun with more people. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihvRFAkRPhgmtIPMQmqbDrJyMGzbyHo_9LqrFhW0XZNf7GmNgDfG0iN927UFI0qlLznRjI_vCrmjRJCuMD5SxtB6Nu-QSQ4TB5SFyjcH23ONdZNXBussxTEx2W1mcJ8aM_dUynHHHtMXi_aRV-NUzR5sDXVMJ4Rvi-1IL_5RzvsEXjkiaxvzUeWBQwZU8/s5568/GOPR2344.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihvRFAkRPhgmtIPMQmqbDrJyMGzbyHo_9LqrFhW0XZNf7GmNgDfG0iN927UFI0qlLznRjI_vCrmjRJCuMD5SxtB6Nu-QSQ4TB5SFyjcH23ONdZNXBussxTEx2W1mcJ8aM_dUynHHHtMXi_aRV-NUzR5sDXVMJ4Rvi-1IL_5RzvsEXjkiaxvzUeWBQwZU8/w640-h480/GOPR2344.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: Beautiful Chilhowee Lake looking across to where we are heading. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioBG6DyWtn46uCPoTUiifVI7NUmv6VUQHYt_z9mFPMk_g2Q9ygQ08h8m_5bahUfgQKy90Cl8S1LKvTOYZh-I2uD_Er18awo2QYzxgv_BCrWTR2oYizijp1t8I3_TBsFCwsJhWBk3Ja1y6p-jLlzT2rcNI91m2Tn_JvJCAvKrzaeoSQqMkimmDJ0BzL1lM/s5568/GOPR2348.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioBG6DyWtn46uCPoTUiifVI7NUmv6VUQHYt_z9mFPMk_g2Q9ygQ08h8m_5bahUfgQKy90Cl8S1LKvTOYZh-I2uD_Er18awo2QYzxgv_BCrWTR2oYizijp1t8I3_TBsFCwsJhWBk3Ja1y6p-jLlzT2rcNI91m2Tn_JvJCAvKrzaeoSQqMkimmDJ0BzL1lM/w640-h480/GOPR2348.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: Looking at the boat launch. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8tD5Zj4wXrz1GFMOECXVkwU_1yI_WVlFQo-cLSco9lpkp0ul75uujalHUdHFmnBxA9M2VUadznTVhCIIiFrpxeiuruzlGNgFr7n6WaChXluGOJMbyQS2Cw3R3OYaLnc_d6ofkhBBnjdlbrqaP90uqZ4hiN0L-G6YtT9be40P3FHC-j4-uzlsOdD7b8Jc/s5568/GOPR2351.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8tD5Zj4wXrz1GFMOECXVkwU_1yI_WVlFQo-cLSco9lpkp0ul75uujalHUdHFmnBxA9M2VUadznTVhCIIiFrpxeiuruzlGNgFr7n6WaChXluGOJMbyQS2Cw3R3OYaLnc_d6ofkhBBnjdlbrqaP90uqZ4hiN0L-G6YtT9be40P3FHC-j4-uzlsOdD7b8Jc/w640-h480/GOPR2351.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: We've made it across and are looking down the lake toward the dam. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8tjV5bx1VcsSx-CSE2GHe0HQ1ahmxYmxpOKhuiIO45bH1-PEDU0g6o1vaHL-Y4XrkuD1pw-mmqZo2Cu25kdmaBOE9IuQUV6vIIXG0xqc8LVZ5vXsnFroqavyaYJCGcMTg_v_TqLNBkqBalLVrRtU4v28RXZF5BHFYnG1eR3ob7skzl1IBEGbOIuIy38U/s5568/GOPR2355.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8tjV5bx1VcsSx-CSE2GHe0HQ1ahmxYmxpOKhuiIO45bH1-PEDU0g6o1vaHL-Y4XrkuD1pw-mmqZo2Cu25kdmaBOE9IuQUV6vIIXG0xqc8LVZ5vXsnFroqavyaYJCGcMTg_v_TqLNBkqBalLVrRtU4v28RXZF5BHFYnG1eR3ob7skzl1IBEGbOIuIy38U/w640-h480/GOPR2355.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: The tarmac where we got out. There is a fire ring there. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhObwBW0JoAiHcboB9CkeQpi5xTAXhcwt11U7JFGlJ1_YpGo32BV2aAuC0yw1HozOdQQ5cBYh60ofJrsND0gkMf5QCQbvDQskXII8syPJ3jMA9lCCvwAqqmEIyDBhy3r3NTtZVZLVgdzkyjbps8kgBu-9T0qrfu1Z7okBf2x-pco4PPVvuslggSJFCPJy0/s5568/GOPR2358.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhObwBW0JoAiHcboB9CkeQpi5xTAXhcwt11U7JFGlJ1_YpGo32BV2aAuC0yw1HozOdQQ5cBYh60ofJrsND0gkMf5QCQbvDQskXII8syPJ3jMA9lCCvwAqqmEIyDBhy3r3NTtZVZLVgdzkyjbps8kgBu-9T0qrfu1Z7okBf2x-pco4PPVvuslggSJFCPJy0/w640-h480/GOPR2358.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: out on the tarmac looking at the embankment above us. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Below: We set out to the west following this faint path to the former lodge site. English ivy was planted here and it is taking over the world. This and mahonia shrubs were found. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdqVvb2D4bZ25F3-0wOB0asK2kKOcZ-Ki_Ti61aNE3c9GCb1fp-xBy-90WrRgmmb5JMQi2Cs8g7tuyzpo1BmefS4KeKXAuJEH_DEFWq2Jc0FRV6iGWzRKknPJ7h81S1ZrPjn6vX25wqxC2XtHJZHYFRJwnAEom8Ovc_3lKLdgGWbkIE0FuRvGJDmAP_h8/s5568/GOPR2367.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdqVvb2D4bZ25F3-0wOB0asK2kKOcZ-Ki_Ti61aNE3c9GCb1fp-xBy-90WrRgmmb5JMQi2Cs8g7tuyzpo1BmefS4KeKXAuJEH_DEFWq2Jc0FRV6iGWzRKknPJ7h81S1ZrPjn6vX25wqxC2XtHJZHYFRJwnAEom8Ovc_3lKLdgGWbkIE0FuRvGJDmAP_h8/w640-h480/GOPR2367.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Below: A crossing of a spring branch on the walk to the old lodge site. It used to be bridged, but has collapsed. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGGeJJgJLUwmeDuQxUbvU5QYOSsndDH7zVvaR1YdTxpNJOpHZkoOTGP1GW_gxWaQHrP0Y2IpwK87BM0iPrtlA5g9m8plQV_8FWd2MGBUywth6s00Z_6hF99DbQMuRrEmf-n2VjBVRCXXkZIsWnI2nFipdsQXmIlU2JctBY9eAitY5wt-dm5eKICxWlU98/s5568/GOPR2365.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGGeJJgJLUwmeDuQxUbvU5QYOSsndDH7zVvaR1YdTxpNJOpHZkoOTGP1GW_gxWaQHrP0Y2IpwK87BM0iPrtlA5g9m8plQV_8FWd2MGBUywth6s00Z_6hF99DbQMuRrEmf-n2VjBVRCXXkZIsWnI2nFipdsQXmIlU2JctBY9eAitY5wt-dm5eKICxWlU98/w640-h480/GOPR2365.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnD1dJGJ23dyBNC4EPhbo7dHd1EDJSjdEBgeqS1RLWPGArta1i8UZd5RxXj1yawdtfbbDck64c_ZpD-RHPItiMR4v6ImEsfPv2ZiyusgRyt0rOETPyAAcDnb7j5TA7bNIudThgSqQ_HaJfsl88iq2JGf-b7tkpMtVhNVV-h1lTsbsRA9PcNtPOhY5Fkfo/s5568/GOPR2370.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnD1dJGJ23dyBNC4EPhbo7dHd1EDJSjdEBgeqS1RLWPGArta1i8UZd5RxXj1yawdtfbbDck64c_ZpD-RHPItiMR4v6ImEsfPv2ZiyusgRyt0rOETPyAAcDnb7j5TA7bNIudThgSqQ_HaJfsl88iq2JGf-b7tkpMtVhNVV-h1lTsbsRA9PcNtPOhY5Fkfo/w640-h480/GOPR2370.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: Stairs that led up to the patio. <br /><u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> We hiked up Maroney Branch a little ways to where the trail plays out and you can see the little dam. The dam was a reservoir for water to use in the fish pond and in the lodge. It has partially crumbled and the stream has filled in a lot with sediment. The plumbing can still be seen in the creek bed and running down to the lodge. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Below: Kenny ahead of me on the walk heading from the former patio to the stream.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbaBrO-qcpbq4YWYtzi_7z6CRPUdDZGZxwDI7oCQGTGFHQj7DbmYSo41l6nS7K2xZcv-vvhy76StTXnc4cEekCw7K0nLAN0Rb0dAvJM9OM_oTFeekT0I_l3kQVqzbms4eiRPsS4AV1_adiwG9BaI4WNTCG1f-DSV8QN2eDO1gDtuLegW0Vk2k3x18AUUk/s5568/GOPR2376.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbaBrO-qcpbq4YWYtzi_7z6CRPUdDZGZxwDI7oCQGTGFHQj7DbmYSo41l6nS7K2xZcv-vvhy76StTXnc4cEekCw7K0nLAN0Rb0dAvJM9OM_oTFeekT0I_l3kQVqzbms4eiRPsS4AV1_adiwG9BaI4WNTCG1f-DSV8QN2eDO1gDtuLegW0Vk2k3x18AUUk/w640-h480/GOPR2376.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCRQoAeAk1KOiwX4zW5d79ub2cytnozK5uhtjNr7WcOTJV5thlWXid3_TiA2VaLPKi6nyzRKXhyphenhyphendVtj3gRLrf1QDsXG4Cf3OUsceZSiTlZZEmGwmgyeguZ4fblE_xGDALkrPR2_ao1FjTF_I-QyKt3VRPgMXVkAFt-dS4JVpSJe5HUJas1gPaDEu7MhrI/s5568/GOPR2380.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCRQoAeAk1KOiwX4zW5d79ub2cytnozK5uhtjNr7WcOTJV5thlWXid3_TiA2VaLPKi6nyzRKXhyphenhyphendVtj3gRLrf1QDsXG4Cf3OUsceZSiTlZZEmGwmgyeguZ4fblE_xGDALkrPR2_ao1FjTF_I-QyKt3VRPgMXVkAFt-dS4JVpSJe5HUJas1gPaDEu7MhrI/w640-h480/GOPR2380.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: Old dam on the branch back of the lodge site. You can see it is very shallow now. I'm sure that wasn't always how this looked. I'd say a lot of sediment has filled in. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijya0aCaLssdpaeXhHd7dmNm00pxDIFehMVLhFw_qy649XKIyBmHvXtJZ8gr2dcpdBxPukwBSSmRkdhlPkN6S_x_rDm-7-XCVtGVcoqBY9TRDKju9WY0n9EAptPrH6w3k4299tIxzAuTYA9GFPDeiFPfY1zZf4mHMDjzS_j3JvOJ83805SE10P2P7g3lo/s5568/GOPR2382.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijya0aCaLssdpaeXhHd7dmNm00pxDIFehMVLhFw_qy649XKIyBmHvXtJZ8gr2dcpdBxPukwBSSmRkdhlPkN6S_x_rDm-7-XCVtGVcoqBY9TRDKju9WY0n9EAptPrH6w3k4299tIxzAuTYA9GFPDeiFPfY1zZf4mHMDjzS_j3JvOJ83805SE10P2P7g3lo/w640-h480/GOPR2382.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Above: lots of brush and brambles on the little path up Maroney Branch. We're heading back.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD4MLZAMY95hyrwsb7CsodQA3k_zRyXhLCPJCF2XfSAr8KxVTXh6jZc-3zJYIy_rHqDR3EQqR7ZtCnEbOo3_t-iTrjUSdA1f6FXVaRp-EYhUZmDPPyaRxRlttkYoT7P4_BTml-9Gk39RhS4pqNwjJx1v9Yl2Qvhz9PiMCr4AbrXgh80BbZ9g_TtDK_4tk/s5568/GOPR2385.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD4MLZAMY95hyrwsb7CsodQA3k_zRyXhLCPJCF2XfSAr8KxVTXh6jZc-3zJYIy_rHqDR3EQqR7ZtCnEbOo3_t-iTrjUSdA1f6FXVaRp-EYhUZmDPPyaRxRlttkYoT7P4_BTml-9Gk39RhS4pqNwjJx1v9Yl2Qvhz9PiMCr4AbrXgh80BbZ9g_TtDK_4tk/w640-h480/GOPR2385.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: the bow of the canoe with my paddle. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Below: Once we shoved back off we went up the lake toward the dam across the mouth of Tallassee Creek. We went a little past that. I could see the area where the ferrymans house used to sit. It was just to one side of Tallassee Creek. He could look across and see if people needed the ferry. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcrDJCxHS8D2TJyNfdLvZ2bEqZPveLyArD-KKtgNP-USxlDnqhoDoG7J2RPZHcy26caiSgYBOUa38mN_Drbcm2ODD540qmXw8kkjGzyH7wE2eKK9H3dmgX3s0nGvEIcnWSKWsLsbhN3bix7SAMUNHy6aacesThJhlXZC-1_GfAYVw7_Axe0mWxI38Cq78/s5568/GOPR2388.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcrDJCxHS8D2TJyNfdLvZ2bEqZPveLyArD-KKtgNP-USxlDnqhoDoG7J2RPZHcy26caiSgYBOUa38mN_Drbcm2ODD540qmXw8kkjGzyH7wE2eKK9H3dmgX3s0nGvEIcnWSKWsLsbhN3bix7SAMUNHy6aacesThJhlXZC-1_GfAYVw7_Axe0mWxI38Cq78/w640-h480/GOPR2388.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>We went up the lake a short distance. Just nosing around. We tried to stay in closer to the edge of the lake. Use caution doing this because there are lots of weeds in the lake bed. It could tangle up the prop of a motor or snag your paddle. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> We turned and began crossing back to the landing. I was very nervous. Kenny is unwieldly in a canoe and that's no lie. We started getting a strong head wind making it harder to get back to shore. After some paddling and course adjustments I managed to get us close enough for me to step out. I was so happy to be on land. I dragged the canoe up enough for Kenny to step out. Rejoice! We made it! Not the most exciting trip, but it was okay. We loaded our gear up.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> We sat in the truck out of the strong wind and ate a quick lunch. Then we headed back toward Calderwood to have a look around. Jim told me the school he attended in Calderwood was four rooms divided by ages. Each had a wood stove for heat. It sat across from the Methodist church. We started off at the Methodist church having a look around. I spotted a stone retaining wall down from the church, but across the road. I wondered if this was the school site? It didn't seem large enough and I saw no foundations left. I later learned from checking USGS Historical Maps that the school sat on the same knoll the church did though directly across from it. It is shown on the 1935 Calderwood Map. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Below: I had never visited Calderwood during this season. It is lovely with more Easter flowers in bloom than you can count! </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiReXTL3mppkLtUnJJguyQuehfhXOhVvsqcjLopuFnvzlrSRJDnXGSm_-9kbiZMxjTUPfV9N_ZbVMEjGY9Knadt_tHdLwyjQfDslHjr1loWnGyoSxNFMHaQEoNOr23LpY-XUW4x8R2R_RZWGod2WhcL_56gvOIad9wPSE5P7mvt48X8YphWqwKB1LcMKW0/s5483/Daffodils.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3713" data-original-width="5483" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiReXTL3mppkLtUnJJguyQuehfhXOhVvsqcjLopuFnvzlrSRJDnXGSm_-9kbiZMxjTUPfV9N_ZbVMEjGY9Knadt_tHdLwyjQfDslHjr1loWnGyoSxNFMHaQEoNOr23LpY-XUW4x8R2R_RZWGod2WhcL_56gvOIad9wPSE5P7mvt48X8YphWqwKB1LcMKW0/w640-h434/Daffodils.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Below: the former Methodist Church<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNKIhDwy5fBUV-qml9qYP9mfd_t9seFh9K4RlIWV18Vomea-Iq6gomiud-gyXK6YFX4A_afBStsb4ukMQXTEgf6jQjdcWRZVzjPadH_KN5GdRBV90ZyG7XImpf_Rr_vRK61DzFjcK8T8AOAvgpic-dFDffezFwrTaIusiPb_vqY4BawcsjstXaAY1N-Ao/s5568/GOPR2394.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNKIhDwy5fBUV-qml9qYP9mfd_t9seFh9K4RlIWV18Vomea-Iq6gomiud-gyXK6YFX4A_afBStsb4ukMQXTEgf6jQjdcWRZVzjPadH_KN5GdRBV90ZyG7XImpf_Rr_vRK61DzFjcK8T8AOAvgpic-dFDffezFwrTaIusiPb_vqY4BawcsjstXaAY1N-Ao/w640-h480/GOPR2394.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Below: down at the intersection of roads below the Methodist church there are sidewalks and numerous house foundations. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDD3FzHiRLo_Kyrgl1k2GIgIyvBgZQtVsXLDK4y8sgerHpPlS_NQPOaWR_q_dBB3CdcufuWKYx3rZWnbiCvH6nCGlM-I8gN27_iEEa7WsD2-Q-WW3h0N4UqDEjbxqALdIx2ozcvXZAlji-YpiXfUi1PTMvonyZWmDmikAWgRJ_VHSCIbiCLKKzAmBMFUw/s5568/GOPR2401.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDD3FzHiRLo_Kyrgl1k2GIgIyvBgZQtVsXLDK4y8sgerHpPlS_NQPOaWR_q_dBB3CdcufuWKYx3rZWnbiCvH6nCGlM-I8gN27_iEEa7WsD2-Q-WW3h0N4UqDEjbxqALdIx2ozcvXZAlji-YpiXfUi1PTMvonyZWmDmikAWgRJ_VHSCIbiCLKKzAmBMFUw/w640-h480/GOPR2401.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvthZq8Um8-7A_Jx49mYSvOYT_e-1w5nfXmB3wgIZ3TDxK6ERF_wkcfSugRAp1ugIicCqi74j-KvlRdocVXOQVnxkjuZkcFQNfdzPqK6tQRizT9h_F06sD_WI93KjcVWQMELymxAv_9IukVrz_RffQs_20iZyCGvYQqB-MLwmvCSYV9iw0KK4RCWAPudQ/s5568/GOPR2405.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvthZq8Um8-7A_Jx49mYSvOYT_e-1w5nfXmB3wgIZ3TDxK6ERF_wkcfSugRAp1ugIicCqi74j-KvlRdocVXOQVnxkjuZkcFQNfdzPqK6tQRizT9h_F06sD_WI93KjcVWQMELymxAv_9IukVrz_RffQs_20iZyCGvYQqB-MLwmvCSYV9iw0KK4RCWAPudQ/w640-h480/GOPR2405.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above and below: The retaining wall of stone that I spotted. Not sure what was here. Maybe just houses. Lots of rock lily plants here. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ZfsJXjinou53OmqZ3RVl8WKb7Gp0MG4KUqfBRAto3IsXxlW__Vfx4kgYzM28mrXfSyErIHC5ziFN8YsqWfMWWNxVigTvTlQ75JuIYM81y2rzTKY7m85Nr8dNkIjcIasqLPNMEit-FOV1HdeJOHg16RlU3jDZF_qLCRSt5Mgyor-y7yXg11xXkOAmHbk/s5568/GOPR2407.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ZfsJXjinou53OmqZ3RVl8WKb7Gp0MG4KUqfBRAto3IsXxlW__Vfx4kgYzM28mrXfSyErIHC5ziFN8YsqWfMWWNxVigTvTlQ75JuIYM81y2rzTKY7m85Nr8dNkIjcIasqLPNMEit-FOV1HdeJOHg16RlU3jDZF_qLCRSt5Mgyor-y7yXg11xXkOAmHbk/w640-h480/GOPR2407.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Below: I was told that this building down along the main road came to serve as the school later on. I guess that is possible, but I am not certain. I wouldn't know why or when the four room school house moved to this building? <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJjV0M9wCFK4eWSrKKB5_6u8NJVUQKK1RmwzBwY_IATloIveFE6pyire3ONvkbKlK6APxl7xecyF5sExVJnPHMt6kJ1VICpnBwxWUR1tljIz_Gm0BVtjfYNr8Q-b5Mi_ltBJuSKN4IsmWFAEj3ibarbWqd4p1ggEzYH0GanHZPStGlxWRGQK3MdLmUAKw/s5568/GOPR2410.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJjV0M9wCFK4eWSrKKB5_6u8NJVUQKK1RmwzBwY_IATloIveFE6pyire3ONvkbKlK6APxl7xecyF5sExVJnPHMt6kJ1VICpnBwxWUR1tljIz_Gm0BVtjfYNr8Q-b5Mi_ltBJuSKN4IsmWFAEj3ibarbWqd4p1ggEzYH0GanHZPStGlxWRGQK3MdLmUAKw/w640-h480/GOPR2410.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimS8fGj9X4rUK6KY82VrblrfDIWrrBjbV_SUUPcGmv9K9Db0ET70AWK1IhcbKkcOV4p91p2g5vfoWbanptBcb2NCfibuwZlmzij-PC_3887DU4LsLxUxwk0hPo3Ssuw3ghYWR_FFcqXdkry4YS2wvezNwX306KC6sjnc5OB06dvRcJSaWLEiRmMxJH30I/s5568/GOPR2412.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimS8fGj9X4rUK6KY82VrblrfDIWrrBjbV_SUUPcGmv9K9Db0ET70AWK1IhcbKkcOV4p91p2g5vfoWbanptBcb2NCfibuwZlmzij-PC_3887DU4LsLxUxwk0hPo3Ssuw3ghYWR_FFcqXdkry4YS2wvezNwX306KC6sjnc5OB06dvRcJSaWLEiRmMxJH30I/w640-h480/GOPR2412.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Above: The quonset hut by the little brick building was the movie theater! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> I would love to have seen Calderwood when it was at its peak. I am sure it was quite pretty and a happening little place! I've read descriptions that make me nostalgic. Children roller skating on sidewalks and jumping rope. People out walking and visiting. Coming and going from jobs. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Attending church services and school. Heading to the movies. It must have been quite nice.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> We didn't linger too long today. We headed home. I will return and make sure Paul and Amanda get across the lake to see the old lodge site. We can walk back to the waterfall also! </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>I have posted Jim Buchanan's account of how Scona was in 1946 with its own link at the top of this blog entry. He has a remarkable memory! It is part of history and worth preserving. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Below I am posting one other story he wrote about catching a big gar that was tearing into his fish at his favorite fishing hole! </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><h2 style="text-align: center;"><b><u><br /></u></b><b><u>Capturing a Big Gar </u></b></h2><div style="text-align: center;"><b> by Jim Buchanan </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><div style="text-decoration-line: underline;"><br /></div><div> When I was a youngster and my family lived on the grounds of Scona Lodge near</div><div>Calderwood, Tennessee one of my favorite activities was fishing. Scona Lodge was</div><div>located right on the Little Tennessee River and Tallassee Creek ran into the river near</div><div>our house. Anyone that has done any river fishing knows that at the mouth of creeks is</div><div>a good place to fish and that was the case at the mouth of Tallassee Creek. Our first</div><div>day at the lodge, I rigged a pole and went fishing at the mouth of the creek and soon</div><div>caught two small pan fish that Mother cooked for our first dinner there.</div><div>After that I regularly fished the mouth of the creek and generally did well. My parents</div><div>actually let me layout of school and fish all day sometimes in the spring when fishing</div><div>was exceptional good. I kept the family supplied with fish. Then I noticed something else</div><div>had discovered my good fishing hole. A big GAR had moved in. GARs are really</div><div>glutinous eaters and grow to 6 foot size on further south. This one wasn’t that big but it</div><div>was big. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> Below is a photo of a long nosed gar. They can get three or four feet long and weigh as much as 50 pounds! They have a single row of sharp teeth. I've been swimming with small gar fish in the river, but I don't think I'd stick around to swim with the big ones! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitm-mC0QV9EzdfMpCLOMvbIYeLjRub_BBl84-C0dScbdNxKmZr35xJc9lxquKD2coybTy2dCS_yySgXcAeGYXTJYQ_fxafUxQAt11S-GuJePcC2wVspK7TogtKHN73W4x5kNBzRPoqtFiDOQ2nMzvUPa62iDA_F1mEiSipmjYUnLPzXl1hUZnJdN8DA1c/s800/gar.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="800" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitm-mC0QV9EzdfMpCLOMvbIYeLjRub_BBl84-C0dScbdNxKmZr35xJc9lxquKD2coybTy2dCS_yySgXcAeGYXTJYQ_fxafUxQAt11S-GuJePcC2wVspK7TogtKHN73W4x5kNBzRPoqtFiDOQ2nMzvUPa62iDA_F1mEiSipmjYUnLPzXl1hUZnJdN8DA1c/w400-h223/gar.webp" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><div style="text-decoration-line: underline;"><br /></div><div> There clearly wasn’t room for both me and the GAR at the mouth of</div><div>Tallassee Creek so the GAR had to go. I tried catching it with various bait but nothing worked. Then Jim Edwards the ferryman and I would take one of the lodge’s row boats up</div><div>to the mouth of the creek and try to knock it in the head with a paddle as it tried to get</div><div>by us to the open water. It got by us several times, but then one day Jim got a good</div><div>blow in and was also somehow able to flip it into the boat with the paddle. We then had</div><div>this vicious fish flopping around in the boat with us but a couple more blows subdued it.</div><div>Its body was about 3 feet long with the bill about another 1 foot long. We had quite an</div><div>unusual specimen to show around. I took it and showed it to some of the lodge guest. I</div><div>don’t think any of them wanted to go swimming in the river after seeing it.</div></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Below is a video of the highlights of today's visit to the Scona Lodge site </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><h1 style="text-align: left;"><b><u><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XXkWviUU4qc" title="Abandoned Scona Lodge" width="670"></iframe></u></b></h1><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>And below is a video of the highlights of the visit to Calderwood. I am pondering on the video if the stone wall is the site of the former school. I know now that it is not. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><h1 style="text-align: left;"><b><u><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Cpl7lg-yCJc" title="Calderwood 2024" width="670"></iframe></u></b></h1><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u>Directions to Scona Lodge Site</u></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>From Hwy 129 heading east toward Deals Gap turn RIGHT onto Calderwood Road which on Google maps is "Housely Road" or SR 115. Follow it down for 3/4 mile and turn RIGHT again at the first intersection onto Growdon Blvd. Follow it for just under a mile to its end at the boat launch. You can easily see across to the former boat landing on the opposite side. It is around 0.25 miles across to the spot to take out. We don't go to the boat landing made of concrete. We go to the little cove slightly to the left of that where a tiny rock jetty is seen. It is a sandy spot and easy to take out. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> Once across you turn right and walk toward the old lodge site. You will soon cross a stream.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Across the little stream you follow the obvious path slightly left to the steps for the old lodge. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>The patio is at the top of these. Maroney Branch flows by it and you can rock hop the creek and walk up it a short distance to the little dam. To see the golf course go back to the patio and continue westward along the lake shore. You will come to the ruins of a stacked stone building. t</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>This was the equipment shed for the golf course. It was a nine hole course and some of it is under the water of the lake now. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> Thanks to James Buchanan for his generosity in sharing the wonderful stories of his childhood memories at Scona and Calderwood. It is priceless! </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: underline;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzrVafVhzaEgeSeP5K1XfqZV0lIdw8jqtyPX25-xtFfD9dIfK1H_RaALGU3XAhVnKGYJQ6G7zTcs4O7Bioh4sZUfCfS10TjmKrO1F3WtrJ9poSeKgoIe1cJaAgA52eCVzCI8v_TElWJTqTxBxAXWiDzXrrWJ575FvyB8vS5IZrBLUKg-esoxjqL9YEWKg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="736" data-original-width="736" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzrVafVhzaEgeSeP5K1XfqZV0lIdw8jqtyPX25-xtFfD9dIfK1H_RaALGU3XAhVnKGYJQ6G7zTcs4O7Bioh4sZUfCfS10TjmKrO1F3WtrJ9poSeKgoIe1cJaAgA52eCVzCI8v_TElWJTqTxBxAXWiDzXrrWJ575FvyB8vS5IZrBLUKg-esoxjqL9YEWKg=w320-h320" width="320" /></a></div>Above: a little 1940s clip art. <br /><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><h2 style="text-align: center;"><b><u>Future Plans </u></b></h2><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> I mentioned this would be a blog series. It should be fun and since it is such a large area there are many possibilities. I am listing a few below. Please reach out to me if you have suggestions?! I am always thrilled to hear from readers. Mr. Buchanan reaching out to me is part of what inspired this! Below are a few ideas that came to mind. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b><br /></b></li><li><b>Look Rock-- actual look rock not just the tower</b></li><li><b><br /></b></li><li><b>Qualla Boundary-- Indian Village and Gardens</b></li><li><b>Unto These Hills</b></li><li><b><br /></b></li><li><b>Carson-McGhee Penisula</b></li><li><b><br /></b></li><li><b>Wayah Bald</b></li><li><b><br /></b></li><li><b>Rufus Morgan Falls & St. John's Cartgooechaye Church & Chapel of the Ascension</b></li><li><b><br /></b></li><li><b>Suli Marsh </b></li><li><b><br /></b></li><li><b>Nikwasi mound</b></li><li><b><br /></b></li><li><b>Fontana. -- I love Fontana Village. They are doing some real retro stuff now and have made some improvements. I've already put in a request with my big man that we need to go. He was down with that! </b></li></ul></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div> </div><p></p><p> </p>Dana Kooglerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05415223619811093720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626760878352814160.post-26128316889494924852024-02-23T22:12:00.004-05:002024-02-24T08:05:53.198-05:00Mountain Superstitions<p> </p><h1 style="text-align: center;"><b><u><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi2ArK_dyaIL0YPfB5ghMdOZSjWqEVKh_oNoF-7uP8i6Zgvlh9yo3IzFgtmu5vPO-1Z58rC7Smaf-Y4TBh43WXnRR9vZtIP21rsahJJXi3RkmLqMXZMtNm4M6aMyG8UQl5jDKZrxrQ5UsFV5Tr953RvvfGMUmm-i0GbiPi3Yce4KLvyC12zzPCCFmlk_Ug" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi2ArK_dyaIL0YPfB5ghMdOZSjWqEVKh_oNoF-7uP8i6Zgvlh9yo3IzFgtmu5vPO-1Z58rC7Smaf-Y4TBh43WXnRR9vZtIP21rsahJJXi3RkmLqMXZMtNm4M6aMyG8UQl5jDKZrxrQ5UsFV5Tr953RvvfGMUmm-i0GbiPi3Yce4KLvyC12zzPCCFmlk_Ug" width="240" /></a></div><br /></u></b></h1><h1 style="text-align: center;"><b><u><br /></u></b></h1><h1 style="text-align: center;"><b><u><br /></u></b></h1><h1 style="text-align: center;"><b><u><br /></u></b></h1><h1 style="text-align: center;"><b><u>Mountain Superstitions</u></b></h1><div><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Dana Koogler </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Feb. 2024</b></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> I come from rural Appalachia. People who are hard working, but never had a lot. </p><p>I was the first child born in the family after one set of grandparents got an indoor bathroom.</p><p>Mountain people from them hollers believe all kinds of things. Even the religious believers still have some odd superstitious ways. I'm a woman of science. I'm a Christian and very charismatic, but </p><p>there is one superstition I've never had much luck overcoming. We believe a bird in the house was a death omen. One bashing into the windows of a house or getting indoors was a thing to be dreaded and avoided. My cousin Jim Conner told me I ought to know better that being a Christian I knew the Lord was in control and put that foolishness out of my mind. I know on an intellectual level he is right. Getting the rest of me to cooperate is a different matter. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><u>1963 Vesuvius, Virginia </u></b></p><p> My great grandmother Mamie Cash-Brooks passed away about a year before I was born.</p><p>I have been told by my grandmother and many aunts and uncles the story of how a bird got in the house months before she passed away. She died at home of cancer and it was really horrible. It made an impression on me. The room she died in was closed off and it was seldom if ever anyone went in there. </p><p> <b><u> Below is a photo of my great grandparents house in Vesuvius where they raised eleven children! </u> This little house had running water in the kitchen, but the bathroom was an outhouse! </b></p><p><b>They heated with a wood stove, but they did have electricity. They did not have a phone. </b></p><p>Grandma Brooks died in this little house in the room you can see has a window on the side of the house. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Family/Carry-Me-Back-to-Ole-Virginny/i-D8s2TK6/0/FBQM3nzdSt3tdR6zxRFj9pM5wT3S5rVnx558Wcz6R/O/Brooks%20Reunion%202011%20060.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Family/Carry-Me-Back-to-Ole-Virginny/i-D8s2TK6/0/FBQM3nzdSt3tdR6zxRFj9pM5wT3S5rVnx558Wcz6R/O/Brooks%20Reunion%202011%20060.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p>Below is a photo of my great grandmother Mamie Brooks in the center with the glasses. </p><p>Left to right I think the baby is my cousin George, Aunt Ellen, Uncle Kennan, Grandma Brooks, and my grandmother Edna. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Family/Carry-Me-Back-to-Ole-Virginny/i-BgtFDCq/0/CTM9kndcZKwsxwpr79LRPgkXn738PXNpfVnXwNWfg/O/426755_2662813614964_1394674411_32113129_204374413_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Family/Carry-Me-Back-to-Ole-Virginny/i-BgtFDCq/0/CTM9kndcZKwsxwpr79LRPgkXn738PXNpfVnXwNWfg/O/426755_2662813614964_1394674411_32113129_204374413_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Below is my great grandfather McKinley Brooks husband of Mamie when he was getting on up there in years. He is by his green truck. <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Family/Carry-Me-Back-to-Ole-Virginny/i-q2WttkC/0/CWZp7wXcc5fPd3VcGqhPnrvvBQTXQsX3m9cQLVzN9/O/432042_2647623115211_1394674411_32107312_1760770090_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Family/Carry-Me-Back-to-Ole-Virginny/i-q2WttkC/0/CWZp7wXcc5fPd3VcGqhPnrvvBQTXQsX3m9cQLVzN9/O/432042_2647623115211_1394674411_32107312_1760770090_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><u><b>2023 Blount Beach, Tennessee </b></u></p><p><br /></p><p> One night Kenny fell asleep on the couch. I was downstairs doing something on the computer. </p><p>I was typing away and kept hearing the cats knocking and beating around in the family room.</p><p>They were annoying me mildly, but they just sounded like they do when they get into the cat nip. </p><p>I believed they were just being frisky. When the noise continued I turned around and saw them leaping into the air! I was bewildered, but before I could do or think anything else something flew past my head. It scared me. I went to swatting and I know my eyes were big as saucers. </p><p>Whatever it was flew back into the family room where the cats resumed their leaping and snatching at it. I had the lights on at this point and could better see what was up. It was a bird! A bird in the house! I screamed and ran upstairs. I slammed the door at the top so at least it was trapped down there. I didn't want it coming up with me. I was freaking out. I woke Kenny from his sleep on the sofa and insisted he need to help me! He could tell I was seriously distressed, but as he got up he went to hollering and groaning. Down in the floor he went. Rolling around holding onto his leg saying he had a charley horse. I was in disbelief and disgust. </p><p><br /></p><p> I was now angry. If you want a job done right you gotta do it yourself. Much like the rat catching thing I was left to deal with varmints on my own. I went downstairs and found a net in the garage. I brought it in and stood in the family room calm and quiet while the bird fluttered from one spot to the next. Finally it lit on the back of the recliner. It was a scared little sparrow. I dropped the net down over him. I used a throw pillow to scoot under the net to contain him. I took him outdoors and released him into the night. I put the net away and cleaned up all the feathers I could find. <b> </b>I had made a big leap forward in overcoming my fear of birds in the house. <b><u> My mother in law passed away about a month later. </u></b></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjVDxVFelU-JneI-TL6rKuM6a-y90AICQTc8NXElxfKQJVQkLB0ikzhb9eXCzvlB3u1zSO-VB5gIjUHy52jI_iYi4NmxR5wbReOaYRdnNUGokjBgPQaV8aovoqAURoHL_bbMD3DV7GTMAxjzqZL0hseBiPsTcFEnIOt_X0Krprxjxkrknw1T3zbgAWZB4M" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="199" data-original-width="254" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjVDxVFelU-JneI-TL6rKuM6a-y90AICQTc8NXElxfKQJVQkLB0ikzhb9eXCzvlB3u1zSO-VB5gIjUHy52jI_iYi4NmxR5wbReOaYRdnNUGokjBgPQaV8aovoqAURoHL_bbMD3DV7GTMAxjzqZL0hseBiPsTcFEnIOt_X0Krprxjxkrknw1T3zbgAWZB4M" width="306" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p> Many in my family were suspicious of doctors, hospitals, nurses, and sometimes even modern conveniences. It is a hold over from the old days. Just like I still don't have a complete handle on the bird in the house death omen. Some of them mistrusted other things or were superstitious.</p><p> My dad's parents got a telephone. It was one of those old timey hand crank types. One Summer evening they had a bad thunderstorm. They had a loud clap of thunder and ball lightning rolled out of the phone and across the floor! All four family members, Papaw, Mamaw, my aunt Mary Ann and my dad slept in the same bed that night! They were scared silly. Poorly understood devices is one reason, but ball lightning in the house is reason to be afraid. It is no joke! </p><p><br /></p><p> Below is a photo of my great, great grandmother's house Maw Cash. By the time I was a kid my great great maiden aunts lived here. Aunt Ethel and Aunt Marie were Grandma Mamie's sisters and were old maids. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Family/Carry-Me-Back-to-Ole-Virginny/i-xKKGrRB/0/CwP6NV4KfWVMkgr9t3BZQVh4kpvWm3RNwF9FXGG9h/O/Brooks%20Reunion%202011%20076.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Family/Carry-Me-Back-to-Ole-Virginny/i-xKKGrRB/0/CwP6NV4KfWVMkgr9t3BZQVh4kpvWm3RNwF9FXGG9h/O/Brooks%20Reunion%202011%20076.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><u>Mountain Medicine and Cures </u></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> More superstition and odd beliefs came in the form of how ailments were sometimes treated. Some of those old timey remedies really do work though. Below I'll share some of them I can remember.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><u> Foreign Body in the Eye--</u></b> if you get a speck of something in your eye that doesn't want to flush out... another way of drawing it out is to put an eye stone in your eye. A tiny flat, smooth pebble out of the creek for example or a button is laid on the eye. The physical property of surface tension will cause the speck to gravitate toward the eye stone and then you can find and remove it. </p><p><br /></p><p><b><u>Splinter or Foreign Object Embedded in the flesh -- </u> to draw out a splinter that is deep you can lay a slab of bacon or salt pork, fat back over the area and wear it to bed. Usually in the morning it has pulled the splinter to the surface where it can be easily removed. I got a chunk of dried chicory weed embedded in my leg near my shin. It was deep. I wore fat meat bound to my lower leg for four or five days. I even wore it every day to school. One day the bandage came loose while I was playing. I sat down to check it and re-secure it. The little wooden stobs were poking out of my leg. I easily removed them with my fingers. This is a cure that usually worked. </b></p><p><br /></p><p><b><u>Stomach ulcers --</u> Back in the old days around the time of WW II and even earlier they did not have these new fangled medicines like Prilosec, Nexium, Pepcid. They put you on a bland diet. Cut out cigarettes, coffee, tea, sodas and alcohol. They gave you goats milk to drink which was a coating for the stomach and soothed the pain and actually helped heal the ulcer. </b></p><p><br /></p><p><b><u>Taking the Fire from a Burn -- </u>My family believed in this and so did a lot of other people in the community of Vesuvius. My great grandfather Charlie Bradley was a gifted healer of burns. </b></p><p><b>It is a prayer that is passed from man to woman and woman to man, but is not passed between the same genders. A woman is not to teach a woman the spell and a man doesn't teach a man. </b></p><p><b>You pick one person of the opposite gender to pass the gift on to. I was always told that a man who had never seen the face of his father was a powerful healer. </b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b> I was taught the spell by my grandfather, but I never took much stock in it. I cannot argue with the results he got though. He healed more people than I realized. </b></p><p><b>I know my aunt Mary Ann fell in a tub of scalding hot wash water as a child. Poppy treated her and she stopped hurting and the area healed up just as pretty as you please. She had no scarring from it. </b></p><p><br /></p><p> <b> I heard from friend Bobby Berkstresser just months before he passed away that my great grandfather treated him for a severe burn on his arm when he was a grade school kid. He fixed himself french fries in hot grease at home alone. He thought he'd set the grease down in the kitchen sink which was a disastrous idea. The grease exploded all over his arm! He plunged it in cold water and kept it there until his parents got home. Helen took him straight to my grandfather to heal. Poppy did the spell over him .. it is a prayer actually and he said the pain left him. He healed up just fine!</b> <b>I think Poppy had a gift for sure, but I also think the power of mind over matter and belief is part of the reason it worked. </b></p><p><br /></p><p><b><u>Cure Warts -- T</u>here were spells to do for removing warts. My dad had them on his hands when he was very small. Only certain people had the ability to do this so my Papaw took Daddy out to Brownsburg to see Gundy Moran. He was a rough old man living there in the village. Daddy said he was about half scared of him. He made an X over each wart with a finger nail as black as coal. He got down and mumbled some words over Daddy's hands. They paid the old man and went home. The warts went away very quickly. I think again mind over matter, but perhaps he had a gift of healing. It is also possible some people possess a natural immunity to the virus that causes warts and their manipulations pass that virus killing agent on to the patient. </b></p><p>Below: a photo of my daddy as an adult </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Family/Carry-Me-Back-to-Ole-Virginny/i-SchHmf4/0/FF4kxRsfzmQm9xCdT3QcbRM5cNnF8XntLTBHCd5Ff/X2/VA%20036-X2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Family/Carry-Me-Back-to-Ole-Virginny/i-SchHmf4/0/FF4kxRsfzmQm9xCdT3QcbRM5cNnF8XntLTBHCd5Ff/X2/VA%20036-X2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><p><br /></p><p><b><u>Cure for the Croup</u> - I was a baby and my Mamaw kept me. I was sick with croup. She said I was pitifully coughing. She sliced an onion real thick and put it in the cast iron skillet. She heated it until the onion juice rose to the top of the onion slice. She scooped it out in a spoon and fed it to me. </b></p><p><b>She said a little while later I vomited out a lot of phlegm and the spasms of croup and the cough went right away. There is some evidence this really works even today. Onions have a powerful expectorant property and contain phytonutrients that reduce inflammation. </b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><u>Cure for Thrush -- </u>My great grandmother and grandmother told this story. They had a man traveling through the area who they took in to feed and lodge for the night. My aunt Mary Margaret was the eldest child, but was still a baby. She had thrush.. a yeast overgrowth in the mouth that makes you very sore and miserable. She cried continually. The man told Granny he could fix her. They put the sole of a leather shoe in the oven and burnt it up to ash. They smeared the ashes in Mary Margaret's mouth. She drooled profusely, but quit crying and the thrush went away! </b></p><p><br /></p><p><b><u>Cure Your Dog from Running Away from Home--</u>- This was told to me by grandpa Painter.</b></p><p><b> Paw said if you want to keep your dog from running off put a piece of meat in the toe of your boot and leave it over night. Feed it to the dog first thing the next morning and he won't run away anymore. It must not have worked or he did not take his own advice for his own elk hound Mike was forever running off! He didn't like it when I brought that to his attention! </b></p><p><b><u><br /></u></b></p><p><br /></p><p>Below: Grandpaw Painter sitting and Granny Painter behind him. It was Paw's birthday.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Family/Carry-Me-Back-to-Ole-Virginny/i-dCM3L9d/0/DzzBSH2xcKZKn4P7vSxXq7DP9VDZ3kn8FNN5wBLZ8/O/Granny%20and%20Paw.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="540" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Family/Carry-Me-Back-to-Ole-Virginny/i-dCM3L9d/0/DzzBSH2xcKZKn4P7vSxXq7DP9VDZ3kn8FNN5wBLZ8/O/Granny%20and%20Paw.jpg" width="432" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p> Back in those days the doctor made house calls or you could go to his office either way. <div>I have seen Dr. Kurt Fox from Fairfield once in his office. I well remember the many house calls made to see my great grandmother by Dr. Kennan from Raphine. The public health nurse made rounds in rural America back then and checked on people! I have many times seen Gladys Trainum make a house call on my grandfather. <br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b><u>Water Witching --</u> If you wanted to find where to dig a good well you wanted to have someone come water witch it. It was not something everyone could do. Some were very sensitive and good at it. When were preparing to get married and go to house keeping we needed a well dug.</b></p><p><b>We called a man from Brownsburg to come water witch it. He did it with a green peach branch.</b></p><p><b>He walked the property over and very quickly found streams flowing underground. He indicated you've got a stream running here in this direction. You've got another running here in this direction and this is where you want to dig. Here is where they come together and the stream is strongest! He let me walk with the peach branch and you could indeed feel a little something. </b></p><p><b>There must be something to it for it worked wonderfully! We hit water at only eighty feet! It was a gusher too! It was bored through solid rock. They went down 180 feet to be sure to not have it dry up later, but only 80 feet had to be cased so our well didn't cost much. Investing in the water witch and paying him saved us a lot of money. </b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b> Our friend Kenny Gordon decided to have a well put in at his home on nearby Little North Mountain. He saw how good we got along and figured it would be a breeze. He did not have it water witched. They dug and nothing. dug and nothing. Finally dug and got some water. continued digging and hit a cave. Dug deeper and hit sulphur and brimstone! They finally got a good well and clean water but at a depth of FIVE HUNDRED FEET! That was one costly water well. </b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b> Those are some of the mountain superstitions I know of. I'm sure there are more, but those all the only ones I am familiar with. There is something to a few of them, but the bird in the house thing is probably all in my crazy head. </b></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div>Dana Kooglerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05415223619811093720noreply@blogger.com0Blount Beach, TN 37804, USA35.7834176 -83.89573457.4731837638211545 -119.0519845 64.093651436178845 -48.7394845tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626760878352814160.post-56139371219006051482024-02-23T20:43:00.002-05:002024-02-23T20:49:22.621-05:00 Funny Stories : I'm the Head Rat Catcher in This Outfit <p> </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOf1EaSbC1FM0qgDRKrOcO-SzKtlpXnTgW1jA1MZp2N6DkklJNUxn1bzJ3tszQWkuxTRJyXouYJ63jHn91ufKpnTw6G0qSJ6hEjgIFkZv4--2JuM1VxO9bTK4Z8ivXeN5D8al8fSIEaX74jy317Ic2s7UlOZ2j8Al5zKBMxKYvTK7hDoVFsAKZxjdg7Mw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="350" data-original-width="600" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOf1EaSbC1FM0qgDRKrOcO-SzKtlpXnTgW1jA1MZp2N6DkklJNUxn1bzJ3tszQWkuxTRJyXouYJ63jHn91ufKpnTw6G0qSJ6hEjgIFkZv4--2JuM1VxO9bTK4Z8ivXeN5D8al8fSIEaX74jy317Ic2s7UlOZ2j8Al5zKBMxKYvTK7hDoVFsAKZxjdg7Mw=w400-h234" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><h1 style="text-align: left;"><b><u> I'm the Head Rat Catcher in This Outfit </u></b></h1><div><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Dana Koogler </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Feb. 23, 2024</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u>circa November 1987 </u></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> Back when Kenny and I first went to house keeping we lived in a trailer home. It was 1970s avocado green and baby blue decoration. Very dated but it was 100% paid for. We had no house payment or rent. We lived there while I finished nursing school, graduated, went to work, and had our first baby. Crystal was born and we were living in that thing. It had two bedrooms. Two bathrooms and was a decent place to live. Everyone with any sense knows that in the Fall of the year you need to be on the look out for rodents. The weather turns cold and they are looking for a way to get inside where it is warm. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> I began to hear sounds and see droppings that made me realize we had a rodent problem.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>It was not new to me. I went to the store and put out bait stations with mouse poison. I caught a mouse or two with traps. I killed one in front of the stove in the kitchen by whooping it to death with a broom. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>I still heard loud banging noises and clattering under the kitchen sink. I began to find mouse poison pellets stashed in the couch cushions! I told Kenny, my mother in law and my dad that we had a rat. They laughed and told me I was over reacting. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> I knew damn good and well what I was hearing. I went to the Farmers Co-Op and bought a God's honest RAT TRAP. I was scared to death of the trap. I put on boots and gloves and set that thing. I tied chalk line to the trap and tied the line to the drawer track. The last thing I wanted was a decomposing dead rat stinking up my home. I used a long metal grill spatula to gently lift that thing into place once I got it set. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: underline;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-jERUeHKIlXAhikmAnYS2EVNiwdQdcOHu2OQMVxBKQbJ0w6dkgtgNz4lRd_zMnlDNIEsaL0KimmXI7B-3ID6l2c2si8YTKlrK9ZGoB5ZI1grXRl-mAVC60jImGOYbvX5DX1rh7hqAYDjGuA_3IJDFL3M-tnZs0i-kcmLT6XwiJBolWf7IGNeUc3F_Sng/s248/victor.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="204" data-original-width="248" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-jERUeHKIlXAhikmAnYS2EVNiwdQdcOHu2OQMVxBKQbJ0w6dkgtgNz4lRd_zMnlDNIEsaL0KimmXI7B-3ID6l2c2si8YTKlrK9ZGoB5ZI1grXRl-mAVC60jImGOYbvX5DX1rh7hqAYDjGuA_3IJDFL3M-tnZs0i-kcmLT6XwiJBolWf7IGNeUc3F_Sng/s1600/victor.jpg" width="248" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><u> </u> We went to bed that night and turned the lights out. We were laying there drifting off to sleep when we heard a loud snap from the kitchen. It was followed by the most blood curdling squeaks and screeches and lots of thrashing around. Kenny reached over and got me by the hand and said "What are you gonna do?" I had proven my point. We caught a great big Norway rat in that trap. I was vindicated. They never doubted me after that. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_soTpUhr4B2Kj-k3aSfrvV5_dwmXPqSAW2H2ryA2VA5aRasnkGKDOTRb-_uQMbZoTlsSA8YALlFEVHEH7TDbBPnIDxdxrxK3T1vMo6PqtGum421sDgFfBSFKca3S0NcZRNeeM933j-PmG8o64u8rB9_ZgvoiGCCbPYnqV54k52OJOdL-NAcMwiCRJ4yo" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_soTpUhr4B2Kj-k3aSfrvV5_dwmXPqSAW2H2ryA2VA5aRasnkGKDOTRb-_uQMbZoTlsSA8YALlFEVHEH7TDbBPnIDxdxrxK3T1vMo6PqtGum421sDgFfBSFKca3S0NcZRNeeM933j-PmG8o64u8rB9_ZgvoiGCCbPYnqV54k52OJOdL-NAcMwiCRJ4yo" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><u>Fast Forward to June 2023 </u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: 700;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: 700;"> Kenny went to bed about thirty minutes ahead of me. I went to the downstairs to turn off lights and check to see that doors were locked. I noticed Dolly, one of our cats messing with a rodent on the floor. I couldn't tell at first what was up. I had made up my mind if it was dead I'd just let her keep it. I watched and waited and finally could see it try to run away from her.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>That did it! I dashed to the garage and came back with a shovel. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> Dolly saw me come back in with the shovel and took off upstairs with the mouse. I was freaked out and hollered for Kenny to help me. He got up and looked around and just went back to bed. He was no help to me at all. Dolly had taken the mouse into the kids room. She hunkered down over it and lay flat down hiding it under her belly. I picked her up and the mouse dashed away. I put her down and let her catch it again. She darted downstairs with the mouse in her teeth. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> She had taken it in the family room on the carpet. She'd grab it then let it go so it could run from her. During one of those times it fled from her I bashed it one good whack with the shovel and squashed it. Dirt clods flew off that shovel all over the place, but I did not care. The mouse was terminated with extreme prejudice. I hate rodents and their germs and beady eyes. A rat or mouse or seeing their droppings will send me into a cleaning and bleaching swivet like nothing else. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> I confronted Kenny about leaving me to deal with the rodents yet again. He laughed and cringed and said "You had it handled." Thus I have the dubious title of head rat catcher. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM1u7CokKKVXIKVovbbDhkpEuJgw_9w2-MsfHZu4eHyQRB9kQNWbdMWeK3M315XmN_9BdInwX_7_yLZUQzPm6IPigMqHvz3IvH01G1pP0xePUW_Iy5PzbC5RvoMu86708rrJPKjXrlLNZ54b1XsubXY0IQJeF6AbteXBD2ky_91eAWZ_trKgv-crlQOzg/s380/norway-rat.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="255" data-original-width="380" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM1u7CokKKVXIKVovbbDhkpEuJgw_9w2-MsfHZu4eHyQRB9kQNWbdMWeK3M315XmN_9BdInwX_7_yLZUQzPm6IPigMqHvz3IvH01G1pP0xePUW_Iy5PzbC5RvoMu86708rrJPKjXrlLNZ54b1XsubXY0IQJeF6AbteXBD2ky_91eAWZ_trKgv-crlQOzg/s320/norway-rat.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>above: Norway rat beady eyed vermin</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjSaRI531lSPhhWQ8P7U-Ecy3LNZUAVXkY3Cs5J6TD4VT99z3mKxhva4J2fOd5ks1pMEhcS1czo5o3GH6VT2zFkLejI4-uRKKmNQeBgWmS5d4rob4E1htOWtM--q-O_4ca9okdCGncK1uy0cfy1sVNpPZH2Q0b0Mj-wZ1egeJIwbyTc3TqcxUqp2O9qGg0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="649" data-original-width="995" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjSaRI531lSPhhWQ8P7U-Ecy3LNZUAVXkY3Cs5J6TD4VT99z3mKxhva4J2fOd5ks1pMEhcS1czo5o3GH6VT2zFkLejI4-uRKKmNQeBgWmS5d4rob4E1htOWtM--q-O_4ca9okdCGncK1uy0cfy1sVNpPZH2Q0b0Mj-wZ1egeJIwbyTc3TqcxUqp2O9qGg0=w640-h418" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b>Above: The Pied Piper of Hamlin... round here Frau Kügler is the woman in charge of rat killing.</b></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Dana Kooglerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05415223619811093720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626760878352814160.post-55101656423620736212024-02-23T16:38:00.002-05:002024-02-23T17:22:39.539-05:00 Funny Stories --Fido Meets a Shocking End<p><br /></p><h1 style="text-align: center;"><b><u>Fido Meets a Shocking End</u></b></h1><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> My daddy worked at General Electric in the photo lab when I was very small. He had some of the nicest co-workers you'd ever wish for. One of them was a particularly nice man named Bob Good and we became friends with their whole family. He was a very talented photographer and went on to have his own successful studio. He was a soft spoken man and a Christian. He loved animals and people. He lived in Shenandoah and drove each morning to work at GE which was about an hours drive one way. He had to be an early riser. He found that his neighbors dog developed the habit of relieving himself on the front door mat. Each day he'd be cleaning up dog poop. He spoke to the neighbor about it several times to no avail. Finally he decided if he couldn't get the man to curb his dog he would break the dog of the habit. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqElyVUYdiCG8pHYVDIOfUM0E1KYiiJpyY0hr3PSmTcHY0iHw_ciRgowR7C-LTKb8r1CjcaWf5n6NSCdL2GmEadmhhp3LluR-KDSi14VyL-Ya-5J5o4phrX09dyLpWbOjGPw_DZH7l9qzpo0nHYend4MBWGU_1E7gYhp1Z3S1DIkftWyJmqDRuOezatiY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqElyVUYdiCG8pHYVDIOfUM0E1KYiiJpyY0hr3PSmTcHY0iHw_ciRgowR7C-LTKb8r1CjcaWf5n6NSCdL2GmEadmhhp3LluR-KDSi14VyL-Ya-5J5o4phrX09dyLpWbOjGPw_DZH7l9qzpo0nHYend4MBWGU_1E7gYhp1Z3S1DIkftWyJmqDRuOezatiY" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> He had one of those metal braid and rubber tire welt door mats. He took a car battery and hooked it up to the mat and went to bed. He figured the dog would pee on it and run off hollering and that would be the end of the problem. He woke up early to go to work and went to see if the battery prevented the dog from pooping on the rug? He was astonished to see the dog lay there dead as a hammer on the front porch! </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjnUgtjRd5Rxk1ELWYV4fG9IrG-EOkgI-Z6oGgsOC30H4GRoed1EIAkDchgyAlynNmilhiZMf6fKkLmpS5UCjHaIiCQxxQh4LjBklGcNzIqwKYG1ygmcAuhIGff6IFFzbF5bxMFFe-ayh7s87Cxn4WtU7ApOxvDvVbn8c1CYCTcWhm9Sbr__M-yI9H_woI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="257" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjnUgtjRd5Rxk1ELWYV4fG9IrG-EOkgI-Z6oGgsOC30H4GRoed1EIAkDchgyAlynNmilhiZMf6fKkLmpS5UCjHaIiCQxxQh4LjBklGcNzIqwKYG1ygmcAuhIGff6IFFzbF5bxMFFe-ayh7s87Cxn4WtU7ApOxvDvVbn8c1CYCTcWhm9Sbr__M-yI9H_woI=s16000" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_MLwrHtgGUEHGJ2c5R3DDO-iQYQ32IDNRmwfY8V1FwTBIDz__8okLv6MJub4f-N3S869uFsWsqzw8pPLEwk4hCfpPgbotl9CoSXZhF4JC6piizYIY6MZ3EdjWA6_PX-ejWLRiW888TW4x2OsL88hnKtcmttupZK4EKvEC8IHDuvqecob2-rz8b-U1hHM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="204" data-original-width="247" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_MLwrHtgGUEHGJ2c5R3DDO-iQYQ32IDNRmwfY8V1FwTBIDz__8okLv6MJub4f-N3S869uFsWsqzw8pPLEwk4hCfpPgbotl9CoSXZhF4JC6piizYIY6MZ3EdjWA6_PX-ejWLRiW888TW4x2OsL88hnKtcmttupZK4EKvEC8IHDuvqecob2-rz8b-U1hHM" width="291" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p> He was horrified. It DID work in preventing that dog from pooping on the porch anymore, but Bob had to have a very hurried funeral ceremony for Fido at O'Dark Thirty. It was one of those moments where you either laugh or lose your mind! What made it really funny was he was the very last person who'd ever resort to killing a dog. He was horrified, but knew the nature of that irascible neighbor. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Ks20D2z8YF9EocaQVPEtJx0YvbSdQc2WtTTKl37xM-7o-gh_SZSe-kgL72S7dqjD-1hgcl3nS1h7OUxBRWh8XMo-FFguoYQkWWH78m27HFLrnrN7ixAXePiVVJW-hSfB9hyphenhyphenwr1LE_bQNu184SxPKJao_cYxpiMUEY0dFUU3Y9DT9pg1-08fSVY-u4Ao/s292/images.jpg" style="background-color: #fafafa; font-size: 15px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="173" data-original-width="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Ks20D2z8YF9EocaQVPEtJx0YvbSdQc2WtTTKl37xM-7o-gh_SZSe-kgL72S7dqjD-1hgcl3nS1h7OUxBRWh8XMo-FFguoYQkWWH78m27HFLrnrN7ixAXePiVVJW-hSfB9hyphenhyphenwr1LE_bQNu184SxPKJao_cYxpiMUEY0dFUU3Y9DT9pg1-08fSVY-u4Ao/s16000/images.jpg" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> Before you pass judgement on the man, you animal lovers....... I leave you with the following excerpts from his obituary. </p><p></p><blockquote><b> <span face=""Source Sans Pro", sans-serif" style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #444444; font-size: 15px;"> </span><span face=""Source Sans Pro", sans-serif" style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #444444; font-size: 15px;">He loved the years that he spent and the friends that he made at General Electric Company and still got excited about those good old days. He was an animal lover and enjoyed finding homes for lost cats and dogs. He was an elder at the First Christian Church in Shenandoah and Past President of the Virginia Professional Photography Association.</span></b></blockquote><span face=""Source Sans Pro", sans-serif" style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #444444; font-size: 15px;"><b></b></span><p></p><p><br /></p><p>and finally </p><p><br /></p><p><span face=""Source Sans Pro", sans-serif" style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #444444; font-size: 15px;"></span></p><blockquote><b>Online condolences may be sent to the family at [emailprotected]. Contributions in his honor would be appreciated by Cat's Cradle and Shenandoah Valley Spay and Neuter Clinic.</b></blockquote><p></p><div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); background-color: #fafafa; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="obituary-description" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); animation: 0.3s ease-in 0s 1 normal none running fadein; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: 1.47; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px 0px 15px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Fly high with the angels old friend until we meet on that beautiful shore! </b></span></div><div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy2yOYMUzGab5Blbrf2upuNnJxBXNSjceGYyyZqsVAwLLL90L8DBRxpmLVJqNO8Rx5f0t0Q2TvmKx6QzTAuEJrqyimuvZcbfP8A_6N1N2I_jUb7S6nPuCviAy7fQ4jqsAIrESkdenEWN_o2nXFu3x8Pf5HVjWsOnmR9hFy__xnL_x955NUQ-B5GunOcnk/s253/elec%20shock.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="253" data-original-width="199" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy2yOYMUzGab5Blbrf2upuNnJxBXNSjceGYyyZqsVAwLLL90L8DBRxpmLVJqNO8Rx5f0t0Q2TvmKx6QzTAuEJrqyimuvZcbfP8A_6N1N2I_jUb7S6nPuCviAy7fQ4jqsAIrESkdenEWN_o2nXFu3x8Pf5HVjWsOnmR9hFy__xnL_x955NUQ-B5GunOcnk/s1600/elec%20shock.jpg" width="199" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTfeWnU5yInjJcyWERWFhpfI3yDXx3QwlcaWbN6c1GHFCrNkxoJejOXQw9dAD9ogQhTujjf2VeB_9pOGvdT7K_L1ebIyGyh5nKyWmUfbOucXoeN9Vp52GjteFsFtuxg2o6otggiz-vtPZyTMIEJwI53Tvw9nfjS1XC4bvWT4DQE8LWCDVTsAGtO5PpQX4/s225/free%20dog.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTfeWnU5yInjJcyWERWFhpfI3yDXx3QwlcaWbN6c1GHFCrNkxoJejOXQw9dAD9ogQhTujjf2VeB_9pOGvdT7K_L1ebIyGyh5nKyWmUfbOucXoeN9Vp52GjteFsFtuxg2o6otggiz-vtPZyTMIEJwI53Tvw9nfjS1XC4bvWT4DQE8LWCDVTsAGtO5PpQX4/s1600/free%20dog.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo Below of Bob and his wife Patti borrowed from his studio website. They were a lovely couple. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRLthnOmZNJD09dNd5U3wnCnXDgNBMKjelojRYJXFXBA_atDfKaHK4c4f6zDLKfFf3lXTYeaBn7BrvrE0akiDqRO0l8RDMPfTNCLocq7Jehoy6x6ePWo5PP4cvim5yh02kHyVSABBUyh_Kv3U4y6eteUykV89iJ08jD4g5O7UYlp60jzNeSxn0sbNTIf8/s865/21_20191024124830_6288929_large.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="865" data-original-width="577" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRLthnOmZNJD09dNd5U3wnCnXDgNBMKjelojRYJXFXBA_atDfKaHK4c4f6zDLKfFf3lXTYeaBn7BrvrE0akiDqRO0l8RDMPfTNCLocq7Jehoy6x6ePWo5PP4cvim5yh02kHyVSABBUyh_Kv3U4y6eteUykV89iJ08jD4g5O7UYlp60jzNeSxn0sbNTIf8/w426-h640/21_20191024124830_6288929_large.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></div></div></div></div>Dana Kooglerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05415223619811093720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626760878352814160.post-72310584119631007762024-02-19T13:05:00.005-05:002024-02-19T17:04:10.504-05:00Greenback Castle With Sharon<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEji9piYcBfvC36vcTwjCa5QEA5NavF6rPh30huZLXW57KHIK41DH_jSyOXdm3AK4Fy2nxvh79EPjCQaXdv2_Yq6ATKdVzd7ehqdDP3de3tigv3DnlBcMUCgVpZ7tYu9NETXT1wCE6340QXZxIcNOuNiMNHwjZTBQ9-o3zKQmv2cNzMUByBcwM30_SylES8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="900" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEji9piYcBfvC36vcTwjCa5QEA5NavF6rPh30huZLXW57KHIK41DH_jSyOXdm3AK4Fy2nxvh79EPjCQaXdv2_Yq6ATKdVzd7ehqdDP3de3tigv3DnlBcMUCgVpZ7tYu9NETXT1wCE6340QXZxIcNOuNiMNHwjZTBQ9-o3zKQmv2cNzMUByBcwM30_SylES8" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><h1 style="text-align: left;"><b><u><br /></u></b></h1><h1 style="text-align: center;"><b><u>Greenback Castle With Sharon</u></b></h1><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u>Saturday February 17, 2024</u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://cumberlandgal.smugmug.com/Greenback-Castle/i-CZvzJM9/A" target="_blank">Pictures are here </a></u></b></div><div><b><u><br /></u></b></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> My birthday was back in August. My mom got me exactly what I wanted... tickets to the Knoxville Opera to see "La Traviata" by Giuseppe Verdi. I have been to the opera before, but it had been six years! I had never attended a performance in the Tennessee Theater of anything. Kenny is not wild about opera so I asked my best buddy Sharon to accompany me. She readily accepted. We planned that she come over the for the weekend. </p><p><br /></p><p> Friday night we went out to dinner in downtown Knoxville. We chose Tupelo Honey since I had wanted to try it. It was also right around the corner from the theater. I have not been to market square. Such has been my avoidance of downtown Knoxville. It was one more event to make me fall in love with Knoxville. It actually does have culture available! The restaurant was marvelous. We had free parking. It was a good night to get dressed up a bit, and do something different. Instead of hiking boots and camo we were in dress clothes and fur coats! </p><p><br /></p><p> I did take a very few photos of the event because I wanted to be fully in the moment. I did not snap photos or video during the performance. I felt it would take away from it and be rude. The market square was a twinkling oasis in downtown. The Tennessee Theater is a place everyone should experience at least once. It is incredibly beautiful. We were on the balcony with great seats.</p><p>We were part of an absolutely packed house!! The master of ceremonies said it was the largest audience they'd ever had! This is great news because poorly attended shows tend to go away.</p><p> </p><p><br /></p><p> Below is a trailer video that will give you an idea what La Traviata is like. It is about a courtesan named Violetta who is won over by a gentleman named Alberto. She gives up her position as courtesan in favor of true love. </p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><b><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4hAaSjXsey0" title="La Traviata Teaser" width="670"></iframe></b></h2><p><a href="https://youtu.be/_Zqo4WAEbKc" target="_blank"><b>Click this link La Traviata Synopsis .. it is a summary of the plot of the performance. It is a romantic tragedy. </b></a></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Below: We are approaching the Tennessee Theater. This is a first for both of us. It is Sharon's first time ever at an opera. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTPaleLfVyLzku4COTJdwUbCtj6luuC-4BXo017Pv1My5O2dhHQBscwQ0OjcA006nrZ1MBfPu7J9GmnIzeaQcozxwxhGYavIf1aMjqzJdgfwFE3lrFAkIMIUyfGpLVGeWLihEjvvuNH0jC4e7SeDGX3DwEC9SlhKY58jlZ4sjXZZm399zsUqoULb9-gVc/s1080/428597530_7950651468298286_5616058302938275859_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Marquis of the Tennessee Theater sparkling lights in the dark" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTPaleLfVyLzku4COTJdwUbCtj6luuC-4BXo017Pv1My5O2dhHQBscwQ0OjcA006nrZ1MBfPu7J9GmnIzeaQcozxwxhGYavIf1aMjqzJdgfwFE3lrFAkIMIUyfGpLVGeWLihEjvvuNH0jC4e7SeDGX3DwEC9SlhKY58jlZ4sjXZZm399zsUqoULb9-gVc/w640-h640/428597530_7950651468298286_5616058302938275859_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Below: The view we had from our seats of the stage. You can see the conductor and members of the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra warming up. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_M8cKKovL0pciTN_Sm0IfbDAU8_sPFP3aITLPVSsBlH_IHAPOxjHkTq50T4gqyQXz1CwsdaSChsK_hU9O8nyjwrrSW1aiAS0HBoanxalLLOzsvCaCEsI-WJT9c8VelvtGj23tnPeV14BbxV7XUX0f3CYTb0ulE342Bf_QhUSUQXxWvIBtoCNhzeF-BsE/s1080/428597879_7950651481631618_6633467992228949824_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Deep red curtain of the stage of Tennessee Theater" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_M8cKKovL0pciTN_Sm0IfbDAU8_sPFP3aITLPVSsBlH_IHAPOxjHkTq50T4gqyQXz1CwsdaSChsK_hU9O8nyjwrrSW1aiAS0HBoanxalLLOzsvCaCEsI-WJT9c8VelvtGj23tnPeV14BbxV7XUX0f3CYTb0ulE342Bf_QhUSUQXxWvIBtoCNhzeF-BsE/w640-h640/428597879_7950651481631618_6633467992228949824_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Below: I absolutely loved the ceiling design of the theater in the main hall. It was so nice having Sharon along. She is an interior designer by trade and can explain many details I'd otherwise not understand. I can appreciate them, but I don't know the proper terms.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRFiuW1qcq0Kvh5joSXaRLYgK7lPsNNSHck4zx4VDl5M93TsD2bcpR_1XuEsjevNvA8JlzYtBYBcRdIHA0uoxS1IqiuqGsCFnOldcqHc8bH66yZn7hi30woVIJPZzNMS4SWzAuYQStqyFZgfeJf6Q8DEai_cTgff9M17opPec0_r195jBK5q4pmOiowGE/s1080/428602046_7950651471631619_366644531911194275_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRFiuW1qcq0Kvh5joSXaRLYgK7lPsNNSHck4zx4VDl5M93TsD2bcpR_1XuEsjevNvA8JlzYtBYBcRdIHA0uoxS1IqiuqGsCFnOldcqHc8bH66yZn7hi30woVIJPZzNMS4SWzAuYQStqyFZgfeJf6Q8DEai_cTgff9M17opPec0_r195jBK5q4pmOiowGE/w640-h640/428602046_7950651471631619_366644531911194275_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><p></p><p> We enjoyed La Traviata immensely. I'm already keeping an eye out for other performances to attend. </p><p>I love Shakespeare and opera. I would like to see the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra sometime in a performance other than playing for an opera. </p><p><br /></p><p> We did not get home until 11:30 p.m. We were both so wired up we couldn't sleep from the excitement of the show. It was a mountain top experience. We are so blessed to have this in our area. </p><p>I looked to find out months ago and a big city like Atlanta doesn't currently have an opera company!</p><p> Finally around 1 am. I was able to sleep. Thankfully Saturday we didn't have to get up early.</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: center;"><b><u>Greenback Castle</u></b></h3><p><br /></p><p> We sat there at breakfast trying to figure what we'd do for the day? Kenny planned to go help our son -in-law Adam cut firewood and take down some trees. It occurred to me that Sharon had long wanted to experience Greenback Castle for herself. We'd go do it today! It was cold, but clear with blue skies.</p><p> I had wanted to go down that way to run by A Lot Less Factory Outlet so it would go together well.</p><p><br /></p><p>Below: our first glimpse of the Castle today. This was the first visit I've made here that I did not see Mr. Junior Banks. I think he had company in to visit. The castle is free, but the donation box is out front. I was sure to leave a generous donation. The castle looked to me like it is starting to show its age. Wear and tear are beginning to damage it. I felt glad we came ahead to see it while we still can. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Greenback-Castle/i-w2ztBhb/0/DCzwJbFQqgNbpCCtMzfXCq5QvXvPJdWWNCWJk8Cpf/X2/GOPR2264-X2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Greenback-Castle/i-w2ztBhb/0/DCzwJbFQqgNbpCCtMzfXCq5QvXvPJdWWNCWJk8Cpf/X2/GOPR2264-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Below: A view of the other end of the front of the castle. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Greenback-Castle/i-GfMTSZs/0/4XJG5JD8SDDccNGtR2DssqhFhPJ4gvCxmffmDTFX/X2/GOPR2268-X2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Greenback-Castle/i-GfMTSZs/0/4XJG5JD8SDDccNGtR2DssqhFhPJ4gvCxmffmDTFX/X2/GOPR2268-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Below: The archway out front that we proceeded through to start our tour. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Greenback-Castle/i-WjfML2G/0/FGsxZKq4tVpxhX8x3LkPqGFBGRvHFL5Gk4BtZ9QfW/X2/GOPR2270-X2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Greenback-Castle/i-WjfML2G/0/FGsxZKq4tVpxhX8x3LkPqGFBGRvHFL5Gk4BtZ9QfW/X2/GOPR2270-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Below is what I call "The Throne Room". Junior is a Christian and rather eccentric. You will see this castle is devoted to the Lord. I like that personally seeing as how I am a Christian. What I am not in favor of is all the doom and the World is ending! stuff you see here. I don't know if it was him, his brother, or both who put up all the warnings about the Pale Horseman of the Apocalypse on the walls around this place. He says in several places the Pale Horseman is already upon the earth. Well yes. Of course. The Pale Horsemen = Death. That has been around since nearly the beginning of the world. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Greenback-Castle/i-qjbT2MB/0/Fd8P7h2S6zX6gp7DJQ3rn6fnLm8W7GmSkkWqMrm6T/X2/GOPR2273-X2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Greenback-Castle/i-qjbT2MB/0/Fd8P7h2S6zX6gp7DJQ3rn6fnLm8W7GmSkkWqMrm6T/X2/GOPR2273-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Below: the four horsemen of the Apocalypse are Death, Conquest, Famine, War</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://t4.ftcdn.net/jpg/05/88/93/67/360_F_588936795_IZoi1guPclecMZwpNQ1USMdzjc2f4m3r.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="540" height="360" src="https://t4.ftcdn.net/jpg/05/88/93/67/360_F_588936795_IZoi1guPclecMZwpNQ1USMdzjc2f4m3r.jpg" width="540" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><p>Below is a detail just past the throne room that shows the death theme again in the skull embedded in the pavement. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Greenback-Castle/i-qtpQj8T/0/QSwGCb92fzwc4XHq96F9f9xw5SqdfxBhjwtgW7pS/X2/GOPR2277-X2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Greenback-Castle/i-qtpQj8T/0/QSwGCb92fzwc4XHq96F9f9xw5SqdfxBhjwtgW7pS/X2/GOPR2277-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p>Below is the Game Room. It is a chess set with table and seating. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Greenback-Castle/i-LPKb4pr/0/DgX9pd8LkRkdWpdntZgH7DkStZSB2cr2NKGDXgMLb/X2/GOPR2281-X2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Greenback-Castle/i-LPKb4pr/0/DgX9pd8LkRkdWpdntZgH7DkStZSB2cr2NKGDXgMLb/X2/GOPR2281-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Below: The skies have turned gray. It is damp and bitterly cold. This particular view of the Greenback Castle reminds me of an H.P. Lovecraft horror story or Ambrose Bierce' "An Inhabitant of Carcosa".</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Greenback-Castle/i-cNmWSGz/0/FVdkbd9f3Wnx4H6qk4S36ZtZL4L2tHdwT9hQVXF2c/X2/GOPR2283-X2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Greenback-Castle/i-cNmWSGz/0/FVdkbd9f3Wnx4H6qk4S36ZtZL4L2tHdwT9hQVXF2c/X2/GOPR2283-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.jasoncolavito.com/uploads/3/7/5/9/3759274/inhabitant-carcosa_orig.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="800" height="160" src="https://www.jasoncolavito.com/uploads/3/7/5/9/3759274/inhabitant-carcosa_orig.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /><br /></p><p>Below: Sharon down in one of the various rooms of the castle. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Greenback-Castle/i-TZVfqZ7/0/FNxFVr6hMKnF6HLf6TGXV5gMwmfhcXcN4x6FvZpmV/X2/GOPR2284-X2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Greenback-Castle/i-TZVfqZ7/0/FNxFVr6hMKnF6HLf6TGXV5gMwmfhcXcN4x6FvZpmV/X2/GOPR2284-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p><br /></p><p>Below: as we continue we come to the walls where the theme changes to Egyptian art and proverbs upon the walls. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Greenback-Castle/i-jLRVMG9/0/FR3bhzN8pZcTrBMP7TzNrLW43tmvdhNwTFHgkRPxq/X2/GOPR2286-X2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Greenback-Castle/i-jLRVMG9/0/FR3bhzN8pZcTrBMP7TzNrLW43tmvdhNwTFHgkRPxq/X2/GOPR2286-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Below: a corner near the back where the chamber of proverbs begins. You will find anything from recipes carved in cement to biblical sayings, moral advice, lots of rambling, inaccurate scientific observations and proclamations of the end of the world. <br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Greenback-Castle/i-645XddW/0/DvbGT84XFqwhBBz6qtjBxrMTscn6prMwDBvj4z4R5/X2/GOPR2288-X2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Greenback-Castle/i-645XddW/0/DvbGT84XFqwhBBz6qtjBxrMTscn6prMwDBvj4z4R5/X2/GOPR2288-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Below: Wall of sayings. Don't read them too long or you'll get a headache! Some of the sayings are accurate, but mostly rambling and pithy. Sharon is contemplating the madness. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Greenback-Castle/i-hb5jHkg/0/CmnpVcw3zgLgChKhDmvHfmQ9bfnzjJ5HqjNXVsgXN/X2/GOPR2289-X2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Greenback-Castle/i-hb5jHkg/0/CmnpVcw3zgLgChKhDmvHfmQ9bfnzjJ5HqjNXVsgXN/X2/GOPR2289-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Below: A gryphon on a coat of arms above a faux fireplace and chimney<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Greenback-Castle/i-4gJ4655/0/FFw2HKs58KGvVNvHNvN6QghQ5vP9BsPz6dhSnsWfs/X2/GOPR2292-X2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Greenback-Castle/i-4gJ4655/0/FFw2HKs58KGvVNvHNvN6QghQ5vP9BsPz6dhSnsWfs/X2/GOPR2292-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Below: the back of the castle has walking paths. We followed one today, but it is just through a cedar barren without much to speak of. The kids riding toy was a new addition as were the rings of glass bottles around the trees. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Greenback-Castle/i-Nd4834N/0/DPHDzHrq7gTZTz6k3L8VwdqSSQZr45KH6HrV7WmLv/X2/GOPR2294-X2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Greenback-Castle/i-Nd4834N/0/DPHDzHrq7gTZTz6k3L8VwdqSSQZr45KH6HrV7WmLv/X2/GOPR2294-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Below: Looking through the archways at the back. I see three arches</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Greenback-Castle/i-qzKZmwf/0/dX8bZq5Fz8RTDfGxrkww8WmS9J3Bx2hxVBZvk2ph/X2/GOPR2299-X2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="600" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Greenback-Castle/i-qzKZmwf/0/dX8bZq5Fz8RTDfGxrkww8WmS9J3Bx2hxVBZvk2ph/X2/GOPR2299-X2.jpg" width="800" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Below: Sharon taking photos of the details of the area around the arches. Dishes stacked in there like it is a cupboard. Moss clumps growing on the brick.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Greenback-Castle/i-pMRLgbS/0/2759BhXHGwKxdmBGQvjrs2RJmVqsjWvcGXSWrG89/X2/GOPR2304-X2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Greenback-Castle/i-pMRLgbS/0/2759BhXHGwKxdmBGQvjrs2RJmVqsjWvcGXSWrG89/X2/GOPR2304-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>And below is a detail of one of the little faces constructed here. Some done in brick and cement with marble eyes. I am not sure what he used for the tiny teeth. <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Greenback-Castle/i-qFG4rsK/0/D9z9vJ42KHRpC89F9XBHkDTQ4ZXfXqTq9PVQTQ8pC/X2/GOPR2303-X2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Greenback-Castle/i-qFG4rsK/0/D9z9vJ42KHRpC89F9XBHkDTQ4ZXfXqTq9PVQTQ8pC/X2/GOPR2303-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Below: looking back through the archways. This place reminded us of the legendary Winchester House which was constantly under construction. Doorways leading to nothing. Stairs leading up to nothing. </p><p>winding passages all throughout. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Greenback-Castle/i-xvrfnnD/0/CsrcNg5TmFPft4w2h5PsqpwqTkF5XdPdT36Cgg3D9/X2/GOPR2305-X2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Greenback-Castle/i-xvrfnnD/0/CsrcNg5TmFPft4w2h5PsqpwqTkF5XdPdT36Cgg3D9/X2/GOPR2305-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Below: we have arrived at the inner sanctum.. where the guestbook resides. a light is left on here and a very creepy clock radio. The clock display is flashing 12:00 constantly and the radio is playing, but it is super staticky and sounds like someone is constantly changing the station. Very weird. I signed us into the guestbook. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Greenback-Castle/i-Gb7zHcR/0/CT5KmXc333cWzWvdhrP2PDRnpnvdzMDKgc53WQcM8/X2/GOPR2307-X2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Greenback-Castle/i-Gb7zHcR/0/CT5KmXc333cWzWvdhrP2PDRnpnvdzMDKgc53WQcM8/X2/GOPR2307-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br />Below: We wandered round to where there was a super steep set of stairs. We went up and found ourselves in this chamber above the "gaol". A stuff animal type bull moose head hangs above a painting of a wheel of some type. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Greenback-Castle/i-VzWdtZv/0/Ffhz7pn3MxpCb8NG9L6PdG4j6KnCsSQK8SLwXHzTF/X2/GOPR2311-X2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Greenback-Castle/i-VzWdtZv/0/Ffhz7pn3MxpCb8NG9L6PdG4j6KnCsSQK8SLwXHzTF/X2/GOPR2311-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Below: Looking back toward the guestbook room from the next chamber. It is a room with some sort of food donation area and toys to take or donate. It was rather confusing. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Greenback-Castle/i-rrzHXR2/0/q6P8F5RnzQ3VcnvKjPbZrtkS7PqdVmBQdkGZKXRN/X2/GOPR2314-X2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Greenback-Castle/i-rrzHXR2/0/q6P8F5RnzQ3VcnvKjPbZrtkS7PqdVmBQdkGZKXRN/X2/GOPR2314-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Below: Sharon in the second room past the beads dangling. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Greenback-Castle/i-tXpFx3x/0/CgPZm5fCjdQcDs4LQ55FGngfhm7SFhqPJZFdJ2XHX/X2/GOPR2316-X2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Greenback-Castle/i-tXpFx3x/0/CgPZm5fCjdQcDs4LQ55FGngfhm7SFhqPJZFdJ2XHX/X2/GOPR2316-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Below: The canned goods and toys area . instructions are printed there, but we couldn't make sense of it. Odie, Sharon's dog was so good but even he is confused by this! <br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Greenback-Castle/i-D2KSJ8C/0/CGt7brhsNFG9Dvcg7wNQmWzFRpMs9XnSpMFgg5QcS/X2/GOPR2319-X2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Greenback-Castle/i-D2KSJ8C/0/CGt7brhsNFG9Dvcg7wNQmWzFRpMs9XnSpMFgg5QcS/X2/GOPR2319-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Below: Sharon and Odie ahead of me on the "hiking trails". You can see the daffodils are up. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Greenback-Castle/i-Dnmgf2s/0/DmWzMt3jG3RFGKVjJvZ6XXpCfvP3fzJNZnSZsq6kS/X2/GOPR2323-X2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Greenback-Castle/i-Dnmgf2s/0/DmWzMt3jG3RFGKVjJvZ6XXpCfvP3fzJNZnSZsq6kS/X2/GOPR2323-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Below: Looking ahead of me down the path at Sharon and Odie. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Greenback-Castle/i-7W7qQC7/0/CJhCKXPrRkwjs2FGZ6pBKXhNPR4VRZX4bZphFrwJm/X2/GOPR2324-X2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Greenback-Castle/i-7W7qQC7/0/CJhCKXPrRkwjs2FGZ6pBKXhNPR4VRZX4bZphFrwJm/X2/GOPR2324-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br />Below: an old canon with canon balls stacked in cement. It is loaded with a glass bottle and PVC pipe as a projectile! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Greenback-Castle/i-6pdx8MF/0/FNhczd9p64R6FLMtcwJ7TsRVxgKHD8Jr89xqj24hd/X2/GOPR2326-X2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Greenback-Castle/i-6pdx8MF/0/FNhczd9p64R6FLMtcwJ7TsRVxgKHD8Jr89xqj24hd/X2/GOPR2326-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Below: Sharon nearing the end of the tour. I do agree that Jesus Christ is King. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Greenback-Castle/i-5pCqpLQ/0/FCWmQwp2RhVTLrMPjqTDTwLXfCrw6Cj4fkTm66VpM/X2/GOPR2328-X2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Greenback-Castle/i-5pCqpLQ/0/FCWmQwp2RhVTLrMPjqTDTwLXfCrw6Cj4fkTm66VpM/X2/GOPR2328-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Below: detail of the arched wall with bottles<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Greenback-Castle/i-XxD7t75/0/HXPdCzH6Z8QcpDZRHpsJzhwxSwjxdhGXnjQMjmkv/X2/GOPR2329-X2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Greenback-Castle/i-XxD7t75/0/HXPdCzH6Z8QcpDZRHpsJzhwxSwjxdhGXnjQMjmkv/X2/GOPR2329-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Above: we are at the far side of the Castle.. Wrapping up our tour. Thankfully because Sharon was freezing! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Greenback-Castle/i-Gs85d6c/0/Ck9Zzdx4q859Pndmdf9HrnnRgKJ56XvcXHv7BqZS8/X2/GOPR2333-X2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Greenback-Castle/i-Gs85d6c/0/Ck9Zzdx4q859Pndmdf9HrnnRgKJ56XvcXHv7BqZS8/X2/GOPR2333-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Below: Back end of the castle with some sort of run down playland for kids.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Greenback-Castle/i-QbBdCHb/0/jCfGvSHc3Lf39NRqvBbBj558Gsjz4BZNzNsg42d2/X2/GOPR2334-X2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Greenback-Castle/i-QbBdCHb/0/jCfGvSHc3Lf39NRqvBbBj558Gsjz4BZNzNsg42d2/X2/GOPR2334-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Below: our final walk back to the car... more canons, ammo, graves, </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Greenback-Castle/i-WpPqmbR/0/95j8Rx4mBSnmHbmKH6PcZqfWJzr4nSGWbG7FkjNw/X2/GOPR2336-X2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Greenback-Castle/i-WpPqmbR/0/95j8Rx4mBSnmHbmKH6PcZqfWJzr4nSGWbG7FkjNw/X2/GOPR2336-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Below: grave markers. One looked real and was for a set of twins that were still born in the 1880s.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Greenback-Castle/i-dTrppKX/1/DVdF8bHVHdcPM6tm75K23qnZCJhFRjqvsj3d8Nssc/X2/GOPR2337-X2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Greenback-Castle/i-dTrppKX/1/DVdF8bHVHdcPM6tm75K23qnZCJhFRjqvsj3d8Nssc/X2/GOPR2337-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><b>Below: The Shrine of Tchotchkes. </b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Greenback-Castle/i-5Wzq4Hp/0/mV6cnhhrZtCBcXrN9P22qF5PzrJ3Rkg43f7WDgwt/X2/GOPR2338-X2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Greenback-Castle/i-5Wzq4Hp/0/mV6cnhhrZtCBcXrN9P22qF5PzrJ3Rkg43f7WDgwt/X2/GOPR2338-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p> Poor Sharon's hands were numb and she was freezing. We headed for the vehicle and concluded this part of our day. We drove on down to Madisonville to <a href="https://www.bertshometowngrill.com/" target="_blank">Bert's Hometown Grill</a> to have lunch and warm up. It is always so good. We were seated at once despite them being busy. I'm proud to say Kenny and I have become regulars to the point they remember us. It is a wonderful local eatery with the best service. </p><p> Sharon and I had cups of hot coffee, glasses of fresh water, BTL sandwiches and hot sweet potato wedges. It was very satisfying and did a lot to help us warm up. </p><p><br /></p><p> One we had lunch over we headed back up the road to Vonore to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/p/A-Lot-Less-Factory-Outlet-Madisonville-100063910576195/" target="_blank"><b>A Lot Less Factory Outlet. </b></a></p><p>I love this place. They have two locations. One in Madisonville/Vonore and the other in Ten Mile.</p><p>I go to both, but this one is handier for me. It is like going to Sam's Club, only better. It isn't as crowded. No membership fees. Best of all it is easy to park and you aren't shopping in a football stadium sized building. You can enjoy getting the things you need or want and get done and out of there. The staff is always helpful, pleasant and friendly. It is another place I go often enough to be a regular and they remember me. I almost hate to tell anyone about this place because I feel it is shooting myself in the foot. Giving my good secret shopping spots away. </p><p><br /></p><p> I hit the jackpot today. I got things we needed and some wants. </p><p><br /></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>72 count Northern Toilet paper for $16.99</li><li>six count Pioneer woman new bath towels for $23.99= $4 per towel and boy are they nice!</li><li>Finish dishwasher liquid for $3.99</li><li>Our Generation Doll outfit for Mia $5.99</li><li>Lysol Spray disinfectant large can $1.99</li><li>Persil detergent pods 50 count $8.99</li><li>Olay Moisture with retinol two pack $ 29.99 = $15 per tub</li></ul><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO1WgBIh0O2zASJwlAo06-s5ro6ERqhZmIpxY0JVyrHh9WXIxivT0Po39GztWQM5Cuh3qhAKfUri0W95AO31xQhsvNoQ-aRC1jMR-6m7k25qqar2fMrf3J64dPmDnC3vOViVNyqX7b1Zd7KT9sTQC0i7cnCbKajk1rIG8YuMCMZijxLkM3-SMAfsXZsJo/s1080/Alot%20Less%20FO.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO1WgBIh0O2zASJwlAo06-s5ro6ERqhZmIpxY0JVyrHh9WXIxivT0Po39GztWQM5Cuh3qhAKfUri0W95AO31xQhsvNoQ-aRC1jMR-6m7k25qqar2fMrf3J64dPmDnC3vOViVNyqX7b1Zd7KT9sTQC0i7cnCbKajk1rIG8YuMCMZijxLkM3-SMAfsXZsJo/w640-h640/Alot%20Less%20FO.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">Above: is a cell phone image of the shelves at A Lot Less Factory Outlet. This place is amazing!</p><p>It is hard to realize just what a savings these items are until you start comparing them with retail prices. </p><p>This is what keeps me coming back! Things I did not get, but wished I had? More Pioneer Woman bath towels and sheets! I may have to go back and get some. They are good stuff. </p><p>Below: My Pioneer Woman (Ree Drummond) towels</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtIKoHZlQBz9MaDAzeG7dP6D3Yg30v8eCEGAgSvvBg9ug1dqgtstgg24PUo3xgrIP_tQz4jEZ9HAqLIQfrCSdQ8b7tGcVaj1gaqeiV-7-RULIYzx_sVIXFffDQR7wdpWQmwfSxxvcMBHF6eipN2Y1nMBtNK2yvroKbC_m0BOkJzK9fxu0Rr5LHzfXidI4/s2048/428597361_7960289354001164_1070986395771124475_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtIKoHZlQBz9MaDAzeG7dP6D3Yg30v8eCEGAgSvvBg9ug1dqgtstgg24PUo3xgrIP_tQz4jEZ9HAqLIQfrCSdQ8b7tGcVaj1gaqeiV-7-RULIYzx_sVIXFffDQR7wdpWQmwfSxxvcMBHF6eipN2Y1nMBtNK2yvroKbC_m0BOkJzK9fxu0Rr5LHzfXidI4/w640-h480/428597361_7960289354001164_1070986395771124475_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-YqrqJanYqBa3DN9CpqeyFXsqjLvyR26WQPJWwwPkuLt_M3O6XEN1ZZjmUSs7WVL6R2VtpjXF6dvof_pDGgivURh5mOfgN6yl8euuHC8kHrsFPokXE_vba9h_cUwhO85PwjSEiWqxSCIKRn040DNuhl9Z86ALYb9RSFxsZUszUFdRPak4jYfkiQxJBJw/s960/428638431_7960278864002213_3200482440571722909_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-YqrqJanYqBa3DN9CpqeyFXsqjLvyR26WQPJWwwPkuLt_M3O6XEN1ZZjmUSs7WVL6R2VtpjXF6dvof_pDGgivURh5mOfgN6yl8euuHC8kHrsFPokXE_vba9h_cUwhO85PwjSEiWqxSCIKRn040DNuhl9Z86ALYb9RSFxsZUszUFdRPak4jYfkiQxJBJw/w640-h480/428638431_7960278864002213_3200482440571722909_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Above: Detergent, throw blankets, ribbon, cleaning products, diapers, training pants, <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTLVt-5j-LDRWKAfn9CKbPM7f-rMIvaWueFJktdcBhP7uVOgK97SGfW9vOmridtQVYHiWO9e6XLppFbdEQnE1adbj-Kx7LvhSvDm19_P-aQOKPPJCnhqfDQBY236jdYqrpmaE1Gdk7pM1p9HLdqVebgSE8BfRsD7vh3smL0dYsmOyVe-YSHq-wh3TLcVk/s2048/428473488_7960299430666823_6802777866974781406_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTLVt-5j-LDRWKAfn9CKbPM7f-rMIvaWueFJktdcBhP7uVOgK97SGfW9vOmridtQVYHiWO9e6XLppFbdEQnE1adbj-Kx7LvhSvDm19_P-aQOKPPJCnhqfDQBY236jdYqrpmaE1Gdk7pM1p9HLdqVebgSE8BfRsD7vh3smL0dYsmOyVe-YSHq-wh3TLcVk/w640-h480/428473488_7960299430666823_6802777866974781406_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Above: Detergent, T.P. Paper towels, toys, cleaners<br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Below: Assorted sheet sets $19.99</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihbsVFPwTF1toYR3cUo20MCVQ5478zgbPQvg7aTpITUaT9xMWRE1eiliuVpjtM17QJHaDrHTpHqfKSdEE53Eh7oWpmI4S_HxybF_CAXb1R4xoNFOoyvudb0KXBQmeMM0IcA35x-5aGwAc25nJm_exi6f67xWE5uqX5s07oxZr7MwCqr8ZS93UPe6SeUgE/s2048/428600356_7960293870667379_8233038589584305230_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihbsVFPwTF1toYR3cUo20MCVQ5478zgbPQvg7aTpITUaT9xMWRE1eiliuVpjtM17QJHaDrHTpHqfKSdEE53Eh7oWpmI4S_HxybF_CAXb1R4xoNFOoyvudb0KXBQmeMM0IcA35x-5aGwAc25nJm_exi6f67xWE5uqX5s07oxZr7MwCqr8ZS93UPe6SeUgE/w640-h480/428600356_7960293870667379_8233038589584305230_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p> We got done and packed all that merchandise in the back of Sharon's SUV. </p><p>We headed home to relax. I got off my feet and propped up my legs to let my knees rest. I took some tylenol and got a hot cup of coffee. </p><p> Later we had dinner at my daughter and son-in-law's home. It was a Whole Fam Damily Meal including Sharon and Odie! Tessa called to make sure Odie was coming. She loves animals!</p><p> It was delicious home cooked food in a pretty, comfortable home in the country.</p><p>We had great conversation, fellowship and lots of laughs. I am proud of my children, grandchildren, and family. I am also proud of my friend Sharon. She is a lovely human being and my family is happy to be around her. I am blessed! I don't deserve it, but Yes I am blessed! <br /><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> <b><u>Notes to self: </u></b>I need to go check out The Sundry Store-- both locations in Etowah, TN. I didn't like it, but now I want to go and see. I think it might be good! </p><p><br /></p><p><b>I realized I have not brought Mia to see Greenback Castle and I need to do that!</b> </p><p><br /></p><p>Below is a video of Greenback Castle from today's visit. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UL6pZS7UpkE" title="Greenback Castle With Sharon" width="670"></iframe><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="background-color: #a49c9a; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px;"><b><u>Directions to Greenback Castle:</u></b><br /> From U.S. Hwy 411 go 3.5 miles north of the bridge over the Little Tennessee River and turn right (East) onto North Trigonia Road. Drive 0.7 miles on Trigonia Rd and turn left onto Lee Shirley Rd.<br />Drive 0.2 miles and as you top a hill turn right into a gravel driveway. There is a sign at the end painted saying "Castle~~>" The castle is at the end of the driveway.<br />From Dollar General in Greenback it is 1 mile south on Hwy 411 to a LEFT turn onto North Trigonia Road.<br />Drive 0.7 miles and turn left onto Lee Shirley Rd. Drive 0.2 miles and turn right into a gravel driveway as you top the hill.</div><div style="background-color: #a49c9a; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: #a49c9a; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: #a49c9a; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px;">PLEASE follow directions carefully and check your Google maps before setting off. I have cleared these directions up to reflect North Trigonia Road. I made a mistake in the previous set and people were trying to drive on a residents farm use only road. My apologies. Only trying to help, but I am fallible. <br /><br />No admission/ Bring along a donation for the box.<br />Hours: Ok to visit from 8:30 a.m. to dusk. Ok to visit whether Mr. Banks is there or not per the man himself.<br /></div></div><div><br /></div>Dana Kooglerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05415223619811093720noreply@blogger.com3250 Lee Shirley Rd, Maryville, TN 37801, USA35.6219079 -84.16266467.311674063821151 -119.3189146 63.932141736178842 -49.0064146tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626760878352814160.post-23576602762794624302024-02-15T10:40:00.009-05:002024-02-19T16:34:52.700-05:00 Country Store Blog Series --West Fork General Store and Orange Falls at Cub Mountain<h1 style="text-align: center;"><b><u><br /></u></b></h1><h1 style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi00LZwk8nCWPkY7ARYKfOw0Q7E1wwNJAUs-kYZ-6y-JtVIkI5WT_g4kYImfcn0cZnCj8d3z5oKqwbbWc9nrkkc0SOU9tiATbNnHtZ7MVgJ0_uf5lo0Df-c5_4AAFJTjXDTY-4FVrJc9dk0w0mvON-c0qVSRrn9CkEsZ_wb-apUooJBm-5jQ3XlC0_M6F4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi00LZwk8nCWPkY7ARYKfOw0Q7E1wwNJAUs-kYZ-6y-JtVIkI5WT_g4kYImfcn0cZnCj8d3z5oKqwbbWc9nrkkc0SOU9tiATbNnHtZ7MVgJ0_uf5lo0Df-c5_4AAFJTjXDTY-4FVrJc9dk0w0mvON-c0qVSRrn9CkEsZ_wb-apUooJBm-5jQ3XlC0_M6F4=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /></h1><h1 style="text-align: center;"> </h1><h1 style="text-align: center;"><b><u><br /></u></b></h1><h1 style="text-align: center;"><b><u>Country Store Blog Series --West Fork Grocery and Nearby Orange Falls at Cub Mountain</u></b></h1><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Saturday February 10, 2024</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Kenny & Dana Koogler</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Sharon McGee</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://tnlandforms.us/landforms/m.php?wpt=OVF012" target="_blank"><b>Waypoint for Orange Falls </b></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> We are going through one of those holding patterns where every time we make plans with Sharon it rains! I told her I was going to change my name to Storm Crow. We planned to go see her and go riding. I wanted to go to Cub Mountain now that we'd had rain. Waterfalls are flowing. I believed we'd be able to make it to Rainbow Falls, Blue Hole Branch Falls, and Orange Falls all in one day. I knew they'd be running well. We went on despite the forecast being for 100% rain. We got to her house Friday evening. We had a nice supper. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> Saturday morning it wasn't raining to begin with. About the time we got breakfast done it was raining though. The usual vacillations over what to do went on. We debated going to Muddy Pond and Mayhew Masters Stores to see those instead. Finally it hit me. I'd already bought passes and paid. We were going or bust! The weather forecast had the Cantrells decide not to open, but let people buy passes on line and ride. They figured not enough business to warrant opening. We figured we'd have the place to ourselves. We didn't imagine any other folks would be crazy enough to ride today. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> We had the gate code and waivers all fixed up. We pulled in the gate and were shocked to see more than twenty vehicles trailering in to ride! It was a group of perhaps twenty five different machines! A large group of Hispanic friends and family showed up to ride. They were trying to figure out what to do to pay. I told them if they could get online they could pay that way using cell phones. The one man said none of them had a phone signal. He had been twice before and was known to Lisa. She texted him the gate code. I told him since they were already there the only other options were to pay cash at the drop box or go ahead and ride then pay once they got out where there was a phone signal. I figured if she knew him and trusted him enough to give the gate code it was worthy of trust to pay afterward. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> This place is so big at Cub Mountain that despite all those people being there we never saw another rider all day! They have added a lot more trails. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> We plugged in the waypoints for Blue Hole Branch Falls and tried that first. Turns out </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>the trails are above it. That was a no go. Rainbow Falls and pit the same way. It may be possible to get there from Cub Mountain ATV park, but we did not find it today. The old route is still the easiest and simplest. We did see a lot of wet weather falls dropping into the hollers in many places. The water was churned up and very muddy. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> We also found another decent cascade on Blue Hole Branch above the falls. We managed to get to Orange Falls. The trail takes you alongside it. There is a pull off and a path down to the base. It has a rope tied off to assist you. It is a short, slick clamber down to see it.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>It had been nineteen years since we visited Orange Falls. We found it the first time we came over here exploring. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> It is an interesting little cascade on Cub Creek. Iron oxide has formed in the rocks around it and in the stream bed. The carved rocks around it make a pretty scene. A huge boulder lays by the spot where you climb down to see it. It was tough for me, but I used my trekkers and the rope and made it down and back up again. I just had to take my time. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvp0Cyh2IFs8wamSeHM9Nqo6_-Hu1LcNNeYSeiKvra0q2y4TPG__TajhaAUyOFqnd_cQltfDJp7J_3BS_tVwT_qTjmmI2nFcvrAE4O7cwnyj6IviRSrvvy7EWwlC_QYLPJq4UksDOq9tfMCub65gZdGjbwmrBIvuqyyowf1P9shE5LOSIM40x_fTT6RuQ/s3456/Orange%20Falls%20with%20canon%20eos.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvp0Cyh2IFs8wamSeHM9Nqo6_-Hu1LcNNeYSeiKvra0q2y4TPG__TajhaAUyOFqnd_cQltfDJp7J_3BS_tVwT_qTjmmI2nFcvrAE4O7cwnyj6IviRSrvvy7EWwlC_QYLPJq4UksDOq9tfMCub65gZdGjbwmrBIvuqyyowf1P9shE5LOSIM40x_fTT6RuQ/w640-h426/Orange%20Falls%20with%20canon%20eos.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Above: Orange Falls from the base. I loved the bold color contrasts and the cut out rocks.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Zub3xpWSpKG7dnjROY2BNDQ0mmBV57TjkgKlTtGvuxm3wBEElZBRlo9uVWTqpx6dYI28gajOfRDHMtjgs-2jhIIps-jseVhy5oSwX9b4YIxX_VcaIoOGAFbpmf8kcNOSS4YLuYzAUeWHkNztHLQqNnAQqfjoEIg7_qNHurWh1YETeniLKl9qRaZe2Kk/s5568/GOPR2191%20-%20Copy.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Zub3xpWSpKG7dnjROY2BNDQ0mmBV57TjkgKlTtGvuxm3wBEElZBRlo9uVWTqpx6dYI28gajOfRDHMtjgs-2jhIIps-jseVhy5oSwX9b4YIxX_VcaIoOGAFbpmf8kcNOSS4YLuYzAUeWHkNztHLQqNnAQqfjoEIg7_qNHurWh1YETeniLKl9qRaZe2Kk/w640-h480/GOPR2191%20-%20Copy.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: Orange Falls from a little further back. You can see the tall bluff above it.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHp_7bPHH0hnXqKL1S_5HA2JqOcu6hGkXjOGnmSnHE_5YCN-atqnnfMRGl_1Xfr9MjX_IuW9wb4jKDONpdO_tAW6yXCEz_z1OH9gVSZgO3coBtARocU3ofVY7q3VVHDFl3w_onqL9l8WuDcKH3zU0E7ldfv1OY7e8G4Q5_F7rp9HK7qCx-M9nCmkjfeZc/s5568/GOPR2188%20-%20Copy.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHp_7bPHH0hnXqKL1S_5HA2JqOcu6hGkXjOGnmSnHE_5YCN-atqnnfMRGl_1Xfr9MjX_IuW9wb4jKDONpdO_tAW6yXCEz_z1OH9gVSZgO3coBtARocU3ofVY7q3VVHDFl3w_onqL9l8WuDcKH3zU0E7ldfv1OY7e8G4Q5_F7rp9HK7qCx-M9nCmkjfeZc/w640-h480/GOPR2188%20-%20Copy.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: Kenny is holding the umbrella to help me get video and photos minus rain drops! He's the best. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7X4nf9KgkM6dteGK-9MK5tCSIakw9fLNtHmFUid3AKeFssEmriEUPxpYysQiBkKSYZlfxVWPwHkP4XrIuzOfqpLsTN5I2v3qAE1mbaYcdQoxm7KaYS6MfyEyarFi9AsX_qcrkk7tpKfKPPgZiLIkGkFvBFDStfQlnwfA59c800v9xnRh6S9YVb3vlqa8/s5568/GOPR2184%20-%20Copy.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7X4nf9KgkM6dteGK-9MK5tCSIakw9fLNtHmFUid3AKeFssEmriEUPxpYysQiBkKSYZlfxVWPwHkP4XrIuzOfqpLsTN5I2v3qAE1mbaYcdQoxm7KaYS6MfyEyarFi9AsX_qcrkk7tpKfKPPgZiLIkGkFvBFDStfQlnwfA59c800v9xnRh6S9YVb3vlqa8/w640-h480/GOPR2184%20-%20Copy.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: Odie the dog .. best hiker ever... is starting back up the slope where we came down. The photo doesn't show how truly steep it is. You can see the rope if you look close in the center of the image. The RZR is way up there out of sight.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtHx75ACII-HumqRcjCxcw14WDUtKhYtocTMgd2_YI7RlJyz5a3WeIJMsLPX8ccbtD5jkEYfBL23u8GddAIVT-F-GaQ9Vfrvw6KZMhVKxRqLqBsTHY5TxEywgLWVKHSaKkLq4W6fiF4y2JQvsqoxhN6wA9DZGSQfigrZ47qvnUfAyDTo9Xi0xbFOcPPkc/s5568/GOPR2176%20-%20Copy.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtHx75ACII-HumqRcjCxcw14WDUtKhYtocTMgd2_YI7RlJyz5a3WeIJMsLPX8ccbtD5jkEYfBL23u8GddAIVT-F-GaQ9Vfrvw6KZMhVKxRqLqBsTHY5TxEywgLWVKHSaKkLq4W6fiF4y2JQvsqoxhN6wA9DZGSQfigrZ47qvnUfAyDTo9Xi0xbFOcPPkc/w640-h480/GOPR2176%20-%20Copy.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: First approaching Cub Creek. Orange Falls is way on up there. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXp0XJ_xRHgBYQl1_QAfU6MQ-_fZFetbcGzUgwY63ALkVaT53zUN7QSkSgpCZlxiG1rxE4rbPumfvFWq_D6FsfVnf_4CbHx6veko4OKZCSG2bsO79vC7adXnOCgifZ9uTmMwSJPRQlTpjPp4OD5e6RmAFlH0zLnPdZyw6saBfUPASBSx8qCL75QejX9gM/s5568/GOPR2174%20-%20Copy.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXp0XJ_xRHgBYQl1_QAfU6MQ-_fZFetbcGzUgwY63ALkVaT53zUN7QSkSgpCZlxiG1rxE4rbPumfvFWq_D6FsfVnf_4CbHx6veko4OKZCSG2bsO79vC7adXnOCgifZ9uTmMwSJPRQlTpjPp4OD5e6RmAFlH0zLnPdZyw6saBfUPASBSx8qCL75QejX9gM/w640-h480/GOPR2174%20-%20Copy.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: One of many tall ribbons of murky water flowing down today</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Below: A ford of a stream<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZJ3XF9QtaoakKb77IU4m_cxceCFi66QYifvcVFh071M9nCJRavLcB-dbjICAxV9xFxGk-cnpspIgY4fdPreXSGpW2tU81OA5Deea6iSN7LIzazd7MWX0k1D-RHT223uTSJDb-5-tOrDeJ9SYD8qVnEpRUEcqwx5a8vmJLqqiFZ7TiSObxD8wiI_HtgU8/s5568/GOPR2172%20-%20Copy.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZJ3XF9QtaoakKb77IU4m_cxceCFi66QYifvcVFh071M9nCJRavLcB-dbjICAxV9xFxGk-cnpspIgY4fdPreXSGpW2tU81OA5Deea6iSN7LIzazd7MWX0k1D-RHT223uTSJDb-5-tOrDeJ9SYD8qVnEpRUEcqwx5a8vmJLqqiFZ7TiSObxD8wiI_HtgU8/w640-h480/GOPR2172%20-%20Copy.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi_do-El-qZU6ZW6uJ_9vYewqeBxCH4F4Cj8FXfW0ORS_YIELUxzZWafg_RxMRTcdLH1110r0Rn518PjIXwiSlOCGDaT-yZCP7298b5_VJq8r-hINjctDtv-0r37tl5ZPPcuu3a1jWJpWNQsjbLwwz5r2u-tVfJuZOWnj2Ud20eTPR30EvHt_ac9eWaus/s5568/GOPR2169%20-%20Copy.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi_do-El-qZU6ZW6uJ_9vYewqeBxCH4F4Cj8FXfW0ORS_YIELUxzZWafg_RxMRTcdLH1110r0Rn518PjIXwiSlOCGDaT-yZCP7298b5_VJq8r-hINjctDtv-0r37tl5ZPPcuu3a1jWJpWNQsjbLwwz5r2u-tVfJuZOWnj2Ud20eTPR30EvHt_ac9eWaus/w640-h480/GOPR2169%20-%20Copy.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Above: Blue Hole Branch way above the falls. I thought I saw a nice cascade so we stopped. I climbed down to see it closer. I am glad I did because we did not see a lot today. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Below is a nice photo of the cascade on Blue Hole Branch</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN8yFgaZnhtTSes0rhYIp1_hcN-4uvoYpVqQP8HSJP7B_157nwkI6dQy9nwKhbmxqiUyyM9f0-p2tUqqXVjw_yFi5Flie-NwhUlyQuKyOH9h_OMHQlq9n_IpZOpJ4e8eLuuZi7lmwhCcivIV3KV71IBQR-VC38fLCv54sxaAlwB6G9gqc0ahcdjloR40A/s3456/Blue%20Hole%20Branch%20cascade.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN8yFgaZnhtTSes0rhYIp1_hcN-4uvoYpVqQP8HSJP7B_157nwkI6dQy9nwKhbmxqiUyyM9f0-p2tUqqXVjw_yFi5Flie-NwhUlyQuKyOH9h_OMHQlq9n_IpZOpJ4e8eLuuZi7lmwhCcivIV3KV71IBQR-VC38fLCv54sxaAlwB6G9gqc0ahcdjloR40A/w640-h426/Blue%20Hole%20Branch%20cascade.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> We did some riding and getting pelted by rain and mud. We were laughing and cutting up, but two things happened. Kenny decided then and there to invest in a set of enclosures for the RZR. We also got soaked to the skin despite rain gear so we were OVER IT pretty quickly. Speaking for myself I was soaked, muddy, cold, hungry and ready to get warm, dry, fed and out of here!</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> We got our moneys worth. It was still better than sitting round at home. I always say I can survive a thorough soaking. It hasn't killed me yet. Kenny worried that it would harm my lungs and make me sicker than I had been. It didn't. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> We loaded up and tried to decide what to do for lunch? Kenny was in favor of heading to Muddy Pond. I did not want to wait that long to eat or get dry. I also did not want to roll up in the Mennonite store looking like a hound from Hell. Sharon had a better idea. We stopped by West Fork General Store. What a great idea that was!</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> Below is a video of our rainy ride on Cub Mountain. Love this place.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>The video shows more of what the place is like when water is flowing. It is impressive. Sharon said she liked it even better today than the first time. It is a good Spring wildflower destination as well! </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><p><br /></p><p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vCOz1fdCsME" title="Cub Mountain Ride in the Rain" width="670"></iframe><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b> Below is a video of Orange Falls </b></p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7Y8fZai3A_A" title="Orange Falls" width="670"></iframe><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: center;"><u><a href="https://www.facebook.com/p/West-Fork-General-Store-100063673718171/" target="_blank">West Fork General Store </a></u></h2><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: underline;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjxemISzApsKN4THc_ZqnK0wE5pFGP4G5jE7SI6sX0a9YMtK0JyP7Dl0RIIODSgS6zC072h94O8PxdCbpgMgW8dxsmWqJ9eptWl_5T6POCwGtIFZpHi4hjQu2YRNOPFBYLnloCvAhDrmN0qJoEgIT5vyrlHDwJ0p-zI5ToIqSNGn-qNjqPHYh8SYsHAV0k" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="123" data-original-width="409" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjxemISzApsKN4THc_ZqnK0wE5pFGP4G5jE7SI6sX0a9YMtK0JyP7Dl0RIIODSgS6zC072h94O8PxdCbpgMgW8dxsmWqJ9eptWl_5T6POCwGtIFZpHi4hjQu2YRNOPFBYLnloCvAhDrmN0qJoEgIT5vyrlHDwJ0p-zI5ToIqSNGn-qNjqPHYh8SYsHAV0k=w400-h120" width="400" /></a></div><br /> <b>I have been to West Fork store before. I met the owner, Kathy. She was super sweet. It is a nice store. I had heard Sharon tell about how good their food is, but I had not tried it. Today was the day! We'd try it and this would be another Country Store blog. It would help round out a rainy day. It sits by the intersection of Highway 52 and SR 85 that heads toward Cub Mountain. <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/u3saEnotVzFuxgjk8" target="_blank">Here is a link to a Google map showing the location. </a> If you click the title above that says West Fork General Store it takes you to their Facebook page. </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyeGC9QoRZtbOGo-N7NCrO8DPZiJbVT9bZZl6Qn9Ak1fuXlgg3KJiiehICilzIJYFCY4NaEm6vmne2SMKCJorg0Xp-mDAzxGcmvdN1pjU7KKmUFihW_u_1bskBU-2GgQpJjjobY1_Zmoz8wACdphNXV0yZCGYE6e1Kw-gfLYp2Cchcwbny8JuYE8XkrYE/s5568/GOPR2201.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyeGC9QoRZtbOGo-N7NCrO8DPZiJbVT9bZZl6Qn9Ak1fuXlgg3KJiiehICilzIJYFCY4NaEm6vmne2SMKCJorg0Xp-mDAzxGcmvdN1pjU7KKmUFihW_u_1bskBU-2GgQpJjjobY1_Zmoz8wACdphNXV0yZCGYE6e1Kw-gfLYp2Cchcwbny8JuYE8XkrYE/w640-h480/GOPR2201.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><b> Above: Kenny approaching the store past the gas pumps. </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Below: They had a sign out front Free Rabbits! This place functions as the unofficial Humane Society in the area. Kathy takes care of many feral cats and sees to it they either find homes or have shelter and food. They in turn keep the mice down in the area. We saw only two cats today piled up behind the firewood sleeping and lounging on an old rug! <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQPl2tJrf1U61LBI-dD7d7bLlig69ErjedlQ1ZzKQVrQVNAIEdEKULCWguDXXEIxbPlcAHI-BCuBrVwqARZg483x2t_E9RMOI5SV04EiUQbUoHhENiWFUnMXpKerT4qCQ-ScZNUAGj5mTnl6l9FCx-VLVWALNqUh1KGpVzAg-dtminbk0pHeNT9ll5xFA/s5568/GOPR2203.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQPl2tJrf1U61LBI-dD7d7bLlig69ErjedlQ1ZzKQVrQVNAIEdEKULCWguDXXEIxbPlcAHI-BCuBrVwqARZg483x2t_E9RMOI5SV04EiUQbUoHhENiWFUnMXpKerT4qCQ-ScZNUAGj5mTnl6l9FCx-VLVWALNqUh1KGpVzAg-dtminbk0pHeNT9ll5xFA/w640-h480/GOPR2203.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></b></div><div><br /></div><div><b> We stopped to take a peek at the bunnies. They were cute. A Dutch lop eared rabbit or two and a regular bunny. I use to have a rabbit when I was about three. We strolled on it. Tana was on duty. Her name is pronounced Tay-na like Day-na! (me!) It was warm inside and had the wood stove smell that a good country store should have in Winter. I grew up going to places like this.</b></div><div><b>My great grandfather heated the house with wood and a kerosene heater so those smells are home to me. I burned wood to heat my house until I was nearly forty years old! </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b> We took a look at the menu which was impressive! Sharon and I got a philly cheese steak sandwich. Kenny got a bacon cheeseburger. Tana prepares all the food fresh and hot. It was quick, but not "fast food". It is satisfying to hear the sizzle of the grill while your food is being prepared. You know it is going to be good. </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b> I strolled around and got photos of the place. It is quaint. I enjoyed the warmth of the wood stove. I was just beginning to dry off some. It was nice that it did not matter to her that we were wet and muddy. We were welcome anyhow. We sat and enjoyed a delicious, hot lunch with Tana. The conversation was pleasant and light. I couldn't believe I'd waited so long to try this for myself. Sharon was correct. Next time I am going to go for breakfast! </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b> This little place is a hidden gem. Fuel. Basic automotive needs like oil and fuel treatment.</b></div><div><b>Basic medicines like Advil, Tylenol, cold remedies. Basic groceries. Soft drinks. Beer. Snacks.</b></div><div><b>Gifts. Cards. And a Community Chest area near the store front that is clothing donations you can help yourself to. Also a community bulletin board for businesses and services. They have a candy counter and full deli! It is exactly what a country store should be! </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b> </b><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9W5VVgN8bJgunWeT93pjbGNDhBtul9wFHftcf5yALh4P5KCD8GD_iodJ6SWfIWWnOxKRDhLo2qrlyKaMZnYOLN6rdgBPF9avp1jj5GYRdF8hfwz16q0q2VPSpC1CUAuEVpW7Y_wZxQaDqJRNIvQQps-8Y1xGCUGPfH3jPjoimwoM7MWp2OBWBm8nS_1o/s5568/GOPR2217.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9W5VVgN8bJgunWeT93pjbGNDhBtul9wFHftcf5yALh4P5KCD8GD_iodJ6SWfIWWnOxKRDhLo2qrlyKaMZnYOLN6rdgBPF9avp1jj5GYRdF8hfwz16q0q2VPSpC1CUAuEVpW7Y_wZxQaDqJRNIvQQps-8Y1xGCUGPfH3jPjoimwoM7MWp2OBWBm8nS_1o/w640-h480/GOPR2217.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Above: near the entrance is a free clothing bin They also sell ice chests and ice! Fishing tackle. </b></div></b></div><div><b>Below: icecreams to pick from and popsicles.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg88fdcvU7g92TL997XuHrBbYMXKvXPVaM-912hz4GX1vLx5PEuFBkojrIWCWxosyKDR_yBXZ5B2rDUjFKbPLd3ays40hhUSzy8aJesYYIwqTTiXrtR5SpvUpLRppPfl01yiButG5wSh5Hk8ZIql9r3LyX7rp-zIsK8rcRiRa7TLWDSfESJnQiZNkG-L2E/s5568/GOPR2224.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg88fdcvU7g92TL997XuHrBbYMXKvXPVaM-912hz4GX1vLx5PEuFBkojrIWCWxosyKDR_yBXZ5B2rDUjFKbPLd3ays40hhUSzy8aJesYYIwqTTiXrtR5SpvUpLRppPfl01yiButG5wSh5Hk8ZIql9r3LyX7rp-zIsK8rcRiRa7TLWDSfESJnQiZNkG-L2E/w640-h480/GOPR2224.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Below: the Pharmacy section of the store just above the candy<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0jiioCDIl9u1ylOo__87hIidUVMW3yeXDkHRWdgGJygOEB9yPMPAGXd2B6xnZfxXhlkJ9SK0y1BGrHeh12m4MitkKvm2lQXGwZ7QmilItdKRqksufV73HGhp8UTYNE6sYc6J8Dk7SNsPAGtfAaMEGZvRzYEbHVmxwUH_CrR7LcDWN5YP0z4qPcTPBF5E/s5568/GOPR2223.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0jiioCDIl9u1ylOo__87hIidUVMW3yeXDkHRWdgGJygOEB9yPMPAGXd2B6xnZfxXhlkJ9SK0y1BGrHeh12m4MitkKvm2lQXGwZ7QmilItdKRqksufV73HGhp8UTYNE6sYc6J8Dk7SNsPAGtfAaMEGZvRzYEbHVmxwUH_CrR7LcDWN5YP0z4qPcTPBF5E/w640-h480/GOPR2223.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Below: candy selection<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvor7GYD8qSv5zMs-F1OJTzvtTOqLBWvVgWzc-c0g7i1hwe1LSZCnW-TcGoAnPStEgiWH-XPJlgWiaECsXA6kyV6HMDNZDz-UzgSZBXL7OvjjOv6H1ovtLcOTrW6shApaVNWxaUwQxHUHZHJcBoU_HxsAa8n6h5P1TL25X_wzPIVWyby9NB4L1WXkx1rs/s5568/GOPR2222.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvor7GYD8qSv5zMs-F1OJTzvtTOqLBWvVgWzc-c0g7i1hwe1LSZCnW-TcGoAnPStEgiWH-XPJlgWiaECsXA6kyV6HMDNZDz-UzgSZBXL7OvjjOv6H1ovtLcOTrW6shApaVNWxaUwQxHUHZHJcBoU_HxsAa8n6h5P1TL25X_wzPIVWyby9NB4L1WXkx1rs/w640-h480/GOPR2222.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS4-4mITnIqNJGqEVGTnbp7z65f841f4jY8BQEEoAsogr0tlrmI3-KXbOJbng-6ZFlqUZWbLfWa9jp-wsbTrVvl7_ThIoz_5iSmJeNQnZDFsPkqO7hwvn6vx51vdSfsLsJdBqPpIXPmPqmv6en94_Xq-blSGbGyT1JIF2TRtEEXb1uotC2NV9Radgl_r0/s5568/GOPR2221.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS4-4mITnIqNJGqEVGTnbp7z65f841f4jY8BQEEoAsogr0tlrmI3-KXbOJbng-6ZFlqUZWbLfWa9jp-wsbTrVvl7_ThIoz_5iSmJeNQnZDFsPkqO7hwvn6vx51vdSfsLsJdBqPpIXPmPqmv6en94_Xq-blSGbGyT1JIF2TRtEEXb1uotC2NV9Radgl_r0/w640-h480/GOPR2221.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: they sell candy cigarettes! I loved these when I was a kid. Now I'm sure they are not Politically Correct, but they are still around! </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Below: The community bulletin board area <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3rDSOordvKMNVkeHjl3S9pcilUjPH-p0SFYWRcaCp_WKWP7Dyk0hEQ-Xlm_4x9UHUKxwVWvtBAXUBFgZmzOCbW8cFl2dIh5ToQ116OZFOafbk8pMX_j0V8VeesbfvA3eDjqqlJYdTB2C71vmIc4KBq9vOe3HpBxpxlH6OwFct9qTENk3Fl06Gsq0ILb0/s5568/GOPR2220.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3rDSOordvKMNVkeHjl3S9pcilUjPH-p0SFYWRcaCp_WKWP7Dyk0hEQ-Xlm_4x9UHUKxwVWvtBAXUBFgZmzOCbW8cFl2dIh5ToQ116OZFOafbk8pMX_j0V8VeesbfvA3eDjqqlJYdTB2C71vmIc4KBq9vOe3HpBxpxlH6OwFct9qTENk3Fl06Gsq0ILb0/w640-h480/GOPR2220.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKjHVrF_I_8h-wRMT2uTWSTpMk2ZbvQfDeckUkdp8c2FXk7tchwb7cqN1TuwPu5F0192xOhk5LYML4wQNs0RnmQ6hNjXWexT_J7DaHxg1HjyRfk5IuUJI_vP6xgZLURn0fxeV-9A7VbUH5S8b_dXj47gHWUhZGebQzVnfVzud8-W97_1h8rgPWEpp-B88/s5568/GOPR2219.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKjHVrF_I_8h-wRMT2uTWSTpMk2ZbvQfDeckUkdp8c2FXk7tchwb7cqN1TuwPu5F0192xOhk5LYML4wQNs0RnmQ6hNjXWexT_J7DaHxg1HjyRfk5IuUJI_vP6xgZLURn0fxeV-9A7VbUH5S8b_dXj47gHWUhZGebQzVnfVzud8-W97_1h8rgPWEpp-B88/w640-h480/GOPR2219.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: automotive needs. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkG_WDbG7k-Xe1ETwyDA1sE4OoRxf0KVuKX1E4d2_u2PLLGxqf9kPowUyJ2wUS2acMq2Tdj-IyUXZbvLikhbfReA84l8eRhu6KIfSAtCHObGodLFFUychjQxiv1DWlXjWhOW9DhOGX6wJWZMoc5XewpB7oAp4mTUrRZAhbC_KbfcjbxIVe-LNj6alT4-M/s5568/GOPR2218.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkG_WDbG7k-Xe1ETwyDA1sE4OoRxf0KVuKX1E4d2_u2PLLGxqf9kPowUyJ2wUS2acMq2Tdj-IyUXZbvLikhbfReA84l8eRhu6KIfSAtCHObGodLFFUychjQxiv1DWlXjWhOW9DhOGX6wJWZMoc5XewpB7oAp4mTUrRZAhbC_KbfcjbxIVe-LNj6alT4-M/w640-h480/GOPR2218.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Above: Chips and snacks</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Below: Gifts and country decoration and local crafts like rattlesnake hide wallets! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsTVM71Ff0iJRBXhavZQpmw2VJi2qYVb-E-ETy0Qcz3hwm8N0fbNS1J9azdqgApUrAccsfGykb0COM3YMk7_Ci6ahY_GYzvL61dVoL8wD4ZgVgOAXrP89P9j70bGz0MYUj92Jx1Hf7msZeUE_M-lhyphenhyphenfeUQud3Ush3MDBN0vEIL5VQbdzBZT8HzttPzEBY/s5568/GOPR2216.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsTVM71Ff0iJRBXhavZQpmw2VJi2qYVb-E-ETy0Qcz3hwm8N0fbNS1J9azdqgApUrAccsfGykb0COM3YMk7_Ci6ahY_GYzvL61dVoL8wD4ZgVgOAXrP89P9j70bGz0MYUj92Jx1Hf7msZeUE_M-lhyphenhyphenfeUQud3Ush3MDBN0vEIL5VQbdzBZT8HzttPzEBY/w640-h480/GOPR2216.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLoBymTgRaHwfgnkisr2pvBb1qGgxbum68voqB1bTPjA7t_Lr3cOjsjR8uhzpAiSDAKnCTaoGMo-MxIsEUAEgKFuXtlizlR3Eaw0Atn6jzQsSNhax4Tbc1e8gT-SAc-NrBFDRk2ghEx87ERi1D_IkuTEL4r67pfYTcfgeFGURxQPmu36eD-cXu3LYFZ3g/s5568/GOPR2214.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLoBymTgRaHwfgnkisr2pvBb1qGgxbum68voqB1bTPjA7t_Lr3cOjsjR8uhzpAiSDAKnCTaoGMo-MxIsEUAEgKFuXtlizlR3Eaw0Atn6jzQsSNhax4Tbc1e8gT-SAc-NrBFDRk2ghEx87ERi1D_IkuTEL4r67pfYTcfgeFGURxQPmu36eD-cXu3LYFZ3g/w640-h480/GOPR2214.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: deli counter.. above are cigarettes. Beer cooler. You can even buy it by the single, but you cannot drink it on the premises. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjME3jtkpjdJZtbe3ekBhAGzUj4JGQTV7iyG8Mf9r6PnEvD7mCpvW0iOWRVG4RP5eqTmGTc4IJLVY_BTtivQaUKiKE3ArxYRD-Fbc-rQSkiIIxiZ5FLLTvdqAaAq3wlNMboeTDMsQAwnQRzcEH1feQvOU3lNDWzfyhzpRHXquqTuuIZfRv_dM3vHVfmDkM/s5568/GOPR2213.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjME3jtkpjdJZtbe3ekBhAGzUj4JGQTV7iyG8Mf9r6PnEvD7mCpvW0iOWRVG4RP5eqTmGTc4IJLVY_BTtivQaUKiKE3ArxYRD-Fbc-rQSkiIIxiZ5FLLTvdqAaAq3wlNMboeTDMsQAwnQRzcEH1feQvOU3lNDWzfyhzpRHXquqTuuIZfRv_dM3vHVfmDkM/w640-h480/GOPR2213.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: the dining area is cozy. See the firewood stacked in the wood rack? The wood stove can be seen and the wall is decorated with area historic photos. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibFy7Mib7DUZpCpMxyCoiQYG_aTHNPb1r0ZFCresYouQsQ1WKjotMnAs6HToOI5Ax5DGj1QkR7eZCNEcj_nPPfzHQtKEthwJLHhLmD-v9yH_z3LpqcbuMkrlnjZQgazFTStO8Vz3Opg1LkmODN2UZj8uq3OmsoqTCbBwueAT-wk1uinx_Y7WtzUFgV29Q/s5568/GOPR2212.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibFy7Mib7DUZpCpMxyCoiQYG_aTHNPb1r0ZFCresYouQsQ1WKjotMnAs6HToOI5Ax5DGj1QkR7eZCNEcj_nPPfzHQtKEthwJLHhLmD-v9yH_z3LpqcbuMkrlnjZQgazFTStO8Vz3Opg1LkmODN2UZj8uq3OmsoqTCbBwueAT-wk1uinx_Y7WtzUFgV29Q/s320/GOPR2212.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBnJJx6usDrQc0XG_0pgwCPDsvWWYZmTwxoXR7dJn5wC4NE8Fl-VDSZrE80UiHqIorsPqnFpk2TZ6Bi14IsAwI9tPJ7S66klo2qF7Dv_BxHTjtyLkgZ89VKv_3AFg-Ajaiso0teWfDWT0CVf4A0H4tA1PaNFrlqffgphoXVRjCRPH88gfodusRzQj9M3k/s5568/GOPR2211.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBnJJx6usDrQc0XG_0pgwCPDsvWWYZmTwxoXR7dJn5wC4NE8Fl-VDSZrE80UiHqIorsPqnFpk2TZ6Bi14IsAwI9tPJ7S66klo2qF7Dv_BxHTjtyLkgZ89VKv_3AFg-Ajaiso0teWfDWT0CVf4A0H4tA1PaNFrlqffgphoXVRjCRPH88gfodusRzQj9M3k/w640-h480/GOPR2211.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: basic grocery items</b></div><div><b>Below: Selection of bottled drinks like when I was a child at my Poppy's store! <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhViIGa8LkyAhEeC_H2Li0MK1puTYfHLQPkyA1M4ptWUVAzE3IfpqWKuCAr8BHh_MzCK_wH9Ek1t-Lbvi_f41UmrO4fYaCtUeF6LSIiDtd0BYv1oNijafegWxkBUQz3EnWt0sXyyIckwv4737Mj1uQlfdrHC-JGdPfrj3GoFRmdT-x1bBbs_tNXJO9dFew/s5568/GOPR2210.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhViIGa8LkyAhEeC_H2Li0MK1puTYfHLQPkyA1M4ptWUVAzE3IfpqWKuCAr8BHh_MzCK_wH9Ek1t-Lbvi_f41UmrO4fYaCtUeF6LSIiDtd0BYv1oNijafegWxkBUQz3EnWt0sXyyIckwv4737Mj1uQlfdrHC-JGdPfrj3GoFRmdT-x1bBbs_tNXJO9dFew/w640-h480/GOPR2210.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Below: blurry image of the deli items.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGq2la8h5FtNbQWSUb9Bv-g2JMYGZIF57NWgVSoBNcoFTw6or47Vzppu_5dlYoevHFpnjZKhTdPmlqoGvG8JXw0TMuEEYR4Nxno2RTPJl8H1iWMYmycO_1oCghYrWkQVzvQsWKICzeC79I4ONcT0DXGStCi0Fdmd2Pg8GdOh-N_HPe8vFILSn57aH_JoM/s5568/GOPR2207.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGq2la8h5FtNbQWSUb9Bv-g2JMYGZIF57NWgVSoBNcoFTw6or47Vzppu_5dlYoevHFpnjZKhTdPmlqoGvG8JXw0TMuEEYR4Nxno2RTPJl8H1iWMYmycO_1oCghYrWkQVzvQsWKICzeC79I4ONcT0DXGStCi0Fdmd2Pg8GdOh-N_HPe8vFILSn57aH_JoM/w640-h480/GOPR2207.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnyNOWCp_KAl_E2yL0xxam0f7EGUhlVW9-AIebSiMnzcar0Ez51GtYunEGJiii3U_-X6QbXOif6aBKuDT-yPSKe71pLnR1EAL2G2kgtAKDcemE06WrcY0xjS59_w55Wixn78EnS6Bzt-iNWFaaGz3ONilSeVJE5s_S0CdpT9cKpL44HSu7jabUmmf-4o0/s5568/GOPR2206.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnyNOWCp_KAl_E2yL0xxam0f7EGUhlVW9-AIebSiMnzcar0Ez51GtYunEGJiii3U_-X6QbXOif6aBKuDT-yPSKe71pLnR1EAL2G2kgtAKDcemE06WrcY0xjS59_w55Wixn78EnS6Bzt-iNWFaaGz3ONilSeVJE5s_S0CdpT9cKpL44HSu7jabUmmf-4o0/w640-h480/GOPR2206.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Above and below : deli counter with the menus on the wall. You can see Tana back there working.</div><br /><br /></b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3tkEJY3MpTrleN256JC4i-4fak5cjkpYst9PfDq0Tlc2Z7gbrH2lFN1Ezt0twJLQOjiDcKS2V2O0xywwCmMxA83UADWEOLi3wEuPpt5AlmYYXMUoCmRYsc909LqosFMRSux_A6cZpyoz9XhBQP23HD1X0tgC-_Klb0TZhefgH6lvP-kizKsHzrPRL_AM/s5568/GOPR2204.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3tkEJY3MpTrleN256JC4i-4fak5cjkpYst9PfDq0Tlc2Z7gbrH2lFN1Ezt0twJLQOjiDcKS2V2O0xywwCmMxA83UADWEOLi3wEuPpt5AlmYYXMUoCmRYsc909LqosFMRSux_A6cZpyoz9XhBQP23HD1X0tgC-_Klb0TZhefgH6lvP-kizKsHzrPRL_AM/w640-h480/GOPR2204.JPG" width="640" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> We had a nice lunch and felt better and a bit warmer and drier. We paid Tana and loaded up to leave. It was not too far until we were back at Sharon's house. We got dried off and clean. I took a shower to warm up after being drenched and wearing wet jeans around. Sharon started a fire in the fire place. We all felt better and went in to relax. I woke up an hour and a half later with a pillow print on my face! I got under the blankets to get warmed up and fell sound asleep. I'm a real fun party animal.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Below: Sharon's beautiful fire place. It really was cozy! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNYfAnS4x2V4Kdiriri67SxaZG1tuxYHC6acsmjzYDSnF0yNiilI-uR8hsfFI7QIInTimnDZOyVP6GQdLZo9dlEG65EvCQrY7WEzVxGJaKzIsd5MuJM99THhyDz95CnNjnr5PIC_5nqBEGeRWNSCEWlmj-0kDBMEsvKm8MIpfmrh61a5QQjDCbouPYB3U/s5568/G0022252.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNYfAnS4x2V4Kdiriri67SxaZG1tuxYHC6acsmjzYDSnF0yNiilI-uR8hsfFI7QIInTimnDZOyVP6GQdLZo9dlEG65EvCQrY7WEzVxGJaKzIsd5MuJM99THhyDz95CnNjnr5PIC_5nqBEGeRWNSCEWlmj-0kDBMEsvKm8MIpfmrh61a5QQjDCbouPYB3U/w640-h480/G0022252.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <b>All in all a good day and a nice weekend despite the rain.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b> We headed out after breakfast Sunday morning. We drove Glenobey Road which is now reopened all the way through. It is repaired after a landslide. Gwinn Branch and the spring were gushing muddy water! Gwinn Branch is usually a dry stream bed above the spring. </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Below is a video of Gwinn Branch and the flooded stream at the confluence with the spring.<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="450" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OmcA1lBT9tA" title="Gwinn Branch after a night and day of rain" width="670"></iframe></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b> Below is a video of the cascade we found on Blue Hole Branch</b></div><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ub6hjVyP8fI" title="Cascade on Blue Hole Branch" width="670"></iframe>Dana Kooglerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05415223619811093720noreply@blogger.com0Crawford, TN 38554, USA36.2692321 -85.16079617.958998263821158 -120.3170461 64.579465936178849 -50.0045461tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626760878352814160.post-1656264438615835422024-02-15T00:30:00.003-05:002024-02-15T07:50:25.908-05:00Spring Wildflower Locations for Those With Limited Mobility <p style="text-align: center;"><b><u></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><b><u><br /><br /></u><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Max-Patch/i-8MfMd43/0/c2b68c7c/O/Hybrid%20wakerobin%20white%20and%20red.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cream colored trillium flower with red center" border="0" data-original-height="792" data-original-width="800" height="396" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Max-Patch/i-8MfMd43/0/c2b68c7c/O/Hybrid%20wakerobin%20white%20and%20red.jpg" title="Hybrid Wakerobin Trillium at Max Patch" width="400" /></a></div><br /></b><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><u><br /></u></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><u><br /></u></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><u> Spring Wildflower Locations for Those With Limited Mobility</u></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><u><br /></u></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>2024 Upcoming Wildflower Season </b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Dana Koogler </b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b> The knowledge that I am facing knee replacement surgery possibly this season coupled with the extreme discomfort and mobility limits I'm enduring have inspired this blog piece. I may need this myself! Very likely in fact. I have an increasing awareness of my own infirmities, limits, and those of my friends. We are an aging population. I don't plan to give up my hobbies or give up on my health. I plan to fight back from this with the Lord's help. Meanwhile I shall have to make the best of a bad situation. I hope this is useful to myself and others in similar straits. </b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></p><h3 style="text-align: center;"><b><u>Standing Stone State Park</u></b></h3><div><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div><b><u><br /></u></b></div><p style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b> One of the best, most promising locations to visit for viewing wildflowers and Spring scenery without having to do a lot of hiking is Standing Stone State Park in Overton County, Tennessee. It is about 2 1/2 hours from me. It provides a wonderful outdoor recreation experience for everyone minus the crowds of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is free. Meaning if you are there for day use only you will come and go as you please with no entry fees at all. If you are camping the state park fees apply for your lodging or cabin rentals. Restrooms are scattered around the grounds. Picnic areas and places to rest are abundant. Wildflowers and waterfalls are easily viewed from roadsides! </b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b> My primary reason for falling in love with it is the grand display of wildflowers in great numbers and varieties with hardly any people! Here is a link to <a href="https://cumberlandgal.smugmug.com/Standing-Stone-State-Park-Wildflower-Guide" target="_blank">Standing Stone State Park Wildflower Guide </a>I put together. I was going to post a link for the state park, but today is one of those days the state websites are down. Instead I will engage in a bit of shameless self promotion. <a href="https://cumberlandriverbasin.org/guide/experience-the-new-deal-state-park/" target="_blank">Here is a link to a guide to the state park and area attractions I wrote for the Cumberland River Compact. </a></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>It is very image heavy, descriptive, and is complete with good directions. Keep in mind that this guide was not written specifically for those with limited mobility so not everything on it is easy. A good bit of it is. Specifically the abandoned cabin loop is not suitable for anyone except those with either no limitations or they have an all terrain wheelchair. The dining locations included in this are handicap accessible and both still open for a brisk business nearby in Livingston! </b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b> All images shown below are spots you can view from either the road, pulling over immediately by the road , pulling over in a parking lot, or still sitting in the vehicle. </b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b> </b></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAocIQp1n1cxdXqLfzJlfTHN7UH03nT0wCwIwJR9Y4yZEZq9buB84LNEhh28llK4q_rnGWpDFy9OuSFOBR_GqPdAJP6aIke7WP_Z91rA7QwyGVorBVmzkJ5zZgVLb59oW1NFUppTWohuo0hxeAMumXgX6BN8NI1Br7m2WF4n3sg6OMoEvNtUW8FBiGLz4/s1024/Standing%20Stone%20268.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><b><img alt="bright red and yellow columbine flower hangs from rocky cliff" border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAocIQp1n1cxdXqLfzJlfTHN7UH03nT0wCwIwJR9Y4yZEZq9buB84LNEhh28llK4q_rnGWpDFy9OuSFOBR_GqPdAJP6aIke7WP_Z91rA7QwyGVorBVmzkJ5zZgVLb59oW1NFUppTWohuo0hxeAMumXgX6BN8NI1Br7m2WF4n3sg6OMoEvNtUW8FBiGLz4/w640-h480/Standing%20Stone%20268.jpg" title="Wild Columbine" width="640" /></b></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Above: Wild Columbine blooms by the roadside at Standing Stone State Park<br /><br />Below: the redbuds in bloom just below the dam</b></td></tr></tbody></table><b><br /></b><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7X_sQoOMchxLRoLP6Dky_BaQQ1Ge14Y5SLVNFzhYFaJ1vHihgydoQ3zHqJ9pJMTC9sMspK9qEUT8KhRUpyidj8LGYy-EkfQKjsLCo-jdrJ1uXvcNiOzp1GXtEKXjZt3v2WSs70vIoYEmQfOIBJ-EKEUmh5CiloSjdzKZb1TRCEt4NsmHI6VWWfI03MdI/s1024/Standing%20Stone%20018.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img alt="green lawn with pink redbud trees in bloom at a picnic shelter" border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7X_sQoOMchxLRoLP6Dky_BaQQ1Ge14Y5SLVNFzhYFaJ1vHihgydoQ3zHqJ9pJMTC9sMspK9qEUT8KhRUpyidj8LGYy-EkfQKjsLCo-jdrJ1uXvcNiOzp1GXtEKXjZt3v2WSs70vIoYEmQfOIBJ-EKEUmh5CiloSjdzKZb1TRCEt4NsmHI6VWWfI03MdI/w640-h480/Standing%20Stone%20018.jpg" title="Picnic area below Standing Stone Dam" width="640" /></b></a></div><b><br /></b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Rn_hsb4lTN98ocwIio9zFLoEvhgtklhplSBognSS1q3eApKLD2QnPW-OTPEvJC0s64yKqhmDgRzKGA9hYeoxC7E2yrpQNJpjNIUD4OdJxQ1CujDADL5r92hPehl3KgMsV3Ko8tnKhOfx1Nh5W5Qy5t0CYl0lS8iFZCyTu8Kzfcz9Xz8puT0YnulMqBc/s1600/IMG_1569-X3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img alt="bright red catchfly flowers in bloom" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Rn_hsb4lTN98ocwIio9zFLoEvhgtklhplSBognSS1q3eApKLD2QnPW-OTPEvJC0s64yKqhmDgRzKGA9hYeoxC7E2yrpQNJpjNIUD4OdJxQ1CujDADL5r92hPehl3KgMsV3Ko8tnKhOfx1Nh5W5Qy5t0CYl0lS8iFZCyTu8Kzfcz9Xz8puT0YnulMqBc/w640-h426/IMG_1569-X3.jpg" width="640" /></b></a></div><b>Above: Red blooms of Catchfly </b><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Below: Shooting Star flowers bloom in great clusters at Standing Stone in numerous locations visible from the road! <br /></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP4ZPvNNx-yg_KOByN6Uop5QokDuTtayjDmVuBeM4fjV60YARgNedV3REGFSc7tvuM1p2klUoCqqOxaE0NpQfAU-oJLUv8Flz222U98GSr76b-XkOvHURCF6T11oQPHjrpvcGKXmD9KW5tXmvis_u4jpt6wUTplisrBeq1ynrU12m2cRA5JMD1ctwIHSU/s1600/IMG_1333-X3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP4ZPvNNx-yg_KOByN6Uop5QokDuTtayjDmVuBeM4fjV60YARgNedV3REGFSc7tvuM1p2klUoCqqOxaE0NpQfAU-oJLUv8Flz222U98GSr76b-XkOvHURCF6T11oQPHjrpvcGKXmD9KW5tXmvis_u4jpt6wUTplisrBeq1ynrU12m2cRA5JMD1ctwIHSU/w640-h426/IMG_1333-X3.jpg" width="640" /></b></a></div><b><br /></b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiveFAdcH1FniFccXh5I04o65j6XDYxPV5ys24MsmWedX-86DR2xl__nwgZEAxXG1zYt-qEPewJGXchq6lGCqhF3Tf0sde_cojxBttccNJUkL45FhMQJrjgG1Av5G2csUYyfxHqJoxL1aF0wCHpv1tbzYCQ76BVA5ujlse9uFMkKnu-DCgOaonKJQKE74/s1600/IMG_0894-X3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img alt="green hills covered in yellow poppies reaching into the distance" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiveFAdcH1FniFccXh5I04o65j6XDYxPV5ys24MsmWedX-86DR2xl__nwgZEAxXG1zYt-qEPewJGXchq6lGCqhF3Tf0sde_cojxBttccNJUkL45FhMQJrjgG1Av5G2csUYyfxHqJoxL1aF0wCHpv1tbzYCQ76BVA5ujlse9uFMkKnu-DCgOaonKJQKE74/w640-h426/IMG_0894-X3.jpg" width="640" /></b></a></div><b>Above: Hillsides covered in bright yellow, cheerful wood poppies stretching into the distance are visible on a drive! </b><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Below: Purple phacelia is another roadside attraction that is thick in the Spring <br /></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjksy1IxNKmE8A7nUSEGg6Lrq7ivQlNAQgSuzbQbxxnK7AVhp2lTKevKR2vLCcB1hIL-HBT8KRPgdb3sW6Scn_B-93Zm78IHMCEJRwFXfb7MQKoUC79jopC3_eTI17l6HKEt-m9VUUzctWTRe_kzYkmgL_r0Rx62ic0kTV2oFZ1C2H6ogZHsZt6USms1sE/s400/IMG_0800-S.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img alt="deep purple clusters of phacelia blooms" border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjksy1IxNKmE8A7nUSEGg6Lrq7ivQlNAQgSuzbQbxxnK7AVhp2lTKevKR2vLCcB1hIL-HBT8KRPgdb3sW6Scn_B-93Zm78IHMCEJRwFXfb7MQKoUC79jopC3_eTI17l6HKEt-m9VUUzctWTRe_kzYkmgL_r0Rx62ic0kTV2oFZ1C2H6ogZHsZt6USms1sE/w640-h428/IMG_0800-S.jpg" width="640" /></b></a></div><b><br /></b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNIpByx8s2t0GwhQFkZDt-zChnOt8_kaAc02hK94RJ9DOijQpCkZfbqJGeEvaAv6mrhyOEr-rPMFMbPN105c-Aj4-7rH6hQTpIJGzRfWFL99oWEE1vNmbuyVRaVdbasRLe4WHzrH6IzY-9HzSeinhB9j6r4Ie-oV8C9ukKxilXRtOKz_XFuxHr3GyQHsA/s1600/IMG_0728-X3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img alt="maroon rosebud shaped Prairie trillium blossoms" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNIpByx8s2t0GwhQFkZDt-zChnOt8_kaAc02hK94RJ9DOijQpCkZfbqJGeEvaAv6mrhyOEr-rPMFMbPN105c-Aj4-7rH6hQTpIJGzRfWFL99oWEE1vNmbuyVRaVdbasRLe4WHzrH6IzY-9HzSeinhB9j6r4Ie-oV8C9ukKxilXRtOKz_XFuxHr3GyQHsA/w640-h426/IMG_0728-X3.jpg" width="640" /></b></a></div><b>Above: Prairie Trilliums are abundant at Standing Stone. You won't see these in East Tennessee. They are a middle Tennessee flower.</b><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Below: great patches are Virginia bluebells are visible by the streams in the river bottoms. <br /></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-3hpWdnd51fVcyuliH5tEmDOD-_LJriCf5bBFYcsNM7QRmqrS76kD7kKsTZy3uMh2SE9U00Ufnpov0CpjSRoCFSvLpkTFy_f6cQW2RyusBgrKQtrXRIeGeUaocpkfGpqD3mMUUpuf5yII3b4CS64XjYGBPBEya1YXeFrh2uWPQQJq0Vdfb21YUTdLZz0/s1600/IMG_0704-X3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img alt="swaths of bluebells in bloom" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-3hpWdnd51fVcyuliH5tEmDOD-_LJriCf5bBFYcsNM7QRmqrS76kD7kKsTZy3uMh2SE9U00Ufnpov0CpjSRoCFSvLpkTFy_f6cQW2RyusBgrKQtrXRIeGeUaocpkfGpqD3mMUUpuf5yII3b4CS64XjYGBPBEya1YXeFrh2uWPQQJq0Vdfb21YUTdLZz0/w640-h426/IMG_0704-X3.jpg" width="640" /></b></a></div><b><br /></b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbrOdvEyFp1j9D34Lk1VIl3-4oxACrIEmYORJEji57MIF7lmvT0GhPATaJqmhoGozOH3fiDDOWyXSBs5Sw-DS4wcxKI0MIiYqeQMifXAp5Eg7Aab8uJXnylxKgudlPiV6K8sr3gI0GJmI8RVQ8Rps5hAmxLfqBGW1fk-QK7KFQJM3MG84P24mcP2OybhY/s1600/IMG_0636-X3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbrOdvEyFp1j9D34Lk1VIl3-4oxACrIEmYORJEji57MIF7lmvT0GhPATaJqmhoGozOH3fiDDOWyXSBs5Sw-DS4wcxKI0MIiYqeQMifXAp5Eg7Aab8uJXnylxKgudlPiV6K8sr3gI0GJmI8RVQ8Rps5hAmxLfqBGW1fk-QK7KFQJM3MG84P24mcP2OybhY/w640-h426/IMG_0636-X3.jpg" width="640" /></b></a></div><b>Above: Wood poppies, and deep purple dwarf larkspur intermingle by the road near the lake. <br /></b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq0sT8ntPp4Xp8frOOOFIvC4eqx8n_ulDzVFsyfdIqzRZebnoyMC9PZxYSDX_-AuAdH7vvz8w8AsWw5UgQY6l7iUTReA7kJueRVJzQfVyR43LyJmXGn5St4aXHN1Un5zIUA3dM6-8EJXsOgU3SEsGewHy0wYeRAcmJqesxrNQtuVC-g4lcE70pRE3_4iQ/s1600/IMG_0604-X3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img alt="Standing Stone Dam with all gates open and white water gushing" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq0sT8ntPp4Xp8frOOOFIvC4eqx8n_ulDzVFsyfdIqzRZebnoyMC9PZxYSDX_-AuAdH7vvz8w8AsWw5UgQY6l7iUTReA7kJueRVJzQfVyR43LyJmXGn5St4aXHN1Un5zIUA3dM6-8EJXsOgU3SEsGewHy0wYeRAcmJqesxrNQtuVC-g4lcE70pRE3_4iQ/w640-h426/IMG_0604-X3.jpg" width="640" /></b></a></div>Above: Standing Stone Dam-- you drive right over it on the way to Hilham nearby. White water gushing and redbud trees in bloom. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQaJ29Pf2YkahQSFZONacWCJqP4bWbUAAhUm7MsLOsFEda3JeJ3e9H1GAoid2_fUGEcHqgUAti0_atbdnLe8W8yzX3QMHt4S2Qt-ybKWRlMkGa-6gmbHPF_KVORcjjLAGf9pF7M1_RX-bi9ZyP87tehz2Izfe_-Qfnifqdgcku5VAasI6CtMkHOJdg-PU/s960/IMG_0430-X2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Wet weather waterfall flowing" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="640" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQaJ29Pf2YkahQSFZONacWCJqP4bWbUAAhUm7MsLOsFEda3JeJ3e9H1GAoid2_fUGEcHqgUAti0_atbdnLe8W8yzX3QMHt4S2Qt-ybKWRlMkGa-6gmbHPF_KVORcjjLAGf9pF7M1_RX-bi9ZyP87tehz2Izfe_-Qfnifqdgcku5VAasI6CtMkHOJdg-PU/w426-h640/IMG_0430-X2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><b>Above: too many wet weather waterfalls to count in Standing Stone State Park like the one shown above</b><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Below: Southern Red Trillium is a frequently seen flower in Spring at Standing Stone and the surrounding area. It doesn't grow in the Smokies. </b><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKmx3vCkm2nfQzQnNQ2bPXeHFeSXnnlPNpHvqKOujnfGjHp_dg0ykCWnqWC05iXC9RVK9AgnSI9vD_e0cFdr0PezWR3bbzj0Lz3xjJKdKT3n99T-xpbOGKVVYkgbBPEBSEgvLk7-Lldoz_AHnpsVoKO4DJiWTUuaSbSzYOmhr2HZh0_Cwvo0f9boNFDMs/s1600/IMG_0321-X3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="deep maroon bloom of Southern Red trillium flower" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKmx3vCkm2nfQzQnNQ2bPXeHFeSXnnlPNpHvqKOujnfGjHp_dg0ykCWnqWC05iXC9RVK9AgnSI9vD_e0cFdr0PezWR3bbzj0Lz3xjJKdKT3n99T-xpbOGKVVYkgbBPEBSEgvLk7-Lldoz_AHnpsVoKO4DJiWTUuaSbSzYOmhr2HZh0_Cwvo0f9boNFDMs/w640-h426/IMG_0321-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_gKlk_cNoWcSiYX3n2i6JeK9l4eDEoGu2yFCF-btCDgZreTrX_TZC6zHTG8MoMQ_j6u8BepJoubngPAYw0xFZ5yE21dVkNkSJAyQih2GIZVLKqjBtYhIZwObzJ8f6RG5vm4uJcp0l6S08WAYNFsXaKZqztLNe9UjTDiwdqSuBDq6NAYY_tQVt9dcJQAs/s1600/IMG_0318-X3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="delicate pale pink cluster of windflowers in bloom" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_gKlk_cNoWcSiYX3n2i6JeK9l4eDEoGu2yFCF-btCDgZreTrX_TZC6zHTG8MoMQ_j6u8BepJoubngPAYw0xFZ5yE21dVkNkSJAyQih2GIZVLKqjBtYhIZwObzJ8f6RG5vm4uJcp0l6S08WAYNFsXaKZqztLNe9UjTDiwdqSuBDq6NAYY_tQVt9dcJQAs/w640-h426/IMG_0318-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Above: the delicate, pale pink blooms of Rue Anemone or "Wind Flower" growing on a bed of moss by the road at Standing Stone on toward the back of the park.<p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhK8Fot9VbzH_Uf863YEQ8Nf5yywyi1t6H6ae1-t3BE4JJgUOl-SwWVdNbN-1Mg2iT-LagDRuo3WJOePRR3Pha2o3rUoDhI8j9fuRVGKIzAqhjs74qNij926Vw7FaZl_f78WHyRKc0dSXXcesSwvDQNy_jebW4kDGy26ENRpN3w-hkLL0fX7wY8zcvKrMk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="801" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhK8Fot9VbzH_Uf863YEQ8Nf5yywyi1t6H6ae1-t3BE4JJgUOl-SwWVdNbN-1Mg2iT-LagDRuo3WJOePRR3Pha2o3rUoDhI8j9fuRVGKIzAqhjs74qNij926Vw7FaZl_f78WHyRKc0dSXXcesSwvDQNy_jebW4kDGy26ENRpN3w-hkLL0fX7wY8zcvKrMk" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://www.tn.gov/environment/program-areas/na-natural-areas/natural-areas-east-region/east-region-/na-na-frozen-head.html" target="_blank">Frozen Head State Park & Natural Area </a></u></b></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Another area in Tennessee that has a lot to offer in the way of easily accessible Spring scenery and wildflowers is Frozen Head State Park. It has beautiful scenery, wildflowers, is uncrowded, and easy access. It has restrooms scattered around the park that are disabled access. They have picnic areas, streams, waterfalls, and it provides one of the best Spring wildflower displays in the state. I have learned from experience you need to go early to catch these. They are a couple weeks ahead of everywhere else. When wildflowers were at peak in the Smokies they were already in the doldrums at Frozen Head. A person with limited mobility can hike some of the more level trails or do shorter jaunts. Gobey and the Frozen Head State Natural Area surrounding the park are better for folks who really have difficulty walking far. Drive SR 116 past Brushy Mountain Prison to Armes Gap. The flowers are roadside attractions. The scenery is unmatched and there are roadside cascades as well. Stop by the Fork Mountain Church for a level ground stroll on their lawn during the week. It is a good place to pull over for a picnic or to see the historic church grounds. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"> New River flows here and is quite pretty. Drive around to Macedonia Road via Wartburg and reach the west side of the Frozen Head State Natural Area. More roadside wildflowers along with the aquamarine waters of the Emory River! Country scenery unlike any other place. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"> It is one of the spots I have carried out my hybrid trillium research! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></b></h3><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEQd5IKhd5JnF9loHnsVjckQ6xSVmOydQDeA4_DEs-kZjXTZiDwwTnJgBOkX6Sszx510gVEgz6sAwtfmGmG6ZkqIgPjHEkFzzfaWanaVFWEsMMNbfJfiKXPNl0jm1hu-QhWBPZmKH6I_xAM6DqWoSH1rFZ-IIAtlLxXeVW0bs3c2a3GthQQrlC1-f49yo/s1280/Frozen%20Head%20064-X2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEQd5IKhd5JnF9loHnsVjckQ6xSVmOydQDeA4_DEs-kZjXTZiDwwTnJgBOkX6Sszx510gVEgz6sAwtfmGmG6ZkqIgPjHEkFzzfaWanaVFWEsMMNbfJfiKXPNl0jm1hu-QhWBPZmKH6I_xAM6DqWoSH1rFZ-IIAtlLxXeVW0bs3c2a3GthQQrlC1-f49yo/w640-h480/Frozen%20Head%20064-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Above: blue hepatica is one of the earliest Spring flowers<div><br /></div><div>Below: Southern Red trillium <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4f2bJX3mEwZuXVBdTwh2sYp1mQQsf4FZSe_IjhbLp0ra0XRXX-POV_vcRsxIOaSu2IixJqSGHjA3wBnCW70E_lNYZuyWzYHb3Xb1P_grYV4tbBVSssIyWgYF63fOU1rDXE2RSrbnnb6kdNHTg4xwup832lYg3MEUtbhSzFI4auovjtbMZu7UBgiWwaOA/s1280/Frozen%20Head%20072-X2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4f2bJX3mEwZuXVBdTwh2sYp1mQQsf4FZSe_IjhbLp0ra0XRXX-POV_vcRsxIOaSu2IixJqSGHjA3wBnCW70E_lNYZuyWzYHb3Xb1P_grYV4tbBVSssIyWgYF63fOU1rDXE2RSrbnnb6kdNHTg4xwup832lYg3MEUtbhSzFI4auovjtbMZu7UBgiWwaOA/w640-h480/Frozen%20Head%20072-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6wxcf5OVfYhnTj1BjwBAvm0w1r-n51pMfuQ7huxDluyeFIApsOc4iWMAbSsx2B-tp0xOFk-po_rLEFzmgHzt8Ar6ui_TlQkIyYwF-xprfvynbAKlNclrHW6hKjI-tqxYM58zc7gN_G_jI4Cx95g0_-DqcFCsuFohnpSEomGHWs_k9yo3GmRrnmCar-Oo/s1280/Frozen%20Head%20078-X2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6wxcf5OVfYhnTj1BjwBAvm0w1r-n51pMfuQ7huxDluyeFIApsOc4iWMAbSsx2B-tp0xOFk-po_rLEFzmgHzt8Ar6ui_TlQkIyYwF-xprfvynbAKlNclrHW6hKjI-tqxYM58zc7gN_G_jI4Cx95g0_-DqcFCsuFohnpSEomGHWs_k9yo3GmRrnmCar-Oo/w640-h480/Frozen%20Head%20078-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Above: One of the pretty streams at Frozen Head </div><div>Below: sweet betsy trillium<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsgZJ4xHwLRudtgeYhj5aYOiAkxq_1Q5bV6vo6slbLT3jX30z7mu5APKMDNdeWR2na9vxmlMeslZ9vV8sD-c1dFRtCsXYadtHYbRyfrZLYrVOco6rswgwwd1OvqVHg9RfvTukBWlSvYZEsKmhB2xxGNTjmc9Q_uaOr_hAxc4t0ZTgnKDekdfs8LQb7Ivc/s960/IMG_8477-X2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="640" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsgZJ4xHwLRudtgeYhj5aYOiAkxq_1Q5bV6vo6slbLT3jX30z7mu5APKMDNdeWR2na9vxmlMeslZ9vV8sD-c1dFRtCsXYadtHYbRyfrZLYrVOco6rswgwwd1OvqVHg9RfvTukBWlSvYZEsKmhB2xxGNTjmc9Q_uaOr_hAxc4t0ZTgnKDekdfs8LQb7Ivc/w426-h640/IMG_8477-X2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCUTPx-rWR12g4vsiC-005NB5lIpou0FVPub1in6HpA0wTi2GpmnXiuCQiwRIERY3fGSGU7neGSmcP0JbANG81u0FV0s5_aQK3P8G_fCuKXc2fXBc6eYsF4OP481uD8ROnveuqKxDkEMgH0iDLQLt4aIxm_N8ZJgTmW6ezRLxI382zwO8GGuQjK9PDfEU/s1600/IMG_8559-X3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCUTPx-rWR12g4vsiC-005NB5lIpou0FVPub1in6HpA0wTi2GpmnXiuCQiwRIERY3fGSGU7neGSmcP0JbANG81u0FV0s5_aQK3P8G_fCuKXc2fXBc6eYsF4OP481uD8ROnveuqKxDkEMgH0iDLQLt4aIxm_N8ZJgTmW6ezRLxI382zwO8GGuQjK9PDfEU/w640-h426/IMG_8559-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Above: Wild Oats</div><div>Below: Mayapples in bloom<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdDARMaHkqWzL-8p1jY7KDKQ6chQQ1uGUZEM-w-H_Gs01wWYM4UaZWujOLglbrfirlq-2OlSzcK-Gmqm4XEuQgdrHz8fQ8b3cBIErA4BNnfA0BVBugBmm6jwaeE_HhhUl1R1Oc6mMqEvxWOa9s7ov-8iI_44msDTm1aK3MKXru6J5K7UDZu4lE3V7E4QM/s1600/IMG_8568-X3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdDARMaHkqWzL-8p1jY7KDKQ6chQQ1uGUZEM-w-H_Gs01wWYM4UaZWujOLglbrfirlq-2OlSzcK-Gmqm4XEuQgdrHz8fQ8b3cBIErA4BNnfA0BVBugBmm6jwaeE_HhhUl1R1Oc6mMqEvxWOa9s7ov-8iI_44msDTm1aK3MKXru6J5K7UDZu4lE3V7E4QM/w640-h426/IMG_8568-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimfrEaSQc74u2bmm067GMAwCIJi_4KVxnVevmbxoKKVDcmICF8Mp4SqfP3-OQskwGJqzbga6U1YEMHRg7vl6pXZuiKS1Pg_QXi7T4oO-C5aNZ7yS7sGVi7o5zhS8TYo_WF2iKr-qdtgWMQrj3s9_6oF7c8HpzbNK_SKhgfG7K6q2MkiNNEVkJgXqCzgQM/s1600/IMG_8573-X3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimfrEaSQc74u2bmm067GMAwCIJi_4KVxnVevmbxoKKVDcmICF8Mp4SqfP3-OQskwGJqzbga6U1YEMHRg7vl6pXZuiKS1Pg_QXi7T4oO-C5aNZ7yS7sGVi7o5zhS8TYo_WF2iKr-qdtgWMQrj3s9_6oF7c8HpzbNK_SKhgfG7K6q2MkiNNEVkJgXqCzgQM/w640-h426/IMG_8573-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Above: Views toward Brushy Mtn from the Prison Mine Trail</div><div>Below: A cluster of great white flowered trilliums, sweet betsy trilliums and wild geranium<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1OTRUgpKy-AYhfgazFJdHmpCzDzlLiF5Ugr0L9pCYgNlziahmF_w_MGU8f6YJ1X7h26ELnMM7JOU5iwK2z_DwVDwA-pr3laiUdM8NxgRK4ceFTMFeRf3O6oDRWoD5S7q7VFdMhMThPq73XzxgTufeC92n0z6BiQiSLbTmzh61_KcT5FBgT5WVs89aSOA/s1600/IMG_8602-X3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1OTRUgpKy-AYhfgazFJdHmpCzDzlLiF5Ugr0L9pCYgNlziahmF_w_MGU8f6YJ1X7h26ELnMM7JOU5iwK2z_DwVDwA-pr3laiUdM8NxgRK4ceFTMFeRf3O6oDRWoD5S7q7VFdMhMThPq73XzxgTufeC92n0z6BiQiSLbTmzh61_KcT5FBgT5WVs89aSOA/w640-h426/IMG_8602-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> Below-- Scenes from the West side of Frozen Head State Natural Area--Gobey<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgRNvDix7UtPNScZvgNF7cpx7zvfjB0DENUOQ7ryTlzU98qIZ9nNZQ4gUWYotMEavg_AOEUIrqH1jFk0Gj6jdG2SRiSXg6YBs1YY4i0_ykYEpBvg73IhJMFG2jShN_S72s8RzKH6_XcP1hoMeYt5dGaZ4RCChwKAzpsmM8re3TBd4A2bR3dmK6u690wro/s1600/Emory%20River%20toned%20-%20Copy-X3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgRNvDix7UtPNScZvgNF7cpx7zvfjB0DENUOQ7ryTlzU98qIZ9nNZQ4gUWYotMEavg_AOEUIrqH1jFk0Gj6jdG2SRiSXg6YBs1YY4i0_ykYEpBvg73IhJMFG2jShN_S72s8RzKH6_XcP1hoMeYt5dGaZ4RCChwKAzpsmM8re3TBd4A2bR3dmK6u690wro/w640-h426/Emory%20River%20toned%20-%20Copy-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Above: The Emory River <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWsjKn0RQbzCPUEjCaIomYihNuDuHQWp1Xy9wW21YqvO9dzyH78ZPhhQ0-0KSYq9GCbX5x8elpCHaNin6eVk26o3Z4bXezqm4aKuYTV-oxPiIcPAzOwRzi2vRTjGxCz6tdxxyDKygIDMSfgXW11KHQWKFDwlPEyARVQb52JRbsafFEx3Mb0uLwCNgzj9w/s1600/IMG_0223-X3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWsjKn0RQbzCPUEjCaIomYihNuDuHQWp1Xy9wW21YqvO9dzyH78ZPhhQ0-0KSYq9GCbX5x8elpCHaNin6eVk26o3Z4bXezqm4aKuYTV-oxPiIcPAzOwRzi2vRTjGxCz6tdxxyDKygIDMSfgXW11KHQWKFDwlPEyARVQb52JRbsafFEx3Mb0uLwCNgzj9w/w640-h426/IMG_0223-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Above: Roadside quince bush blooms from an old home site<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKHIDUwkFdPlulhxyrmhNuc2cbltZHjN-hZ0HW3k3qrkMcBtOm3hhJ25_8SqS178YmDimKzesmxC7DeZ1EYLgJH_h31HUewbuvftGUrmYTPBXin-DrvEPFyo1eP8gKBRQ73nJ9b74tzcu-daLh1gRU2MG95JKwJFeej4Bb0CeTSx9eDUJ0qQOevrbpbR0/s1600/IMG_3643-X3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKHIDUwkFdPlulhxyrmhNuc2cbltZHjN-hZ0HW3k3qrkMcBtOm3hhJ25_8SqS178YmDimKzesmxC7DeZ1EYLgJH_h31HUewbuvftGUrmYTPBXin-DrvEPFyo1eP8gKBRQ73nJ9b74tzcu-daLh1gRU2MG95JKwJFeej4Bb0CeTSx9eDUJ0qQOevrbpbR0/w640-h426/IMG_3643-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Above: red buds, dogwoods, and bright spring leaf buds along the Macedonia Road at Gobey<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8_zXdYUyOvRUOJ2w8LUJYHoWBJ9fPXFnFOBKAYV5bPyVPLFJPUmnQKbd55OzW5mB5vHBDlgYThsTwNB9BSG0xcQDjiY1bXPQRDyoQqMsb_Utj2lyj97Y5I_vA5wZQXXxQ9gINdl_WL8uOtI1A4Z3QDV4GyxtDGOPoK36wFuIJUTtPNQjcacLbA444-AQ/s1600/IMG_4396-X3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8_zXdYUyOvRUOJ2w8LUJYHoWBJ9fPXFnFOBKAYV5bPyVPLFJPUmnQKbd55OzW5mB5vHBDlgYThsTwNB9BSG0xcQDjiY1bXPQRDyoQqMsb_Utj2lyj97Y5I_vA5wZQXXxQ9gINdl_WL8uOtI1A4Z3QDV4GyxtDGOPoK36wFuIJUTtPNQjcacLbA444-AQ/w640-h426/IMG_4396-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Above: Dwarf crested iris is a roadside attraction</div><div>Below: Gobey Road boasts masses of hybrid trilliums, blue phlox, southern red trilliums, white version of southern trilliums, and more<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjczOs0jJI8YgqmcVqj67VP7GLnFN8j6gtfVQsizriTUvmsep3vJMpjWOfvgHb0DroLtqdRiA-WuvUWdh-jrmfO82GCEIZnDevFt2O1rVAimbOysS2Nh6PTvD7CrYs4ZMUe4BSQs7nwQbr91rmsniHFNqqjq2HMbWnh2sZoj4NgsABMQeqck8A5UJTa9ME/s1600/IMG_6303%20-%20Copy-X3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjczOs0jJI8YgqmcVqj67VP7GLnFN8j6gtfVQsizriTUvmsep3vJMpjWOfvgHb0DroLtqdRiA-WuvUWdh-jrmfO82GCEIZnDevFt2O1rVAimbOysS2Nh6PTvD7CrYs4ZMUe4BSQs7nwQbr91rmsniHFNqqjq2HMbWnh2sZoj4NgsABMQeqck8A5UJTa9ME/w640-h426/IMG_6303%20-%20Copy-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmt1pxxaAlRvxTN7LCA9rnP1j2WU6FwD1_2IrJda-0vdb4TaPwB7DDfgCZEhTAk6K6hMbVDjrsPz5qjatLzBukO_JxH2PMrOyToNumKG2HJzjpQqOkVmC_x7PVoS8kjxImXBIHIPkg5CrCXX-1bYH9MjLO6HHjQvKzxleeIbn1d4RyDrHX7HlpSEc5zrM/s1600/IMG_6466-X3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmt1pxxaAlRvxTN7LCA9rnP1j2WU6FwD1_2IrJda-0vdb4TaPwB7DDfgCZEhTAk6K6hMbVDjrsPz5qjatLzBukO_JxH2PMrOyToNumKG2HJzjpQqOkVmC_x7PVoS8kjxImXBIHIPkg5CrCXX-1bYH9MjLO6HHjQvKzxleeIbn1d4RyDrHX7HlpSEc5zrM/w640-h426/IMG_6466-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Above: You will encounter huge patches of dwarf larkspur in deep purple and blue phlox<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM0WlEE6YKK7-u1dpisdUg3SucwU5bvkbRm2BIAnFzxKwmTSmMVOL64kdS1vVc2vobqK2W_uBabQYbINazwcrI2jGdf6K7iSvCtYBJE4veWbWnB8cjliGp4wZB2rqK4ac0yvwxibOKhijEPpkmkoLfmEMZDk1z4npeyOmtA_xp9HqVfvKEs17wnIZyzUw/s1600/IMG_9321-X3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM0WlEE6YKK7-u1dpisdUg3SucwU5bvkbRm2BIAnFzxKwmTSmMVOL64kdS1vVc2vobqK2W_uBabQYbINazwcrI2jGdf6K7iSvCtYBJE4veWbWnB8cjliGp4wZB2rqK4ac0yvwxibOKhijEPpkmkoLfmEMZDk1z4npeyOmtA_xp9HqVfvKEs17wnIZyzUw/w640-h426/IMG_9321-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;">Above: blood root is one of the earliest Spring wildflowers. This was right by the road at a pull off.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Below are scenes of the EAST side of Frozen Head State Natural Area along SR 116 </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDnaOf5iwJbGpohXRx654N-edCp24CvW7x7fyqsq_yFEbjlvRpFLuprn8r34HCF4Tob73LkN1rxmjEbnJp3nHxc4BTIya61-_ASsWjKQGTCT-mtSvE9w-WX3a6cVJloq7l5CbtSWW3QNvcODuQb2DyQtjxEW6UX8atpqrkFu0Cypl7MiCP76OEfn09qSk/s1280/GOPR0717-X2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDnaOf5iwJbGpohXRx654N-edCp24CvW7x7fyqsq_yFEbjlvRpFLuprn8r34HCF4Tob73LkN1rxmjEbnJp3nHxc4BTIya61-_ASsWjKQGTCT-mtSvE9w-WX3a6cVJloq7l5CbtSWW3QNvcODuQb2DyQtjxEW6UX8atpqrkFu0Cypl7MiCP76OEfn09qSk/w640-h480/GOPR0717-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Above: Fork Mountain church <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuFFPvtAq8n9I1f9GIMt3TLAF3WYspnC74Ct4mtRq8zTgXG-X3telbu8Dcihs7dmeP4fI0Ujo7ufMzrQbncJlhocT742Rs_u4N5ye2LRDw6SIt4nUIZyZZmLKDiMUCjNEb290P5s_tzZT_FbKIcgSwaE0bXzVJTK3S6FdXW4KpKqEpduqkEXG9msn6G3U/s1600/IMG_4352-X3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuFFPvtAq8n9I1f9GIMt3TLAF3WYspnC74Ct4mtRq8zTgXG-X3telbu8Dcihs7dmeP4fI0Ujo7ufMzrQbncJlhocT742Rs_u4N5ye2LRDw6SIt4nUIZyZZmLKDiMUCjNEb290P5s_tzZT_FbKIcgSwaE0bXzVJTK3S6FdXW4KpKqEpduqkEXG9msn6G3U/w640-h426/IMG_4352-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Above: the jade green New River at a pull off<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGBnbRGJDtlkJ-we7ZK2AsxjcAdAQ0Pl_zZ6sMfZvxRSBDFtVH6Tq_6syL1MIA6fsoq9Q9aArJLl4lzCR2kZ2eQO8wrRvEYd6kI1FU2PJqbzg3b8EvZUdn_Y66ngBLmGR1CGMQ03E4YL1NQlh3SbECMbVFwMQ17WT4EUebP0bVv0bugK4dvSrZ6fChm1g/s1600/IMG_8635-X3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGBnbRGJDtlkJ-we7ZK2AsxjcAdAQ0Pl_zZ6sMfZvxRSBDFtVH6Tq_6syL1MIA6fsoq9Q9aArJLl4lzCR2kZ2eQO8wrRvEYd6kI1FU2PJqbzg3b8EvZUdn_Y66ngBLmGR1CGMQ03E4YL1NQlh3SbECMbVFwMQ17WT4EUebP0bVv0bugK4dvSrZ6fChm1g/w640-h426/IMG_8635-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Above: roadside violets and great white trilliums</div><div>Below: A scene in Devonia on a Spring day. The old coal tipple is barely visible on the right of the road.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQAnuUZIIzjup-uzvIbOTAJ83Bz5hK1wUPa0DtPwYIBgW6gMwh3sFX7aL0VWhoW_8Qq1Yat-5i1E3ombpFRVTXqbEOAuZlQVV5bERn9utz8GpgQP6xP9G5Og3L_vnqZuBIDzgTxhq_ZYFSXD3Lk-Jyx_JxIsP_syPZTjMjKwVucW3JulOXVMcUgt6Jvfc/s1600/IMG_4306-X3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQAnuUZIIzjup-uzvIbOTAJ83Bz5hK1wUPa0DtPwYIBgW6gMwh3sFX7aL0VWhoW_8Qq1Yat-5i1E3ombpFRVTXqbEOAuZlQVV5bERn9utz8GpgQP6xP9G5Og3L_vnqZuBIDzgTxhq_ZYFSXD3Lk-Jyx_JxIsP_syPZTjMjKwVucW3JulOXVMcUgt6Jvfc/w640-h426/IMG_4306-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh32rL10wgkjCh7QLi6eBLjH7AYnIYET7VEAtpL3mjKOAKV4C_aWej_rlwKc6vVT7cFv1UbO7alYrAEztxcGWrsqsPq-Bjcvv14iXM-yqRjM_5K5tqivDZm_XtY7kf8pny9d0XZrw-1SbBAyCFe5pVj8YSX0hs9Lrvv5MrFm_KRq5CidhIh7UgbRes1P2Q/s1600/IMG_4351-X3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh32rL10wgkjCh7QLi6eBLjH7AYnIYET7VEAtpL3mjKOAKV4C_aWej_rlwKc6vVT7cFv1UbO7alYrAEztxcGWrsqsPq-Bjcvv14iXM-yqRjM_5K5tqivDZm_XtY7kf8pny9d0XZrw-1SbBAyCFe5pVj8YSX0hs9Lrvv5MrFm_KRq5CidhIh7UgbRes1P2Q/w640-h426/IMG_4351-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;">Above: Daisy fleabane and Spring green buds along New River at another pull off.</p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><h3 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.tnvacation.com/local/rocky-top-savage-gardens" target="_blank"><b><u>Savage Gardens in Rocky Top</u></b> </a></h3><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Savage Gardens is the private property of a fellow named Arthur Savage from Knoxville. He has a garden in town at this country location at Rocky Top. It is open to the public for visits in Springtime.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><u><b>Directions to Savage Garden: </b></u>Take I-75 North to Rocky Top and exit 128 </p><p style="text-align: left;">From the exit follow it around to the RIGHT onto Cobb Hollow Road and follow it for 1/2 mile. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Turn RIGHT onto Lovely Bluff Road and follow it for 1.20 miles to a RIGHT turn onto Savage Garden Road. Savage Garden Road will ford a stream across a bridge. The road turns and goes up a hill. Follow Savage Garden Road for about 0.25 miles to a LEFT turn into a driveway. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Park in the driveway turn around. Be respectful of the property owners graciously allowing visitors.</p><p style="text-align: left;">No facilities here. There is a picnic shelter. Watch out for the turkeys! I had them try to chase me years ago! They won't hurt you.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE24pUaSCFm1fZrOhTwZw5Dn3w_306M0WmxDtKRnHyQmFCj6HTtJYa5yzVrqphUFfCTWtfCgrkKtsahyphenhyphenJie_1f0ZxLpnXidJGQNw8SVtxE4peqNvx_3w-9z-bWImKAeJm7ihefwOPWd71PM-Emw6526085p2IZ5-PTaJWYPLltFTYHpI18v4uI-3fdgIU/s432/Celadine%20Poppy%20SRG.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="364" data-original-width="432" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE24pUaSCFm1fZrOhTwZw5Dn3w_306M0WmxDtKRnHyQmFCj6HTtJYa5yzVrqphUFfCTWtfCgrkKtsahyphenhyphenJie_1f0ZxLpnXidJGQNw8SVtxE4peqNvx_3w-9z-bWImKAeJm7ihefwOPWd71PM-Emw6526085p2IZ5-PTaJWYPLltFTYHpI18v4uI-3fdgIU/w400-h338/Celadine%20Poppy%20SRG.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Above: Wood poppy at Savage Garden</div><div>Below: Wild columbine Savage Garden<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Belo<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF2kA_ghXc_OKaEEWQgmrW_IPJwmyOP1dNlScOp4_7mMEdX4K6KOjjfzlJOnjCxecyLsdhPC3Qn3MVEeG4Zt8Q0IeYj7_E7isZFgSVWBEDY8vm45ASp55dUBoJq3rZodSIJreQj7y3Q4E7k1au7AWUgdqpLDaGZkOTFi6UYmifzmzFGa1MQIP4gKYBAKQ/s504/Cluster%20of%20Columbine%20SRG.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="408" data-original-width="504" height="518" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF2kA_ghXc_OKaEEWQgmrW_IPJwmyOP1dNlScOp4_7mMEdX4K6KOjjfzlJOnjCxecyLsdhPC3Qn3MVEeG4Zt8Q0IeYj7_E7isZFgSVWBEDY8vm45ASp55dUBoJq3rZodSIJreQj7y3Q4E7k1au7AWUgdqpLDaGZkOTFi6UYmifzmzFGa1MQIP4gKYBAKQ/w640-h518/Cluster%20of%20Columbine%20SRG.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Below: Lovely Bluff-- it can be seen from across the road at Savage Garden<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGLOa9nSiugTZ0uojSBuxbN3-n9f6xxahAXTkavQ52pGdLd_EX5uWB2RJqkWQlk7a5uF5c9HGVpkQ_T92oUvmgjmHhoyTI0lyBpbqlfMCuIWGWcXSPFgyHjw4X_q1xDzX_Q3s-njjbDGiT_-ssA2zN3djQNIMoithSqOT8IcoKf3s0cW1QbL2dh-abU_s/s504/Lovely%20Bluff%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="378" data-original-width="504" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGLOa9nSiugTZ0uojSBuxbN3-n9f6xxahAXTkavQ52pGdLd_EX5uWB2RJqkWQlk7a5uF5c9HGVpkQ_T92oUvmgjmHhoyTI0lyBpbqlfMCuIWGWcXSPFgyHjw4X_q1xDzX_Q3s-njjbDGiT_-ssA2zN3djQNIMoithSqOT8IcoKf3s0cW1QbL2dh-abU_s/w640-h480/Lovely%20Bluff%202.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Below: inside the rocky picnic shelter at the Savage Garden<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzryAgmTG8M0On7yEAFbw2YX2nJOg3TnRRCtGVXRhnwsEb_TW_HXLllpDBB2MyfbFD8BMMVt1BqjuVqWncM_Nd4rWSxm_FCRP9lDNt0pvZuNl8zQaBF0P7vxbUERVqea9AzZ48HYt9RAHFfXCLl2XDaffe6u7iOz_gM_vqevcUOuygNea-33bcHXqiVME/s504/Picnic%20shelter%20inside%20Savage%20Garden.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="378" data-original-width="504" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzryAgmTG8M0On7yEAFbw2YX2nJOg3TnRRCtGVXRhnwsEb_TW_HXLllpDBB2MyfbFD8BMMVt1BqjuVqWncM_Nd4rWSxm_FCRP9lDNt0pvZuNl8zQaBF0P7vxbUERVqea9AzZ48HYt9RAHFfXCLl2XDaffe6u7iOz_gM_vqevcUOuygNea-33bcHXqiVME/w640-h480/Picnic%20shelter%20inside%20Savage%20Garden.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Below: a look at the outside of the picnic shelter <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikAmggxPrt3t5n916ukj0LuBVdX3Yp-HWhxo-0GwjsLzkxfZNzHjkzF7Skj-me6yBm1ThjbbFTidbbxmlRbFB6GPVXQ0rOLChCNjN3mmMBT-AI5RsjUiIFzbLhnVzeCENTDcnRGy6a30woldO7gfvjlkK9bOuDmQz-cP7a9PhjfZYl9JjGzFHAYJtbHKw/s576/savage%20Garden%20picnic%20shelter%20outside.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="576" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikAmggxPrt3t5n916ukj0LuBVdX3Yp-HWhxo-0GwjsLzkxfZNzHjkzF7Skj-me6yBm1ThjbbFTidbbxmlRbFB6GPVXQ0rOLChCNjN3mmMBT-AI5RsjUiIFzbLhnVzeCENTDcnRGy6a30woldO7gfvjlkK9bOuDmQz-cP7a9PhjfZYl9JjGzFHAYJtbHKw/w640-h480/savage%20Garden%20picnic%20shelter%20outside.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjucflNxMA1xcZHDU0cw1xclh_1TK8LAlh8-povTWgT0jncfTTRC3iRekhSowOdQeebdbHx7CnFmI2dg2k9ZEW-ohklNRW-wnIl_h5hIeyT6GvJGbzDwEGp29IrIRmXACD9SkxzKx6gCzBRav3TTmp-9qWRmn_WjuFPx5cNZ3qmv3ViNo6hpGvzR8stjY/s672/Savage%20Rock%20Garden%204.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="672" data-original-width="504" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjucflNxMA1xcZHDU0cw1xclh_1TK8LAlh8-povTWgT0jncfTTRC3iRekhSowOdQeebdbHx7CnFmI2dg2k9ZEW-ohklNRW-wnIl_h5hIeyT6GvJGbzDwEGp29IrIRmXACD9SkxzKx6gCzBRav3TTmp-9qWRmn_WjuFPx5cNZ3qmv3ViNo6hpGvzR8stjY/w480-h640/Savage%20Rock%20Garden%204.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>Above: mossy rock formation is part of the charm of Savage Garden. Many of these! </div><div><br /></div><div>Below: Twin leaf blooms at Savage Garden which is uncommon in these parts<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-cMYLKCxqHSFrVFkC9MSkFxTGzS8I5r-z5GfNuiyl0IFepN8mLEi6Y32HWbIBHVobxTyOkNARwAZjw2srE0Ihk5dfHyVgxQ83JDgRD1o5QQH_GYpux_cZwc2AdVRcYAUL-UBMAt-hZzVgLrjCKm1-CG3aOWJoufy_AmnUm7aTuHcYswfpw7grqi82GXA/s1600/twin%20leaf-X3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-cMYLKCxqHSFrVFkC9MSkFxTGzS8I5r-z5GfNuiyl0IFepN8mLEi6Y32HWbIBHVobxTyOkNARwAZjw2srE0Ihk5dfHyVgxQ83JDgRD1o5QQH_GYpux_cZwc2AdVRcYAUL-UBMAt-hZzVgLrjCKm1-CG3aOWJoufy_AmnUm7aTuHcYswfpw7grqi82GXA/w640-h426/twin%20leaf-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Below: American lily of the valley also blooms there! <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgELkqv2RUXb0X8WcW0KJGHMH36GtlpClQMHUgRh0PUdWTzwmoJuj7MLYY3P5dyfTIDQaG6Uh88piS9cnJIV1DkoHVyguuzDruLqnPB1SFZgrNBALf27l7g99wx-U1YN82yucfFbBlwJFVfhK_UNLhjL1wp3pxw29OAVll1cEfYMS_XG4al9feo00k6NJk/s651/Wild%20Lilly%20of%20the%20Valley%20SRG.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="651" data-original-width="504" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgELkqv2RUXb0X8WcW0KJGHMH36GtlpClQMHUgRh0PUdWTzwmoJuj7MLYY3P5dyfTIDQaG6Uh88piS9cnJIV1DkoHVyguuzDruLqnPB1SFZgrNBALf27l7g99wx-U1YN82yucfFbBlwJFVfhK_UNLhjL1wp3pxw29OAVll1cEfYMS_XG4al9feo00k6NJk/w496-h640/Wild%20Lilly%20of%20the%20Valley%20SRG.jpg" width="496" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: center;"><br /></h3><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEisYNBvWvfw6uamxdP-vRin7AnvRAKTvpZjQzkxAz8-Yl_dCILwYqJCftpzJifuPqy1FgixBN_eVxFrtnNrhDgrp1JMVVv8eqnnzPp0o3OKacz-VGAWycFwebcQJBlUYxKEhVGlqCBBA1b0I7chBEpooBJr9yXRy__jwLygAiotM1iTWi8CFhmIG4Mt7Yk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="112" data-original-width="450" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEisYNBvWvfw6uamxdP-vRin7AnvRAKTvpZjQzkxAz8-Yl_dCILwYqJCftpzJifuPqy1FgixBN_eVxFrtnNrhDgrp1JMVVv8eqnnzPp0o3OKacz-VGAWycFwebcQJBlUYxKEhVGlqCBBA1b0I7chBEpooBJr9yXRy__jwLygAiotM1iTWi8CFhmIG4Mt7Yk=w400-h100" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><u>Great Smoky Mountains National Park Locations </u></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: left;"> Despite the Great Smoky Mountains National Park being primarily a <u>hiking</u> destination for me there are places to drive where you can see Spring Wildflowers. Below are several suggestions.</b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: center;"><b><u>Laurel Creek Road </u></b></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: center;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: center;"><b> The road from Townsend to Sugarlands is not the best place to get out of the vehicle and look at wildflowers, but there are a lot. Wild bleeding heart, long spurred violets, sweet white trillium, great white flowered trillium, yellow trillium, dwarf iris, wild geranium, phlox, and catchfly are along that route. If you exercise a good deal of caution and pick a time that is a little less busy you can manage to pull over and see quite a lot. </b></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><b><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPx-OT0VwIGsNBCgr6KgUOYsJPFXIx3aNxkFSepzmcz6YeLcTBCFgh7Gr5Pd9AP_8E0m2QpNzFN72Uww5wWfbusYYyFpke9ZZcVDvOGosGAOE7PKHPNwr5ULmtqgmAjHCt88iJb4dKG62fL-vtdgeTaTSGIETfXP3d4_ahNiC-gl23raAYNC10-OkxE4g/s1280/Laurel%20Creek%20Road%20in%20Spring.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPx-OT0VwIGsNBCgr6KgUOYsJPFXIx3aNxkFSepzmcz6YeLcTBCFgh7Gr5Pd9AP_8E0m2QpNzFN72Uww5wWfbusYYyFpke9ZZcVDvOGosGAOE7PKHPNwr5ULmtqgmAjHCt88iJb4dKG62fL-vtdgeTaTSGIETfXP3d4_ahNiC-gl23raAYNC10-OkxE4g/w640-h480/Laurel%20Creek%20Road%20in%20Spring.jpg" width="640" /></a></b></div><b>Above: Redbud trees against the backdrop of Little River on Laurel Creek Road</b><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Below: Sweet White Violet <br /></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNsDPCOmKE-NEEip9WilNRV-_1UQbCp0UMpLlzcC1IhWXuNtgzlEci_SvJUWy215Ln8V20FvDxaaN6UaiJ3_jTPvmwao2nMltsOIHIVdQEUc2qEyVIrF8mri5USrBLraVzZDnZcm-_SAx6VCHsSo8XtssvQ9zmlcr0R3jp1DaEPREDKpT9xdnrevWx4Ns/s864/sweet%20white%20trillium.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="769" data-original-width="864" height="570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNsDPCOmKE-NEEip9WilNRV-_1UQbCp0UMpLlzcC1IhWXuNtgzlEci_SvJUWy215Ln8V20FvDxaaN6UaiJ3_jTPvmwao2nMltsOIHIVdQEUc2qEyVIrF8mri5USrBLraVzZDnZcm-_SAx6VCHsSo8XtssvQ9zmlcr0R3jp1DaEPREDKpT9xdnrevWx4Ns/w640-h570/sweet%20white%20trillium.jpg" width="640" /></a></b></div><b>Below: a carpet of Dwarf crested iris<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWeXYhM8QLMUh5G0y6_6daUfi1DxEhMbUw_Zm6C0xfIrt1ivUdvRRJysm1VyB3yYFUj_WPlojWTqu9cS1Fa-2FDAxvXjCtQIOXT_WUEfvRQig54_Y1-Y3NkxXiC12orUDAtVG3HncCPDCqnNwepxrVOofC9liwhs9-9B6GrTgRfNi-h_kzs3S3UUC6Y0Y/s1280/Laurel%20Creek%20rd%20spring%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWeXYhM8QLMUh5G0y6_6daUfi1DxEhMbUw_Zm6C0xfIrt1ivUdvRRJysm1VyB3yYFUj_WPlojWTqu9cS1Fa-2FDAxvXjCtQIOXT_WUEfvRQig54_Y1-Y3NkxXiC12orUDAtVG3HncCPDCqnNwepxrVOofC9liwhs9-9B6GrTgRfNi-h_kzs3S3UUC6Y0Y/w640-h480/Laurel%20Creek%20rd%20spring%202.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgicqc1ajKs71ClD0ipTxxcwAZlAuqAKYzDiKlvT0LddYO1Gs_Zw6KIbS26pC-d3DYWEuTin1TJm4_AQCiaTz-N1beYeUe-vIIGA3Yirfq9ZBRPMSVpinjpVATjqBvmMsbef_1kHpEHctQAQPkem99iFdwYxAZsM26ZmIioX9VWcOqETQ5mduzQD0jKfr4/s1280/Laurel%20creek%20rd%203.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgicqc1ajKs71ClD0ipTxxcwAZlAuqAKYzDiKlvT0LddYO1Gs_Zw6KIbS26pC-d3DYWEuTin1TJm4_AQCiaTz-N1beYeUe-vIIGA3Yirfq9ZBRPMSVpinjpVATjqBvmMsbef_1kHpEHctQAQPkem99iFdwYxAZsM26ZmIioX9VWcOqETQ5mduzQD0jKfr4/w640-h480/Laurel%20creek%20rd%203.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Above: phlox</b><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Below: Wild bleeding heart grows in the rocks<br /></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuMuP4iLNOt3l1aKeGRq8XNMIb5ue2AskgJgE5UFV2M4RV_WmE3Z7KqDDtn33Ge8pf_uJpLLdOJ5CUBQKjNEaM7jo50NHwk1qkVmjtrBEH27qHWtRpb9xkjrQODypYZX1YkrQjLzhLDsjQy5KucDRdNwtoxiSjBQou_cy44CmUZBwc-qKvC9JnhdLsPk0/s864/bleeding%20heart%20growth%20habit.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="864" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuMuP4iLNOt3l1aKeGRq8XNMIb5ue2AskgJgE5UFV2M4RV_WmE3Z7KqDDtn33Ge8pf_uJpLLdOJ5CUBQKjNEaM7jo50NHwk1qkVmjtrBEH27qHWtRpb9xkjrQODypYZX1YkrQjLzhLDsjQy5KucDRdNwtoxiSjBQou_cy44CmUZBwc-qKvC9JnhdLsPk0/w640-h480/bleeding%20heart%20growth%20habit.jpg" width="640" /></a></b></div><b><br /></b><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><u>Newfound Gap Rd</u></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b> Newfound Gap Road is usually so busy that it is hard to imagine wildflower viewing along this route. It is certainly not optimal, but it is a decent place to add to your wildflower viewing.</b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>I have seen great quantities of Spring wildflowers in the forest near the pullouts along this road.</b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Yellow trillium, great white flowered trillium, phlox, long spurred violets, golden ragwort, and rue anemone. Again, it would be best to pick a time that is not as busy and be very, very careful to get out of the road. </b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Below: Carpet of bluets by Newfound Gap Road</b></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimxulqRfLYPiBj2shRKlD76I0UzqstfliAHhPgd9fESCpEl8PJp92lBjh3EOI1A5Bi4-QKi5r2X2sGlJbrWVn-R8i-evWUr_9H3d9esIv_kJnKb5n8aj9IjsmLKIBkZLnDF5WDOIAwaSlEF2ZB9Yonswv5OY-DcR6xjDIXlS03AZaOQsh_k7NFMQw0BhY/s864/bluets%20cluster%20on%20newfound%20gap%20rd.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="864" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimxulqRfLYPiBj2shRKlD76I0UzqstfliAHhPgd9fESCpEl8PJp92lBjh3EOI1A5Bi4-QKi5r2X2sGlJbrWVn-R8i-evWUr_9H3d9esIv_kJnKb5n8aj9IjsmLKIBkZLnDF5WDOIAwaSlEF2ZB9Yonswv5OY-DcR6xjDIXlS03AZaOQsh_k7NFMQw0BhY/w640-h480/bluets%20cluster%20on%20newfound%20gap%20rd.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><b><br /></b><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Below: Canada Violets near Ft. Harry pull off at Newfound Gap Road</b></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVyagvf2qt1-wPhoplR1PkjbWjA8pRmef95gOTpJcL-zrTu6oIJ-mrA3HgsDN46owvSCA-E1oJ7E4w22gKOcdv4waqlXVGxwZZognz9W06P3jzUmy8XB-NRNcCR4nm9JWM5IXfnTYrMynL_4VPHEhmR5ybeAgexU6z61t1JQiftMLJTZcN7gjn5dO1NYI/s1600/canada%20violets%20nfg%20rd.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVyagvf2qt1-wPhoplR1PkjbWjA8pRmef95gOTpJcL-zrTu6oIJ-mrA3HgsDN46owvSCA-E1oJ7E4w22gKOcdv4waqlXVGxwZZognz9W06P3jzUmy8XB-NRNcCR4nm9JWM5IXfnTYrMynL_4VPHEhmR5ybeAgexU6z61t1JQiftMLJTZcN7gjn5dO1NYI/w640-h426/canada%20violets%20nfg%20rd.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: left;">Below: blue violets Newfound Gap Road<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAiCsWsjnpJXBemIxotIw-bzTAPwWog58IZE1LP53StcYY4NVKkpI2eff4V5yoQAK_zMMTv2SeobXvy9NoQQwFVAHx1_4a2xAmsQnfDJ4i8GdqgQT4Q5T22srk3DB-QqZ4SAQdDoQQ1n8ZIkAk7cJre2UlZVJ7QMRlq68imgMiAmvudpNqpExo_ENTl5Y/s864/dog%20violet%20at%20pull%20off%20NFG%20rd.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="864" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAiCsWsjnpJXBemIxotIw-bzTAPwWog58IZE1LP53StcYY4NVKkpI2eff4V5yoQAK_zMMTv2SeobXvy9NoQQwFVAHx1_4a2xAmsQnfDJ4i8GdqgQT4Q5T22srk3DB-QqZ4SAQdDoQQ1n8ZIkAk7cJre2UlZVJ7QMRlq68imgMiAmvudpNqpExo_ENTl5Y/w400-h300/dog%20violet%20at%20pull%20off%20NFG%20rd.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjRvU3btJCF0nBy-HrQ-SMIw5DjAyMwkXQv4zxCompyTUilsV-DoT21fXDyDSSP3NwZC-WlKm9DnmRxaKpsCz2GPnhAZnndEjHG2mklXcE14LMc9qlKm4y_LB-RXP8503LbRhzj8Kh-9sjcIxsAy1UnNy4p6RqbVNRwW14mj6g1Fztrm8Gu-fA1o4rGBA/s432/Fringed%20Phacelia%20closeup%20framed%20NFG%20Rd.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="387" data-original-width="432" height="574" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjRvU3btJCF0nBy-HrQ-SMIw5DjAyMwkXQv4zxCompyTUilsV-DoT21fXDyDSSP3NwZC-WlKm9DnmRxaKpsCz2GPnhAZnndEjHG2mklXcE14LMc9qlKm4y_LB-RXP8503LbRhzj8Kh-9sjcIxsAy1UnNy4p6RqbVNRwW14mj6g1Fztrm8Gu-fA1o4rGBA/w640-h574/Fringed%20Phacelia%20closeup%20framed%20NFG%20Rd.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Above: Fringed phacelia is like snow on the ground in places along Newfound Gap Road <p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Below: a great patch of white trilliums by the main road<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQb768LoRj5zHscc9UH97doyYEx1pSi6J_ABDuug3b1uB7MAD8hBAKuMeiCGsPiYKwGfb-NarMV_ZWbxOX1Mf3QpninuoF0j2WWMHJPGGlkpisADKlOMsnBPojFhSIzVwvF4drVtPs1BKW6_E9rQSVq3TtSx3mjNNO5nK_Uw6xMp3B0428QJB0Mz7BUjs/s1600/NFG%20Rd%20trilliums.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQb768LoRj5zHscc9UH97doyYEx1pSi6J_ABDuug3b1uB7MAD8hBAKuMeiCGsPiYKwGfb-NarMV_ZWbxOX1Mf3QpninuoF0j2WWMHJPGGlkpisADKlOMsnBPojFhSIzVwvF4drVtPs1BKW6_E9rQSVq3TtSx3mjNNO5nK_Uw6xMp3B0428QJB0Mz7BUjs/w640-h426/NFG%20Rd%20trilliums.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Below: purple wakerobin trillium at a pull out off Newfound Gap Rd<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_oTO07by5JIkm9BFL6RZZl9cMkDDR2WDjuJCoxo0DtXgF_QGs60psnZywDjrJWMGNoysk32nSXQ9C70b-b0-aTx7yCnj4yQXAjHS-0o9TJ6NEdUaXu52RtDhn-Be7v1NE25821_m-HmHFjPOnA43OOE2Y6gR31QI0bgCzzzl_i6BTQ1XRK7R-RmJBWPw/s864/Purple%20Wakerobin%20parent%20pull%20off%20NFG%20rd.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="678" data-original-width="864" height="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_oTO07by5JIkm9BFL6RZZl9cMkDDR2WDjuJCoxo0DtXgF_QGs60psnZywDjrJWMGNoysk32nSXQ9C70b-b0-aTx7yCnj4yQXAjHS-0o9TJ6NEdUaXu52RtDhn-Be7v1NE25821_m-HmHFjPOnA43OOE2Y6gR31QI0bgCzzzl_i6BTQ1XRK7R-RmJBWPw/w640-h502/Purple%20Wakerobin%20parent%20pull%20off%20NFG%20rd.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Below: Look closely in the trees near Chimney Tops especially and you will see Carolina silverbell trees in bloom. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHUE1MZxmua-ZaK5lqw2EblIml5ExLgDwadSZo2Ii8VgJcLVPCCWnqJHlc0fsU5opdHuBCp58q-G21z8gKKbv3K3au5tnXBEyRoQ_KmRGY1LdLU9ZslEB2oI07hJa789pyS8zeMX4phyBuiHA8s7DKDqx8BAhIh0Y6Ys69PSMsaZgVCM7dDplzskbUSA0/s1600/silverbells%20nfg%20rd.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHUE1MZxmua-ZaK5lqw2EblIml5ExLgDwadSZo2Ii8VgJcLVPCCWnqJHlc0fsU5opdHuBCp58q-G21z8gKKbv3K3au5tnXBEyRoQ_KmRGY1LdLU9ZslEB2oI07hJa789pyS8zeMX4phyBuiHA8s7DKDqx8BAhIh0Y6Ys69PSMsaZgVCM7dDplzskbUSA0/w640-h426/silverbells%20nfg%20rd.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><a href="https://cumberlandgal.smugmug.com/Hiking/Wildflowers/Chimney-Tops-Nature-Trail" target="_blank">Chimney Tops Picnic Area and Nature T</a></b><a href="https://cumberlandgal.smugmug.com/Hiking/Wildflowers/Chimney-Tops-Nature-Trail" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><b>rail Loop</b></a></p><p style="text-align: left;">Click the link above for the full photo album of what you can find there!</p><p style="text-align: left;"> Chimney Tops Nature Trail Loop is a great hike for those with mildly limited mobility. I think even with my bad knees and stiffness I could hike this easily. It doesn't have a lot of elevation change. It has benches to rest. The scenery is lovely and the wildflowers abundant. Even just pulling into the picnic area and strolling around you can see quite a few. I have a gallery above. You can click the link and open it to see the entire gallery. Below are a few of the highlights.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Below: Carpet of trilliums along the nature trail. This was near the start.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Hiking/Wildflowers/Chimney-Tops-Nature-Trail/i-bw79SfG/0/01138139/X2/Chimney%20Tops%20Nature%20Trail%20069-X2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="600" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Hiking/Wildflowers/Chimney-Tops-Nature-Trail/i-bw79SfG/0/01138139/X2/Chimney%20Tops%20Nature%20Trail%20069-X2.jpg" width="800" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">Above: Carpet of fringed phacelia surrounds a resting bench at about the halfway point along the nature trail loop. <a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Hiking/Wildflowers/Chimney-Tops-Nature-Trail/i-bdRxWbZ/0/e797993a/X2/Chimney%20Tops%20Nature%20Trail%20039-X2.jpg" style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Hiking/Wildflowers/Chimney-Tops-Nature-Trail/i-bdRxWbZ/0/e797993a/X2/Chimney%20Tops%20Nature%20Trail%20039-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><u><br /></u></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Below: White form of trillium erectum with fringed phacelia and yellow violets </b></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEga3ewPanyIuLJ5hFU7YZlqPjujVOvyoWKfPsEJfRy6fi2EYF0kKmKRE8hSQ9-aDLjGF5G3JxEt0KvgTdtOK4CpqVjPTAWE2tEOAdYyqj7iswUp8jODFxmCR0JLXMtlwBiGgxni9cpnFhjINmdFe5VNRXUxm_26gmPdb96xRDBItKRs4NKMr4vLC5x02D4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEga3ewPanyIuLJ5hFU7YZlqPjujVOvyoWKfPsEJfRy6fi2EYF0kKmKRE8hSQ9-aDLjGF5G3JxEt0KvgTdtOK4CpqVjPTAWE2tEOAdYyqj7iswUp8jODFxmCR0JLXMtlwBiGgxni9cpnFhjINmdFe5VNRXUxm_26gmPdb96xRDBItKRs4NKMr4vLC5x02D4=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><u><br /></u></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><u><br /></u></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><u>Rich Mountain Road </u></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><u><br /></u></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b> A really good wildflower drive to take in the Smokies is Rich Mountain Road out the east side of Cades Cove. You exit the park about halfway through the Cades Cove Loop turning right onto Rich Mountain Road and coming out in Townsend. It is a lovely drive with loads of wildflowers, pretty views, and creeks with small cascades. Traffic on this road is customarily light. Plenty of spots along it to pull over and take photos or look around. </b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b> </b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihvK2elplg8jXUdBSNyvYOHeNPLHhHe1vAbeaZ-_QNJz70uNdU6XVsUznqb7uZ6VFoDBpZKcwoONHkawC-jSivVZXUEOv5oj-fkQqqfh0pKdjeiK7HYyG8V3BTMDwx18k50l-O6_Lqghf6HsnIDeyWQe6Ht4OOhNdpZ67jxXmGAqIhvI86mByJR3KY2x0/s1600/rich%20mtn%20view.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihvK2elplg8jXUdBSNyvYOHeNPLHhHe1vAbeaZ-_QNJz70uNdU6XVsUznqb7uZ6VFoDBpZKcwoONHkawC-jSivVZXUEOv5oj-fkQqqfh0pKdjeiK7HYyG8V3BTMDwx18k50l-O6_Lqghf6HsnIDeyWQe6Ht4OOhNdpZ67jxXmGAqIhvI86mByJR3KY2x0/w640-h426/rich%20mtn%20view.JPG" width="640" /></a></b></div><b>Above: Looking back from Rich Mountain Road toward Cades Cove-- this is the first view you get</b><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Below is view #2-- from the road toward Dry Valley and Townsend. <br /></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJRhK3Cwg22IfTPJaJyCtY_OTlUY6xbvPEHr1LmMr0wpwpo9hi9-1TNwFrKjgqQlrKyFnBtwFojemuLfFQGKOBi3hHj5-mD40rHDX74Ga6IdUeHWbXIBzMYk2DJV_wNtx-hA4NW3-zDPgMMA1NvV7B2p29IOxOLqrEN5ckZ0F_C1fMMxeNJUZDd7tWKl4/s1600/rich%20mtn%20view%202%20try%202%20dry%20valley.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJRhK3Cwg22IfTPJaJyCtY_OTlUY6xbvPEHr1LmMr0wpwpo9hi9-1TNwFrKjgqQlrKyFnBtwFojemuLfFQGKOBi3hHj5-mD40rHDX74Ga6IdUeHWbXIBzMYk2DJV_wNtx-hA4NW3-zDPgMMA1NvV7B2p29IOxOLqrEN5ckZ0F_C1fMMxeNJUZDd7tWKl4/w640-h426/rich%20mtn%20view%202%20try%202%20dry%20valley.JPG" width="640" /></a></b></div><b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyRYOnG6jMD5xEV1Xkf9AxCJTIoGTvv6lXv8r0VZYSTcWfbqVVwzKKmoyabJzhlZ194EUtN30whuC8zA-ceob2OQeeHpzkfexqU1YA5C8K4XqDASsbJW6zb4b32zxVHFU1rKFeCuindUrA_vJIZtdGQWJG3zSOiBuPC801GXoadgltSoss8m_0KkmU8Hs/s3456/rich%20mtn%20rd%20spotted%20mandarin.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyRYOnG6jMD5xEV1Xkf9AxCJTIoGTvv6lXv8r0VZYSTcWfbqVVwzKKmoyabJzhlZ194EUtN30whuC8zA-ceob2OQeeHpzkfexqU1YA5C8K4XqDASsbJW6zb4b32zxVHFU1rKFeCuindUrA_vJIZtdGQWJG3zSOiBuPC801GXoadgltSoss8m_0KkmU8Hs/w640-h426/rich%20mtn%20rd%20spotted%20mandarin.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: spotted mandarin blooms on the banks on the right of the road closer to the end.</b><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Below: Showy Orchis blooms roadside near creeks and damp places. <br /></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsVpaX5piVvOn2IvPPS3wPkclceSaFbyoGgUDunAcv_jv09_BB3xI4TIvE03heu78xdVtWatixyQeFEMCAZXkrWBP8RAblK0aD3ZbYwsDmlq6NSjrbN5NsR8g53rVxX8fTKYRDktjlXOrkyM2bR6yBO2m4O1tmQcrPsG-osZbsYu9uzEcuc1QrBwzUGHs/s639/rich%20mtn%20rd%20showy%20orchid.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="639" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsVpaX5piVvOn2IvPPS3wPkclceSaFbyoGgUDunAcv_jv09_BB3xI4TIvE03heu78xdVtWatixyQeFEMCAZXkrWBP8RAblK0aD3ZbYwsDmlq6NSjrbN5NsR8g53rVxX8fTKYRDktjlXOrkyM2bR6yBO2m4O1tmQcrPsG-osZbsYu9uzEcuc1QrBwzUGHs/w640-h426/rich%20mtn%20rd%20showy%20orchid.JPG" width="640" /></a></b></div><b>Below: delicate pale yellow bloom of Mountain Bellwort is a pine forest flower on the slopes throughout the drive.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEJzy9iVptknbcTirBx5RRfaW8-2cGu65s_5teaTGNV9h9wHQwMESmjqee73xNues7qmxdYpQdCzW77yvfIoZXNLa5x-XvUTkpCIr_5WOKfpKnzQWpniK1eWYR3iDPO-elhw9EI50XqPWcvn_FCSnBA5lQjwAFqfmpq03dUJJDTrGeqz0dy9QEfho8FBE/s639/rich%20mtn%20rd%20mtn%20bellwort.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="639" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEJzy9iVptknbcTirBx5RRfaW8-2cGu65s_5teaTGNV9h9wHQwMESmjqee73xNues7qmxdYpQdCzW77yvfIoZXNLa5x-XvUTkpCIr_5WOKfpKnzQWpniK1eWYR3iDPO-elhw9EI50XqPWcvn_FCSnBA5lQjwAFqfmpq03dUJJDTrGeqz0dy9QEfho8FBE/w640-h426/rich%20mtn%20rd%20mtn%20bellwort.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Below: Dwarf Crested Iris is prevalent on the roadsides <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghzTvxj_0BwQjB4SKsCIXPxzvufhqrpZMHW5L19wfqwGAtagMx9F9B_M_q-_jUCI5Ds2YJ0eSzLKJQo-8qBrYjEYVSLRrrLzPQG-n9uZ_0OyKPbIUK-9enIl1d52fADFZ936G9NfkCKGDGdEusVaUQWuZiAvqEq6y9BV8s7CReahw0QMN5BKmP_xVlgB0/s639/rich%20mtn%20rd%20crested%20iris.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="639" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghzTvxj_0BwQjB4SKsCIXPxzvufhqrpZMHW5L19wfqwGAtagMx9F9B_M_q-_jUCI5Ds2YJ0eSzLKJQo-8qBrYjEYVSLRrrLzPQG-n9uZ_0OyKPbIUK-9enIl1d52fADFZ936G9NfkCKGDGdEusVaUQWuZiAvqEq6y9BV8s7CReahw0QMN5BKmP_xVlgB0/w640-h426/rich%20mtn%20rd%20crested%20iris.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB2BatzVHv0NEgFzpPcgvIItWQqcwNWNRVkYfiuUYSv8avK3aq-uVljWxK9d2GbcZfwWF9Y05Us0qfGb6BRtvR5eYvpoAmun3TiqkgkptDILYQS9XpH-AyzQnw2EIoxyMv-IVxaGSV1ee66Hg54L73WUuFnl0KGAD8n8cjNWIuRr9PPTjhKe0YJZN478o/s639/rich%20mtn%20rd%20catesbys%20trilliums.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="639" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB2BatzVHv0NEgFzpPcgvIItWQqcwNWNRVkYfiuUYSv8avK3aq-uVljWxK9d2GbcZfwWF9Y05Us0qfGb6BRtvR5eYvpoAmun3TiqkgkptDILYQS9XpH-AyzQnw2EIoxyMv-IVxaGSV1ee66Hg54L73WUuFnl0KGAD8n8cjNWIuRr9PPTjhKe0YJZN478o/w640-h426/rich%20mtn%20rd%20catesbys%20trilliums.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: Catesby's trilliums in bloom. This is another pine woods loving wildflower of Spring. </b><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b> </b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg0mO1mZph9frpD9KLElWj0VPZA6weCU_SKXWNWVVUjI_ZHIt15lLaTHtRclw29fLZgXka_9rFXFXTPtH0wvtrfR_t7nuVMJo1ran9AWExdBKwAJW-ZVoJJHmf18dn3h0ZwCD5IqpkDQCQ6nOtIRdYBVtPIBZhgnApB-LSvi3JbFgAM1DVbjKlKmuXmv-k" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="165" data-original-width="305" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg0mO1mZph9frpD9KLElWj0VPZA6weCU_SKXWNWVVUjI_ZHIt15lLaTHtRclw29fLZgXka_9rFXFXTPtH0wvtrfR_t7nuVMJo1ran9AWExdBKwAJW-ZVoJJHmf18dn3h0ZwCD5IqpkDQCQ6nOtIRdYBVtPIBZhgnApB-LSvi3JbFgAM1DVbjKlKmuXmv-k=w400-h216" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: center;"><b><u><br /></u></b></h3><h3 style="text-align: center;"><b><u>Blue Ridge Parkway & Balsam Mountain Spur Road</u></b></h3><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> The Blue Ridge Parkway and the Balsam Mountain Spur Road are excellent wildflower drives for lots of reasons. You can see many flowers without doing hard hikes. If you have been ill or having surgery you can go to the high elevations in mid May and see peak Spring wildflowers! </p><p style="text-align: left;">It is a delightful place with grandstand views of the surrounding mountains, lots of flowers, </p><p style="text-align: left;">some small streams, and lots of wildlife. You may see elk, turkeys, bears or grouse. </p><p style="text-align: left;">The high elevation picnic areas are abundant and scattered through out the length of the parkway and along the spur road. Restrooms are available at Heintooga, Waterrock Knob, and the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. </p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> I spent a couple Springs camping in Cherokee and hiking the area trails so I speak from experience. The traffic is light and the opportunities to pull off the road and view flowers are ample. </p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align: left;"> Below: Wood betony .. a thick patch of it along the Balsam Mountain Spur Road</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl_57eMcJKlGQ36j2AiFnhwAmade6L2eel8g4gXUriu5ztzY0_kCmETtXfoLidDAPgwvvlSCY_Cmm3RKlvSVdMmWj17zfss9MHcvRJ0FMCxm1lSHhu3mv6V1pLXC2vQ8wa1c7aoc869X_QGnzX9s-AqoIS3YWp186bvMok32lYhjnU4VF5qJcEYLyX3uM/s1600/wood%20betony%20heintooga.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl_57eMcJKlGQ36j2AiFnhwAmade6L2eel8g4gXUriu5ztzY0_kCmETtXfoLidDAPgwvvlSCY_Cmm3RKlvSVdMmWj17zfss9MHcvRJ0FMCxm1lSHhu3mv6V1pLXC2vQ8wa1c7aoc869X_QGnzX9s-AqoIS3YWp186bvMok32lYhjnU4VF5qJcEYLyX3uM/w640-h426/wood%20betony%20heintooga.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Z6zT71c1pca5VoG-x53kraE6q07xHOp7mcaoecf_DlSgwAv9pTOmKvW3aRBG8Ld4aoy5i71HnR_s04JCdW-cDVLBz8blgn29eMyFNyivUocvnrZ11pbqlsby8yZoUSiug9tT0x6LgC8SEjHV7k_BnVFvNcfSg0IaHC3qAKabRog6p14ENtEovuHrkqA/s1600/view%20from%20BRPw.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Z6zT71c1pca5VoG-x53kraE6q07xHOp7mcaoecf_DlSgwAv9pTOmKvW3aRBG8Ld4aoy5i71HnR_s04JCdW-cDVLBz8blgn29eMyFNyivUocvnrZ11pbqlsby8yZoUSiug9tT0x6LgC8SEjHV7k_BnVFvNcfSg0IaHC3qAKabRog6p14ENtEovuHrkqA/w640-h426/view%20from%20BRPw.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Above: View from the Blue Ridge Parkway <p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Below: A turkey hen on the run<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaEQkGpqcAuiYXm7ykFjsSLim9uegPbbF76K1jTEId_f2BXROWuxqc_oV9vhCds-qV_c1Y8p-FRAeVYUYDrvlthPKxATGB7yOPcTKGXNicIUqWbW8GolWw5iQXaMvpcjTBXsJNO396Mwzxif1X5w5KayYfHgKaH5yahID0jeRtCIQ8FnXlEBZrdRroRl0/s504/Turkey%20Hen%20Balsam%20Mtn%20Road.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="365" data-original-width="504" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaEQkGpqcAuiYXm7ykFjsSLim9uegPbbF76K1jTEId_f2BXROWuxqc_oV9vhCds-qV_c1Y8p-FRAeVYUYDrvlthPKxATGB7yOPcTKGXNicIUqWbW8GolWw5iQXaMvpcjTBXsJNO396Mwzxif1X5w5KayYfHgKaH5yahID0jeRtCIQ8FnXlEBZrdRroRl0/w640-h464/Turkey%20Hen%20Balsam%20Mtn%20Road.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5sbrmokZoQrQzU2sv-UVZ0bGqs_L6_Zi-BTHUqTOoLKOqoMYXyzkMS2JNPwrXNSTsW3HUHRzQx53C1nZO4Q9ha4TRfnDzIfJbj28PKyIgDovdGCb9UHGai2zOPlHDkFr1wN2-v0TrhJiUpSbeTCq6mAfKknwc0wi6L58YL3sqBri7HMMKp0E3QzbcKbw/s1600/pls%20heintooga.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5sbrmokZoQrQzU2sv-UVZ0bGqs_L6_Zi-BTHUqTOoLKOqoMYXyzkMS2JNPwrXNSTsW3HUHRzQx53C1nZO4Q9ha4TRfnDzIfJbj28PKyIgDovdGCb9UHGai2zOPlHDkFr1wN2-v0TrhJiUpSbeTCq6mAfKknwc0wi6L58YL3sqBri7HMMKp0E3QzbcKbw/w640-h426/pls%20heintooga.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Above: pink lady slipper on Balsam Mtn Spur Road<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiehmGWi5J4vGi2JF2pjNbUTc6FYQrelwC0Z0dzulCs6-UjOFHqKEZZCLIX7tIqB7d5wXF4rk5Bk9c3HMxYjux7jTHRXqvno3VNpu70CT7TScoQeZ4NtBuRHelUgpp0WB2Zeo4WooeQP8xq-AVAmNuxZ1L2LNxSHJDSK0DmY82DlhBA-ThbN3dbbQClzHk/s1600/picnic%20table%20at%20masonic%20marker.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiehmGWi5J4vGi2JF2pjNbUTc6FYQrelwC0Z0dzulCs6-UjOFHqKEZZCLIX7tIqB7d5wXF4rk5Bk9c3HMxYjux7jTHRXqvno3VNpu70CT7TScoQeZ4NtBuRHelUgpp0WB2Zeo4WooeQP8xq-AVAmNuxZ1L2LNxSHJDSK0DmY82DlhBA-ThbN3dbbQClzHk/w640-h426/picnic%20table%20at%20masonic%20marker.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Above: Picnic table in a sunny spot at the Masonic Marker<p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-5Bqe9C96Z52JPWtNrsQe0oVN2AfcFBPtGRnuacKEnfF2vWLJD4Wf-wTOOQASMZBG1niVrQwkHPRIwG-SvDhhBZfWEXJShaeYqYvlHXiOjbx5k9oPUKe6HY9goSVt4P62N4eTEjtbTwDrq0rRPCI64HRk5ZgaArVksZxCE_21W6qmwIpAr7W8S5enVEg/s1600/Indian%20paintbrush%20heintooga.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-5Bqe9C96Z52JPWtNrsQe0oVN2AfcFBPtGRnuacKEnfF2vWLJD4Wf-wTOOQASMZBG1niVrQwkHPRIwG-SvDhhBZfWEXJShaeYqYvlHXiOjbx5k9oPUKe6HY9goSVt4P62N4eTEjtbTwDrq0rRPCI64HRk5ZgaArVksZxCE_21W6qmwIpAr7W8S5enVEg/w640-h426/Indian%20paintbrush%20heintooga.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Above: Indian Paintbrush at Balsam Mountain is not your typical Spring pastel<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWHbqy-RVP4VylwTJvLIqW0aU0bkLxrqSdMxLh4S_oQiQsQVgHSKlcoj2Re55h8qgKITH_ketAbhgnzGilOR87BzBAseHqw8ovJ6E2J3INs8XqcLkH2uK6zFiMH5mjOdfPW0LE4bqcnHFROo7Qfu9MddeEstZ_hiwG5Umv0LhNiUEx2MEhxz7wMj77YK8/s1600/Heintooga.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWHbqy-RVP4VylwTJvLIqW0aU0bkLxrqSdMxLh4S_oQiQsQVgHSKlcoj2Re55h8qgKITH_ketAbhgnzGilOR87BzBAseHqw8ovJ6E2J3INs8XqcLkH2uK6zFiMH5mjOdfPW0LE4bqcnHFROo7Qfu9MddeEstZ_hiwG5Umv0LhNiUEx2MEhxz7wMj77YK8/w640-h426/Heintooga.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Above: View toward Maggie Valley from Balsam Mountain</div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Below: a hybrid wakerobin at Heintooga <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiGcbBMtWQwv4RP7vFKBv4eXoPDMaHrcAk05u00v62aqEWNky2MbY3ERuWgpSDOGnX7u0sVeAGdQPZL9Xv5MafawW4LzHDGOTAnVDSCGGQjSl0PnJsE5hCwq0ZuEmQJ7q8xGtROp3cq24N6XlEfn2dsWpA9qfdCVDOE5gHz3rdgKsROlVPreuAHEYVUL8/s1600/heintooga%20hybrid.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiGcbBMtWQwv4RP7vFKBv4eXoPDMaHrcAk05u00v62aqEWNky2MbY3ERuWgpSDOGnX7u0sVeAGdQPZL9Xv5MafawW4LzHDGOTAnVDSCGGQjSl0PnJsE5hCwq0ZuEmQJ7q8xGtROp3cq24N6XlEfn2dsWpA9qfdCVDOE5gHz3rdgKsROlVPreuAHEYVUL8/w640-h426/heintooga%20hybrid.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSZP8qO7mJuAn3sO32WA29b4LLEeHnnHSZtHiCvI-eYurKnCV_Z7ygeiZtni2RW-E_zSP2ZtSYb3vhETu-qov2YjrGfN8lfKRkZ5-3P-bNYmJdeH8Xdqkyg3hwMt41hxQzNALCOGpPF0v_WbYhpZ9CPK8moAdu66YetzeFjl27F2fnqdiffPLN9lTqT5w/s1600/foam%20flower%20heintooga.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSZP8qO7mJuAn3sO32WA29b4LLEeHnnHSZtHiCvI-eYurKnCV_Z7ygeiZtni2RW-E_zSP2ZtSYb3vhETu-qov2YjrGfN8lfKRkZ5-3P-bNYmJdeH8Xdqkyg3hwMt41hxQzNALCOGpPF0v_WbYhpZ9CPK8moAdu66YetzeFjl27F2fnqdiffPLN9lTqT5w/w640-h426/foam%20flower%20heintooga.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Above: Foam Flower on Balsam Mountain Road<p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Below: Blue cohosh blooms along the Blue Ridge Parkway<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo2CVrmydbAUNIBy0TsFJEu3GvNPbSVZnRO0c7d39YMz8gfMq-aaOPDjW1ICwIIlz2rweNU_8O_7qsrypaaJX7flXMG1li_T-804uze4p-_T4qkFRL9PeU2oN5hFblQki4uXSn6HgExUrDT-4sqlSrJ5F-BoVwhrR8icYci841uSSyWOVr5DgKoVW8MXY/s1600/blue%20cohosh%20heintooga.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo2CVrmydbAUNIBy0TsFJEu3GvNPbSVZnRO0c7d39YMz8gfMq-aaOPDjW1ICwIIlz2rweNU_8O_7qsrypaaJX7flXMG1li_T-804uze4p-_T4qkFRL9PeU2oN5hFblQki4uXSn6HgExUrDT-4sqlSrJ5F-BoVwhrR8icYci841uSSyWOVr5DgKoVW8MXY/w640-h426/blue%20cohosh%20heintooga.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGZY672BWwGYY-lX-gwE9JlngID_iR97y1YHVhAu08TGUESLV5GK8jjMYjqJ0ed5VCHxObP-MddFF39mUX1_wYN5o0DopVntdiZDnihmHX1wx7qtCGFUTI9Tz2G095S4OEKlZoNpJk9GunUOxmJ4NcWJyHyrvNj9E1aF7VbHKUqJm5gI5rxe6hyphenhyphenUzwvlE/s1600/appalachian%20spring%20near%20waterrock%20knob.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGZY672BWwGYY-lX-gwE9JlngID_iR97y1YHVhAu08TGUESLV5GK8jjMYjqJ0ed5VCHxObP-MddFF39mUX1_wYN5o0DopVntdiZDnihmHX1wx7qtCGFUTI9Tz2G095S4OEKlZoNpJk9GunUOxmJ4NcWJyHyrvNj9E1aF7VbHKUqJm5gI5rxe6hyphenhyphenUzwvlE/w640-h426/appalachian%20spring%20near%20waterrock%20knob.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">Above: Appalachian Spring comes to Waterrock Knob and the Blue Ridge Parkway</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> Below I have posted a nice video of the highlights of a visit to the Blue Ridge Parkway and Balsam Mountain in Spring. It was such a nice time! </p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p></div><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KMY9zeM6qqc" title="Second Spring 2021" width="670"></iframe>Dana Kooglerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05415223619811093720noreply@blogger.com0Blount Beach, TN 37804, USA35.7834176 -83.89573457.4731837638211545 -119.0519845 64.093651436178845 -48.7394845tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626760878352814160.post-3949674775072098592024-02-08T10:51:00.003-05:002024-02-08T11:14:59.119-05:00Elk Gap Tunnel<h1 style="text-align: center;"><b><u><br /></u></b></h1><h1 style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiM2piIDoMNB-tXSh_qPy8nlgJE66-SpZ9tmmU-ChFNduL9nO326D0FlyWZtzOqZBJR9lnTHw8XcdT74IrKQPLE6qTkLgZPKTyTmEzUGlwYryND1NEOpGsvu0PQCbVO6UYj91gWocdivqY3MDPXVX9s_eOjSjYgqDK-AdErxdctJj93GH8rIvkSSilKIQ/s1600/tie%20down%20clip.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img alt="rusty metal railroad tie down" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiM2piIDoMNB-tXSh_qPy8nlgJE66-SpZ9tmmU-ChFNduL9nO326D0FlyWZtzOqZBJR9lnTHw8XcdT74IrKQPLE6qTkLgZPKTyTmEzUGlwYryND1NEOpGsvu0PQCbVO6UYj91gWocdivqY3MDPXVX9s_eOjSjYgqDK-AdErxdctJj93GH8rIvkSSilKIQ/w400-h266/tie%20down%20clip.jpg" title="Tie Down Clip" width="400" /></span></a></div></b><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Above: rusty metal tie down for the spike plates</span></b></div><b><u><br /></u></b></h1><h1 style="text-align: center;"><b><u><br /></u></b></h1><h1 style="text-align: center;"><b><u>Elk Gap Tunnel</u></b></h1><div><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Sunday February 4, 2024</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Dana & Kenny Koogler </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Photos are Here <a href="https://cumberlandgal.smugmug.com/Travel/Royal-Blue/i-d47m6Dc/A" target="_blank">Royal Blue Waterfalls & Elk Gap Tunnel</a></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> <b>I have mentioned on my updates page that my knees will need replacing. I did not mention that I have been super sick the past week. I was in bed a lot with shortness of breath. </b><b> Kenny had to work Saturday. I had Friday and Saturday to finish getting well. </b><b>Sunday we needed to get out and do something fun. Just the two of us. The weather turned out to be really nice. It was chilly, but the sun was out. The skies were blue. Waterfalls are gushing now. Our plan was to visit a couple waterfalls in Campbell County. We'd then go on to Elk Gap Tunnel. It is situated near a church so we'd have to wait until services were over. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> We stopped by Royal Blue to park and unload. We'd hit these few falls we hadn't visited in awhile. We were there in Summer with friends, but the waterfalls were just damp rocks. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>We parked at Eagle Rock Campground. It is huge and so nice! I hardly recognized the place it has changed so much. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><h3 style="text-align: center;"><b><u><br /></u></b><b><u><a href="https://tnlandforms.us/landforms/m.php?wpt=CAF014" target="_blank">Flatwoods Falls </a></u></b></h3><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT9dFdFW-47UC9SaFZ6s7NATCBpYeeZLu3U2EBWsTJDfRQ_1abUyKiSR8IxNx3RZmbEYvmreHzEPZxPInihxkrwgVCAUW0NZVk4NIlY2I_LElPgOOhr-TCWswf-hjdWUYil23-Rpnvz6VDMqoARYJUaXn8hWSiQ3OW3YOzNRtWjFIdFw3wKOBzo3DksDA/s5568/GOPR2135.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT9dFdFW-47UC9SaFZ6s7NATCBpYeeZLu3U2EBWsTJDfRQ_1abUyKiSR8IxNx3RZmbEYvmreHzEPZxPInihxkrwgVCAUW0NZVk4NIlY2I_LElPgOOhr-TCWswf-hjdWUYil23-Rpnvz6VDMqoARYJUaXn8hWSiQ3OW3YOzNRtWjFIdFw3wKOBzo3DksDA/w640-h480/GOPR2135.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><b>Above and below: Eagle Rock Campground and Big Foot. Top photo shows our machine.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Below photo is a little closer view of Big Foot. </b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_WBfyDTG_X-omkhocsMR3jcPZG_r48vN5wJmMUEp62_wjShv0cusQi-QlVzr9YSOQrxPmUF18NctmurMEoGGwE5bHdv7dZMMjbnDvRZ-2Xdhy3xF1gr1Jj-X8H2fGfwfHmk2p6PjJKGXyDTe59l5F-wVr7KYT0PA7sbUcW6vCnHw4a-sPwnxlfGGAKPY/s5568/GOPR2139.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_WBfyDTG_X-omkhocsMR3jcPZG_r48vN5wJmMUEp62_wjShv0cusQi-QlVzr9YSOQrxPmUF18NctmurMEoGGwE5bHdv7dZMMjbnDvRZ-2Xdhy3xF1gr1Jj-X8H2fGfwfHmk2p6PjJKGXyDTe59l5F-wVr7KYT0PA7sbUcW6vCnHw4a-sPwnxlfGGAKPY/w640-h480/GOPR2139.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> We used the RZR today to get the distances down to where I could handle them. I hiked 4 miles a month or so back. It was excruciating, but today with cutting that distance in half I was alright. We parked at Eagle Rock Campground and headed out from there. Flatwoods Falls is not far away. It is the second right turn off Flatwoods Road head northeast. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> We pulled up at the trail to the waterfall. Kenny had to investigate which way we'd go down.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>He fussed over me like a mother hen. The terrain was steep and slippery, but by taking my time I was ok. I picked my path and was comfortable. There used to be a set of wooden steps descending to the base of Flatwoods Falls. They were very slick in wet or icy weather. They eventually rotted. I took photos of what was left of them. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtyh47uPvgO-wL3uXgksFImgywMwudTXVdNQ7NyIqLvsT4alWUpFv3fwANcmget8SHhhaZ34262dvG4Q3wLqfBjJyy6eXTuc9ZwvnDNMpiEVP_ycvRL6QRPxBcLsrQF3YnwDwbwy03jk-rJZd3gVhUmj3O5hBmTN0flUGmXLtoAddqZSJ2qtC7VZMxeKQ/s5568/GOPR2081.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtyh47uPvgO-wL3uXgksFImgywMwudTXVdNQ7NyIqLvsT4alWUpFv3fwANcmget8SHhhaZ34262dvG4Q3wLqfBjJyy6eXTuc9ZwvnDNMpiEVP_ycvRL6QRPxBcLsrQF3YnwDwbwy03jk-rJZd3gVhUmj3O5hBmTN0flUGmXLtoAddqZSJ2qtC7VZMxeKQ/w640-h480/GOPR2081.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: The Flatwoods Falls from the base with the Go Pro<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ZqeAiCouhHDYUl9vvrZthYPEG_NwYfG0ZY3TyQcsvwEPJdVFDNFmpZ-S8-hxrgg4Vk-1CqqDIVbRpZFKc3F-bsk7cgZ9vrtfuXb9p3OEs3hNz-F1IkbfpyEo-DGYlk0ehcli4TgWSN0GUS-x-3bewGkjBWWUa5csv33ixb429M4yJC1rG4g30-4Yxfk/s5568/GOPR2083.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ZqeAiCouhHDYUl9vvrZthYPEG_NwYfG0ZY3TyQcsvwEPJdVFDNFmpZ-S8-hxrgg4Vk-1CqqDIVbRpZFKc3F-bsk7cgZ9vrtfuXb9p3OEs3hNz-F1IkbfpyEo-DGYlk0ehcli4TgWSN0GUS-x-3bewGkjBWWUa5csv33ixb429M4yJC1rG4g30-4Yxfk/w640-h480/GOPR2083.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Above: This photo does little to illustrate the steep, slippery terrain to the base of the falls. You're pretty close to the edge going down that slope. </b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Below is a little bit of the step ruins. The remainder of them is a pile of poles and rotten lumber down near that clump of trees. </b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWJp0F9RQrch-biQUd_BYUnkPOOi448IdB1bpT6sGzGLHNXgCs5vp5SMA9j2bgsPUXFY4y9TUdUlYWpxZXw0rCkxPA0c3GkJAkKB_Uh9w1kCWp1rFypXFtBGNsUXvrGI_N2uCrcaIgFtDaJWJ-AnIa1s8kRhwsmxHqQdvSNDMiWXuP7VRxus05vh2aZZc/s3131/old%20steps.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2673" data-original-width="3131" height="546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWJp0F9RQrch-biQUd_BYUnkPOOi448IdB1bpT6sGzGLHNXgCs5vp5SMA9j2bgsPUXFY4y9TUdUlYWpxZXw0rCkxPA0c3GkJAkKB_Uh9w1kCWp1rFypXFtBGNsUXvrGI_N2uCrcaIgFtDaJWJ-AnIa1s8kRhwsmxHqQdvSNDMiWXuP7VRxus05vh2aZZc/w640-h546/old%20steps.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b>Above: A little of what remains of the steps. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFuewMfNPQdXZFeMM3WPvIRZVAjJ-VI0yn6qTsgPPOgNh1jCBT2j-MWLBfD_zM0Nl-hCPT8CKzz4Nr1dAPlfWrZIXo-H_47hruewPsTMIcsQCY1rLI0-XcCdPntkFWGwGcqqoarXxgMZZhJtqQg-rbi-16ZiIBC3gPnZG7wElFrqbuZAsZkhol0Zsaqm8/s3456/Flatwoods%20Falls%20bv%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFuewMfNPQdXZFeMM3WPvIRZVAjJ-VI0yn6qTsgPPOgNh1jCBT2j-MWLBfD_zM0Nl-hCPT8CKzz4Nr1dAPlfWrZIXo-H_47hruewPsTMIcsQCY1rLI0-XcCdPntkFWGwGcqqoarXxgMZZhJtqQg-rbi-16ZiIBC3gPnZG7wElFrqbuZAsZkhol0Zsaqm8/w640-h426/Flatwoods%20Falls%20bv%201.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Above: Flatwoods Falls from the base-- Canon Camera. Manual setting. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Below is a shot of the upper portion of the falls. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj348k2ShySVByfzUwdJrFrzd9nR5J_E8sUMI4q4uIW-3mxX0xpB2Fb0_73DKBTd4hayv9MA0zhNCDzodC7Dh3ht7pPcTetkeeZESavBlFU2vEiiU1Vwlq0D31ey_Nx5CgafuFycVMfWVhHB3BHf5hQQvDXP_2OgZP-XlWoQErW6D5XwKe8M22FKWaGrts/s3456/IMG_6776.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj348k2ShySVByfzUwdJrFrzd9nR5J_E8sUMI4q4uIW-3mxX0xpB2Fb0_73DKBTd4hayv9MA0zhNCDzodC7Dh3ht7pPcTetkeeZESavBlFU2vEiiU1Vwlq0D31ey_Nx5CgafuFycVMfWVhHB3BHf5hQQvDXP_2OgZP-XlWoQErW6D5XwKe8M22FKWaGrts/w640-h426/IMG_6776.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Below is a video of the beautiful Flatwoods Falls including the upper drop.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tPtHNB5yfgk" title="Flatwoods Falls 2024" width="670"></iframe></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> We enjoyed checking out the falls with some nice flow on them. We did not stick around too long. I began my careful trudge back up. I have become a huge fan of uphill. It is much easier on the knees! </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> We headed on down Ollis Creek Trail in the direction of Thirteen Hollow Falls. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>We hoped to see that and add to it Patricia Falls which is in the next drainage over. I wasn't at all sure if we'd find Patricia Falls. I had the way points, but knew it was going to be a short bushwhack. We'd have to see about that.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> On our way along Ollis Creek Trail we noticed a couple things. It is a nice trail, but it was very muddy and eroded. Its condition made worse by very recent logging above the trail. The trail is far enough above the old Lafollette Reservoir that the silt and mud don't end up in the water enough to change the pretty green color. It does end up in Ollis Creek at other points along the way. Yellow Branch Falls was more churned up and muddy than usual. The trail looks horrendous in the vicinity of the logging. I hope I am wrong, but I doubt they'll do anything to clean up behind themselves. I would love to see the TWRA plant some trees back to grow in place of what was cut. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> Another thing is that we could tell where parts of the trail have been raised above the former track. It moves it out of the damaged areas to give those a chance to rest. One cool thing we saw on that part of the ride was a huge bull elk! He was alone and looked pretty healthy to me. He was still sporting a full rack of antlers! He looked to be an eight to ten pointer. Kenny remarked this was the furthest out we'd ever spotted one in Campbell County. I would agree.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> We have had some very cool wildlife encounters at Royal Blue. We see lots of elk. We see turkeys, deer, hawks, herons, and one day we had a bobcat sighting. He was not scared of us one bit and sat in the woods near us just relaxing until he walked calmly away. The prettiest thing we've seen was a large black wolf with golden eyes! It pays to visit different places and keep a sharp look out. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> </b></div><h3 style="text-align: center;"><u><br /></u></h3><h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Below is a very grainy cell phone picture of a bull elk. It is in there, but you have to look closely. Center of the image. </span></h3><h3 style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbujSUuo9fK3OGYBcwO57LfgE7PD4eeHuVIFekb0wcbB1NZ5yTmt-0H4uohM3AvS1R1Xs_2B_Nxssdrxu8O7w2ILl6-P7KpQ7WzZtc0Z-uWr6K6T-y2ivUjV1eeCNAVnLwosElF8rTuObS7IZUQ1hS3gapmr0LM9LvBCtXf2Y5nhaPNqGlhhmxsoLNLDo/s2048/Elk.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbujSUuo9fK3OGYBcwO57LfgE7PD4eeHuVIFekb0wcbB1NZ5yTmt-0H4uohM3AvS1R1Xs_2B_Nxssdrxu8O7w2ILl6-P7KpQ7WzZtc0Z-uWr6K6T-y2ivUjV1eeCNAVnLwosElF8rTuObS7IZUQ1hS3gapmr0LM9LvBCtXf2Y5nhaPNqGlhhmxsoLNLDo/w640-h480/Elk.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br />Below is an image taken by me on another trip that most closely resembles the bull elk we saw today minus the trees. This was also taken at Royal Blue, but up near the tower. </span></h3><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiptITUWghugH4f8QPPEN6JfhfErN0pG87ad0m4tq1MRNXtJI3ajyMLaiZu8x0J0kL5TFcv0bRcKstcSIm2voVqdwHF11Jf-N1_AQIoezg20dheP7p0lBB3sckN5Gj_E8fjWHbH0n7nLY2AUanOI23DgHPNWr4KjgBMC0EXvfxkJ0RipUQpJNSWIRuU86A/s864/one%20bull%20elk.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="864" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiptITUWghugH4f8QPPEN6JfhfErN0pG87ad0m4tq1MRNXtJI3ajyMLaiZu8x0J0kL5TFcv0bRcKstcSIm2voVqdwHF11Jf-N1_AQIoezg20dheP7p0lBB3sckN5Gj_E8fjWHbH0n7nLY2AUanOI23DgHPNWr4KjgBMC0EXvfxkJ0RipUQpJNSWIRuU86A/w640-h480/one%20bull%20elk.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><u><br /></u></div><div><u><br /></u></div><div><u><br /></u></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT5aAyn-VwC2ZcaYuLAhcAlToxqR5Ep3oMiGaMAXm6viOMXKcqkoc5uQCKHsYBDMf_eKR9kPAOBuIuYYV7vGI6YQP5GsihDcnOm4l35D4SvD6PEkEJ1a5sbrdCSFIO7hP1ro5Jbk5LyrRj-z_bOMTZTc1fJI0rlWU_HNSpC0GtpWazaekUIO36Lbc3_os/s1024/bob%20cat%20on%20the%20run.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT5aAyn-VwC2ZcaYuLAhcAlToxqR5Ep3oMiGaMAXm6viOMXKcqkoc5uQCKHsYBDMf_eKR9kPAOBuIuYYV7vGI6YQP5GsihDcnOm4l35D4SvD6PEkEJ1a5sbrdCSFIO7hP1ro5Jbk5LyrRj-z_bOMTZTc1fJI0rlWU_HNSpC0GtpWazaekUIO36Lbc3_os/w640-h480/bob%20cat%20on%20the%20run.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Above: a photo of the bob cat we saw at Royal Blue. He's trotting away from me. <br /><u><br /></u></div><div><u><br /></u></div><div><u><br /></u></div><div><u><br /></u></div><div><u><br /></u></div><div><u><br /></u></div><h3 style="text-align: center;"><u><br /></u></h3><h3 style="text-align: center;"><u><br /></u></h3><h3 style="text-align: center;"><u><br /></u></h3><h3 style="text-align: center;"><u><a href="https://tnlandforms.us/landforms/m.php?wpt=CAF012" target="_blank">Thirteen Hollow Falls </a></u></h3><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> We didn't take long to reach the left turn off Ollis Creek Trail for Thirteen Hollow. I had the waypoints for Patricia Falls with us. I had studied the map and shown it to Kenny. Thirteen Hollow is on one side of a V shaped confluence of Laurel Creek. Patricia Falls is a scenic fifteen foot drop adjacent to it on the other side of the V. It was found and documented by none other than Daniel Jack Hutchison! A nice little find. Neither of these falls would be worth a special trip on their own, but while in the area, both are worth a look when we've had ample rain.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> Kenny pulled past the point where we usually parked and climbed down the embankment to reach Thirteen Hollow Falls. I asked him why? He said he just had a feeling we needed to suss it out a bit further. He pointed out all the times we've made things harder than they had to be. I couldn't argue with that. He jumped out of the machine and took off walking. Meanwhile I plugged in the coordinates for the falls and let the GPS be getting oriented. I no more than had it acquire the satellites when he popped back up and said "Let's go this way!". He had indeed found a FAR simpler way to reach the falls! I went ahead and changed the GPS over to looking for Patricia Falls so we could do that next. I looked around and we were walking along an old road bed! We left it and walked gradually down the bank toward the falls. In no time we were there at the base! He was right. We had indeed been making the approach to this waterfall far harder than it need be! Well done! </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> <u>Directions to Thirteen Hollow Falls : </u></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Click the link at the top of the paragraph in this trip report. It will open to the TN landforms page about the falls and give you maps and the waypoints for it. It also shows up on lifetime maps but only says something like RB Waterfall. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Follow Ollis Creek Trail out from Flatwoods Rd heading east. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>You will come to a trail sign for Thirteen Hollow. Turn LEFT onto this trail and drive </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>less than 1/2 mile to where the trail fords Laurel Creek. On your RIGHT is a pull off.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Park here. There is a sign indicating foot travel only beyond this point. You will find yourself on on old logging road that parallels Laurel Creek briefly. Don't follow the road more than 75 feet, but continue along it listening for the sound of the falls. You are parked within sight of the brink of them. Leave the old road and walk gradually down the slope. The woods are pretty open here in any season. Follow the terrain down and you will be able to scramble down the bank to the base of the falls within sight of them. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVzIWKnWkFH7XPh0kF2KS_VGcLPkJNLCOpuwA3L9Br2hDO3dFk3G4jIkyar7aUIiTjWXhk98bYRuzSEoneImcwbrEXEKkWHoEJ0YhbZMhvJrhmS0x3pGx6CL0An5-klMmnhL-XAGuMg7TgBTWOJdawhQOME0pupk4ec5wxjYqh7dfEFmGLGvfwBKFU5u8/s5568/GOPR2090.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Small clear stream in Winter with gray, bare trees" border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVzIWKnWkFH7XPh0kF2KS_VGcLPkJNLCOpuwA3L9Br2hDO3dFk3G4jIkyar7aUIiTjWXhk98bYRuzSEoneImcwbrEXEKkWHoEJ0YhbZMhvJrhmS0x3pGx6CL0An5-klMmnhL-XAGuMg7TgBTWOJdawhQOME0pupk4ec5wxjYqh7dfEFmGLGvfwBKFU5u8/w640-h480/GOPR2090.JPG" title="Laurel Creek at the ford on Thirteen Hollow Trail" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Above: This is the ford of Laurel Creek on Thirteen Hollow Trail. The falls is 200 feet from this to the left. </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Below: Thirteen Hollow Trail from the point where we parked looking toward its far end. We continued in that direction to make a loop and avoid backtracking the very muddy, rutted Ollis Creek Trail. </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitgZniUcoXJA92ulCnnLMdNOkbgf6D-TU1CtSmkxpnobdI2f_CMUvipHSXgU_dL5oVXify38FWeNQv-Q23R8OzYYzRObZNRESup11VWB8bzGGxxFSpone-13QrnwRN8NNuALWo3vdMnWMQq1K7cTpoaTdmHPqclm9yfqM2TxZNzqOdleurS1THl5BqLuA/s5568/GOPR2089.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="red dirt trail on a Winter day with bare trees" border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitgZniUcoXJA92ulCnnLMdNOkbgf6D-TU1CtSmkxpnobdI2f_CMUvipHSXgU_dL5oVXify38FWeNQv-Q23R8OzYYzRObZNRESup11VWB8bzGGxxFSpone-13QrnwRN8NNuALWo3vdMnWMQq1K7cTpoaTdmHPqclm9yfqM2TxZNzqOdleurS1THl5BqLuA/w640-h480/GOPR2089.JPG" title="Thirteen Hollow Trail" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>13 Hollow Trail above</b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Below: 13 Hollow Falls is 26 feet high</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS-A9yZM0OqAfzrcWofFVPlc-SIDGL7HZtJKrB8ZmSPUueThOjKfIbeeyEcjzjdi0pPMb9vJ9ktmPIEQ7QtoRChyphenhyphenySEj49_tIDK0oFzF0j0f24RRJD-tibeiS2Yv8zkuQo5Pg6sffaXRm8tJT2iOuir7JtL5_9r1KMCx0oqW6uUYwnlbtDjXwaW8uFHIQ/s3456/Thirteen%20Hollow%20Falls%202024%20easier%20way.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Slender white waterfall in Winter with dark rocks" border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS-A9yZM0OqAfzrcWofFVPlc-SIDGL7HZtJKrB8ZmSPUueThOjKfIbeeyEcjzjdi0pPMb9vJ9ktmPIEQ7QtoRChyphenhyphenySEj49_tIDK0oFzF0j0f24RRJD-tibeiS2Yv8zkuQo5Pg6sffaXRm8tJT2iOuir7JtL5_9r1KMCx0oqW6uUYwnlbtDjXwaW8uFHIQ/w640-h426/Thirteen%20Hollow%20Falls%202024%20easier%20way.jpg" title="13 Hollow Falls" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b>Below is a video of Thirteen Hollow Falls. I began filming at the ford of the creek for two reasons. 1. It is a pretty spot and it was quiet and serene. 2. To give you an idea what the spot looks like in case you want to go see these falls on your ride. Definitely worth turning aside for when we've had adequate rain. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fFWuyLMn3gs" title="Thirteen Hollow Falls The Easy Way" width="670"></iframe></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://tnlandforms.us/landforms/m.php?wpt=CAF025" target="_blank"><br /></a></b><b><a href="https://tnlandforms.us/landforms/m.php?wpt=CAF025" target="_blank">Patricia Falls</a></b></h3><div><br /></div><div> Next we climbed back up the bank to the old road and decided to try to find and view Patricia Falls which is on the next drainage over. The old road headed in that direction. We were pleasantly surprised to find it was very open and in good condition. The going was easy. It was level and took us right to the falls. The problem then became getting to the base. It is a fifteen foot falls with two drops. One is about six feet and the other nine feet high. We studied the possibility of going up past it, fording the stream and descending to the base on the opposite side. That turned out to be an even worse task. The stream is an easy rock hop, but the terrain on the far side goes from gently sloping to cliffing out. The climb down from the old road on the near side has a ten foot drop requiring rope. We did not bring any. Kenny was already very stressed out as to the chance of me harming myself. He did not want me to do further damage to my knees. I could see the falls from here and quite honestly it wasn't worth the effort today to climb down to see it up close. He got a couple photos from the brink and a short snippet of video. If you click the link above this paragraph it takes you to the TN landforms info page on it. You can easily figure from my description how to FIND It. Getting down there will be up to you. We will return to reach the base once my knee surgery is healed, and we've had ample rain. It is worth seeing based upon Daniel Jack Hutchison's photo of it. I would add it together with a future trip to visit several falls in one day. It is only about 0.10 mile walk on the old road from Thirteen Hollow Falls to where you can see Patricia Falls down over the bank. </div><div>Future trip to reach the base I would go to Thirteen Hollow and work my way downstream and then back upstream to where I could see both drops.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipLGIIf5UmyvVJpmT3C9qnzjwDhseSWYNBf31H-TVkW2Cm_KMs3BU4REwbQ2yKIX4KvV0C9pgmWsehMVeNsHI-9RnFw37sqRe2DuEsAox76V5SGj5XvglZu7-p48KB4wg6C91vW9vBt5cSpjkZLZQGDI0GaWc15Wj4iV3remqD7engaxbzs7-FrH_Fr8Q/s2048/Pat%20falls2%20bv.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipLGIIf5UmyvVJpmT3C9qnzjwDhseSWYNBf31H-TVkW2Cm_KMs3BU4REwbQ2yKIX4KvV0C9pgmWsehMVeNsHI-9RnFw37sqRe2DuEsAox76V5SGj5XvglZu7-p48KB4wg6C91vW9vBt5cSpjkZLZQGDI0GaWc15Wj4iV3remqD7engaxbzs7-FrH_Fr8Q/w480-h640/Pat%20falls2%20bv.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><b>Above: a shot of Patricia Falls from the bluff above it. </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Below are two shots of the old road we walked to reach it from 13 Hollow Falls</b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5fDBVNoelyrZh83KodnYzTwALuQM324_eHb0SryocicwWbJHbwl7m4tJiFL-5c7XXdUIjuSkql8l7S3_f3n5kcZoxNYtAPVX9FQIeT-f62uaYTYtfcrnIKOMK5TuPktBFasbPq6BkKvQDs-Xq5iGGtE_x4tORaYB19Tan9VeLU1UABObKvPFR1WSZ_6k/s5568/GOPR2126.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5fDBVNoelyrZh83KodnYzTwALuQM324_eHb0SryocicwWbJHbwl7m4tJiFL-5c7XXdUIjuSkql8l7S3_f3n5kcZoxNYtAPVX9FQIeT-f62uaYTYtfcrnIKOMK5TuPktBFasbPq6BkKvQDs-Xq5iGGtE_x4tORaYB19Tan9VeLU1UABObKvPFR1WSZ_6k/w640-h480/GOPR2126.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>The photo above is looking back in the direction of 13 Hollow</div><div>Below the image is where the road continues past Patricia Falls. Easy traveling. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNKd5JZMp9YQqmx6NtboRjpJC2u2juziGqWBqAX1QlO61ztfzLhO8-rePtsws9eX9TS9SWD3pboyobl2o9vi9Hv2VXIze9JXX7MCe5WxUD_UCufMaKJs0cWhTH_0wJK2XSLCsDQ-0YqT64KJO4iRWnlzOjzbfNpBEuE_IPgFqKruqSkCJbVpcuTl8vRBw/s5568/GOPR2125.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNKd5JZMp9YQqmx6NtboRjpJC2u2juziGqWBqAX1QlO61ztfzLhO8-rePtsws9eX9TS9SWD3pboyobl2o9vi9Hv2VXIze9JXX7MCe5WxUD_UCufMaKJs0cWhTH_0wJK2XSLCsDQ-0YqT64KJO4iRWnlzOjzbfNpBEuE_IPgFqKruqSkCJbVpcuTl8vRBw/w640-h480/GOPR2125.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><h1 style="text-align: left;"><br /><br /></h1><h4 style="text-align: left;"> <span style="font-size: medium;">Below is a short clip of Patricia Falls taken by Kenny.</span></h4><h1 style="text-align: left;"><b allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" iframe="" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fFWuyLMn3gs" title="Thirteen Hollow Falls The Easy Way" width="670"></b></h1><div style="text-align: center;"><b><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="700" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/twK9niNMj94" title="Patricia Falls" width="350"></iframe></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /> <b>We walked back to the RZR and ate lunch standing around. It was a quick bite and then we were on our way. We headed out the remainder of the short 13 Hollow trail. We passed some pretty old tailing ponds from the mining days. The water was jade green. We did not see any water birds or raptors today. These old ponds are surprisingly clean and sometimes have fish in them. They are clean enough for birds to find prey and build nests. <br /><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-az98VU7IT96FKfwy-p3rDcUGW73Dgryg-OOFI1IJ8XGQPkNYukpsfBF502iYlPHjxHs5gjR2SNyA_rpxkXB-qXvr9BAQp7Y69_Osr-WcI3zSA7T0Vi7bASD5PdnsPq8BoKPuk961ivdF6F3Z9lTq0Oh0LUjoLlUvgylOyAIx8R_Mq1N7jOTzRXzIBNM/s5568/GOPR2130.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-az98VU7IT96FKfwy-p3rDcUGW73Dgryg-OOFI1IJ8XGQPkNYukpsfBF502iYlPHjxHs5gjR2SNyA_rpxkXB-qXvr9BAQp7Y69_Osr-WcI3zSA7T0Vi7bASD5PdnsPq8BoKPuk961ivdF6F3Z9lTq0Oh0LUjoLlUvgylOyAIx8R_Mq1N7jOTzRXzIBNM/w640-h480/GOPR2130.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above and below: Tailing ponds at Royal Blue <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgzjOjwuzBKXZzF6bS1-H2a2NA2qrXntcnl2XMqJO2pa_cYD5fqcDr-JGvzYFIyR2YlSYYVixyZWCgf5s3y-ZwZmlsSY14YS26OEKJPJl3aJlJcrhFCmTJfTeWk8V9n_RmlCxeL_AqAZjR8LF4-RghdxFqLfFiMFrSL047mE55d7YGB_lmCiJ6l527bKQ/s5568/GOPR2131.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgzjOjwuzBKXZzF6bS1-H2a2NA2qrXntcnl2XMqJO2pa_cYD5fqcDr-JGvzYFIyR2YlSYYVixyZWCgf5s3y-ZwZmlsSY14YS26OEKJPJl3aJlJcrhFCmTJfTeWk8V9n_RmlCxeL_AqAZjR8LF4-RghdxFqLfFiMFrSL047mE55d7YGB_lmCiJ6l527bKQ/w640-h480/GOPR2131.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO54xkDNgbV4ZKCJn-7sxoIVuV1_Q8Z1-G941RZKScuZmohl6mlw-fktotjJPKikhV0-tRS6LECIfoyq5QBW9r_0WEw_4gmGpyqf4YSbfcTmofKOYqhmbOrtYg9DnALevyAwZtiQjhcb4wn1_4_O5SBZR75ldf8ylaT3On5IKBtIFh9P6z8cux4fOo7Po/s5568/GOPR2133.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO54xkDNgbV4ZKCJn-7sxoIVuV1_Q8Z1-G941RZKScuZmohl6mlw-fktotjJPKikhV0-tRS6LECIfoyq5QBW9r_0WEw_4gmGpyqf4YSbfcTmofKOYqhmbOrtYg9DnALevyAwZtiQjhcb4wn1_4_O5SBZR75ldf8ylaT3On5IKBtIFh9P6z8cux4fOo7Po/w640-h480/GOPR2133.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Above: looking out the windshield of the RZR at the muddy trail. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Below is a short snippet of the ride </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6Rm37IG7zrk" title="13 Hollow Trail" width="670"></iframe></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://eaglecampground.com/" target="_blank">E<u>agle Rock Campground Notes</u></a></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> It didn't take us long to get back to the truck. We wanted to load up and head to see Elk Gap Tunnel. The morning worship service was over, but they have evening service at six p.m. so we had to try to time our visit between the two. Pioneer is only ten minutes further away so it wasn't a problem to work that out. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> Note to self: Eagle Rock Campground is very nice looking. They have full hook ups for RV camping. They also have cabin rentals in different sizes. Two tiny homes. Two large cabins. Three very small "two butt" cabins. It is good to know because sometimes we want to stay, but don't want to de-Winterize our Fifth Wheel camper for only a night or two. It would be fun to come here in Spring with the camper. Royal Blue is actually a great Spring wildflower destination. My Spring wildflower season is looking highly suspect. I HAVE plans, but they will likely need to be modified based upon my surgery and mobility.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration-line: underline;"><br /></span></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u>Elk Gap Tunnel</u></b></div></b></h3><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> We arrived in Pioneer at 2:30 p.m. We parked and climbed down the bank </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>and across a shallow stream. The abandoned railroad tracks are just across the stream. We walked 0.30 miles up the tracks to where we found the tunnel's south portal. Along the way we passed a couple old chimneys. The slopes around us to the east were covered in kudzu vines now dead and gray from the Winter. We noticed a board laid across the small stream like a bridge.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> We came to one point where water had seriously ponded up along the left of the tracks. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>A short distance further and a stream flowed down out of the hills and split into two directions. Part of its flow went toward the mouth of the tunnel and through it. The other part flowed opposite and into a pair of culverts and under the tracks. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> <b> Before we got to the point where the stream split its flow we could see the mouth of the tunnel.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Vines now dead and brown hung from the top of it like drapes. Elk Gap Tunnel is not part of the old Rat Hole Line. It is something separate. It was the old Kentucky & Ohio or K & O Railroad. I have a link here you can click to read a fascinating article from the historic archives of Campbell County. It is about <a href="https://www.tngenweb.org/campbell/hist-bogan/train.html" target="_blank">taking the train from Knoxville to Jellico on this railroad. </a> </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> The article specifically mentions the Elk Gap Tunnel. It says it is 1,799 feet long and is the highest point between Knoxville and the state line with Kentucky. It mentions it having a curve to the tunnel and tracks. This I agree with, but the measure of 1,799 may be accurate, but I dispute that. I measured it at 1854 feet or slightly longer. Interesting things we saw along the tracks included a switch to a side track that is only partially disabled. We saw massive rusty bolts and nuts, railroad spikes, tie down clips. Equipment for maintaining and building the tracks. Sections of the disabled switch lay there having been removed, but not discarded.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> The marker for the switch stands like a sentry there after all these years of being idle. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> It was apparent walking through the tunnel that the flow of the stream gets significant enough to wash mats of debris and chunks of logs into the tunnel! </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMDwmyCkQeMdxL0iIUTXT9gcN0zzacrqR3hbbuktXT5hqiD772nQtCf_DaJEwUeMgBPNEBCKohLeB_HzAFYFhSuEQwVqgqmdk7apXpH59wUS4Vu-B7Cm6rbsCVkEZxOUx2eQLTfD86l_4Tvfj2pCdbh7h0AUKomo9FVPJiWBW9RVDRMQIGkH7dY7zSL4o/s4454/South%20Portal%20Elk%20Gap%20Tunnel%20bv.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3341" data-original-width="4454" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMDwmyCkQeMdxL0iIUTXT9gcN0zzacrqR3hbbuktXT5hqiD772nQtCf_DaJEwUeMgBPNEBCKohLeB_HzAFYFhSuEQwVqgqmdk7apXpH59wUS4Vu-B7Cm6rbsCVkEZxOUx2eQLTfD86l_4Tvfj2pCdbh7h0AUKomo9FVPJiWBW9RVDRMQIGkH7dY7zSL4o/w640-h480/South%20Portal%20Elk%20Gap%20Tunnel%20bv.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>above: South Portal of Elk Gap tunnel. Notice here there is water flowing on BOTH sides of the tracks! <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIqMyCwJO2CLerrY61LkdPaCtp0g-mmtNFybMfEjltEAf7PKrvPVvNWM6fzdgoAUzEzzRCSLNgpxJ4UDKlF85CbCPdBDLM2eqcmkdRlGD1T8irjjkZX06Mn1PLroieeZS6yMCgYRSlXbMWg6cgqZpIzgVglQIjN9kwkxsKbQm0LQDyadfKgYqw8WN-vPg/s5568/North%20Portal%20Elk%20Gap%20Tunnel%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIqMyCwJO2CLerrY61LkdPaCtp0g-mmtNFybMfEjltEAf7PKrvPVvNWM6fzdgoAUzEzzRCSLNgpxJ4UDKlF85CbCPdBDLM2eqcmkdRlGD1T8irjjkZX06Mn1PLroieeZS6yMCgYRSlXbMWg6cgqZpIzgVglQIjN9kwkxsKbQm0LQDyadfKgYqw8WN-vPg/w640-h480/North%20Portal%20Elk%20Gap%20Tunnel%201.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Above: North portal of Elk Gap Tunnel. I can't find any way except through the tunnel to view this portal. Finally getting here confirmed this. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFwWLkwb8djypyOOIg1EjZE2nBM_NJQnCsA7X8JEBnlBa8VneNfz3D5Mco9TJ18tITbccLTcT8erJpyEQGxtL1CffW-fOicKoSmnie68YUTZWMDhp98xeWsbFo1nBRheWksH0rYjoohPhLYso3ykmB6Awn1HQu2VzULKf-qphFlcmu77nqF8RRWaNDPy4/s5568/GOPR2163.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFwWLkwb8djypyOOIg1EjZE2nBM_NJQnCsA7X8JEBnlBa8VneNfz3D5Mco9TJ18tITbccLTcT8erJpyEQGxtL1CffW-fOicKoSmnie68YUTZWMDhp98xeWsbFo1nBRheWksH0rYjoohPhLYso3ykmB6Awn1HQu2VzULKf-qphFlcmu77nqF8RRWaNDPy4/w640-h480/GOPR2163.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: Looking at the railroad cut just beyond the North Portal. Water flowing in a stream on the left side of the tracks now. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibyfwAanlf1HTb3DuMHwI2hrdbYwKiCiuLkC4JnAkD-dofKIpvrfriAiN2iBHS8QXKDswCAgYtX-9z_DHWQDULKXUhg4QDr4YzDJSHjvCI5uGf5g-qPpeHYSvgiIp33Az9ceFMX9Fv4IXyaUHMFLyb-Ub0HQMHux1MHvAIYaWmODVZ1Cf43XvN9OXGYow/s5568/GOPR2160.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibyfwAanlf1HTb3DuMHwI2hrdbYwKiCiuLkC4JnAkD-dofKIpvrfriAiN2iBHS8QXKDswCAgYtX-9z_DHWQDULKXUhg4QDr4YzDJSHjvCI5uGf5g-qPpeHYSvgiIp33Az9ceFMX9Fv4IXyaUHMFLyb-Ub0HQMHux1MHvAIYaWmODVZ1Cf43XvN9OXGYow/w640-h480/GOPR2160.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: Approaching the north end of the tunnel from inside.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Below: an image of when we could see light at the end and you could notice the curve in the tunnel. You can glimpse Kenny far ahead of my slow ass with his flashlight and annoyingly healthy knees! You can see the left of the image that there is a stream flowing inside. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2QMCoPe1tn6-2ly4g74vKN3xqzPnNMAj_zEy41UM9tMhyphenhyphenNNwsmFhdSI-p3LqnT92TdGGGqcxSxjTUhJ2SE3mEdFc_0Ux0dx5LJQ3vUf6XadYqv6lkauPS1l5i3jJQmsmf91uZyw6AeJDsSpsWkiest57ljKenBHlE0ISqcAgLAwlqLrVSZvIyVUUCnlU/s5568/GOPR2155.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2QMCoPe1tn6-2ly4g74vKN3xqzPnNMAj_zEy41UM9tMhyphenhyphenNNwsmFhdSI-p3LqnT92TdGGGqcxSxjTUhJ2SE3mEdFc_0Ux0dx5LJQ3vUf6XadYqv6lkauPS1l5i3jJQmsmf91uZyw6AeJDsSpsWkiest57ljKenBHlE0ISqcAgLAwlqLrVSZvIyVUUCnlU/w640-h480/GOPR2155.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgPVhnP-8yaKE9Cxvq_8wG7dvLwi0cW03BnUKAoxjKJVbjFg2p8Vw2mLo-LTpc3GdBHL7fDglqgwqHUNmSETCXEKveICUTG9xVnn_4qPDiX0vZA89MvbiVimCa4Cj8KmIk2GHYQyjXU6W6PAPNWAMxk0M3P1gGCZE9kLhTSibxma_QpgXTL2P4cL-h-hw/s5568/GOPR2153.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgPVhnP-8yaKE9Cxvq_8wG7dvLwi0cW03BnUKAoxjKJVbjFg2p8Vw2mLo-LTpc3GdBHL7fDglqgwqHUNmSETCXEKveICUTG9xVnn_4qPDiX0vZA89MvbiVimCa4Cj8KmIk2GHYQyjXU6W6PAPNWAMxk0M3P1gGCZE9kLhTSibxma_QpgXTL2P4cL-h-hw/w640-h480/GOPR2153.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: entering the south portal of Elk Gap Tunnel. It is all bricked. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV9ghi6PLOa_vlLZ0w4mmsKSRKQleJFBQmN3cRM_HotaPGSzn1DdepV4l_Kdo40-wbsbuvQN04s4-vUmbRmr4hkM7dWn6nSMGM3P4C_oM3-IMt2Ic8Sqf3f8xo_bBZYwmaA3mYaS0oClyDQvyQETtQxA3SiM-9ocglnY1M-VjOO7MwPweEonj9VD2SuHI/s5568/GOPR2146.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV9ghi6PLOa_vlLZ0w4mmsKSRKQleJFBQmN3cRM_HotaPGSzn1DdepV4l_Kdo40-wbsbuvQN04s4-vUmbRmr4hkM7dWn6nSMGM3P4C_oM3-IMt2Ic8Sqf3f8xo_bBZYwmaA3mYaS0oClyDQvyQETtQxA3SiM-9ocglnY1M-VjOO7MwPweEonj9VD2SuHI/w640-h480/GOPR2146.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: The tracks approaching Elk Gap Tunnel. to the left is the stream flowing out of the holler and splitting in two directions. It is shown in the video and illustrates it better.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEPJ1HBxS0HVH91sZ4Cf34XcltDOt-dQ9CvOHvGwQRLc69f1b0HuCsXt73-OewyF4wF2myGosY5CVjbPY3nP3kUV05z6tT6YXQXEPunKRE-a_1abjL283aAEnGup6_vVGLVCc9-wm_U9-LmBbjrM7rA4II6mpptkhNbDTSqk_2OWsuw9lvUjNXifI9ayo/s5568/GOPR2145.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEPJ1HBxS0HVH91sZ4Cf34XcltDOt-dQ9CvOHvGwQRLc69f1b0HuCsXt73-OewyF4wF2myGosY5CVjbPY3nP3kUV05z6tT6YXQXEPunKRE-a_1abjL283aAEnGup6_vVGLVCc9-wm_U9-LmBbjrM7rA4II6mpptkhNbDTSqk_2OWsuw9lvUjNXifI9ayo/w640-h480/GOPR2145.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: the switch to the side track <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxL4NcxypXaVs1exrmgyYEp1urfz4ib0cspBjHgZ27rbvLcr7y8MvkTCt81bvjwnMSQWL67x6RPfOiCK-HPBZsjXLfW1XlwayaaX_49kukfQIxQh1KgyYTJR1AnxnT2WDrNWKcgKRIa4OmX1B6kiQl2uLXn8LQp24xdpFV_vVoDBynIqrxK470xNdJisU/s5568/GOPR2141.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxL4NcxypXaVs1exrmgyYEp1urfz4ib0cspBjHgZ27rbvLcr7y8MvkTCt81bvjwnMSQWL67x6RPfOiCK-HPBZsjXLfW1XlwayaaX_49kukfQIxQh1KgyYTJR1AnxnT2WDrNWKcgKRIa4OmX1B6kiQl2uLXn8LQp24xdpFV_vVoDBynIqrxK470xNdJisU/w640-h480/GOPR2141.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Above: We have approached the side track. You can see the tunnel mouth in the distance. Hwy 297 is to the right. The tunnel passes beneath it. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> We hiked on through the tunnel. It was shorter than Indian Gap Tunnel and not quite as wet and squishy. It was still wet, but more slippery! We counted nine cut outs in the side walls. Seven on the west and two on the east side. I learned those are called "refuges" and are put there as a place for railroad workers to step safely aside while doing track maintenance if a train approaches. Railroad spikes were driven into the western wall at intervals. I'm not sure why. Perhaps a way of measuring distance and spacing the refuges out? </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> Kenny mentioned on the return hike that this tunnel was further underground than Indian Gap had been. I didn't much like thinking on that and asked him to be quiet about it. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>That was a real "Yikes!" moment. We made it safely through and back without any trouble.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>It was quite satisfying to finally have seen it. It was worth the effort. I will say that I think I'm one and done with this tunnel. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> We made our way back to the truck. I was pleased to have been able to get out and walk today. It wasn't pain free, but easier than hiking four miles. Half that distance today didn't cause me any trouble. It had to be good for my lungs to help clear and heal them to get some fresh air and move around. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> Back at the truck we headed for home and I dutifully iced my knees while sipping hot coffee with two fat cats piled up on me. It was a great day! </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> Below is a video of our hike through the tunnel. It is shorter than the video of Indian Gap Tunnel. I edited it pretty heavily. I only videotaped through and the North portal. Not the return trip. Nothing new to see on the trip back.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Rip_otL3LXI" title="Elk Gap Tunnel" width="680"></iframe><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> Thanks Butch for the info on the tunnel. Far as I can see my video of the Elk Gap Tunnel is the only one out there on YouTube. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div>Dana Kooglerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05415223619811093720noreply@blogger.com0Pioneer, TN 37847, USA36.4175798 -84.31409958.1073459638211531 -119.4703495 64.727813636178837 -49.1578495tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626760878352814160.post-83970794415598603012024-01-23T12:49:00.002-05:002024-01-23T12:49:22.604-05:00Winter Visit to McFarland & Buck Bald<p><br /></p><h1 style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifiUB1pN7fbDxlhA1rJodHWRL-DZguw1F4DPskgHGNT-AChKmjGTKutgsEuRJiXLinMnjH1RQippT5lnakjn9eiRWic_ev1wsOfnKifWVg3lcC0t5vdBppMbzQ2af4X0c16KFtprRKv6fWeZrp1UJMXsAy5cr6-kwh4f2KMfpnmcZtDG4Em1w-4hHzZY0/s3456/IMG_6662.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifiUB1pN7fbDxlhA1rJodHWRL-DZguw1F4DPskgHGNT-AChKmjGTKutgsEuRJiXLinMnjH1RQippT5lnakjn9eiRWic_ev1wsOfnKifWVg3lcC0t5vdBppMbzQ2af4X0c16KFtprRKv6fWeZrp1UJMXsAy5cr6-kwh4f2KMfpnmcZtDG4Em1w-4hHzZY0/w400-h266/IMG_6662.JPG" width="400" /></a></div></b><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Above: We saw lots of icicles today</span></b></div><b><u><br /></u></b></h1><h1 style="text-align: center;"><b><u><br /></u></b></h1><h1 style="text-align: center;"><b><u><br /></u></b></h1><h1 style="text-align: center;"><b><u><br /></u></b></h1><h1 style="text-align: center;"><b><u>Winter Visit to McFarland & Buck Bald</u></b></h1><div><b><u><br /></u></b></div><h4 style="text-align: center;"><b>Saturday January 20, 2024</b></h4><h4 style="text-align: center;"><b>Kenny & Dana Koogler </b></h4><div><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://cumberlandgal.smugmug.com/McFarland/i-C82RMJD/A" target="_blank">Pix Are Here </a></u></b></div><p><br /></p><h4 style="text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://cumberlandgal.blogspot.com/p/mcfarland-directions.html" target="_blank">McFarland Directions & Turtletown Adit</a></u></b></h4><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><u><b><a href="https://cumberlandgal.blogspot.com/p/buck-bald-directions.html" target="_blank">Buck Bald Directions</a></b></u></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> Our original plan for today was to drive up to Pioneer and visit the Elk Gap railroad tunnel.</p><p style="text-align: left;">We then planned to go on around to Huntsville and ride Royal Blue to see Thirteen Hollow Falls, Flatwoods Falls, and Patricia Falls. The reasoning was that I had to limit the amount of hiking because of my bad left knee. It was bitterly cold and windy. The snow had become covered with a sheet of ice. The day before we went to town, and I slid on black ice in a parking lot. It hit me Saturday morning that I was being foolish. I was believing what I wanted to be true not reality.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> Images of the packed snow and ice on railroad tracks flashed into my mind's eye. I knew I was putting myself at high risk of taking an already painful knee to the next level of damage. I took a tenth step... "<u>Continue to take a personal inventory and when you are wrong promptly admit it. " </u></p><p style="text-align: left;">I was wrong so I admitted it. Kenny laughed and asked me "Well, what else could we do?" </p><p style="text-align: left;"> I had a backup plan thankfully. We would head south where they'd had less snow and ice!</p><p style="text-align: left;"> Down the road we went toward Madisonville. We'd stop at<a href="https://www.bertshometowngrill.com/" target="_blank"> Bert's Hometown Grill</a> and eat lunch.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Then we'd motor on down to visit McFarland and Turtletown Adit for the first time in Winter.</p><p style="text-align: left;">I wanted to get some photos of the waterfall at Turtletown and some video footage. I also wanted to get photos of an area cabin before it rotted down. I wanted video of Buck Bald. We'd find plenty to do.</p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: center;"><u><b>McFarland and Testing My Directions </b></u></h3><div><u><b><br /></b></u></div><div style="text-align: center;"><ul><li style="text-align: center;"><b><b><u style="font-weight: 400;"><b>Things I remembered to take: </b></u><div style="font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><ul></ul></div></b><br /></b></li><li style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></li><li style="text-align: left;"><b>backpack</b></li><li style="text-align: left;"><b> rope</b></li><li style="text-align: left;"><b> hiking poles </b></li><li style="text-align: left;"><b>camera </b></li><li style="text-align: left;"><b>Go Pro</b></li><li style="text-align: left;"><b> batteries</b></li><li style="text-align: left;"><b>GPS </b></li><li style="text-align: left;"><b>chainsaw. </b></li></ul><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u>What Did Dana Forget? </u></b></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>The MAP!</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> Kenny suggested we stop at the visitor center in Tellico Plains and buy a map. <br />I had an idea to save us. I looked up my blog while we still had a phone signal. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>I screen shot the directions for McFarland. I figured what better way to test them out than apply them to myself? I made double sure they were complete and readable. Turned out great and they worked like a charm. No problems. I have included them at the top of this post and tweaked them a bit. Now there are directions approaching from North and South. No one wants to drive 12 miles to Ducktown and turn around and come back. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> I reckoned that despite our past wanderings and gaffs we might be better off today.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>What we lack in smarts we make up for in lots of experience. Sure enough we'd have found it without the directions. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: left;"> <b> We went in a slightly different way than my directions indicated. We went down to the main road near the Farner Post Office and turned there. My directions coming in from the north are written just as we executed them today. The only thing that messed with us a little after all these trips to the area over the decades? Turning onto Duggan Road in the village! The road sign is not visible coming from this direction. Additionally, the road looks very, very narrow like the lane to someone's house.</b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>It is actually just a narrow country road with lots of residences clustered close. The good news is that they have the sign back up for Turtletown Falls trailhead. You can't miss it from Farner Road. I will never forget the first time I hiked to Turtletown Falls. I was with Bill Stowell and Craig DeLoach. I think it was Winter also. We had a heck of a time following Greg Plumb's directions in <u>Waterfalls of Tennessee. </u> The roads back then had some very questionable names like "Welfare Road" and "Negro Creek Road". By the time I made a return visit with Kenny those were replaced with better road signs. It was a funny day because of our struggling to find the place and how we'd fuss among ourselves. </b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b> We approached the turn to McFarland Adit today. We managed to get everything correct. The neon survey tape on the nearby tree marking the proper turn was gone. Yet we knew which one it was. The road was in rocky, but fair shape. One thing for certain, the road isn't going to have pot holes. It is too rocky. I had forgotten how narrow this road was. We wound gradually down to the access. </b></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEOjZkhPf4OJ4wIhCnz6XoDlFSgQ6C-kLoWuvzVFLK_NuuR7rYi4EsSyhQv-vmiQDURbPdRk1HBgWMOfr22wTapnIpn_MyDJblR_idUzzDmC5XtFyQx3kceGza2-FO6WFfvArZSyqOolG26jCi7uUxTXFngMIMh0YofNPqsV7yJRuslxZmtmMVoLUgKCs/s5568/GOPR2032.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEOjZkhPf4OJ4wIhCnz6XoDlFSgQ6C-kLoWuvzVFLK_NuuR7rYi4EsSyhQv-vmiQDURbPdRk1HBgWMOfr22wTapnIpn_MyDJblR_idUzzDmC5XtFyQx3kceGza2-FO6WFfvArZSyqOolG26jCi7uUxTXFngMIMh0YofNPqsV7yJRuslxZmtmMVoLUgKCs/w640-h480/GOPR2032.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: a view of the road and the icicles from inside the jeep. You can see the tree hanging down. It has been cut out of the way. <p></p><p style="text-align: left;">Below: The entire bluff was like this. Icicles upon icicles. Quite pretty. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzblBFbf7tczs_HLnw2KeyD9SnfrjIIXXgDhMTvof49XGEIi8tNKaIcCuSKnswjaKIVCPCb5bjBTx4YNU4GCrgIqptBJvZASqKfDDVdTivmNdf87RYVRRMDhIJCfOcCHgsHhHBc_YzmQjc8gZ2HLAyf4W4Dke8U5bLz2BKFCLkRXnHdrY7Zsw4GbMRqpw/s5568/GOPR2033.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzblBFbf7tczs_HLnw2KeyD9SnfrjIIXXgDhMTvof49XGEIi8tNKaIcCuSKnswjaKIVCPCb5bjBTx4YNU4GCrgIqptBJvZASqKfDDVdTivmNdf87RYVRRMDhIJCfOcCHgsHhHBc_YzmQjc8gZ2HLAyf4W4Dke8U5bLz2BKFCLkRXnHdrY7Zsw4GbMRqpw/w640-h480/GOPR2033.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b> Icicles glazed the surrounding rock bluffs. Down below us a small feeder stream was half frozen. The area is so far down in a hole it gets very little sunlight. Today was a high of 18°</b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b> We parked the jeep and got out. The wind was still when we first arrived, but that did not last.</b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>I took stock of the mossy cement structures that were a lot more visible in Winter. I wondered aloud what they were for? I read a good blog written about the area about the same time I first visited. It says they were structures to do with the "blower building" and "compressor building".</b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>I am not sure, but I think Bruce Roberts may be the author of that blog? It was very interesting and well done. I spoke to Kenny about it and he explained that he was not sure what the "blower" building would have been. He did know that the compressor building was likely used for compressed air like a giant, industrial sized air compressor for tools out there in the boonies.</b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b> Kenny had questions I learned answers to. He wondered how they got the supplies there into the mountains? He wondered where they'd have kept them since this spot was pretty narrow. </b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b> I learned from the same blog entry that we need to walk that lower road and do some investigating. There is more down there in the way of interesting ruins. The lower McFarland Road was closer to the railroad tracks. This was where they brought the supplies in by train.</b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>They had sidings to set cargo out of the way. They also had a hotel with a cistern for water.</b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>The hotel is long gone, but the cistern remains. Blocks from the former conveyor belt are still embedded in the bank between the lower road and upper road! This was how they got the supplies there, staged it, stored it, and brought it up to the work area as it was needed! </b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b> </b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b> Below: First looks at the access in Winter. Never been down here in Winter before. </b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>If you enlarge the photo to full size by clicking on it you can see the little arch above the diverter spillway for the creek. <br /></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrvD6OhYvsmas3mH-hQ6OpQiDJ76usvs6VWzdlv34hTZQKUDlnDk7PgGO-lg4hgTU67KOndfOide0x3gh7xVoFTp7eyJJ_y737jTuhiNr-u3RJpFVn4RAGW0kZusGksuNn1jDcshfU5Fe0bYYvMGqtbI0gOHdktMW7X651GZvO2xjEu22ZvpQ6wylR1zA/s5568/GOPR2018.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrvD6OhYvsmas3mH-hQ6OpQiDJ76usvs6VWzdlv34hTZQKUDlnDk7PgGO-lg4hgTU67KOndfOide0x3gh7xVoFTp7eyJJ_y737jTuhiNr-u3RJpFVn4RAGW0kZusGksuNn1jDcshfU5Fe0bYYvMGqtbI0gOHdktMW7X651GZvO2xjEu22ZvpQ6wylR1zA/w640-h480/GOPR2018.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTPuOUuoRNQVoDtpQoP7S4W9HUHLSyGthDkg99EzW_HxmWlqSvcxC9eBQWbdStmXSuUqf3JnE27Gq8Z5Y_qpsu98YSGxuIV2WsM_1g1KmG1fLscMqkeKi5pPlKZ1Ga503gV2UtlstllVYlUMl4tu6FQirbCy2zFXY3eDuqSlu9UESY82UOnI5u4nbFkEE/s5568/GOPR2010.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTPuOUuoRNQVoDtpQoP7S4W9HUHLSyGthDkg99EzW_HxmWlqSvcxC9eBQWbdStmXSuUqf3JnE27Gq8Z5Y_qpsu98YSGxuIV2WsM_1g1KmG1fLscMqkeKi5pPlKZ1Ga503gV2UtlstllVYlUMl4tu6FQirbCy2zFXY3eDuqSlu9UESY82UOnI5u4nbFkEE/w640-h480/GOPR2010.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: Looking back down the narrow corridor between the two banks. A little sun light.</b><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>The wind began to blow and swirl down in this narrow spot. It was chilly! <br /></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE_kSoDbHuEjISOPbVRpMvpuwCEht3gMXHsUawYDUZSTbl9bOO8q20RaRsa8QuFW6y2a1OPKxgJ2NCLdX1bm_Cw3nK0sP7SKjdEedOR0iz0_VygcE8hsbkHP1ZYil-r14PShHsq0nBYGI6DW2k8vMOKdI5EXQy92DIKJW6ZJ5lTn5M8bBPFdkM2mCwLEA/s5568/GOPR2008.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE_kSoDbHuEjISOPbVRpMvpuwCEht3gMXHsUawYDUZSTbl9bOO8q20RaRsa8QuFW6y2a1OPKxgJ2NCLdX1bm_Cw3nK0sP7SKjdEedOR0iz0_VygcE8hsbkHP1ZYil-r14PShHsq0nBYGI6DW2k8vMOKdI5EXQy92DIKJW6ZJ5lTn5M8bBPFdkM2mCwLEA/w640-h480/GOPR2008.JPG" width="640" /></a></b></div><b>Above: This is McFarland.. the door is to the portal access to the pipeline. I love the glaze of ice on the left. Despite how cold it has been and still was... the little stream was still flowing. Crusts of ice formed around the edges. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOdYag3QlCTeSqEVxN5Kk4KoFQOuN7wbuIW4NarMKa1X7tVlRvkiuGsNaxeZzyq_b_MhKXrXsij3O9tKLql_a1PmND2_wWoTjq_w4xmJBAG6Yz1UUp-9XMUPVmo_7WjtC08uRqZcjcHdWdYvo0aAqT7qscKH-wjhQN1mjfIuiQQIuDIOoMZUWZM06xQ8I/s5568/GOPR2007.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOdYag3QlCTeSqEVxN5Kk4KoFQOuN7wbuIW4NarMKa1X7tVlRvkiuGsNaxeZzyq_b_MhKXrXsij3O9tKLql_a1PmND2_wWoTjq_w4xmJBAG6Yz1UUp-9XMUPVmo_7WjtC08uRqZcjcHdWdYvo0aAqT7qscKH-wjhQN1mjfIuiQQIuDIOoMZUWZM06xQ8I/w640-h480/GOPR2007.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></b><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Above: I'm standing back to get a better view. The Go Pro does a great job of getting the whole scene. </b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b> Kenny did not tarry, but went back to see the cement plant and got in the jeep. He was over this cold weather. He is too skinny to have much insulation unlike Big Booty Judy here. </b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b> I heard something and turned to look. Another vehicle had pulled up. A family with a mom, dad, and two cute little girls got out. The little girls were full of vinegar. They were excited. I stopped to speak to them. I asked them if they'd been here before? They replied yes, many times. The dad told me the girls loved it and call this place "The Dwarf Mine" like Moria in the Hobbit movies. </b></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRUjYqY6CPPAwjme8GvfQtAA3qjdcwZekx3VTtB__98wEAM1V9mNf9_Qg6EQL8rp3CrNrVyMFwzK4wDmsJ7mJIxRJKUTp7rYbK_RduYseI8uyDz-CKfgy-KeQRQkf3IIC7hMS5Vdqta_njC7MZlkw5FCjB6CNaajMX5KAmpY01UggJMniGJKjcpCAjoiM/s358/250px-Joona_Kujanen_-_Nar_at_the_gate_of_Moria.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="358" data-original-width="250" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRUjYqY6CPPAwjme8GvfQtAA3qjdcwZekx3VTtB__98wEAM1V9mNf9_Qg6EQL8rp3CrNrVyMFwzK4wDmsJ7mJIxRJKUTp7rYbK_RduYseI8uyDz-CKfgy-KeQRQkf3IIC7hMS5Vdqta_njC7MZlkw5FCjB6CNaajMX5KAmpY01UggJMniGJKjcpCAjoiM/w279-h400/250px-Joona_Kujanen_-_Nar_at_the_gate_of_Moria.jpg" width="279" /></a></div>Above: an illustration of the entrance to Moria<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3BxJVUI1HieYTTWpMDlwTrA3WgzMXQOOTIkVZ8kAdkC2zyoADFkiFsazAp16sAvf9-kPVcwvUnIX-2XAl5varoNSwAiDPdv9jxjDs0qRJicQWrImEWZvUqYgL9yhYhUgwpX7c61xKBagOJmr9SD-BAWPzkgerJTIpUxK5XKTzJKst0fUv7S9p_pRGj-I/s5568/GOPR2020.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3BxJVUI1HieYTTWpMDlwTrA3WgzMXQOOTIkVZ8kAdkC2zyoADFkiFsazAp16sAvf9-kPVcwvUnIX-2XAl5varoNSwAiDPdv9jxjDs0qRJicQWrImEWZvUqYgL9yhYhUgwpX7c61xKBagOJmr9SD-BAWPzkgerJTIpUxK5XKTzJKst0fUv7S9p_pRGj-I/w640-h480/GOPR2020.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: the stream flows down toward the cement plant.<p></p><p style="text-align: center;">Below: Looking at the cement plant<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7S4aHyFtwlYM2VwzVW3xGaZcZGEtFUaQV-4sfHSeiX3gLZnLBY6W7a2vY6fp57YT0gN2KFMSWczIBAt8qeqVZErAZHNBOpV0cGQ9U3UaV1s9Ea3V-pmLSCeHGvfXhA14uOhVIy1LW2cQHWtknxHz5Ivc6lM_VHPYwy4XQoYV8vLQ7wLO2KfFVC9guSdE/s5568/GOPR2024.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ruins of old structure in forest" border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7S4aHyFtwlYM2VwzVW3xGaZcZGEtFUaQV-4sfHSeiX3gLZnLBY6W7a2vY6fp57YT0gN2KFMSWczIBAt8qeqVZErAZHNBOpV0cGQ9U3UaV1s9Ea3V-pmLSCeHGvfXhA14uOhVIy1LW2cQHWtknxHz5Ivc6lM_VHPYwy4XQoYV8vLQ7wLO2KfFVC9guSdE/w640-h480/GOPR2024.JPG" title="Cement Plant Ruins" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8DuEPAivaa9ANSw0GO43HNVp9gMdCJjTs3KE6-whcR7_jyB1V8hTJCZsAX-QJ9pq73GBbH5XAw4pVdR4LskklO2iuH5A71GpxFHesya6yG4XDs5GXur9shVW5-hYW9jVvhVdwRBkKYOQgfxnOZYFsLJg-_oq51VX27QH3kyppV0qzzyo2VyoUdjshEKQ/s5568/GOPR2027.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8DuEPAivaa9ANSw0GO43HNVp9gMdCJjTs3KE6-whcR7_jyB1V8hTJCZsAX-QJ9pq73GBbH5XAw4pVdR4LskklO2iuH5A71GpxFHesya6yG4XDs5GXur9shVW5-hYW9jVvhVdwRBkKYOQgfxnOZYFsLJg-_oq51VX27QH3kyppV0qzzyo2VyoUdjshEKQ/w640-h480/GOPR2027.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: Stream with crusts of ice. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8YYSL3l9i_HeihiKO-61kW4WildzxZ7lmMTT7XfMfG-li1oLVmiFQlGTkGADMyMjy4dcLi2OEn2ffIeVJy3cjn2_ywq7aqLGB5rKpTnL6BK9VMObmCIw1FuVTKXJNTlh7Ol2iIwm_m3uRWKsIwy7DQbta8vr9GeAEy0ie5Synn6l8P3_vM3zr3gjzpUI/s5568/GOPR2028.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="weak sunlight filters through trees with dead leaves" border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8YYSL3l9i_HeihiKO-61kW4WildzxZ7lmMTT7XfMfG-li1oLVmiFQlGTkGADMyMjy4dcLi2OEn2ffIeVJy3cjn2_ywq7aqLGB5rKpTnL6BK9VMObmCIw1FuVTKXJNTlh7Ol2iIwm_m3uRWKsIwy7DQbta8vr9GeAEy0ie5Synn6l8P3_vM3zr3gjzpUI/w640-h480/GOPR2028.JPG" title="Winter Sun" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Above: A glimpse of the weak light of Winter Sun that provides only slight warmth. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> The family of four loaded up and pulled over toward the cement plant ruins. They had to move in order for us to get out. Though the ground was frozen it was no place to mess around and get stuck.</div><div style="text-align: left;">We stayed on the road much as possible. We headed on out. Kenny was now wavering back and forth between wanting to turn right and go to the Apalachia Power House and then No! Let's go to Turtletown Adit and then Buck Bald. Finally the second option won out. I told him I was good with whatever he wanted to do. I was just glad to be out. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> Below is a video of the McFarland portion of the day. It does a pretty good job of illustrating the road, the ice and the ruins. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DzPINsEcpAo" title="McFarland in Winter" width="670"></iframe><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: center;"><b><u>On to the Turtletown Adit</u></b></h3><div><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div><b> </b><i><b>What is an <span style="font-size: medium;">adit? It is a horizontal access passage to a mine or in this case a pipeline.</span></b></i></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">I learned from reading the plans for the dam, pipeline, and powerhouse that there are seven of these access ports. I did not know that! I can't help wondering where the others are? I also wonder if two of the accesses are located on either end being very near the powerhouse or dam? I studied the Cal Topo map and I've got a couple guesses where others may be. It seems unlikely for TVA to place portals for access without roads. I wonder if one is down Butler Ridge Road and the other is down Smith Creek Road. I think I see one on Smith Creek Road. I also think I see one less than half mile up from the power house. </span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"> Kenny quizzed me about the visit we made to the power house. Did we have to back track or did we come out some other way? I told him I was unsure, but I knew the McFarland Road had one way in and out. It dead ends at the power house. He did not want to backtrack. I did not want to play guessing games on a cold, short Winter day. We'd play it safe and head back to Turtletown Adit. </span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"> We turned onto the steep incline of the rough road that takes you there.</span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">It is #23A and signed as such. There are gates, but they are both open. The road was not as rough as I recalled. Thankfully we did not have to get the chainsaw out, but I was reassured having it. There are lots of ruts and very narrow spots owing to erosion and trees being down. Someone has come along and cut the trees out, but only just. </span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Tight squeeze in places. We found two trees down across the upper section of road that leads directly to the top portion of the pipe. </span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"> We got our first glimpses of the creek and the pipeline. Turtletown Creek was flowing wonderfully today. Kenny mentioned to me that it looked to him like someone had been down there and done some work recently. He knew from his work that Santeetlah Dam and this section of the Apalachia pipeline were scheduled for maintenance and repairs. We did not have to go far to see that TVA made good on their promise! The underside of the pipe as it passed above the access road was gushing a mini waterfall the two previous visits. Today it was bone dry! </span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"> Below is a photo of what that spot used to look like. It was leaking, but pretty! </span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU99GLMNg6UgXNkxzp0GFs1fGhqCtndFOY6tq57W1da8TxsAEqKnonXhu56KJ-9JUmBdS3uCwHcNRjB5Frd0qNeG1rmZLp-JhknUftYIfyn1z2NxbYZIivUW1l5zjg50vgzOLR2e_T9Cjbum6CMKMDS3rJmDb1RkC4C8YYhTXzhOyg9Pgb5PDvlUf_88k/s1600/Leaky%20pipes%20App.tunnel-X3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU99GLMNg6UgXNkxzp0GFs1fGhqCtndFOY6tq57W1da8TxsAEqKnonXhu56KJ-9JUmBdS3uCwHcNRjB5Frd0qNeG1rmZLp-JhknUftYIfyn1z2NxbYZIivUW1l5zjg50vgzOLR2e_T9Cjbum6CMKMDS3rJmDb1RkC4C8YYhTXzhOyg9Pgb5PDvlUf_88k/w640-h426/Leaky%20pipes%20App.tunnel-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Below are two views of the pipeline viewed from the west side access road. </b></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4CLi6g3FkSUx10YerQShaxFZ8HnSVDC8_355NDwM3-bze1cLwESRqqx0g9KUAgaQBL8YyFLyxGacGgY9YxIw_XsDkTVFkaUMPhtg_3hdmQPbEWDQoxx11IO0WuelxaC_gjo9ImyxXrDbihbCWULo_1T1Tiyb25fNHdFVvZUte1Wvk7UjSecgCaAX90Zk/s5568/GOPR2047.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4CLi6g3FkSUx10YerQShaxFZ8HnSVDC8_355NDwM3-bze1cLwESRqqx0g9KUAgaQBL8YyFLyxGacGgY9YxIw_XsDkTVFkaUMPhtg_3hdmQPbEWDQoxx11IO0WuelxaC_gjo9ImyxXrDbihbCWULo_1T1Tiyb25fNHdFVvZUte1Wvk7UjSecgCaAX90Zk/w640-h480/GOPR2047.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAhfBNWIBwMvba_CV2RsGvuhHq4lcDGZjDXF8Dibe9SSjCD6OPwZq-7tVnRcnN18ZNy4THxugmRrtl2seAL9Jh8fjYWLmk8tCWw1YchLfzx5MLSf0Wxn1__hR5Vw8mkEZK_HSfa2XERrE_MvIbHxctedHaaSt8N5ca_bN322OGpK8NCUs4L3tywU2E6Rc/s5568/GOPR2046.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAhfBNWIBwMvba_CV2RsGvuhHq4lcDGZjDXF8Dibe9SSjCD6OPwZq-7tVnRcnN18ZNy4THxugmRrtl2seAL9Jh8fjYWLmk8tCWw1YchLfzx5MLSf0Wxn1__hR5Vw8mkEZK_HSfa2XERrE_MvIbHxctedHaaSt8N5ca_bN322OGpK8NCUs4L3tywU2E6Rc/w640-h480/GOPR2046.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Above: The coupling near the cement was where the pipe was leaking badly. It is now 98% better. It was trickling just a little. Someone has a Trump campaign sticker on the pipeline. Some folks never give up. 😉 </div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div> We checked out the pipe. Saw it had been repaired. I could hear water pretty strongly despite the leak being fixed. Upon checking around I found a spring dripping from the bluff to one side. The rock was making it seem louder. It was not like this on previous trips. </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy24ixh1AETvdHaEV7Finc_AVsjVoP2IF1JY9mCo1b9VRrHyBsNo6OzDdM1ZNKFHOyTcZO8kmmbc1Xslnk31FGcYZq1e9pJ75hc1bcl04GGV8r3kKLfI0yZ4sPbxLUsk34R9Dh_jKv4-EjBwIhG3A1Ps3Pzug-ns5kx8xMSMnUVIOaU6YUcw_WdTXb4wE/s3456/IMG_6667.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy24ixh1AETvdHaEV7Finc_AVsjVoP2IF1JY9mCo1b9VRrHyBsNo6OzDdM1ZNKFHOyTcZO8kmmbc1Xslnk31FGcYZq1e9pJ75hc1bcl04GGV8r3kKLfI0yZ4sPbxLUsk34R9Dh_jKv4-EjBwIhG3A1Ps3Pzug-ns5kx8xMSMnUVIOaU6YUcw_WdTXb4wE/w640-h426/IMG_6667.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: dripping springs of water making a loud noise</div><div>Below: Two views of the icicles here. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjasHsIHvUFSZlvBtj0Mpk4ytWy2Gwhk-0i-fY_fwm67eZ6KboYqz4RAPDl6DrYzc3KxMsaybyUl8gRRGF7-fvRMeIjI9TUAmXHvgtwgJgybTvQUKCSeAqhf_oNVbseMeIyUY1GEkJ3_bxrl_R6Z97bca3OPm0nbGUU4jJQgN2DmnunvA7_60W8pfDlR-k/s3456/IMG_6668.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjasHsIHvUFSZlvBtj0Mpk4ytWy2Gwhk-0i-fY_fwm67eZ6KboYqz4RAPDl6DrYzc3KxMsaybyUl8gRRGF7-fvRMeIjI9TUAmXHvgtwgJgybTvQUKCSeAqhf_oNVbseMeIyUY1GEkJ3_bxrl_R6Z97bca3OPm0nbGUU4jJQgN2DmnunvA7_60W8pfDlR-k/w640-h426/IMG_6668.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgClZPvaY5ICpv5CQuXUziKvxJsdGAMb8pf1i7mlFMxFlaVZhHDmunysZdv1AYIlWOAyDbFBhEWpt_2LfL1qyawLlys5V3jxQMhpW1DGN6UAjwGlw9oM3emKEVKOkZIXM6_ymJbSkeem4mkWScDittbl3C6PCai8JGHI4hSsHUwXhXcN-gH2FOponkPRps/s3456/IMG_6669.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgClZPvaY5ICpv5CQuXUziKvxJsdGAMb8pf1i7mlFMxFlaVZhHDmunysZdv1AYIlWOAyDbFBhEWpt_2LfL1qyawLlys5V3jxQMhpW1DGN6UAjwGlw9oM3emKEVKOkZIXM6_ymJbSkeem4mkWScDittbl3C6PCai8JGHI4hSsHUwXhXcN-gH2FOponkPRps/w640-h426/IMG_6669.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij4FBWj0RTPu2vmwJjtz5qQPDeyZsWOue1l9Vyjf418wLj347fYB4gqN6FFsaQPnGqIXthEXuwE-lxBJEgG9ncC11zinsmQZwkzjZA_jLvpBxV-wK_NUwMvi65A3i2DGiAK_4gbjdTkLm826bhuoyB9gc5oashFqrHH1Ocr5Jd0D3RpLnAtSuOV8EFhyphenhyphenQ/s3456/IMG_6670.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij4FBWj0RTPu2vmwJjtz5qQPDeyZsWOue1l9Vyjf418wLj347fYB4gqN6FFsaQPnGqIXthEXuwE-lxBJEgG9ncC11zinsmQZwkzjZA_jLvpBxV-wK_NUwMvi65A3i2DGiAK_4gbjdTkLm826bhuoyB9gc5oashFqrHH1Ocr5Jd0D3RpLnAtSuOV8EFhyphenhyphenQ/w640-h426/IMG_6670.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: Small stream of water flowing away from the spring</div><div><br /></div><div>Below: structures of concrete similar to what was up at McFarland. I think I read this was part of the compressor building. We found a spot down the road toward the tracks that must have been part of the conveyor they used to transport materials from train tracks to the work site. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8nbJbKu8FVcY5edAr_w9J3i9JJCHo0wkxmuqnn0VlfwZVn4jKv3f97mTqIeaqr3fTYSBySJJrd2Sca7Su_TK7cOIMK_YhwzBQtq2mVrfCUjL5j7gloICSWdyuyVpYY3_iEyoYQ4IbDudkr-Tje6czNypvuv2lHdyZM9doj0d1xtGnfNcWQopM7wCs7w8/s3456/IMG_6672.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8nbJbKu8FVcY5edAr_w9J3i9JJCHo0wkxmuqnn0VlfwZVn4jKv3f97mTqIeaqr3fTYSBySJJrd2Sca7Su_TK7cOIMK_YhwzBQtq2mVrfCUjL5j7gloICSWdyuyVpYY3_iEyoYQ4IbDudkr-Tje6czNypvuv2lHdyZM9doj0d1xtGnfNcWQopM7wCs7w8/w640-h426/IMG_6672.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Below: This road continues toward the railroad tracks. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUOHOojq0m0grsiC4yrrCHOq1XHmQgHgsrJ1ljV6KyAKe1RFqkCI-Yg2BdpbMN8zk0A1Cmth6Jd4lHbY81IoLUzgWeS776j85bJVTAZuV49KY4mSIgfuzMWG93BarcaNRWQhVjZv3NFeUEHB9DttFMQxD8KoJKBsrz9nmM6FzJHMdIhNZKaBZW2D9FI04/s3456/IMG_6673.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUOHOojq0m0grsiC4yrrCHOq1XHmQgHgsrJ1ljV6KyAKe1RFqkCI-Yg2BdpbMN8zk0A1Cmth6Jd4lHbY81IoLUzgWeS776j85bJVTAZuV49KY4mSIgfuzMWG93BarcaNRWQhVjZv3NFeUEHB9DttFMQxD8KoJKBsrz9nmM6FzJHMdIhNZKaBZW2D9FI04/w640-h426/IMG_6673.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div> Once we had done all the looking around we cared for at the first spot we headed down to the railroad tracks. It is a narrow, dirt track, but there are two good spots to turn around down toward the railroad. Look for a pull out on the left and a wide spot on the right.</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7QKOHrBA7XdaIdkrpYpctK4MneY18pwVpamsoDAfRZQDrsE5oFjqAhR2CO9LYIZvAACY9j08N-jErte5uK3s8zJQ4icKnaTz3OfKFoafB2MS1mhlS2DS_qyIl1S-WxsMcrZQnVH_f966HK4DmX_OpgK9zVO7mRxL44BPUbS_C9C6y9dW0cc1T8TdBGX0/s3456/IMG_6681.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Railroad bridge over Turtletown Creek bare trees" border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7QKOHrBA7XdaIdkrpYpctK4MneY18pwVpamsoDAfRZQDrsE5oFjqAhR2CO9LYIZvAACY9j08N-jErte5uK3s8zJQ4icKnaTz3OfKFoafB2MS1mhlS2DS_qyIl1S-WxsMcrZQnVH_f966HK4DmX_OpgK9zVO7mRxL44BPUbS_C9C6y9dW0cc1T8TdBGX0/w640-h426/IMG_6681.JPG" title="Railroad bridge over Turtletown Creek" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguzx24wG3E9PTnITn9NkxKqltBtET-Nn5cJOexWd4DW6KdqHBrhFhltXCC_X2SLrGS2VIk4tIusGx4dFopoDkmvxjTE5G0YMViOCHnKHm_DU3bKS7vjcQjJJyEpBZn_qGxw6lFxrtIycnm7dIG4aDjYKH8AEVZq1-gYEP0ciqqNQ6CZL6M83RJa6DQkc8/s3456/IMG_6680.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguzx24wG3E9PTnITn9NkxKqltBtET-Nn5cJOexWd4DW6KdqHBrhFhltXCC_X2SLrGS2VIk4tIusGx4dFopoDkmvxjTE5G0YMViOCHnKHm_DU3bKS7vjcQjJJyEpBZn_qGxw6lFxrtIycnm7dIG4aDjYKH8AEVZq1-gYEP0ciqqNQ6CZL6M83RJa6DQkc8/w640-h426/IMG_6680.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: looking up the tracks in the direction of McFarland. It would be very cool to get down close to the Hiwassee River and walk along it. It was green as jade the day we visited. We couldn't get close. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiXACDtZZuBNS-qK1P3skCZNaalEeon-WB3-mjw9hVPeEzFzXFXYjyfJCyfX-lRIyGvjTgOtG1uM5JFk88X3lJWHUEg1UCP5oarUXmaFKVViPiSm_Ac0itJbZynfg49017kaq-6-oIH865xznAHuLy_GCXvBp3IUOIy-2wYMMMSKtE4FghHhjSO8H2Bw8/s3456/IMG_6679.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Railroad crossing." border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiXACDtZZuBNS-qK1P3skCZNaalEeon-WB3-mjw9hVPeEzFzXFXYjyfJCyfX-lRIyGvjTgOtG1uM5JFk88X3lJWHUEg1UCP5oarUXmaFKVViPiSm_Ac0itJbZynfg49017kaq-6-oIH865xznAHuLy_GCXvBp3IUOIy-2wYMMMSKtE4FghHhjSO8H2Bw8/w640-h426/IMG_6679.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: arriving at the railroad tracks at the end. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Below: Looking upstream on Turtletown Creek from the crossing<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiphZYj76jTYb7AxECXHch7hlFqp5xxLVXMEkN6u03J1Jd0xJQRyY0XqHCN521sYionfV08cOXTQqMG4bIfg8eRDmBzWRk73o2syvAW1WKmHRE3ellz7_VKysb1aLglIP3JtIc1x4jdcYL73ndM2VHoxnbC05qZ5hjLc06bX6bvasED1p4xqPrUHZcs130/s3456/IMG_6683.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiphZYj76jTYb7AxECXHch7hlFqp5xxLVXMEkN6u03J1Jd0xJQRyY0XqHCN521sYionfV08cOXTQqMG4bIfg8eRDmBzWRk73o2syvAW1WKmHRE3ellz7_VKysb1aLglIP3JtIc1x4jdcYL73ndM2VHoxnbC05qZ5hjLc06bX6bvasED1p4xqPrUHZcs130/w640-h426/IMG_6683.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkClbRbvsy8P2heWeKUFXZRk1Kg5CInFsuwPsfPZnZEtH6XXfHH-RvpzTAlyqbLeGm0a6VjKJfzDFZulVkkx2GXtCTJXkrSbbYMXZgv0TQvTTI4IrcDz0H2Lq03IkdpjdN7UOhUQfr47YyxfryLfwWJvenB-LyVFWMcHkqpFMwYYWbUyOoglCDFQ6FoTw/s3456/IMG_6685.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkClbRbvsy8P2heWeKUFXZRk1Kg5CInFsuwPsfPZnZEtH6XXfHH-RvpzTAlyqbLeGm0a6VjKJfzDFZulVkkx2GXtCTJXkrSbbYMXZgv0TQvTTI4IrcDz0H2Lq03IkdpjdN7UOhUQfr47YyxfryLfwWJvenB-LyVFWMcHkqpFMwYYWbUyOoglCDFQ6FoTw/w640-h426/IMG_6685.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: The Hiwassee River confluence with Turtletown Creek and another side stream viewed from the train tracks. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIqJ93BqoSfCpgjlMhdAZlhmLYMuui6Lu8mITxgUzWXZ_xKR-mOsQhL_jKh1342qAryI1mDnYvHdHe2HPsZlbiwAdOxNxF-HD39PENAiksJUc3F5wMoFSCF7Pfr8pfbfcGAp-5lO8kVIuoKE58ZiLvJp8eQCc_SMnh1FU-cg08grumOKwMLdy2m4jgehY/s3456/IMG_6687.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIqJ93BqoSfCpgjlMhdAZlhmLYMuui6Lu8mITxgUzWXZ_xKR-mOsQhL_jKh1342qAryI1mDnYvHdHe2HPsZlbiwAdOxNxF-HD39PENAiksJUc3F5wMoFSCF7Pfr8pfbfcGAp-5lO8kVIuoKE58ZiLvJp8eQCc_SMnh1FU-cg08grumOKwMLdy2m4jgehY/w640-h426/IMG_6687.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: Frozen small side stream flows toward Turtletown Creek near the tracks. <br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"> The spot near the railroad bridge was pretty, but not as pretty as in Spring. We did not linger here. There wasn't that much to see and we had been here before. </span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"> We began working our way back. We stopped and checked parts of the stream for waterfalls and cascades. The streams here are pretty, but many of them lay down in the bottoms of these hollers and don't drop suddenly enough to form waterfalls. </span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"> I noticed a berm of earth that looked to be moved by man. It lay between the parking pull off and the west side of the pipeline. It looked like what was left of a ramp of earth. I also noticed a flat spot connected to it as if it had been a pull off road or siding to park equipment. I later learned of the conveyor system so I can't help wondering if this wasn't what used to be here? I am betting this was the conveyor to bring equipment from the tracks to the work site? Much more straight forward down here. </span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"> We stopped by the pipe again for me to take in the views. Kenny noticed a few chunks of cement and man made debris in the stream beneath the pipe. I am not sure what went on there. Just above this spot along Turtletown creek is one green pool of water and a low cascade that is rather pretty. I don't know where I got the notion there were more falls along this stream down here? This one was it. I guess I was telling myself what I wanted to be true. </span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzFKZgyvDIRD3z9vqmYaG6_BhUD5emRiyjgeGDCXmsZ3p82_ISYhp6LW-R94igRWQyTNON9upTNEWJ6Lt8QRV10frWYy1I6cpGlfSvLglEdKIkRknGh7uXm4d1aiCRdjZEEDVFF9U_e2Ho0GBsdUTPGP1wIB84Hh9CZXbcYT667390XUqcOfxHk-90-a8/s3456/IMG_6695.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pipeline green with bare trees" border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzFKZgyvDIRD3z9vqmYaG6_BhUD5emRiyjgeGDCXmsZ3p82_ISYhp6LW-R94igRWQyTNON9upTNEWJ6Lt8QRV10frWYy1I6cpGlfSvLglEdKIkRknGh7uXm4d1aiCRdjZEEDVFF9U_e2Ho0GBsdUTPGP1wIB84Hh9CZXbcYT667390XUqcOfxHk-90-a8/w640-h426/IMG_6695.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: Looking upstream on Turtletown Creek beneath the pipe. </b></div><div><b>Below: Looking downstream in the same spot you can see the chunks of cement. There is a long, concrete structure in the middle of the stream that is a mystery to me. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggX-zL25GnC3SsccW0Vj5bi6qLyFjnEd5Mi0A7xNtPeCrOiqAwD7zu5tMqr7hD-0-_Dp-JH-JybrF_JABYJGTfb6Wdm6Te7C1NDS5WaOmck8N9pzV4DsTTmVnbkYKz-VoLAbVfKhMVA4lRTRHSAG0XpqRHcld4Q19x0sOH6tbRfkunF9OFDDfDEVHy3lA/s3456/IMG_6697.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggX-zL25GnC3SsccW0Vj5bi6qLyFjnEd5Mi0A7xNtPeCrOiqAwD7zu5tMqr7hD-0-_Dp-JH-JybrF_JABYJGTfb6Wdm6Te7C1NDS5WaOmck8N9pzV4DsTTmVnbkYKz-VoLAbVfKhMVA4lRTRHSAG0XpqRHcld4Q19x0sOH6tbRfkunF9OFDDfDEVHy3lA/w640-h426/IMG_6697.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1NIMftsrj2S5QVeJCsQTIRts34_OhWIjd1eY0VPzacMSHXf6LrSwWV143t6xkbzHQpHfugbM3mBIKGSgO6emoBIDGNvqu_Gu_495wzP0V0FObV8mwfX_gxvCqkVrQxNYiRSLiubR5rWwSBsTKRAA4aJ2rBE2_fcZOwzf6jxl7oyO8adTQ7Cw0tYMHLm0/s3456/Turtletown%20Creek%20Cascades%20bv.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1NIMftsrj2S5QVeJCsQTIRts34_OhWIjd1eY0VPzacMSHXf6LrSwWV143t6xkbzHQpHfugbM3mBIKGSgO6emoBIDGNvqu_Gu_495wzP0V0FObV8mwfX_gxvCqkVrQxNYiRSLiubR5rWwSBsTKRAA4aJ2rBE2_fcZOwzf6jxl7oyO8adTQ7Cw0tYMHLm0/w640-h426/Turtletown%20Creek%20Cascades%20bv.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Above: Pretty cascade on Turtletown Creek. Right below the road. It isn't much but worth a stop since we were down here. </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b> We continued creeping out the road climbing out gradually. There is one really tight kiss your butt turn on this road. We spotted a side road dropping off the right and heading down toward Wolf Creek. It was gated, but worse it had been out of use so long trees have grown up in it. The saplings are a few inches in diameter. I later looked to see where this went. It does appear on maps and goes in a couple directions, but chiefly along Wolf Creek. They are just access roads. I did some looking on the topo map, and there is potential for some off trail waterfalls.</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b> </b></div><div><b> Below is a video of Turtletown Adit today. </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Qe0rBd4bFzw" title="Turtletown Adit in Winter" width="670"></iframe></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b> </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b> We were very glad to get back out to the main road and see some pavement again. </b></div><div><b>We had grown tired of being jostled back and forth. We headed back toward Coker Creek.</b></div><div><b>We would make a stop off at Buck Bald. Before heading to the bald I had Kenny pull over for me to photograph a pretty, but run down log cabin. It has seen better days. I wanted to get a photo of it before it is gone. </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2QB5qRwCShtflvDJjdasX9tIsaY9n1JeXgqvD_QAiUo1xSy-pBhFN_nl_WR0RUblckCoPVzrypQO8m6NULID5YGXNzXF8HmP4v15rYeluqxJgamGhsnNsvpE6cqdFnpSMlCAEHFPRF360kCiRw_kzGo5GJeySFav8ZZIgS1Vzb5kS-cdoB4R0vNfQOVI/s3456/IMG_6730.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2QB5qRwCShtflvDJjdasX9tIsaY9n1JeXgqvD_QAiUo1xSy-pBhFN_nl_WR0RUblckCoPVzrypQO8m6NULID5YGXNzXF8HmP4v15rYeluqxJgamGhsnNsvpE6cqdFnpSMlCAEHFPRF360kCiRw_kzGo5GJeySFav8ZZIgS1Vzb5kS-cdoB4R0vNfQOVI/w640-h426/IMG_6730.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: Log cabin by the side of SR 68 near Buck Bald. I'd love to know the history of it. It sure is in a pretty setting. This might need to be a painting some day. </b></div><div><b>Below: a view of the cabin zoomed in closer. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDg5G4jHQv6FIcgyZVaklRKj0LzDViajJgj9GRmAipD3epwLdnNyTT3Uwt7zmecINPTTHUODoAuoglZa0ewMuwp3wJaDbhQbiFEInFdZE9sp9997Gy6KOivDADrXMUrzMD33JUc6bZqXLeEg6699DU9qKLjhmKI8zoN728hyphenhyphengl9LaEqOstqWxvB_Txxow/s3456/IMG_6729.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDg5G4jHQv6FIcgyZVaklRKj0LzDViajJgj9GRmAipD3epwLdnNyTT3Uwt7zmecINPTTHUODoAuoglZa0ewMuwp3wJaDbhQbiFEInFdZE9sp9997Gy6KOivDADrXMUrzMD33JUc6bZqXLeEg6699DU9qKLjhmKI8zoN728hyphenhyphengl9LaEqOstqWxvB_Txxow/w640-h426/IMG_6729.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"> I am including a photo of the sign for Buck Bald below. It is damaged and is only visible heading south. No sign heading north! </span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcVH3DL0tlsAtXXmjzn3cF2NTDkLkYlPGx0AIoLlChEszAGf-odEoIqVajjXP8cFaZtm0KftEN04_4_vB4PdIvaqtIY3mDg9f85akZEFdaiPM7sFOBnWoXEKAiIkvgm_hXEE1F0bo11AU9B5JC4jSfCwo_gUfP8eACc0aaP832PMzqGqbEEsI1od6-7Z4/s3456/IMG_6726.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Damaged road sign for Buck Bald" border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcVH3DL0tlsAtXXmjzn3cF2NTDkLkYlPGx0AIoLlChEszAGf-odEoIqVajjXP8cFaZtm0KftEN04_4_vB4PdIvaqtIY3mDg9f85akZEFdaiPM7sFOBnWoXEKAiIkvgm_hXEE1F0bo11AU9B5JC4jSfCwo_gUfP8eACc0aaP832PMzqGqbEEsI1od6-7Z4/w640-h426/IMG_6726.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"> We made the turn for Buck Bald. You can see it barely visible above in the photo on the far left top of the picture. The road takes you a couple miles back there past some homes until it winds its way to the summit. There is a point where the road Y's. Take the left turn to go to the summit. The road heading right is Old Hwy 68 and comes out down on River Road before the Shadwick Branch Rail crossing that goes overtop SR 68. I thought we had driven this, but I was mistaken. We will have to check that out next time. </span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"> We did not see another soul on this road today until we were leaving. We finally passed one vehicle. We had the summit to ourselves. It was cold, windy, and quiet.</span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">The bald provides a 360° panoramic view. It is very pretty. The one picnic table of stone is broken, but has been replaced by a single wooden table in good shape. There are three or four wooden steps to lead up to the grassy bald. </span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj-jiNyRCc7ZLIvJzQ1P77Fnf0aidlTcgdMFG_iLeyzuXwpVgFIE2UKD7tk7USJq3zdu3uEbfzAgqC38x9rpaeiTcXlT-D84_zk5YIy24L4_dYHRxbCKUtL-aMHCzLzVlFKL3T0Rh6jihrOCjDWs9swZTeL59anR0zZO6DACByDnrWPbWodSB7tHMkSDE/s3029/View%20to%20NE%20from%20Buck%20Bald%20bv.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1978" data-original-width="3029" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj-jiNyRCc7ZLIvJzQ1P77Fnf0aidlTcgdMFG_iLeyzuXwpVgFIE2UKD7tk7USJq3zdu3uEbfzAgqC38x9rpaeiTcXlT-D84_zk5YIy24L4_dYHRxbCKUtL-aMHCzLzVlFKL3T0Rh6jihrOCjDWs9swZTeL59anR0zZO6DACByDnrWPbWodSB7tHMkSDE/w640-h418/View%20to%20NE%20from%20Buck%20Bald%20bv.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Above: view from Buck Bald to the Northeast and what may be Beaverdam Bald. We could see a tower atop it. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfkVS_nElfyZy9ar5vearxXD5AyQKDvQshfActqx5RNl8tB46NCsA4x7RWsRd8hI8dmgyNJGcWN3fY08INcMtJRbzpHIT0ZQ1kGViU6fX_CujYqhDm-ILV2ocs1qo7D7LA-G_qtlFy7EGvBquWw5NjK3r0Of-spWqMMC4MWB0vSzNEifAdjL5bPfU79d4/s3456/IMG_6724.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfkVS_nElfyZy9ar5vearxXD5AyQKDvQshfActqx5RNl8tB46NCsA4x7RWsRd8hI8dmgyNJGcWN3fY08INcMtJRbzpHIT0ZQ1kGViU6fX_CujYqhDm-ILV2ocs1qo7D7LA-G_qtlFy7EGvBquWw5NjK3r0Of-spWqMMC4MWB0vSzNEifAdjL5bPfU79d4/w640-h426/IMG_6724.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: Looking toward the Unicoi Crest the mountains are still partly snowy.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio5p6ucY0vXettgBHV4tlA9o1wZUejVVBsIuoCgtUMFdTeJKFI165IV640IR2S_T8UHCyjOy8D7H0Pa8_kUA8mpG65OOtqqSy91HGbjw9NDVROZd2Ue5IYz4Q2P4dR2Tf0Gz4S4PyKbQKgXlmm1l8ytoN9glHeYeoDn3eiLgLTkt5vWIorMaPG34lXLbE/s3456/IMG_6720.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio5p6ucY0vXettgBHV4tlA9o1wZUejVVBsIuoCgtUMFdTeJKFI165IV640IR2S_T8UHCyjOy8D7H0Pa8_kUA8mpG65OOtqqSy91HGbjw9NDVROZd2Ue5IYz4Q2P4dR2Tf0Gz4S4PyKbQKgXlmm1l8ytoN9glHeYeoDn3eiLgLTkt5vWIorMaPG34lXLbE/w640-h426/IMG_6720.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: Kenny is over it and heading to the jeep. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdUYT4sx7HaqZAaalTs_bSsaTfYIJtDQH7Izw3Kyos0whOfzvjElqOBzkftiDgo8okfJOyvB205qjQ2UyZDq7Zex74mU1DjAibm1UZzdD2wXQjk67rx6iBaamP7pJbIH5UWSv04HhGXixcxfjTm9RHu2Qwuru_TSLdBPYx3nIUE6c9uOfVOJWgVJ7EOJo/s3456/IMG_6717.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdUYT4sx7HaqZAaalTs_bSsaTfYIJtDQH7Izw3Kyos0whOfzvjElqOBzkftiDgo8okfJOyvB205qjQ2UyZDq7Zex74mU1DjAibm1UZzdD2wXQjk67rx6iBaamP7pJbIH5UWSv04HhGXixcxfjTm9RHu2Qwuru_TSLdBPYx3nIUE6c9uOfVOJWgVJ7EOJo/w640-h426/IMG_6717.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: broken picnic table atop Buck Bald</span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Below: View to the south <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNP5bmrZcTrGzc5wduZUMO6GEADIaKmlRjBDaWQGCK8BEnhh-5pGfHfGOusMS35AJ57KGFGPAWEUf0bDfzY3iq6K8G63PnckjvM9f0c2_t_OP6Bjs7lIxp0LB7VBN3HzguGXoHxc6BKg0Auk5knf2Vrjx4Ey-Ey4IAyaFHptY1LFO73QFCCNdDN1MfgAE/s3456/IMG_6716.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNP5bmrZcTrGzc5wduZUMO6GEADIaKmlRjBDaWQGCK8BEnhh-5pGfHfGOusMS35AJ57KGFGPAWEUf0bDfzY3iq6K8G63PnckjvM9f0c2_t_OP6Bjs7lIxp0LB7VBN3HzguGXoHxc6BKg0Auk5knf2Vrjx4Ey-Ey4IAyaFHptY1LFO73QFCCNdDN1MfgAE/w640-h426/IMG_6716.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfwnZzl5dK-SN2DFnKxfataoRnLsXL7pe03U5p3gbdvmq39IDy7YtQpDGeKNPi-5gND2HlPQf291RB48QeFxLUAwcVCNTb0zJSg1_NQ09kyH7UxbLLATYmX_aY8IZG8wrWr5RL5sW4LJFQW-JMJZoNFmvKqyNGheu2qH5lu03Ah_eGq8LlVjrcvkSyRJE/s3456/IMG_6707.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfwnZzl5dK-SN2DFnKxfataoRnLsXL7pe03U5p3gbdvmq39IDy7YtQpDGeKNPi-5gND2HlPQf291RB48QeFxLUAwcVCNTb0zJSg1_NQ09kyH7UxbLLATYmX_aY8IZG8wrWr5RL5sW4LJFQW-JMJZoNFmvKqyNGheu2qH5lu03Ah_eGq8LlVjrcvkSyRJE/w640-h426/IMG_6707.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: View to the hazy south west </span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"> We enjoyed the views up on the bald. Kenny pointed out a cell phone toward toward Coker Creek he set with the crane years back. I thought I got it in video, but you can't see it. We enjoyed the scenery, but tired of the cold we loaded up and headed for home. </span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b> Below is a video of the views on Buck Bald. </b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b> </b></span></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bPxJxtHUJmI" title="Buck Bald" width="670"></iframe><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div><b><u> Notes to Self for Future Trips:</u></b></div><div><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div><b><u> </u> Look for other access points to the pipeline. There are five more.</b></div><div><b>Drive Old Hwy 68 from Buck Bald area down to River Road.</b></div><div><b>Check Watertank Branch for cascades </b></div><div><b>Drive River Road and get video of spring.</b></div><div><b>Get photos and video of the RR trestle over Shadwick Branch and SR 68.</b></div><div><b>Walk down to see Apalachia Dam. </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><u><br /></u></b></div>Dana Kooglerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05415223619811093720noreply@blogger.com0Farner, TN 37333, USA35.1542448 -84.31519946.8440109638211553 -119.4714494 63.464478636178846 -49.1589494tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626760878352814160.post-19036328233640426302024-01-22T11:05:00.003-05:002024-01-22T11:17:58.095-05:00 DG Market + Popshelf First Visit<p><br /></p><h1 style="text-align: center;"><b><u><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEidiH0mFWmt4GAj996gTe8SUTHNWfase36BkFvj39NB3HrkgfL_134A0OdJO_AAmUbYNTFAC6Tax2QXdUO6lG-hCI-VV0HA-pYyo3rNHQaWhHJxuGr5uCJmVCsBB-qBt_COH6C75FKsiuwCJljFgSHZdaawZ8_LDb-eFjtvl2DYB7ZfBpCzRMbgEmesIhw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="White unicorn emoji with horn and purple nose" data-original-height="162" data-original-width="311" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEidiH0mFWmt4GAj996gTe8SUTHNWfase36BkFvj39NB3HrkgfL_134A0OdJO_AAmUbYNTFAC6Tax2QXdUO6lG-hCI-VV0HA-pYyo3rNHQaWhHJxuGr5uCJmVCsBB-qBt_COH6C75FKsiuwCJljFgSHZdaawZ8_LDb-eFjtvl2DYB7ZfBpCzRMbgEmesIhw=w400-h209" title="Cartoonish Unicorn Emoji" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /></div></u></b><b><u><br /></u></b><b style="text-decoration-line: underline;"><u>DG Market + Popshelf First Visit </u></b></h1><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b> Thursday Jan. 18, 2024</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Kenny, Dana, Gabe & Mia Koogler </b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhJBH5QxVopxmTbhsXffIXt9Fe3cgePC23WeGY27Z8cVzHsYiX69btkltsvAeRp8OVJUakX53m8yfdAerM2dd-f0qVQPTg7iFwq62zcAqf3KzFEOFR-nUp-rA81oGLum-fBd8fevCoDbbfMCLzTEM8aCIif2j98vQnqROm0TISiNwQqWbmXGyNEh0zt8DE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Little Green Frog with huge green glasses and wide mouth" data-original-height="713" data-original-width="794" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhJBH5QxVopxmTbhsXffIXt9Fe3cgePC23WeGY27Z8cVzHsYiX69btkltsvAeRp8OVJUakX53m8yfdAerM2dd-f0qVQPTg7iFwq62zcAqf3KzFEOFR-nUp-rA81oGLum-fBd8fevCoDbbfMCLzTEM8aCIif2j98vQnqROm0TISiNwQqWbmXGyNEh0zt8DE=w320-h287" title="Hop Frog Glasses" width="320" /></a></b></div><b><br /> Thursday Kenny and I had the kids while their parents worked. Jared and Lydia actually had their work open and running though temperatures were bitter and roads still slippery. I have been babying my left knee so we had to think of some fun stuff to fight cabin fever. </b><div><b>Kenny took the kids over to the mall to go sledding. He took them out for lunch. They called me when they were on their way back. The plan was to pick me up so we could ride over to Seymour. We wanted to check out a new store we heard about. My daughter Crystal along with her two children had found it and liked it. I figured we'd give it a whirl to see how it was. </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b> <br /></b><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Below is a short video of the kids sledding. Gabe loved it. Mia did not care for it as much.</b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></p></div><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1c2s1JxLTZg" title="Snow Sledding 2024" width="670"></iframe><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b> Dollar General stores are pretty much everywhere, but I'm not complaining. I love it! </b></div><div><b>When we go to Virginia to the farm the nearest Dollar General is eight miles from the house. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>It is the ONLY place to buy any sort of essentials: </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Food & Grocery items</b></li><li><b>Over the Counter Medicines</b></li><li><b>Household cleaning products </b></li></ul><div><b>Try that out a time or two or three and you will be tickled to have a DG around. We have one at Rocky Branch, Blount Beach, and Hickory Corner. Those are the three closest. </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b> They have now opened DG Markets which are even nicer. I heard about this pOpshelf thing. Well, I'm old and I have to work hard to keep up with current trends. Sometimes I understand the trends, but I just don't care about them. Unfortunately I often just don't keep up. </b></div><div><b>I've been trying a little harder to stay caught up. I figured today we'd find out for ourselves about this pOpshelf thing. I had been in one DG Market in Lenoir City near where I got my nails done. It was nice, but it did not have the additional stuff.</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> <u> What Is pOpshelf Exactly? </u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> Dollar General is focused on selling essentials like groceries, health items, basic clothing, basic household needs with a little bit of convenience store and seasonal items thrown in. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>DG Markets are bigger, a little less cramped, and have more of everything. They carry fresh produce, bakery items, a larger refrigerator and freezer section of groceries. They have more seasonal items like for Christmas, Valentines, Easter, and so on. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> pOpshelf focuses on the fun stuff that are not necessities, but are wants. Fun little splurges.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Trendy and POPULAR Toys, party ware, greeting cards, household decoration, art supplies, electronics, candies, expanded seasonal items. Health and beauty supplies like lotions, vitamin serums, collagen, facial masks, and spa type beauty notions. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> I took photos and a few videos and put together a short movie of our highlights at the new store. It is located along <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/ej7r98v1PUSMuww8A" target="_blank">Chapman Highway in Seymour, TN right here. </a> (Click the link for a google map)</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> The first thing we saw was an icy parking lot. The second thing was a snowman in a shopping cart. I did not get photos of him, but he is on the video near the start. The store was bright, colorful, and roomy. Not cramped up with baskets of stock blocking the aisles. They had more staff even for a snow day. They were all friendly and ready to help. They do clerk check out or self checkout. It was all in all a good day. I'm not going to write a lot about it, but let the video tell the story. It was a fun visit and good way to get out of the house on a bitterly cold day.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> Granted this is not my usual blog post, but I've only had one real serious illness that affected my mobility before and that was 2013. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b> Today I call an orthopedist. I'm over this knee problem AND this snow. </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div></div><div><br /></div><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IR3uRklsv0Y" title="DG Market with pOpshelf" width="670"></iframe><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: center;"> <u><b>Things We Bought at Popshelf and What They Are</b></u></h3><div><u><b><br /></b></u></div><div><u><b><br /></b></u></div><div><u><b><br /></b></u></div><div><u><b><br /></b></u></div><div><u><b><br /></b></u></div><div><u><b><br /></b></u></div><div><u><b><br /></b></u></div><div><u><b><br /></b></u></div><div><u><b><br /></b></u></div><div><u><b><br /></b></u></div><div><u><b><br /></b></u></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: underline;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCZkOxdAiwkwe6Y6pYZ15ak-36dREEgfs7lPA_xx4FxK7o43rBy21WItoXVNzrXiyB-5h8CkNymCVZc3tqEi9b4UcR0WkdbIQHO0Xlab3FRxNVRw3_xVvMSerIkJ8i4pOlhjmAfw1zbYOOX8GOhTsCG4rH9zi3bnwpAXrM810ZveIL7tAI5V5-10Dsl_k/s2048/421441499_7835291419834292_44942041203343723_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCZkOxdAiwkwe6Y6pYZ15ak-36dREEgfs7lPA_xx4FxK7o43rBy21WItoXVNzrXiyB-5h8CkNymCVZc3tqEi9b4UcR0WkdbIQHO0Xlab3FRxNVRw3_xVvMSerIkJ8i4pOlhjmAfw1zbYOOX8GOhTsCG4rH9zi3bnwpAXrM810ZveIL7tAI5V5-10Dsl_k/w381-h240/421441499_7835291419834292_44942041203343723_n.jpg" width="381" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: underline;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglxQMGbNX63ooMFaI0LPn9rY0ZMUFCcXbP_rKuKZzFDhYLxcaZSzB4Jcg2RdKqPEutzhVtkhFjUhcZBe22wudIYnk8xIRMax7Q-2uK_NOIxcMFooGM72JE-M_458U2Qt9uSS89UL4o7NVy7WSRfOQyegQ6ROmK0VQZ1LiiavmGDh1GkUItFw3U97nSDyI/s2048/421466369_7835291063167661_8501458788027674964_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglxQMGbNX63ooMFaI0LPn9rY0ZMUFCcXbP_rKuKZzFDhYLxcaZSzB4Jcg2RdKqPEutzhVtkhFjUhcZBe22wudIYnk8xIRMax7Q-2uK_NOIxcMFooGM72JE-M_458U2Qt9uSS89UL4o7NVy7WSRfOQyegQ6ROmK0VQZ1LiiavmGDh1GkUItFw3U97nSDyI/w640-h480/421466369_7835291063167661_8501458788027674964_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b>Above: Mini Brands-- tiny replicas of actual products. This is a grape drink and a flea sized bag of Hersheys miniatures candy. </b></div><div><u><b><br /></b></u></div><div><b>Below: my hand and the tv remote for scale .. mini brands are a hugely popular toy now. Tiny miniature versions of actual products. Both my granddaughters love them. </b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: underline;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: underline;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: underline;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: underline;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHRmQKvrOmw9zNQ8_dCiF7O_qZvbsRzliYg0a9fefE9Czln7lQrSoCMrUt5QouM19xNsxhQUe6gQIcrmQyGRMCZ6U-XQSsCV7C5vsLjXPaOWAsjM_eg_Ng6kSgMIj5mavL-p1y3N8ZlUIox7XvqnrGl3TlAwIbszIprXeCbY8b0MStaQb-EcYAYIh2Bqg/s2048/421441499_7835291419834292_44942041203343723_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="my hand and remote and mini brands for scale" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHRmQKvrOmw9zNQ8_dCiF7O_qZvbsRzliYg0a9fefE9Czln7lQrSoCMrUt5QouM19xNsxhQUe6gQIcrmQyGRMCZ6U-XQSsCV7C5vsLjXPaOWAsjM_eg_Ng6kSgMIj5mavL-p1y3N8ZlUIox7XvqnrGl3TlAwIbszIprXeCbY8b0MStaQb-EcYAYIh2Bqg/w640-h480/421441499_7835291419834292_44942041203343723_n.jpg" title="Tiny products like soda and candy" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: underline;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: underline;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: underline;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Below is a little container of Collagen Cream I bought for $5. I love how it helps my hands at the nail salon so thought I'd try it at home. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: underline;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: underline;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivbk_NLrf2V_U2XaQXZs8JKG2e9dtf3ckYUEtbqe_zD-QzXbDsULY-KOBsLjwz-lUYjVOGrLiRtT8JFcM1lRoSpeKofwC58BK0YJEegzj6WghpnUAuTmedF2dYWZ1hbsrv89AtzFLAoFmf7UNOoDzSldXwvQzmkbFqZzQn7chAlJ32yBAKDuhLzyy4Ma0/s2048/421541060_7835306239832810_34909266294730002_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Small white tub of collagen cream" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivbk_NLrf2V_U2XaQXZs8JKG2e9dtf3ckYUEtbqe_zD-QzXbDsULY-KOBsLjwz-lUYjVOGrLiRtT8JFcM1lRoSpeKofwC58BK0YJEegzj6WghpnUAuTmedF2dYWZ1hbsrv89AtzFLAoFmf7UNOoDzSldXwvQzmkbFqZzQn7chAlJ32yBAKDuhLzyy4Ma0/w640-h480/421541060_7835306239832810_34909266294730002_n.jpg" title="Collagen" width="640" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: underline;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: underline;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: underline;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: underline;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZLGpVqpnFFxEr7iuOSHUpGBRmz7qgA_H9aJ-mJothqSHc5ukwsXomgh8Vex9C5mNh7whfL0yulT8y-g3VqQSXBViHdywWHjyQaxJKxX3GpGDoaB-dA8FS_nUIvau5zytQOvcXOLqBxklwqbgNJe71c9Lx01TnA8Y082dclF_XF5pp483iNSYoqqgrsJ8/s526/Bae%20candle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pink Candle in a jar says Bae Mine" border="0" data-original-height="526" data-original-width="526" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZLGpVqpnFFxEr7iuOSHUpGBRmz7qgA_H9aJ-mJothqSHc5ukwsXomgh8Vex9C5mNh7whfL0yulT8y-g3VqQSXBViHdywWHjyQaxJKxX3GpGDoaB-dA8FS_nUIvau5zytQOvcXOLqBxklwqbgNJe71c9Lx01TnA8Y082dclF_XF5pp483iNSYoqqgrsJ8/w640-h640/Bae%20candle.jpg" title="Pink Sugar Macaron Candle" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b>Above: This is part of learning to be relevant and current, but then not really trying that hard because it is so DUMB! I did not learn until today that the term" bae" means "Before All Else". I knew it was a really stupid term of endearment. Sorry Gen Z or Gen X or whoever uses this. </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>I just can't help thinking it is silly. </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b> </b></div>Dana Kooglerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05415223619811093720noreply@blogger.com010329 Chapman Hwy, Seymour, TN 37865, USA35.8812066 -83.78620197.5709727638211533 -118.9424519 64.191440436178851 -48.629951899999995tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626760878352814160.post-39184469998215237822024-01-20T10:53:00.003-05:002024-01-20T11:10:33.218-05:00So You're Moving to Tennessee? <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKWI4aChsZoomKeW1PsYEcU_s-2QdUzOFE208N5dJidn_9cRaD28aNxagt1TSY5U66vWXCvTzmQZPEyK5hM9jXAt53zXIjbe7dVckT9ZTqIKIcytAAKGwTF14D3v-lviPQEf6gx5vDE_rKOVKnyE8KtD72VoAvIlewo7RZJVsjvPun3SbKf3-afEgWx3Y/s953/IMG_20221119_145555_478.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="953" data-original-width="953" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKWI4aChsZoomKeW1PsYEcU_s-2QdUzOFE208N5dJidn_9cRaD28aNxagt1TSY5U66vWXCvTzmQZPEyK5hM9jXAt53zXIjbe7dVckT9ZTqIKIcytAAKGwTF14D3v-lviPQEf6gx5vDE_rKOVKnyE8KtD72VoAvIlewo7RZJVsjvPun3SbKf3-afEgWx3Y/w400-h400/IMG_20221119_145555_478.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><b>Above: Fifty-nine year old me.. my how the years have flown. Now I'm old and Nanny to four grandkids. I'm older, but I'm still crazy. 😁</b><br /><h1 style="text-align: center;"><br /></h1><h1 style="text-align: center;"><b><u>So You're Moving to Tennessee? </u></b></h1><div><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>by Dana Koogler </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Friday Jan. 18, 2024</b></div><p><br /></p><p> I moved to East Tennessee twenty-two years ago. I have not regretted the decision one bit.</p><p>It was one of the best things I've done with my life. Within the past four or five years I've watched my new home state become one of the fastest growing in the nation. I am not certain what is driving it, but I've got a few ideas. Regardless of the cause it continues. </p><p> Property values now are up so high if I tried to move to this area now I could not afford it!</p><p>I decided to write a piece of advice for those seeking to move here or those newly relocated. </p><p><br /></p><p> First of all, Welcome to Tennessee! </p><p> Second of all I will share my own story including what I did right, what I did wrong, and what I'd do differently. I will try to give succinct advice for those considering a move to our area. </p><p>East Tennessee in particular, but Tennessee in general. </p><p> </p><h3 style="text-align: center;"><b><u>My Own Story</u></b></h3><p><br /></p><p> It isn't something I'm proud of, but I try to be truthful. The primary reason for our move was that living next door to in laws is not a good idea especially when they are disapproving. Our marriage was on the rocks after sixteen years of that. We needed a geographic fix. We moved to East Tennessee because it was similar to where we came from. It was a wise decision.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><u><b>First Steps --Create a Plan of Action and Do It</b></u></p><p> Here are the things we did right if you are planning on moving.</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Go find a job first or check out work from home or transfer options </li><li>Go find a good real estate agent for buying in your prospective state and in your own area to sell your house.</li><li>Go find a house</li></ul><p></p><p>Next be sure to ask the right questions of your realtor and area residents if you can talk to someone who will answer you honestly. Social media connections today are extremely helpful for finding answers.</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Find a good school district if you have kids before you buy a home</li><li>Ask the right questions about the school-- teen pregnancy rates? Drug related problems?</li><li>Academic record? Sports and extracurriculars? </li><li>School violence problems? Shootings, fights, bomb threats? Bus system related problems? </li></ul><div>Be sure to check on Elementary, middle and high schools as to their performance. I can think of at least one school zone where the elementary and middle are great, but they feed into an abysmal high school.</div><div><br /></div><div>Check out private school options in your area including home schooling and home school/co-ops.</div><div>We have a little bit of everything in our area now.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li> Check out your area crime rate before you buy a house. One of our area subdivisions started off nice, but ended up having several drive by shootings within six months. </li><li>Find out about your area hospital-- what is its reputation for medical care? It is solvent?</li><li>Find a good primary care doctor and sign a release to have your medical records transferred.</li><li>Find a good dentist who has a plan for emergencies available to you.</li><li>Transfer your drivers license , tags and insurance within 30 days of relocating</li><li>Find out if any nursing, realtor, cosmetology or other licensure is reciprocal in your new state or if you have to apply for new licensure? Do it at least sixty days in advance of your move.</li><li>Find a truly reputable insurance agent for your vehicle insurance and home insurance ahead of time. Stay away from nepotism... don't let your realtor hook you up with their family members businesses. </li><li>Find good cell phone provider if you have to pick a new one. Check on internet and tv services.</li><li>Find a good moving company and a drop off terminal in your new area.</li><li>Be sure to turn off your utilities in your old home and pay off any bills.</li><li>Find out about utility costs and connections in your new area and make arrangements ahead of time. Your realtor can help with this.</li><li>Register to vote in your new area within 30 days and familiarize yourself with area issues, leaders and politics. </li></ul></div><p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6RXqc0PoSSbwXBNIjxQZVNY8zamWYDi9OFBxcjJrXEArZbGmeBQ4pC2PJxMlT8n1lRETN7_Vsyn6CU2M7b0psLg1MKGpKCSOe1aJ-gSyn3ZqffFDrWuS4jHTivUpmNsYzafac1hvw1MQmBYLus3EpPxZLZGfTG4_TQxvHOAr6cEWqHUMDJw8KgWb6yj4/s720/MM%20house%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="468" data-original-width="720" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6RXqc0PoSSbwXBNIjxQZVNY8zamWYDi9OFBxcjJrXEArZbGmeBQ4pC2PJxMlT8n1lRETN7_Vsyn6CU2M7b0psLg1MKGpKCSOe1aJ-gSyn3ZqffFDrWuS4jHTivUpmNsYzafac1hvw1MQmBYLus3EpPxZLZGfTG4_TQxvHOAr6cEWqHUMDJw8KgWb6yj4/w640-h416/MM%20house%201.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Above: Our house as it was a couple years after moving in. When we bought this house the shutters were painted a hideous blue-gray. It has wooden porch railing which we later replaced with resin that never has to be painted and never rots. We're all about low maintenance.</p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><u>Secondary Plans of Action </u></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><u><b><br /></b></u></p><p> Familiarize yourself with the area you are considering moving to. Doing this today is easier than ever.</p><p>Again, social media and cell phones and the internet make it a breeze these days. Back when we moved here I did not even have a cell phone. I think we still had dial up internet! </p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> Here are some concerns you'll want to check out way ahead of time.</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Is the area where I'm relocating racially integrated? </li><li>What are the area values like? Are they similar to mine? By this I mean does the area you're moving to have similar political views and religious views to your own? If you aren't religious you still need to check on this because even non religious types have some moral code. Someone from the Buckle of the Bible Belt doesn't want to relocate to a shockingly different culture where Christianity is discriminated against. Just an example. If you are LGBTQ you don't want to move to some Podunk town where you'll be shunned or you won't find people who you can be your true self and have a happy life. </li><li>Find out the prevailing school of thought of your area prior to moving. By this I mean there can be beliefs and feelings you won't think of and probably won't like. An example: We have a county in our state where the work ethic is very poor, poverty is a real problem and is generational. The children's goals believe it or not are to grow up and "draw a check". No one with any sense wants to move into an area especially to raise a family where the kids grow up looking for welfare and disability checks! -- Sorry to the residents of that county, but if the shoe fits feel free to wear it. </li><li>Deeply engrained traditions-- people in our area moved to the foothills out of the Great Smoky Mountains. Teen pregnancy was high and some of it stemmed from that former culture. There was a group of teen girls who had a pregnancy pact! All agreeing to try to get pregnant. Yeah. No fooling. It passed, but our area high school used to have the 3rd highest teen pregnancy rate in the state. </li><li>Find you a good area church to attend. Hop around a little and try out several before you move your membership. </li><li>Find reliable child care through area residents, check out daycare centers, or try Care.com </li><li>Cooperate with other area residents and parents to come up with a plan for early outs from school</li><li>Cooperate with other parents on car pooling if necessary. My kids rode the bus some and I took them to school some. It was only a couple years and Crystal could drive. </li><li><b><u><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Consider what it will be like moving to a touristy area-- increased traffic, long waits in line, crowded restaurants, etc. </span></i></u></b></li><li><b><u><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Find out from area residents or utilize social media to find out areas near you that are considered to be of ill repute or unsafe and avoid them. Example: stay away from low head dams such as Peery's Mill. They are killing machines. Additionally it has the reputation of being a druggie/drunkard hang out. I was warned by a coworker thankfully. She turned out to be correct. I go there only to put in a canoe and that is it. </span></i></u></b></li><li><b>Learn area gun laws</b><b> and abide by them. </b></li></ul><p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggKcE72L0s2iakElB2yxPMQsT8p_mq4s89C7O9GAbqm8bAQZNrPNhrc3w1md5DCNZCnnY1ijSmd425X4Dm6em5Ivjcw-bNusqxzp7bQtQm58ZiVs7gC4BqcGY7CwU5dYqU-IdzGEvHac-VXQZDI98YygsPwy_hW7RX5vVcq0HIyXUGovEXtQ6SOJkoRag/s576/Kitchen%20mantle%20lights%20bv.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Glowing fire place and candle light in a house" border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="576" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggKcE72L0s2iakElB2yxPMQsT8p_mq4s89C7O9GAbqm8bAQZNrPNhrc3w1md5DCNZCnnY1ijSmd425X4Dm6em5Ivjcw-bNusqxzp7bQtQm58ZiVs7gC4BqcGY7CwU5dYqU-IdzGEvHac-VXQZDI98YygsPwy_hW7RX5vVcq0HIyXUGovEXtQ6SOJkoRag/w640-h480/Kitchen%20mantle%20lights%20bv.jpg" title="My Fire Place at Christmas" width="640" /></a></div>Above: Our pass through fire place and mantel on the kitchen side at Christmas. <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha6vb7KT-dG0xWoztMzyWXdfEYCd2wx6lT_3YGNVYKfFtjCURBp-4tjXTEkJsPaUP2Z6lnkjisI6p3jfM7UqTDzUSj0EZ8lbGcMt-4DWj3CE9NNmOtfzQ3FzO4p-pkidbYdh7vlMA3Rat5MpXKEoowd4XNN8VafPBzor86HeTtCmPvMWfh10w_F0Wq4pI/s1024/july%204th%20018.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Green shimmering river in Summer time man on bank fishing" border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha6vb7KT-dG0xWoztMzyWXdfEYCd2wx6lT_3YGNVYKfFtjCURBp-4tjXTEkJsPaUP2Z6lnkjisI6p3jfM7UqTDzUSj0EZ8lbGcMt-4DWj3CE9NNmOtfzQ3FzO4p-pkidbYdh7vlMA3Rat5MpXKEoowd4XNN8VafPBzor86HeTtCmPvMWfh10w_F0Wq4pI/w640-h480/july%204th%20018.jpg" title="Kenny fishing on the banks of Little River in Townsend." width="640" /></a></div><br />Above: Kenny on the banks of Little River fishing in Townsend. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0uxBbZ69AnvYgIMFlo8fBZ1hQ44DDS7dbnVbKRchJOwQKzc0dYgyDGo6cZc4cmiyURmi4rINxOoLtv6qoa9fJUzDwfjcDJIwkhdmLlASibgTM-n4kmTJoRpbpNwi2B2GXMUzL_6jNrwmNxjB53LL-zza5DcjehiiDHcbnfcc-aXKaHzug9rqmhgbsHhk/s504/RB%20church.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Front of red brick church in Summertime with green leaves" border="0" data-original-height="378" data-original-width="504" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0uxBbZ69AnvYgIMFlo8fBZ1hQ44DDS7dbnVbKRchJOwQKzc0dYgyDGo6cZc4cmiyURmi4rINxOoLtv6qoa9fJUzDwfjcDJIwkhdmLlASibgTM-n4kmTJoRpbpNwi2B2GXMUzL_6jNrwmNxjB53LL-zza5DcjehiiDHcbnfcc-aXKaHzug9rqmhgbsHhk/w640-h480/RB%20church.jpg" title="Rocky Branch Missionary Baptist Church" width="640" /></a></div>Above: Our home church for the past seventeen years. We were members of East Maryville Baptist church for the first four. It was not a real good fit at the time. We needed a smaller, more country church. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyFMYE1REvD2lF-6XppsMRZK6qwHuJDA3-KYndrZYEMccwZT39DJpKd0tzd3fQICcswefaf0yc10SzbPfPtOeEC5fxtrDqyEPOo-C6AxC1PTcMCVQmJvNX5SOf5PLGMSgid4-QNmZehjEQelJ6DLgSWgY5EDfb4Uxk_ckWhnikLZu30dT7GrH9IcmP3Uo/s720/Solar%20Powered%20Clothes%20Dryer.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Clothes line in back yard in Summer with blue skies and laundry" border="0" data-original-height="555" data-original-width="720" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyFMYE1REvD2lF-6XppsMRZK6qwHuJDA3-KYndrZYEMccwZT39DJpKd0tzd3fQICcswefaf0yc10SzbPfPtOeEC5fxtrDqyEPOo-C6AxC1PTcMCVQmJvNX5SOf5PLGMSgid4-QNmZehjEQelJ6DLgSWgY5EDfb4Uxk_ckWhnikLZu30dT7GrH9IcmP3Uo/w640-h494/Solar%20Powered%20Clothes%20Dryer.jpg" title="My clothes line" width="640" /></a></div>Above: I was the only woman in my area who owned and used a clothes line outside. I no longer bother with one, but I did for the first seven or eight years of living here. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHxOzmTsRLfj_lS_tj9Oqi4AFUYxaTQ_qKrWAEgBH8_BaBe4IzBTXEGPI_-0ownNfM3mS-28nd6z3cBkvGVc3Lk2mF6G9peGHKe0NzsPZzedxNuPqJ9kzN3R2_wdL6Hg-Lo3Ujz3v0AxOZi9izx-1Qx4u8bfUvnhyphenhyphenoGfkuZXnq5GBlugvogVsSuPoh498/s1280/The%20Sisters%20in%20Winter-X2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Blue mountain range with a broad flat plain before it." border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHxOzmTsRLfj_lS_tj9Oqi4AFUYxaTQ_qKrWAEgBH8_BaBe4IzBTXEGPI_-0ownNfM3mS-28nd6z3cBkvGVc3Lk2mF6G9peGHKe0NzsPZzedxNuPqJ9kzN3R2_wdL6Hg-Lo3Ujz3v0AxOZi9izx-1Qx4u8bfUvnhyphenhyphenoGfkuZXnq5GBlugvogVsSuPoh498/w640-h480/The%20Sisters%20in%20Winter-X2.jpg" title="Ellejoy Plain with the Foothills.. .Chilhowee Mountain in the background" width="640" /></a></div>Above: Ellejoy and Chilhowee Mountain just about half mile from my house. We moved to Blount Beach and live there still. <div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiW3qNWn3eLx3V4cLJM5_ny9QHRA0ZYniTZLyz-V2VqylCq01znlgoZZhWVdib3_wLvXNTl1mDcIupymy0i8oqhaaRIEeW1EKq_oZZjMzDjJ8KXGrPE9LY0rSAaJIfP1O9RoUju0QWDpjqUYBO9oBGwouwUBI7NIm3JiSsvM0hhhdbggOY31svmQ1mM4Y/s545/Our-Swimming-Hole-and-Swinging-Rope.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Green river in Summer time with rope swing" border="0" data-original-height="409" data-original-width="545" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiW3qNWn3eLx3V4cLJM5_ny9QHRA0ZYniTZLyz-V2VqylCq01znlgoZZhWVdib3_wLvXNTl1mDcIupymy0i8oqhaaRIEeW1EKq_oZZjMzDjJ8KXGrPE9LY0rSAaJIfP1O9RoUju0QWDpjqUYBO9oBGwouwUBI7NIm3JiSsvM0hhhdbggOY31svmQ1mM4Y/s16000/Our-Swimming-Hole-and-Swinging-Rope.jpg" title="Little River and our old swimming hole near the house." /></a></div>Above: The old swimming hole near my house in Little River in Summer. <br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF74vUSxaMBp0hvY7hTWKQvurQh-TzlpZMCrNvg18TWbWJgBLGFLHUVR2b25LVq1MFu6OUHsqkrnje4eAdnXotlBESWheT9o1K2h9WrXCFzPGIT1Pf9YuG3T_wCVl-w8KCu3E5qImRm1Oft0lCEdUssD5YxMa6pdL6gxh_SZcxgxxmZkgf04FnaKmK_n8/s720/Walland%20Gap%20from%20my%20front%20lawn.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Blue skies over a mountain pass across a green yard" border="0" data-original-height="537" data-original-width="720" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF74vUSxaMBp0hvY7hTWKQvurQh-TzlpZMCrNvg18TWbWJgBLGFLHUVR2b25LVq1MFu6OUHsqkrnje4eAdnXotlBESWheT9o1K2h9WrXCFzPGIT1Pf9YuG3T_wCVl-w8KCu3E5qImRm1Oft0lCEdUssD5YxMa6pdL6gxh_SZcxgxxmZkgf04FnaKmK_n8/w640-h478/Walland%20Gap%20from%20my%20front%20lawn.jpg" title="view from my yard in Summer through Walland Gap" width="640" /></a></div>Above: View across our lawn in Summer through Walland Gap <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTXcI0LH9-JdTCfFQWw78UqGiW6cCgDML5u81TiTMshy4e2uaoRyNbFNkYWXzJ8vvYA-8j3aWn1o6iBvNbWgCD428PczuFrYamGHMlL3LdzLa_jZNTO-MUfSZUgfSwzYTqHQt3wkn7t3zEC2YF-EkQmmu-QHLyD1C9GXS69fN-vgfLg_KXXf_myWvUDwg/s576/The%20Sisters%20redux.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Triple mountain peaks of blue mountains" border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="576" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTXcI0LH9-JdTCfFQWw78UqGiW6cCgDML5u81TiTMshy4e2uaoRyNbFNkYWXzJ8vvYA-8j3aWn1o6iBvNbWgCD428PczuFrYamGHMlL3LdzLa_jZNTO-MUfSZUgfSwzYTqHQt3wkn7t3zEC2YF-EkQmmu-QHLyD1C9GXS69fN-vgfLg_KXXf_myWvUDwg/w640-h480/The%20Sisters%20redux.jpg" title="The Sisters from Hwy 321" width="640" /></a></div>Above: The Sisters viewed from E. Lamar Alexander Highway<br /><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><b><u>Third Stage-- Learn to Love It</u></b></p><p><br /></p><p> It is natural when you move to an area to go through stages as to how you feel about your new circumstances. You may grieve the loss of your old home and leaving it behind. I did because it was where I brought my babies home from the hospital and began raising them. I missed the HOUSE and lawn and parts of it. Not the problems. I missed my former co workers and my old job. Kenny did as well. We loved our new house. We liked our new jobs. We liked our new area a lot. It was a true adjustment. I worked in the nursing field in an area where the local drug dealer would come in to be sewn up after a stabbing, but I was not afraid of him nor did I dislike him. I knew I was safe and he wouldn't hurt me. I knew everybody in town as did Kenny. I couldn't go to the grocery store without running into lots of people who would stop to talk. I liked that. I missed that sometimes. </p><p> We went through a period of second guessing ourselves. Did we make a big mistake moving?</p><p> Should we move back? We even went as far as to call our old employers to ask if we moved back would our old jobs still be there? We found out they missed us too and yes, we could move back if we wanted to. Thankfully those feelings passed. We stuck around and became stronger, better people and professionals for it. I was scared out of my mind working in Baptist Hospital in town where I worked for a week or more under police protection because a homicidal maniac had killed his own mother, tried to kill his dad, and wanted to finish killing his dad and ME. I had lived a very sheltered life in Virginia.</p><p>Some of my co workers ,one in particular helped educate me. I had a co -worker who was openly gay. He knew I was <b>Madam Naivete</b> and tried to protect me from myself and my own curiosity and foolishness. He told me places to avoid. He got me a parking pass. He helped me be more aware of my surroundings in the parking garage since another nurse.. who looked A LOT like me had gotten jumped in the garage. Most people today would not have these problems because they're more savvy than I was. </p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Make friends of your neighbors or at least allies when possible. Help one another.</li><li>REALLY get to know your kids friends and the friends PARENTS and families. Don't delude yourself into thinking you know them the way I did. If a person lives in poverty or sketch find out why. They may not just be poor.. they may truly be a bad person and bad family.</li><li>Have your kids friends over to your house first.. don't let them go there first. Really meet and know their parents and what kind of supervision they provide.</li><li>Accept your new area for what it is and try to redeem all about it that is worth keeping. Try to let the not so great things slide when you can. </li><li>Don't complain about your new area. Decide if you want to be right or if you want to be happy.</li><li>Don't try to remake your new area in your own image or the image of where you left. Remember-- there is a REASON you moved away and not everything about it was hunky dory or you might not have left. </li><li>Remember what was wrong about your old location and avoid doing anything that heads the new location in the wrong direction. Don't vote for dumb stuff that will potentially bring about catastrophic change. </li></ul><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><h3 style="text-align: center;"><b><u>What can I Do to Learn to Love It? </u></b></h3><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"> <b>What can be done to help you learn to love your new area? That isn't hard at all.</b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Start by trying new things. Find out about your area and avail yourself of a little bit of everything... even stuff you don't think you'll like. Force yourself to get out of your comfort zone. </b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Go to a Vols Football Game</b></li><li><b>Go to a Tennessee Titans Game</b></li><li><b>Try a Lady Vols Basketball Game</b></li><li><b>Go see the Knoxville Ice Bears play hockey</b></li><li><b>Go try out hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains or Cherokee National Forest </b></li><li><b>Try kayaking area rivers and lakes</b></li><li><b>Get a gym membership-- it may help you make friends.</b></li><li><b>Bike area roads or paths</b></li><li><b>Join the area hiking clubs and go with them on hikes. It is a great way to make friends.</b></li><li><b>Find out about and attend area festivals</b></li><li><b>Try taking art classes</b></li><li><b>Go Rock climbing indoors or outdoors</b></li><li><b>Learn about what is available in your area in the way of shopping and dining.</b></li><li><b>Try out area amusements like Dollywood, Splash Country, Soaky Mountain, Sevier Air Trampoline Park.</b></li><li><b>Go take a drive on the Foothills Parkway or Natchez Trace if you moved to West TN. </b></li><li><b>Climb up Look Rock Tower for the view</b></li><li><b>Go swim in area lakes and rivers and area pools. </b></li><li><b>Learn to backpack or try it out at least. Rent gear if you need to from REI. </b></li><li><b>Reconsider your new location's relation to other states and the beach! You may find you've positioned yourself much better. We go to Florida now like its nothing. We go to Western NC with regularity. </b></li></ul><div><b>Find out about your new state's unique history, culture, and get the feel of it. </b></div><div><b>I did not care for Knoxville when I first moved to the area, but now I surely do. I love everything about being a Tennessean. No looking back now. </b></div><p></p><p> </p><p> <b>Lastly-- Try to project yourself positively into the future in your new area. </b></p><p><b>I really couldn't imagine having grandkids here, but it has been great. I couldn't imagine really getting to know people here and growing to have a big extended family in this new state, but it happened just the same. I wouldn't change it. </b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEJ3r8Bt9WY6YkQHN5LFu7p5Qd1yMiPUdWZvr4Dt1735eXmyC4DsrNejixzi1IlysYaybb6C9liO8d6n4zYDr__8aLK5i9cK7tBtUPXEdqQlt8SiukDrLlZsEh0-ZIHEYaD9atsdiQ5-h2axBrbqEOOJGfyfBeVrsHKw9DO9WfpzjWQuCAVaQUjBiwNvY/s640/View%20from%20FHPW%20bv.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Colorful Autumn foliage and mountains of blue" border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEJ3r8Bt9WY6YkQHN5LFu7p5Qd1yMiPUdWZvr4Dt1735eXmyC4DsrNejixzi1IlysYaybb6C9liO8d6n4zYDr__8aLK5i9cK7tBtUPXEdqQlt8SiukDrLlZsEh0-ZIHEYaD9atsdiQ5-h2axBrbqEOOJGfyfBeVrsHKw9DO9WfpzjWQuCAVaQUjBiwNvY/w640-h480/View%20from%20FHPW%20bv.jpg" title="View from Foothills Parkway" width="640" /></a></div>above: The view in Autumn from Foothills Parkway near my new home<br /><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrYSTfOzkoBW-lDy4MuZvKjjn8Zze859fQypSFpEHk4yuW8mQaOkvtHhMFtY3J_OZXbbUUiVoWr-i5Oe7jqLNeCrPVCM7zf0bk9_bQJXh4ImG8gl7tr1GIVXGN2yWasdD4y_zyh2lHOTGttE9J1nyre9hy9DTPAG8IATSUfOGmQBi3DkmpeqRzplMEiT4/s648/Look%20Rock%20Platform.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Tall lookout tower and ramp" border="0" data-original-height="486" data-original-width="648" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrYSTfOzkoBW-lDy4MuZvKjjn8Zze859fQypSFpEHk4yuW8mQaOkvtHhMFtY3J_OZXbbUUiVoWr-i5Oe7jqLNeCrPVCM7zf0bk9_bQJXh4ImG8gl7tr1GIVXGN2yWasdD4y_zyh2lHOTGttE9J1nyre9hy9DTPAG8IATSUfOGmQBi3DkmpeqRzplMEiT4/w640-h480/Look%20Rock%20Platform.jpg" title="Look Rock Tower" width="640" /></a></div></div>Above: Look Rock Tower not far from my current home<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7VplHgfCnYhDpwhBJD7zWn0tw9OCaqGFSb6x1wBC_m9RBs8vTnpdvI5X7Z3yVi4G9-4Ne8ZyBAVPuGLvYboIMGFFs-ZfPMFl1KyQv4IDepJ7PjPfJY75Ntlchyn1ebAiUkBlb_rc08KiZUN84K6070s0PtbLO0m0zt5bldrsfUfdbnYfE3_19uCAXLkk/s1024/july%204th%20002.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img alt="green lawn on river bank at family gathering" border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7VplHgfCnYhDpwhBJD7zWn0tw9OCaqGFSb6x1wBC_m9RBs8vTnpdvI5X7Z3yVi4G9-4Ne8ZyBAVPuGLvYboIMGFFs-ZfPMFl1KyQv4IDepJ7PjPfJY75Ntlchyn1ebAiUkBlb_rc08KiZUN84K6070s0PtbLO0m0zt5bldrsfUfdbnYfE3_19uCAXLkk/w640-h480/july%204th%20002.jpg" title="Little River Ledbetters, Lindseys and Kooglers" width="640" /></b></a></div><b>Above: Uncle Roy's place by Little River at a family gathering for July 4th. Uncle Roy was one of the first friends I made upon moving. <br /></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQIMzHPvNJF7B1CqCSplrXT-UjtwYKDwrU-qtGTVs3gIZEfetfzPOIFjhFZUmI4PlMYb7xKetcoz2xl8eNtoRCxlJrdaqHo7k_ywhyphenhyphenriiphyphenhypheno7LZQtO-ZqhWs3MQ7NVocma_tAt20Zq5rtoXMERIs1eiKyOe2ME1728p5Mi_40K8Fml0RYgUcqL4XUspo/s1024/Michael%20and%20magnets%20029.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Adult man holds little boy in blanket smiling" border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQIMzHPvNJF7B1CqCSplrXT-UjtwYKDwrU-qtGTVs3gIZEfetfzPOIFjhFZUmI4PlMYb7xKetcoz2xl8eNtoRCxlJrdaqHo7k_ywhyphenhyphenriiphyphenhypheno7LZQtO-ZqhWs3MQ7NVocma_tAt20Zq5rtoXMERIs1eiKyOe2ME1728p5Mi_40K8Fml0RYgUcqL4XUspo/w640-h480/Michael%20and%20magnets%20029.jpg" title="Adam and Michael my first grandson" width="640" /></a></div>Above: My son-in-law Adam and my first grandson Michael. He is wrapped in "Dissy" his blanket. He named himself Momote and his pacifier Dopsy. (pronounced like floppsy)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0TD9TONwtAOChJ87mNqYuAj-BaC7y111JXDKXaTBlPN9bo8q4S6MhKU7nixl_YiKQ-dP2X8I-cyLX81r1ZzAU5iEPrHoBTHDbJkBO1f1uS0llBaLjcG12OvdftMd-e4vHEBfXCavohWAIWrhX83IOtOGmI10TtfFj0caO8ZsqaU-yn6WBm4qAm7O_t0s/s1024/Michael%20and%20Pool%20090.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Summer back deck with door and outside furniture" border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0TD9TONwtAOChJ87mNqYuAj-BaC7y111JXDKXaTBlPN9bo8q4S6MhKU7nixl_YiKQ-dP2X8I-cyLX81r1ZzAU5iEPrHoBTHDbJkBO1f1uS0llBaLjcG12OvdftMd-e4vHEBfXCavohWAIWrhX83IOtOGmI10TtfFj0caO8ZsqaU-yn6WBm4qAm7O_t0s/w640-h480/Michael%20and%20Pool%20090.jpg" title="My back deck outside my bedroom" width="640" /></a></div>Above: I have no windows in my bedroom, but I have a big set of doors. I love the view and my home. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiLJ60U7fQ4WlZ4fL17aGwM5PFJMnk3Dx153S-dMA5V1hFWGodU5-UXWtle_VmUPEgRE0TvinlPi_8fWb86tNacHjKBPyEZAd4V-Yknpfpe0DTOizxQQe27WGajjRW-mHeSVgEypzu6TENkKURcwszxAkob-AsOyhjXu0dzUigra5nLTSNcTinss69di8/s450/Mm%20in%20tree%20sm%20av.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Smiling woman in blue shirt in a hollow tree" border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="342" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiLJ60U7fQ4WlZ4fL17aGwM5PFJMnk3Dx153S-dMA5V1hFWGodU5-UXWtle_VmUPEgRE0TvinlPi_8fWb86tNacHjKBPyEZAd4V-Yknpfpe0DTOizxQQe27WGajjRW-mHeSVgEypzu6TENkKURcwszxAkob-AsOyhjXu0dzUigra5nLTSNcTinss69di8/w486-h640/Mm%20in%20tree%20sm%20av.jpg" title="Me in a hollow tree out hiking" width="486" /></a></div><b>above: Me in a hollow tree out hiking with a girlfriend</b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRv4NUMtWzeGXDZRUxvV_b19k2FVkgyHFOhgCRuIHDVmPIjBKOW4yuhd5i5njJfdtK9prT3Txv6h-wfqt4IuqDeeyGUBoVVnzBFJjn9H4h9UGWIW_9CBt_AkmKuyZOOwcuwM1XwNVyTNHmbLSvPW8rf7Qo1b0HEUKEa-4_qiAGwBOOgoUDsN8L-HeQO3U/s450/my%20new%20tent.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Small gray tent in Autumn woods" border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="338" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRv4NUMtWzeGXDZRUxvV_b19k2FVkgyHFOhgCRuIHDVmPIjBKOW4yuhd5i5njJfdtK9prT3Txv6h-wfqt4IuqDeeyGUBoVVnzBFJjn9H4h9UGWIW_9CBt_AkmKuyZOOwcuwM1XwNVyTNHmbLSvPW8rf7Qo1b0HEUKEa-4_qiAGwBOOgoUDsN8L-HeQO3U/w480-h640/my%20new%20tent.jpg" title="My Eureka tent in the Smokies" width="480" /></a></div><b>Above: I learned to backpack.. self taught and I learned to enjoy it. My tent at Goshen Prong</b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJNGP5d5zpA-JlFvsZ27w-YZrn-BFpQiJTppI8AwLOwKOODgTBEcJyK0VgwiZbC9NBDMGeT9CnH4pu5_nlXZCm6kiIRkq7IiNbgkv3_rO7-onHECS8PzOPI4GcrINWuUsHB4O8767lCIw3SlPG1r-Al4YB-Y0EEFxFUoDgyE5UXYJaEcqOfNnai2XvrsQ/s720/the%20wye.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="green river with sparkling water" border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJNGP5d5zpA-JlFvsZ27w-YZrn-BFpQiJTppI8AwLOwKOODgTBEcJyK0VgwiZbC9NBDMGeT9CnH4pu5_nlXZCm6kiIRkq7IiNbgkv3_rO7-onHECS8PzOPI4GcrINWuUsHB4O8767lCIw3SlPG1r-Al4YB-Y0EEFxFUoDgyE5UXYJaEcqOfNnai2XvrsQ/w640-h480/the%20wye.jpg" title="The Townsend Wye" width="640" /></a></div>Above: My kids learned to swim in Little River and toughed up. They had only been in the ocean or pools prior to moving to Tennessee except for the occasional lake trip. Above it The Townsend Wye where we go swimming and tubing. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4umZvyea5UwyywTCLS0SVNRamkXNdMPbxn1ejjg8TpKH5f17-2eBCUM3uxhR1ySAPWLnFNgVpSDFuIALiyWZn5OUQkcV5H8D38wNmEg9mMT6V-c76l375TB-Vi8o6XZdJhs7NwTRKPeLqNlsiRKhltVhdeZg5iSlYwkBXjhmo9Ftb9sYZjmT5mgna-N0/s648/Townsend%20Bike%20Path.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Blue skies and sidewalk in Smokies" border="0" data-original-height="486" data-original-width="648" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4umZvyea5UwyywTCLS0SVNRamkXNdMPbxn1ejjg8TpKH5f17-2eBCUM3uxhR1ySAPWLnFNgVpSDFuIALiyWZn5OUQkcV5H8D38wNmEg9mMT6V-c76l375TB-Vi8o6XZdJhs7NwTRKPeLqNlsiRKhltVhdeZg5iSlYwkBXjhmo9Ftb9sYZjmT5mgna-N0/w640-h480/Townsend%20Bike%20Path.jpg" title="Townsend Greenbelt" width="640" /></a></div><b>Above: The greenbelt in Townsend where we walk and bike </b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd8uL9NCEZDZ22BbD49R0iYg7S2_Xg_OFBAhL_KqA5Pm32YvMTQbuxrp84gmwycKNlJzpHRrY7EPq0r0SaiT-PTs0F_msxUT2RoswmSQWgZaviS-6airFbHgm5yZKr4ACi40WTfVrGrwna89E9f7ou5e5pKLO-gkUydzrJ_Re8gHAx49icJkBk0sXSRJA/s576/Ye%20Olde%20Steak%20House%20sign.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Dark night with glowing restaurant in Knoxville" border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="576" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd8uL9NCEZDZ22BbD49R0iYg7S2_Xg_OFBAhL_KqA5Pm32YvMTQbuxrp84gmwycKNlJzpHRrY7EPq0r0SaiT-PTs0F_msxUT2RoswmSQWgZaviS-6airFbHgm5yZKr4ACi40WTfVrGrwna89E9f7ou5e5pKLO-gkUydzrJ_Re8gHAx49icJkBk0sXSRJA/w640-h480/Ye%20Olde%20Steak%20House%20sign.jpg" title="Ye Olde Steak House" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><b>Above: Ye Olde Steak House-- a Knoxville standard and wonderful, unique dining experience we tried and grew to love. </b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><u>My Future Plans</u></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><u><br /></u></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b> Lord willing, I will live out the rest of my life as a Tennessean. I have no plans to move elsewhere. We both love it here. We all love it here. We may end up having to move somewhere and build a house with no steps that is all one level some day. That is okay. We'll know when the time is right. It will be a prayed over decision as we always do. My plans for my life are not good. God's plans for my life and future never fail. I don't know what I want or how to be happy, but if I allow Him.. the Maker, to lead me I am always 100% alright with it. </b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b> I hope to travel with Kenny more as he retires in a few years. I look forward to doing things with my best friend and the love of my life. It isn't lost on me how blessed we are to have stuck together for thirty-nine years. God is great erry single day! </b></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div>Dana Kooglerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05415223619811093720noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626760878352814160.post-70944570610974807652024-01-10T20:52:00.001-05:002024-01-11T08:26:58.816-05:00Abandoned Railroad Tunnels: Six in One Day<h2 style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1LuxuI9kT_GBiuKk5uz2sWqkO9EdEwshZQxilsnfx6fBFVNIP8pHZI9nhw2S3oNY5-0yZts9vcYW60WPelMsbJEjlv_l2QBIxnEbp48kKz7Io8N85bcT3ZjJ2n4-OmrQ8ucUsrgEwV5UK7K7v4aQuW9Emh3xB1dYCNUEXFR2so4Tjej37PL8azV_QybU/s720/417862523_6303223039781324_2431802487032689472_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1LuxuI9kT_GBiuKk5uz2sWqkO9EdEwshZQxilsnfx6fBFVNIP8pHZI9nhw2S3oNY5-0yZts9vcYW60WPelMsbJEjlv_l2QBIxnEbp48kKz7Io8N85bcT3ZjJ2n4-OmrQ8ucUsrgEwV5UK7K7v4aQuW9Emh3xB1dYCNUEXFR2so4Tjej37PL8azV_QybU/w400-h300/417862523_6303223039781324_2431802487032689472_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Above: the new model Can-Am in Caryville just looks like Bumblebee the transformer! <br /> </span></h2><h2 style="text-align: center;"><b><u><br /></u></b></h2><h2 style="text-align: center;"><b><u><br /></u></b></h2><h2 style="text-align: center;"><b><u>Abandoned Railroad Tunnels: Six in One Day</u></b></h2><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Sunday Jan. 7, 2024</b></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Dana & Kenny Koogler</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b> We've been on one of those drawn out periods of time where we've been doing :</b></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>What needed doing--chores</b></li><li><b>What someone else needs or wants--family</b></li><li><b>Illness or injury --me with my knees and we've all had the cruds</b></li></ul><div><b>Sunday was going to be our day to do what we wanted with no kids, grandkids or other obligations.</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b> Saturday evening we set about trying to decide what that would be? </b></div><div><b>I wanted to tackle the finding of Indian Gap Tunnel and Elk Gap Tunnels. Kenny did too.</b></div><div><b>I wanted to do this so badly I was concerned I'd not be able to cope if it fell apart. </b></div><div><b>I hit up friend and fellow bridgehunter/tunnel enthusiast Larry Johnson to see if he could assist us? </b></div><div><b>He came through in a big way. He also reminded us of the series of five tunnels in a row up in Elk Valley. We invited him to join us, but he had commitments. Maybe another time. </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b> Before we went to bed Kenny and I had put enough research into it to know we could do it successfully. We would go for it! </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b> Sunday morning I let Kenny sleep in. It was rainy again Sunday morning which I hadn't reckoned with. I opened the door for something outside and it was bitterly cold and windy.</b></div><div><b>Weather be damned. We were going! We packed stuff up and headed to Campbell County.</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b> We parked where Larry suggested and it was perfect. Out of the road, but not trespassing or in anyone's way. We gathered our gear and set off. The sun was trying to come out and the steady drizzle let up. Someone had put My Little Pony on a road sign by the railroad tracks. </b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCsXNpyyiGUdqQ3Zu0HDo06FrAn_-sHGPqJTLl1qNm3S61XNn1dm906GlR4w3sPW4lEFBKBYiJHSDHXojioo7KQV5Ej9Qa-kV7XLANAC3T9q5eJrwmY7Jf2sf-pNRH7VKFSWdy-C3V6b5bUV0PPbh-eNEmGWh0MWGHLO7CHl9eGE1Lp2ahIM8euln7npw/s5568/GOPR1886.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCsXNpyyiGUdqQ3Zu0HDo06FrAn_-sHGPqJTLl1qNm3S61XNn1dm906GlR4w3sPW4lEFBKBYiJHSDHXojioo7KQV5Ej9Qa-kV7XLANAC3T9q5eJrwmY7Jf2sf-pNRH7VKFSWdy-C3V6b5bUV0PPbh-eNEmGWh0MWGHLO7CHl9eGE1Lp2ahIM8euln7npw/w640-h480/GOPR1886.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b>Above: purple My Little Pony toy jammed onto a road sign by the tracks.</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b> We started walking down along the side of the tracks in the direction of the abandoned tunnel.</b></div><div><b>I had no idea how far it would be, but it didn't matter. We would do what need be done to get there. A trail started off down one side of the tracks, but it while it was heading in the right general direction to start off, it turned and veered away from the interstate. We knew the abandoned tunnel lay somewhere between the present day tracks and I-75. </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpH5e-SNpTVV181myiENJrgRzbhM0OSZ1Fbo-WZ3RIwyXL77g3VrVe8LkLodfs4d55Eem1KZ0J8zc0OMrUJ_2bReDttSaWfrhUnMIJ1U_TYyn8qH3hoJSH10s6mP6x_G_ItayyqLIUy5Y8RpvUoO4ksptlJBSrCpR6_J2TYkt9fYWCbXamly09A1YX5Oc/s5568/GOPR1843.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpH5e-SNpTVV181myiENJrgRzbhM0OSZ1Fbo-WZ3RIwyXL77g3VrVe8LkLodfs4d55Eem1KZ0J8zc0OMrUJ_2bReDttSaWfrhUnMIJ1U_TYyn8qH3hoJSH10s6mP6x_G_ItayyqLIUy5Y8RpvUoO4ksptlJBSrCpR6_J2TYkt9fYWCbXamly09A1YX5Oc/w640-h480/GOPR1843.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: a glance north on the tracks and then south is shown below. The weather is trying to cooperate! <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbmIcHJMrQM_J14LVSvBhF-_E6i6TRsUWaoyJZuc-cPblmb7CcUnV8iyA-ZXgeI5_3lIcQu901G36tJ-B3yPwoxjBCYrQhPPjwhjLmgbMl6azY4QZ5XOo6b0FpkBAWLFkrvbb_bF84fXJ5tnL1SKQqB9H48mrpM8Hd3zqhg3YJrmNvdMHv5X10xtoSEhI/s5568/GOPR1842.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbmIcHJMrQM_J14LVSvBhF-_E6i6TRsUWaoyJZuc-cPblmb7CcUnV8iyA-ZXgeI5_3lIcQu901G36tJ-B3yPwoxjBCYrQhPPjwhjLmgbMl6azY4QZ5XOo6b0FpkBAWLFkrvbb_bF84fXJ5tnL1SKQqB9H48mrpM8Hd3zqhg3YJrmNvdMHv5X10xtoSEhI/w640-h480/GOPR1842.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></b></div><div><b> One thing of note on the hike was a stretch of cement like a sidewalk on the west side of the tracks. Perhaps this had to do with access during the construction of the railroad? </b></div><div><b>Never saw anything like it along a railroad before. </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b> It wasn't long until we could see the current day "tunnel" in the distance. Kenny spotted the old railroad grade in the brush to the east of us. We watched out for any changes. Pretty soon he exclaimed "I see it!" and sure enough.. in the brush on our left was the north portal of the old tunnel! The tunnels we were seeking today are abandoned meaning no trains pass through them for the most part. Some of the lines are not 100% out of commission so we had to be careful. This is part of the Norfolk Southern line and sees a little use from time to time. </b></div><div><b>We took it seriously and did not fool around the tracks anymore than was necessary to get from point A to point B. We walked the spaces by the tracks instead of on them. </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglGvOQzvSTWeHe6t1TQ9i0wZZhaz3Bnc6Ce2UouBVU2m0HFbLuK0jRiBDXvtNw-upC2vy3mpcFLbb7Ft87KcI-jI7DtQySuQWNxUwPN500LERbfJt3VVycwxUTR9fYKeOEuaPgac09usHAii_REPeOcNH1fG8t3xgdCi6-Pal8Y_5X5vAwRH-j4QtQMbE/s5568/GOPR1884.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglGvOQzvSTWeHe6t1TQ9i0wZZhaz3Bnc6Ce2UouBVU2m0HFbLuK0jRiBDXvtNw-upC2vy3mpcFLbb7Ft87KcI-jI7DtQySuQWNxUwPN500LERbfJt3VVycwxUTR9fYKeOEuaPgac09usHAii_REPeOcNH1fG8t3xgdCi6-Pal8Y_5X5vAwRH-j4QtQMbE/w640-h480/GOPR1884.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: in the center of the photo above you can see a strip of side walk/cement!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEget6FCJsZ8uKmKxTpVjP5c33pP0BlrG70_qq2YBedh28JUOOcDXeo3zbnZDy9DZEpRMJwrvtpumByTZ8CS2Eh-IWJ86D7w4bhpptcGRTM5uRWUIPiO5-fjmWKUGrsxEW9Ld483OiATDNiTN4BFKsT8eDPj4y8q3hE3twlpj5XlZh23x11RKk_uRuixEGE/s5568/Arrow%20copy%20of%20north%20entrance.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEget6FCJsZ8uKmKxTpVjP5c33pP0BlrG70_qq2YBedh28JUOOcDXeo3zbnZDy9DZEpRMJwrvtpumByTZ8CS2Eh-IWJ86D7w4bhpptcGRTM5uRWUIPiO5-fjmWKUGrsxEW9Ld483OiATDNiTN4BFKsT8eDPj4y8q3hE3twlpj5XlZh23x11RKk_uRuixEGE/w640-h480/Arrow%20copy%20of%20north%20entrance.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b></div>Above The arrow points to the tunnel entrance on the north end. Click the photo to enlarge it to full size. It is hard to see in the smaller resolution. </b></div><div><b>below : A glimpse of what the terrain looks like on the sides of the tracks. Very brushy and thick.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnlWFPlVB9UkF9Wzox58P6WCv3LHiEpGmgKfCPFkZmibh-E0-HKr839WbhC0w22b47e0qY72f-G-SW8mZZqcKSjK7aivwMN0sbLw5Vp7o0tWKWsvhwVOn4dx89s0RXKZE2rdMYT5A3fISZrtOB0kPiBj4VB8m1e4m2FiNdsKhFXWe_Ffqktz6BepvbAqU/s5568/GOPR1869.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnlWFPlVB9UkF9Wzox58P6WCv3LHiEpGmgKfCPFkZmibh-E0-HKr839WbhC0w22b47e0qY72f-G-SW8mZZqcKSjK7aivwMN0sbLw5Vp7o0tWKWsvhwVOn4dx89s0RXKZE2rdMYT5A3fISZrtOB0kPiBj4VB8m1e4m2FiNdsKhFXWe_Ffqktz6BepvbAqU/w640-h480/GOPR1869.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1cR2iywGEqYXHBIsT3LSegV-NGbrN3O-eUzm03eJOO23X8xZjSFx5YaU8pQMZNRdl3z34hg6blazgSNy1YC1FsAJ2ePJcfpb5pAAGpNkDF6oTDiOTA2uq7HX1aa8nOdHk6imY45FQPjqJ4M14DmLtWwKIiM8ijkyjF0sodfRbSw881DfHEUU30p_egLI/s3456/IMG_6591.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1cR2iywGEqYXHBIsT3LSegV-NGbrN3O-eUzm03eJOO23X8xZjSFx5YaU8pQMZNRdl3z34hg6blazgSNy1YC1FsAJ2ePJcfpb5pAAGpNkDF6oTDiOTA2uq7HX1aa8nOdHk6imY45FQPjqJ4M14DmLtWwKIiM8ijkyjF0sodfRbSw881DfHEUU30p_egLI/w640-h426/IMG_6591.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: We saw this little structure built into the embankment. I thought it might be a spring house, but it was not. All it contained was rubbish. Old tires, papers, etc. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyxOCa1Fz9vXed25QGFQ3VGoZOdAcUukkbd9ih6nXi3986VxUmjDx_r5FKftMhSWddRbeHCKFZZwmZcACXf2kZNfzEChrgJh4L2fZmC5F52weuAagvWwITswNTrkNl_dbkZNbyMgs2G3fOEr9b_ZsHQHDF1zuPaXgiDgocQTvV5jqrD6G2dSRAQ0IkG5Q/s3456/IMG_6597.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyxOCa1Fz9vXed25QGFQ3VGoZOdAcUukkbd9ih6nXi3986VxUmjDx_r5FKftMhSWddRbeHCKFZZwmZcACXf2kZNfzEChrgJh4L2fZmC5F52weuAagvWwITswNTrkNl_dbkZNbyMgs2G3fOEr9b_ZsHQHDF1zuPaXgiDgocQTvV5jqrD6G2dSRAQ0IkG5Q/w640-h426/IMG_6597.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: Railroad crossing without any signal lights or guards. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Below: The first look at the North portal of Indian Gap Tunnel. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZXYRTpqtRdGMB1iiuXZfSBlwnhNuIjzNbshrs2bYFRsOlF_Oubc0ycojGS3LfC8_niZMlMys0styoDIS5vx4q5BbmVT4QrYvvJj1AsKCvltUaT06sa0J5u9L9udDpF6OM8HKg6ze9yIqr4etuSzszqW6TLtLNMM7rOVb47WFvjr2VkB4PntQfsCKCxrA/s5568/GOPR1847.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZXYRTpqtRdGMB1iiuXZfSBlwnhNuIjzNbshrs2bYFRsOlF_Oubc0ycojGS3LfC8_niZMlMys0styoDIS5vx4q5BbmVT4QrYvvJj1AsKCvltUaT06sa0J5u9L9udDpF6OM8HKg6ze9yIqr4etuSzszqW6TLtLNMM7rOVb47WFvjr2VkB4PntQfsCKCxrA/w640-h480/GOPR1847.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFvCi2bHIJ1FsiVREnrsUhMTWh2YuK28JiCSgBytaeO2oT3Br3lpTFJLh3HMLljrD4dOWHNon0o9qpFaKrDGWxzjkAfN2tzsq9TPapB-ExHJSmVMGBFAY9bO3lhEHZQU8QGHYyO4t2bohFx7Y5d5-d3mhlP89VtnwPXeA7jI-O3DGSj3sd8koU5jn9GHc/s5568/GOPR1846.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFvCi2bHIJ1FsiVREnrsUhMTWh2YuK28JiCSgBytaeO2oT3Br3lpTFJLh3HMLljrD4dOWHNon0o9qpFaKrDGWxzjkAfN2tzsq9TPapB-ExHJSmVMGBFAY9bO3lhEHZQU8QGHYyO4t2bohFx7Y5d5-d3mhlP89VtnwPXeA7jI-O3DGSj3sd8koU5jn9GHc/w640-h480/GOPR1846.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: North portal with Kenny out of the way. You can see the light at the far end. This tunnel is a little over half mile long. The further we went toward the opposite end the more water we encountered though it was never more than a few inches deep. I got some water in my boots, but it quickly dried out. </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b> Once Kenny spotted the entrance to the tunnel in the brush we headed that way. It was obvious others had visited this spot as well because there was a tracked down path heading to it.</b></div><div><b>I don't think many people actually walk through it. We saw where rimstone had begun forming in the pools on the tunnel floor. Minerals dissolved from the stone above drip down into the puddles and rimstone settles out making little ruffley edged mini ponds. </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b> Much traffic through here would have been evidenced by the disruption in the forming of this fragile structures. I know our friend Larry visited and went through, but aside from him and we two I doubt any others have traveled this way. </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b> About midway through the tunnel Kenny noticed a large chunk of stone. It was big and quite heavy. Logic tells us that no one carried that and dropped it here. I asked where it came from already suspecting I knew. Kenny pointed the flashlight up and sure enough... there was a matching hole in the tunnel ceiling! Yikes! I hoped no stones would turn loose while we were in here. Not wanting to be bonked in the head by bricks or rocks. </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b> The water was visible glittering at the far end almost from the start of our walk through.</b></div><div><b>We got about mid way and the water covered the tunnel from edge to edge. The far right was comparatively dry so we hugged that wall. We still had to wade through water that came up over boot tops, but I wasn't turning around over some wet feet or pant legs. I can be heard asking Kenny on the video what he wants to do for the return trip? Go back through the tunnel or walk up the side of the tracks? Once we'd gotten out it was far easier to walk by the tracks.</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b> We finally emerged into the light again out of the south portal. Both ends of this tunnel used to be gated off and inaccessible. The gates on either end have been destroyed and it stands open.</b></div><div><b>The south end was littered with trash, old tires, a DOT barrel that had fallen down off I-75. </b></div><div><b>Beside the tunnels south entrance was a gutter that channels rain water down to the entrance and away from the terrain by the top part. This is part of what made that end so soft and muddy.</b></div><div><b>It was a swamp on that end. The gutter was filled with leaf litter and very slick and steep. We decided while it was the shortest way to the top, it was unwise to attempt it. We went down the former rail grade a bit and worked our way through the brush back over to the current day tracks. </b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGnOXTNwTYn8k5NUDX20WXEm1weo6T3uxhgf0T0EVJIobfEi3IwEBc4srMDgc_K-fUPdiPqMWFrHNYaJtTrz0rMBxsauNY7dEbGndmO5a6H3NlE12ynOg6qBfxHYPIjIApb0csPQbHuKaxFx5i20lon1GeOrLRNk6uHNCaxbOsG7byn-E9XphsnUdy2mI/s5568/GOPR1850.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGnOXTNwTYn8k5NUDX20WXEm1weo6T3uxhgf0T0EVJIobfEi3IwEBc4srMDgc_K-fUPdiPqMWFrHNYaJtTrz0rMBxsauNY7dEbGndmO5a6H3NlE12ynOg6qBfxHYPIjIApb0csPQbHuKaxFx5i20lon1GeOrLRNk6uHNCaxbOsG7byn-E9XphsnUdy2mI/w640-h480/GOPR1850.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: Looking down through the Indian Gap Tunnel. I'd never have believed I could see for half a mile or more. Looks are deceiving. </div><div><br /></div><div>Below: a shot of the tunnel ceiling. It is brick and stone construction, but it appears some have fallen away. It also looks like someone may have tried to patch it in the past.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq752BhfWrKSRqVYmrCVsdMSL3rUMFXSTfFn3Zn8qdIaRMXo55gH9FoHhr_Kol8syVTsBMYq21HVzPCc0Tyx3wRkUt57421ehHHu8oT76fH-4BBzT_fWZGd5aTR3WNoQVRb4SlwIyZ0ycbYhGjzEIIrXvfryAkSZ_DxWyQwu8PbJP9uJEdCE1Eg7bOZS4/s5568/GOPR1853.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq752BhfWrKSRqVYmrCVsdMSL3rUMFXSTfFn3Zn8qdIaRMXo55gH9FoHhr_Kol8syVTsBMYq21HVzPCc0Tyx3wRkUt57421ehHHu8oT76fH-4BBzT_fWZGd5aTR3WNoQVRb4SlwIyZ0ycbYhGjzEIIrXvfryAkSZ_DxWyQwu8PbJP9uJEdCE1Eg7bOZS4/w640-h480/GOPR1853.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZMu9gqwEZUNYhWIlVook0-YqZbvSnNvfdJU-fWelEwJINp3mVjYyrugs4KeziUgGOAJB7i4DOjRZeF05nyf1GuJUTDvZDZiZcF5bjL5e9EBWnD1S55GBzZdP_lEY-G5PUalrfEMzGx-RylOGFQU9-ikQXlRapWERIZ3sFnPojIye9amso71vcyv5kKo0/s5568/GOPR1854.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZMu9gqwEZUNYhWIlVook0-YqZbvSnNvfdJU-fWelEwJINp3mVjYyrugs4KeziUgGOAJB7i4DOjRZeF05nyf1GuJUTDvZDZiZcF5bjL5e9EBWnD1S55GBzZdP_lEY-G5PUalrfEMzGx-RylOGFQU9-ikQXlRapWERIZ3sFnPojIye9amso71vcyv5kKo0/w640-h480/GOPR1854.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: The bright daylight shines on the water at the south entrance</div><div><br /></div><div>Below: A look at the south portal of Indian Gap Tunnel.</div><div>Water, mud, trash, tires and a highway road crew barrel.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLpT9UJNFwuxQlJKHKBBD9YA_J4joMxPYeQinsrZDZbipkiMqspA-ctmLk7NgTPJ8hsQlFFtZ_j3MxonyeXzAS4A31ckV4bqxm3Mm6fXWunWAwWywaOt3SAF9gnS6e42GyrUPy72-bNCjhYkBsjHCoxDOqdJfdKuBsmTHcnfzqArmOq86K2NymWUug9UE/s5568/GOPR1858.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLpT9UJNFwuxQlJKHKBBD9YA_J4joMxPYeQinsrZDZbipkiMqspA-ctmLk7NgTPJ8hsQlFFtZ_j3MxonyeXzAS4A31ckV4bqxm3Mm6fXWunWAwWywaOt3SAF9gnS6e42GyrUPy72-bNCjhYkBsjHCoxDOqdJfdKuBsmTHcnfzqArmOq86K2NymWUug9UE/w640-h480/GOPR1858.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXJLRdtZWfhK9X5wEL80WAmjKRKd1KpI2mo5hbA-UP1Xv78YGdVG_xBSVnWmcfxkmY_MNzdrwXVLjDlP2llgrkmKDJEKeP-J3C8BJ8snucCpMiRFJgtl4Hfhv_5-WB6xLtnJNWN62eaXUN5C0B_WpemO_IaTKau18fqNh99-SQTN78rnIXYAUShGD-aKA/s5568/GOPR1861.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXJLRdtZWfhK9X5wEL80WAmjKRKd1KpI2mo5hbA-UP1Xv78YGdVG_xBSVnWmcfxkmY_MNzdrwXVLjDlP2llgrkmKDJEKeP-J3C8BJ8snucCpMiRFJgtl4Hfhv_5-WB6xLtnJNWN62eaXUN5C0B_WpemO_IaTKau18fqNh99-SQTN78rnIXYAUShGD-aKA/w640-h480/GOPR1861.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: I'm looking up at I-75 south here. It appears that most of the debris here fell from the interstate or blew down here via the wind. </div><div>Below: a look at the gutter that carries the water from up top to the base of the old tunnel. I don't think I've ever seen one constructed quite like this before. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ_QuIqYHCRoF6V2tVTbmgjB7OQROsC_Qu5hif6Ua89IuMaeSINGBCrp5PM24Ia5v5-dIEvgf616053X7rnHyDuTjxda4gIRloZwW2qQDjFpDYhDxxlPhZ0sZKhLT2lBUaoKEgQ9MzPAWi8sS90whWE67AsTAdWe0qVZlZMxEZ65P4yZmnF_WUZGvdaMs/s5568/GOPR1865.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ_QuIqYHCRoF6V2tVTbmgjB7OQROsC_Qu5hif6Ua89IuMaeSINGBCrp5PM24Ia5v5-dIEvgf616053X7rnHyDuTjxda4gIRloZwW2qQDjFpDYhDxxlPhZ0sZKhLT2lBUaoKEgQ9MzPAWi8sS90whWE67AsTAdWe0qVZlZMxEZ65P4yZmnF_WUZGvdaMs/w640-h480/GOPR1865.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b> Once we had checked out the tunnel on both ends and through it we worked our way over to the tracks again. It gave us an opportunity to inspect the present day "tunnel". It is not a tunnel proper, but a high walled overpass with cross members for support at the top which is open to the air. </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b> I have never seen any railroad crossing constructed like this before either. We noticed it on Google Earth from satellite view. It was good to get to see it in real life to confirm how it is put together. Very odd. </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji9MV_hkDhfDvT88AGfJZdSFj8G7oqBrbfpUfjgVR42oSWsLbKxNoumKJYs2vkg28_Mzfhyxd1Q0JhpOF92Ibhd75XrUFp4o76e-BEqrquAuw_gztcgmIrpT1b3l5QMsNGnbS4yhUCiocjWi3n2mc2sM_D38hbKkGkiPTfKeebGSiLCs9Pofw_6iE0P2w/s5568/GOPR1871.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji9MV_hkDhfDvT88AGfJZdSFj8G7oqBrbfpUfjgVR42oSWsLbKxNoumKJYs2vkg28_Mzfhyxd1Q0JhpOF92Ibhd75XrUFp4o76e-BEqrquAuw_gztcgmIrpT1b3l5QMsNGnbS4yhUCiocjWi3n2mc2sM_D38hbKkGkiPTfKeebGSiLCs9Pofw_6iE0P2w/w640-h480/GOPR1871.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>above and below: the "tunnel" of today <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj63dtYNPhh7qs3TwnHFM7rVlG_NhY_XfxSjsePCECoUfxIcdA5w0lye9weBJk0HJ8GLqRlXM4gi4j7DELY34yk-8wztfKC-kbwHaBGROj-EJ-vIo_7nhgEAZOAcW60N6FLoQW8qAWTLUMJY_6S-GHYYSgUN8h9Nt2tHVzrw2Dbk_t48MsyW1T543_dV4k/s5568/GOPR1873.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj63dtYNPhh7qs3TwnHFM7rVlG_NhY_XfxSjsePCECoUfxIcdA5w0lye9weBJk0HJ8GLqRlXM4gi4j7DELY34yk-8wztfKC-kbwHaBGROj-EJ-vIo_7nhgEAZOAcW60N6FLoQW8qAWTLUMJY_6S-GHYYSgUN8h9Nt2tHVzrw2Dbk_t48MsyW1T543_dV4k/w640-h480/GOPR1873.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLhhooGfodW4ZZ3uWlpVUw6w-tfE0RhC3UT0LxAl7dvbYy9SiWU-owQB2BoCE_cDbLvGkQJCHmXSTLp8ClQc-DZfsUQA0W1E42MG4SIyNEjmu21OfzeXC1Ld-R6YHYEdT1zJeL6benTd3SxXEeQuc2iliazKFty8cpMnA91Jg_ww8L2S_hrPBpsdqRmnA/s5568/GOPR1879.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLhhooGfodW4ZZ3uWlpVUw6w-tfE0RhC3UT0LxAl7dvbYy9SiWU-owQB2BoCE_cDbLvGkQJCHmXSTLp8ClQc-DZfsUQA0W1E42MG4SIyNEjmu21OfzeXC1Ld-R6YHYEdT1zJeL6benTd3SxXEeQuc2iliazKFty8cpMnA91Jg_ww8L2S_hrPBpsdqRmnA/w640-h480/GOPR1879.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: a fish eye view of the "tunnel" taken with the Go Pro. It bows the photo outward. <br /><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Below is a video of Indian Gap Tunnel. It is a longer than usual video to document the event.</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UtAOPfeL14w" title="Indian Grave Abandoned Railroad Tunnel" width="670"></iframe></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b> We motored on back to the jeep as quickly as we could along the tracks. It would have been easier cross tie walking, but we tried to stay off the tracks much as possible. We walked the riprap beside them which was slow going. Finally back at the jeep we loaded up and headed to Jacksboro to get some lunch. Once back at the traffic lights in Caryville the weather took another strange turn. It was raining along the interstate and a rainbow formed! It was particularly vibrant and complete. It looked like it was landing on a nearby BP Station. </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYocfXHpVYLxCLFWgw1UwS-3XhBMXCLgT8lIb_TJJeZqfcnqjEOaVOwyqtZdnjRYvHk-wjMTGcJnmQvRHH0KT5OPn8Hpxhlavje_AaZ12RMmY_6uD-_bfGObXcCgzlxEJpjQK7v_vl9sWsGryqLehnJeR1g4Nb5x83AV_Ht5Tk1eJoLtPuuN_WShbKJos/s2048/418591941_6303225936447701_2076465257756805876_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYocfXHpVYLxCLFWgw1UwS-3XhBMXCLgT8lIb_TJJeZqfcnqjEOaVOwyqtZdnjRYvHk-wjMTGcJnmQvRHH0KT5OPn8Hpxhlavje_AaZ12RMmY_6uD-_bfGObXcCgzlxEJpjQK7v_vl9sWsGryqLehnJeR1g4Nb5x83AV_Ht5Tk1eJoLtPuuN_WShbKJos/w480-h640/418591941_6303225936447701_2076465257756805876_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>Above: Rainbow over Caryville</div><div>Below: the BP station at the Rainbow's end! <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRY5k9SG0dj9rjtZKMszPEgjL1CQbRt5uOoCfb7JhFqUBtMwBeER0n4DeZloQ_vyUkgAnb8KMjPF6vY6beJw4vVODPYkqpseA02mYv9TlRqKNw-m8Z2d70-sVAI4SsRhhljPu5Pmz3PdizzWmpV9Qu2C_iRL_N3bIOgBrI5w0OUYJ3-8d2KKLElKhZono/s2048/418742098_6303226186447676_1259865191699338082_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRY5k9SG0dj9rjtZKMszPEgjL1CQbRt5uOoCfb7JhFqUBtMwBeER0n4DeZloQ_vyUkgAnb8KMjPF6vY6beJw4vVODPYkqpseA02mYv9TlRqKNw-m8Z2d70-sVAI4SsRhhljPu5Pmz3PdizzWmpV9Qu2C_iRL_N3bIOgBrI5w0OUYJ3-8d2KKLElKhZono/w480-h640/418742098_6303226186447676_1259865191699338082_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b> </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Lastly for this segment of the write up is the much shorter video of the present day Indian Gap Tunnel. </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/j2Dz-0-3Kzo" title="Current Day Indian Grave Tunnel" width="670"></iframe> </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><b> </b></div><div><b> We made it three miles out to Jacksboro and grabbed a salad at Zaxby's for lunch. We wanted a quick bite so we could get going again. We then got back on I-75 North to the Huntsville exit. We turned here and headed toward Pioneer. The next stop would be an attempt to visit the Elk Gap Tunnel.</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b> </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u>Elk Gap Tunnel Attempt #2</u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> Several years ago we hunted up Elk Gap tunnel at Pioneer. It was hot and when we arrived there at the pull off kudzu was snarled over everything. We knew better than to wade through kudzu in snake season. We returned today to try again while the critters are mostly asleep and the vegetation has died back. The problem we finally figured out is trying to approach the tunnel from above the North Portal end. That end is never going to be easy in any season. It began sleeting on us very hard while we were trying to cipher out an approach. We finally said forget it and headed up the road toward the tunnels at Elk Valley. We've figured out since returning home that we can go back and park at the church and make it to the south portal. From there we can just go through to the north portal. We'll try to knock this out this Winter. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u>Abandoned Tunnel and Railroad Resource Materials </u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> I want to include some resources here before I forget. I do not want to take credit for locating all these cool tunnels. I became aware of them because of other folks travels and willingness to blog about them. Through their sharing photos and descriptions of the trips it piqued our interest and motivated us to look for them. Thomas "Butch" Adkins has one of the coolest blogs with photos on the subject I've run across. He is the most knowledgeable and comprehensive in his travels to visit these tunnels and railroad bridges. I think his site is <a href="http://home.insightbb.com/~heyref/TN/TN_weekend.htm" target="_blank">Blogging the Tunnels</a>. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>I subscribe to his blog and consequently I get updates when he writes up a new trip report. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>He is a hard act to follow! Thanks my friend for your hard work and willingness to assist others myself included. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100010246327631" target="_blank">Matt Murphy </a>is a Facebook buddy who is one of the most talented photographers with a special interest and focus on railroads! Add to that he is a drone photographer! His photos are the best drone photographs I've ever seen. They remind me of model railroad scenes! </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Below are some of Matt's drone photos he graciously agreed to let me add to this blog entry.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>If you follow him on Facebook you can keep up with his fine work! </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Below is a dream shot of the "196 Northbound crossing the New River Trestle"</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxI_gI5Cc4nK-anjllRzQXm5LrH9mN9BGV6FE5XaN68PTSDdhyphenhyphenojOFgjEzDmxiNlsHXJC-GGcviINpMTSq-8e41e-Wn2MjT3nk_0NyGeI7K8naxmueTv9tOOGMR-ni0rCXioZBsR7yVxz4D21EU_ew1MYZNJYc-w6st8kRIqQWNDC4TLv8Gk6EtQ-1YpA/s2048/196%20NoBO%20New%20River%20MM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxI_gI5Cc4nK-anjllRzQXm5LrH9mN9BGV6FE5XaN68PTSDdhyphenhyphenojOFgjEzDmxiNlsHXJC-GGcviINpMTSq-8e41e-Wn2MjT3nk_0NyGeI7K8naxmueTv9tOOGMR-ni0rCXioZBsR7yVxz4D21EU_ew1MYZNJYc-w6st8kRIqQWNDC4TLv8Gk6EtQ-1YpA/w640-h426/196%20NoBO%20New%20River%20MM.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Below are a couple shots of the train passing through towns. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBpqmEiwZr6YdKkdXtmO8xJDLWX2jflAFXKhmB421gcFSadYUT8znWdFw8-k7X_-S2gmlevvVLWDcmEoBiWU6FMRTvV5LS8JHuTCAzD01G-Z5FeAMcV0TdNDMi4tlIvYZUSjIO9AXOiRwiS6CcIwtDNSL9iVGOUgOPBvuHmT5XwM2kNJbqFomJHdw9d1k/s2048/Oliver%20Springs%20RR%20Matt%20Murphy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBpqmEiwZr6YdKkdXtmO8xJDLWX2jflAFXKhmB421gcFSadYUT8znWdFw8-k7X_-S2gmlevvVLWDcmEoBiWU6FMRTvV5LS8JHuTCAzD01G-Z5FeAMcV0TdNDMi4tlIvYZUSjIO9AXOiRwiS6CcIwtDNSL9iVGOUgOPBvuHmT5XwM2kNJbqFomJHdw9d1k/w640-h426/Oliver%20Springs%20RR%20Matt%20Murphy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Above: Matt Murphy drone photography of the train passing through Oliver Springs, TN <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOL3AD9hpJj35A-QYuXywn0h-wB1nerawpbrW1NmQWj4zJL-aK4LgesBeHyYDYtVAmYn3S9hJxpt5r_OL2R3a-VDJgEcerx13JvYjTsAieg_rgl6kzuK8eYLsAzogQnsW1daX4I8RFHhkuChnE8Ht9pzXwXYw-TbkvuF9s6Zr0yQX4dk_-LIv6qG3JCo4/s2048/spring%20city%20depot%20matt%20murphy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOL3AD9hpJj35A-QYuXywn0h-wB1nerawpbrW1NmQWj4zJL-aK4LgesBeHyYDYtVAmYn3S9hJxpt5r_OL2R3a-VDJgEcerx13JvYjTsAieg_rgl6kzuK8eYLsAzogQnsW1daX4I8RFHhkuChnE8Ht9pzXwXYw-TbkvuF9s6Zr0yQX4dk_-LIv6qG3JCo4/w640-h426/spring%20city%20depot%20matt%20murphy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b>Above: Matt Murphy's drone photo of the train passing by the depot in Spring City, TN heading south. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb_B_3jhVkxItwBEOfRDsAL6d5Kk6kXay8vPaVURRtdl1vZfyuk8WTYPzfuIy6S9jPQz3h4QrZwsXWgtJL_etsiQN9ydVlP9fVH2_-Kd_4FMBFSaDLd7FyjCIkgwFqLaXRcVAOhgMt0aqPLZRMdsfshc5gVvCf1jz-ih-XWRGxX9Y097k4h3tM0IcDWcw/s2048/Harriman%20Jct%20MM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb_B_3jhVkxItwBEOfRDsAL6d5Kk6kXay8vPaVURRtdl1vZfyuk8WTYPzfuIy6S9jPQz3h4QrZwsXWgtJL_etsiQN9ydVlP9fVH2_-Kd_4FMBFSaDLd7FyjCIkgwFqLaXRcVAOhgMt0aqPLZRMdsfshc5gVvCf1jz-ih-XWRGxX9Y097k4h3tM0IcDWcw/w640-h426/Harriman%20Jct%20MM.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Above: Matt Murphy drone photo of train crossing the trestle in Harriman Junction. I believe the river is the Emory River. <br /><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Other interesting sites pertain specifically to the rat hole line and its abandoned tunnels. The ones we visited today have no relation to the <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1Bf9ZjDQ08tAtfGqbdN7dmXkoiWk&ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&ll=36.98079428699272%2C-83.85315898623047&spn=1.416646%2C2.208252&t=h&z=10">rat hole line. </a> </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> Another good one that is about the old <a href="https://www.american-rails.com/ncstl.html" target="_blank">Nashville, Chattanooga, and St. Louis Rail Line is here if you click the link. </a></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> Friend Larry Johnson is another person who is keenly interested in this topic and is a bridge hunter, tunnel hunter. He has some very cool adventures. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u>Elk Valley Series of Five Abandoned Tunnels </u></b></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"> <b>We headed up into Elk Valley above Pioneer in the general direction of the five tunnels. We were able to locate them on Cal Topo. Kenny did 95% of the work on locating these and figuring how to access them. </b> <b> We stopped at a house nearest the tunnels to ask permission to visit and no one came to the door. After a considerable wait it appeared they must not be home or were taking a siesta on a Sunday afternoon. </b> <b>The property where we pulled up was clearly posted private property. The continuation of the lane was not so he decided to chance going further. He parked us by the tracks and we were able to get out and walk from there. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> We saw train cars on the same tracks much closer to Huntsville and all of them below Pioneer. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Still we were aware that this line while largely abandoned could still see some use. The tunnel section would be a hard sell to put a train on those tracks if not an outright impossibility. The tunnels are sketchy, but what's worse is the tracks in them. Dirt has fallen from the ceiling or been brought in from outside by someone. We did not notice it on the hike in, but caught it on the way out. The western wall of Tunnel 3 has begun caving in midway through. It has been shored up. I was glad we did not see this on the trip in. I wonder if I'd have had the nerve to continue? Kenny pointed out that he believes the wood chip yard at Huntsville probably makes use of the rail cars and pushes them up the tracks like a siding. I don't think the cars go much further, but that is just a guess based on the conditions we found.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> It wasn't long until we came upon the first tunnel. I guessed they probably went from north to south with the numbers climbing as you go south. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Below: first look at Tunnel 5 in the series... south portal</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSraSsQ0Qn2hRR5vXnmdxgxZSb3yuqy21FAvIo7KFXpnx-23uddScwJpPachtEUj8JqFkoHDZlSCa6iWleL9fj3PiDLWoeH3RvXKxy1s0n7FOxgK7Gz2QAkNQMcnlDmklsWLTKfnhAOkNmRtv7SDmeL51tfmnIZmwy_3YU43Y1M8Mr0XW3X8m6V8QYuv4/s5568/GOPR1891.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSraSsQ0Qn2hRR5vXnmdxgxZSb3yuqy21FAvIo7KFXpnx-23uddScwJpPachtEUj8JqFkoHDZlSCa6iWleL9fj3PiDLWoeH3RvXKxy1s0n7FOxgK7Gz2QAkNQMcnlDmklsWLTKfnhAOkNmRtv7SDmeL51tfmnIZmwy_3YU43Y1M8Mr0XW3X8m6V8QYuv4/w640-h480/GOPR1891.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Below: tunnel five from in the middle in the dark. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9t1e8QVcw5RhsOdYQOG2JiCKqKw6h-0eie9akmieaBM962inMFHV7adzAgAvDFvAL02QkJmt9oCR5BPxZqt8fpeWWHQEa7sGuiZxbvOoNux1E54aYToHRECrphZQgF19T3BB47VuCVLoWr1uW2ZUhxNQhQBTQtBQS8zHVtak9vqOTAVt1HTOK5NOzF84/s5568/GOPR1902.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9t1e8QVcw5RhsOdYQOG2JiCKqKw6h-0eie9akmieaBM962inMFHV7adzAgAvDFvAL02QkJmt9oCR5BPxZqt8fpeWWHQEa7sGuiZxbvOoNux1E54aYToHRECrphZQgF19T3BB47VuCVLoWr1uW2ZUhxNQhQBTQtBQS8zHVtak9vqOTAVt1HTOK5NOzF84/w640-h480/GOPR1902.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOEKUf4bpKbSnG73Hm59e6KEoA1xRCaJ8TLxvW0IS1HhhWTtyiaap3i0J9tG7RvkrI9kp8MEybTZmP9UpxDAeWEpI2z_QqSTSV4iRKL1cxyJuPCy5oxUqzXKPRImNPk-EkMFuIks0pQ4cSqxE7m1oU2hexom2Ec5QKnVfI4TxLU-6yCiqHUBC1UUfu-QU/s5568/GOPR1898.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOEKUf4bpKbSnG73Hm59e6KEoA1xRCaJ8TLxvW0IS1HhhWTtyiaap3i0J9tG7RvkrI9kp8MEybTZmP9UpxDAeWEpI2z_QqSTSV4iRKL1cxyJuPCy5oxUqzXKPRImNPk-EkMFuIks0pQ4cSqxE7m1oU2hexom2Ec5QKnVfI4TxLU-6yCiqHUBC1UUfu-QU/w640-h480/GOPR1898.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: a better photo with more light so you can see the inner parts of tunnel 5. Blasted through solid rock. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXkL_o8UDsuCaCvPQhGrOddwkTkc_2dZRQwk8qBEMTbb8vN5zzpYBZU_M7zZinpteHmNmpapYjtNn79wiJqS19a3vSbnX9Wv4eL14X-Q9TwMtjJT4P487Auq4Tq0js15CTWLaDUNhZ8TNVzqrZpTY1WU76DylJCirZWkHqdkfUysKHD4NlCEByBRu0V4c/s5568/GOPR1897.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXkL_o8UDsuCaCvPQhGrOddwkTkc_2dZRQwk8qBEMTbb8vN5zzpYBZU_M7zZinpteHmNmpapYjtNn79wiJqS19a3vSbnX9Wv4eL14X-Q9TwMtjJT4P487Auq4Tq0js15CTWLaDUNhZ8TNVzqrZpTY1WU76DylJCirZWkHqdkfUysKHD4NlCEByBRu0V4c/w640-h480/GOPR1897.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: looking back out of the south portal of Tunnel 5<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhilSlEw6n8tm38cIQpPy_s26OaZ8eury378XKhxx5iUxpnE6pANQVvz2gmHR-kpq87p3aiy8p-MB0XN9yO-3ASGzL3VShCtu3xu-V69muAYodgjbNkis_vZpuunWxVEOzlpoTef9Up6nke1kwFtXYWAgmK-M7KVuM5ggo2JtJ7n0gd9w5Kz4eQ3W9LfD0/s5568/GOPR1905.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhilSlEw6n8tm38cIQpPy_s26OaZ8eury378XKhxx5iUxpnE6pANQVvz2gmHR-kpq87p3aiy8p-MB0XN9yO-3ASGzL3VShCtu3xu-V69muAYodgjbNkis_vZpuunWxVEOzlpoTef9Up6nke1kwFtXYWAgmK-M7KVuM5ggo2JtJ7n0gd9w5Kz4eQ3W9LfD0/w640-h480/GOPR1905.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: Approaching south portal of Tunnel 4 <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSFPEGro4tLc7QNB1OXGklM2Fk_-mS_0BS8B7eHDnT77i-D24AHeNnAzZThTjR6fTgHdThYadarv5iBL6rvPEXa9-FZpnpPXTsFJQdFGoVk1Af_cK76uk5Tlkc-xFCmAYmY891pIfskJrsJbeKa6Qy2f0F7_LO9ImfznmB3hRJvUjlBS-JYU-HCJ4-1Ic/s5568/GOPR1906.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSFPEGro4tLc7QNB1OXGklM2Fk_-mS_0BS8B7eHDnT77i-D24AHeNnAzZThTjR6fTgHdThYadarv5iBL6rvPEXa9-FZpnpPXTsFJQdFGoVk1Af_cK76uk5Tlkc-xFCmAYmY891pIfskJrsJbeKa6Qy2f0F7_LO9ImfznmB3hRJvUjlBS-JYU-HCJ4-1Ic/w640-h480/GOPR1906.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above a closer look at the south portal of abandoned tunnel 4<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu674jRuXGBZ-mA0ApkMi2TwYI33R1F0dEITH6lRTLNN-R9Ck8fG5Ir93Q380bEokzA-IBS9uX_arETwnvxSx-j3udLWTtdLxwQazTN-_f8_MQ_mRsP01U1_jI-956NswE5Fx10gCKCt7amhKs6oGj_iX0y3QH3-m63GzfxelGJ59k3mCQM2kualBiCIk/s5568/GOPR1907.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu674jRuXGBZ-mA0ApkMi2TwYI33R1F0dEITH6lRTLNN-R9Ck8fG5Ir93Q380bEokzA-IBS9uX_arETwnvxSx-j3udLWTtdLxwQazTN-_f8_MQ_mRsP01U1_jI-956NswE5Fx10gCKCt7amhKs6oGj_iX0y3QH3-m63GzfxelGJ59k3mCQM2kualBiCIk/w640-h480/GOPR1907.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: This tunnel is brick lined at its entrance and throughout much of it. Perhaps the rock was softer and not to be trusted. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUA-Gsw1U-NxXlCXPHTcof023kpzS-9muf3CihVvMBBdJg3vdCtXA-Zprp3s7xorCKXsPjsPBzLTLES_pIAE0bI085xvArA9Ch-U4NvIXri0fpVb4X11yyxNwmTAHd-urC5tDHxl0sAobkX6DvylOdZYhsm00ldbbQ0uNPjaH9ZODth_X5hfle6E4V9Ic/s5568/GOPR1908.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUA-Gsw1U-NxXlCXPHTcof023kpzS-9muf3CihVvMBBdJg3vdCtXA-Zprp3s7xorCKXsPjsPBzLTLES_pIAE0bI085xvArA9Ch-U4NvIXri0fpVb4X11yyxNwmTAHd-urC5tDHxl0sAobkX6DvylOdZYhsm00ldbbQ0uNPjaH9ZODth_X5hfle6E4V9Ic/w640-h480/GOPR1908.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: Looking back at the north portal of tunnel 4 also brick lined <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbO87FRzSVD7auR8ovPI05FZCeSighPql0-3t0x8DrNQxcfQ5Va1JgE6ep0cZf28dWgWvHxMsVanchVfrGobTjuh_xNjal9QUkZB7PoOewh9EOUW79e4W0xl7IDzsNLC6mxO3oMF_jo4gJDFJKfc4ZntKEfWDlaTfQ1lPmTLPNsbXwUL7QaK6WjudWNhQ/s5568/GOPR1913.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbO87FRzSVD7auR8ovPI05FZCeSighPql0-3t0x8DrNQxcfQ5Va1JgE6ep0cZf28dWgWvHxMsVanchVfrGobTjuh_xNjal9QUkZB7PoOewh9EOUW79e4W0xl7IDzsNLC6mxO3oMF_jo4gJDFJKfc4ZntKEfWDlaTfQ1lPmTLPNsbXwUL7QaK6WjudWNhQ/w640-h480/GOPR1913.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: I think this was tunnel 2 but I"m not 100% sure. This is the south portal for sure <div>Below: a closer look at this tunnel entrance. Another blasted through solid rock. It looks tiny like no train could ever possibly go through there, but once again looks are deceiving. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmNvuVjDcnCf9Lwdv68dXPG2Hc3M0ZHm0f5PfjuBXS1eW4T5za38GYUydf-0tRoDfCCJT31FFqFUAP8dzxF_3Sqzjune6stBbFqRhHB-lFoI03fVIXBuU9aDkTXyHzXfXzE3ZczcyzPCjGmUk9FND_ZC6sE3B2xLTrK807Jlk3Ej56nVxjEflAuVtb19k/s5568/GOPR1915.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmNvuVjDcnCf9Lwdv68dXPG2Hc3M0ZHm0f5PfjuBXS1eW4T5za38GYUydf-0tRoDfCCJT31FFqFUAP8dzxF_3Sqzjune6stBbFqRhHB-lFoI03fVIXBuU9aDkTXyHzXfXzE3ZczcyzPCjGmUk9FND_ZC6sE3B2xLTrK807Jlk3Ej56nVxjEflAuVtb19k/w640-h480/GOPR1915.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Below: looking out of the tunnel northward in Tunnel 3 you can see three portals from this view. If you click the photo it enlarges to full size giving you a better idea what it looks like and the detail.<p></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKONeAoQ-anwIZNhvAV_AMrL0V1ezUnPNvi4H4dOwFT8qDKhgbL_v70ePFcghUIZ-TxmOfGmvSjaHeu38qMuOKMnyk1a1F3bws3m79I2egXNg4DU-lljTNDtmVSTcyZ2E31-GFSHD36P9LK_V26s79MCMH6vH3B4FGhJ5WCZALBfbGTA_SA-o_ySO5CnI/s3456/IMG_6612.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKONeAoQ-anwIZNhvAV_AMrL0V1ezUnPNvi4H4dOwFT8qDKhgbL_v70ePFcghUIZ-TxmOfGmvSjaHeu38qMuOKMnyk1a1F3bws3m79I2egXNg4DU-lljTNDtmVSTcyZ2E31-GFSHD36P9LK_V26s79MCMH6vH3B4FGhJ5WCZALBfbGTA_SA-o_ySO5CnI/w640-h426/IMG_6612.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>Below: south portal of tunnel 3.. this was the one with the blown out western wall . Steel I beams had been placed to shore it up where it was collapsing. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpx_sYgafqNQ1xoPzJokoQnRoQaaejZQxU6qsERN9o-ttQrIX6wOO1eHvBLH5U0F-KC1Ig1yEY6gIXR7at_nBjqvn2tTsqWjU1JgBmvPvbiN8AZ7LqhKLWs7Gb5-UYIeGaDk6Qfy5vpRCCZTRaZayTMWyvbv5ffZH8waDc9nAbSzpNXAp4R5uCEkkG-dU/s3456/IMG_6620.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpx_sYgafqNQ1xoPzJokoQnRoQaaejZQxU6qsERN9o-ttQrIX6wOO1eHvBLH5U0F-KC1Ig1yEY6gIXR7at_nBjqvn2tTsqWjU1JgBmvPvbiN8AZ7LqhKLWs7Gb5-UYIeGaDk6Qfy5vpRCCZTRaZayTMWyvbv5ffZH8waDc9nAbSzpNXAp4R5uCEkkG-dU/w640-h426/IMG_6620.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>Below: one of the differences we noticed was tunnel 2... the next to last one was the only one which had wall pockets to give a person a place to stand safely out of the way of the train in the tunnel! It reminds me of something in the London underground or Edinboro Scotland. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixqQr2Z1m6_GoRl9FNhGsuhqP9OrPX0e5-UPpLC2VX349Ipxy7DFgGHoAjinxmZ70EUqzl6Zt5CHB4rcDdTqurdNXNDRfO4Af44QCWYEcvP-b5I2d_44jUmQ-ycvjTBrnzG94ktJkwN5loIaEUPhMv900DfTM6PJbtiL3bR29ZMDNbjOYgjdKwB-vEwlA/s5568/GOPR1925.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5568" data-original-width="4176" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixqQr2Z1m6_GoRl9FNhGsuhqP9OrPX0e5-UPpLC2VX349Ipxy7DFgGHoAjinxmZ70EUqzl6Zt5CHB4rcDdTqurdNXNDRfO4Af44QCWYEcvP-b5I2d_44jUmQ-ycvjTBrnzG94ktJkwN5loIaEUPhMv900DfTM6PJbtiL3bR29ZMDNbjOYgjdKwB-vEwlA/w480-h640/GOPR1925.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVDzHos7fWUDzoqxNp-uZHHfophtByU6_lMVEkrKWP0aMbTYszzePNZNGrLjC_dy91rUK3whIHBSDQXZGaOGXU-5IOnstPzgy-LnrezhBlq3233-mA_nPtI5FvFvxtf9bUz6RgyC1eDJZHtRsnAPjN4S2z04txUOKEziiad-WaciuKmr9g2-Hf8QnPM8Q/s5568/GOPR1920.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVDzHos7fWUDzoqxNp-uZHHfophtByU6_lMVEkrKWP0aMbTYszzePNZNGrLjC_dy91rUK3whIHBSDQXZGaOGXU-5IOnstPzgy-LnrezhBlq3233-mA_nPtI5FvFvxtf9bUz6RgyC1eDJZHtRsnAPjN4S2z04txUOKEziiad-WaciuKmr9g2-Hf8QnPM8Q/w640-h480/GOPR1920.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Tunnel 1 south portal. final one. It is shorter than some of the others and also brick lined. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1bDcs0vBGx9IkLy22OOIfa4rU3g1isveaTxs58RUuJ1gxS5zLfhvFqc6P6ah0GhOdCKr5fyZhdCNVX40fYn4MC4jX9EoV7YBgdubeucjwqpa0OvECmwzM8BnsnlR0PcDXo9E6z24GIJj8QxfCkfHb9_yN5vMfKXmG776TagoS4Vh1nfo5yJAvH5-L-Tc/s5568/GOPR1921.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1bDcs0vBGx9IkLy22OOIfa4rU3g1isveaTxs58RUuJ1gxS5zLfhvFqc6P6ah0GhOdCKr5fyZhdCNVX40fYn4MC4jX9EoV7YBgdubeucjwqpa0OvECmwzM8BnsnlR0PcDXo9E6z24GIJj8QxfCkfHb9_yN5vMfKXmG776TagoS4Vh1nfo5yJAvH5-L-Tc/w640-h480/GOPR1921.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: Looking back at the north portal of tunnel 2<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6dDNPSSXYFQIp-xlJ7oNGf4o1FJMCQeZkDozjHQkx7qla9N3yVUVgBs5YERv4vvoMDUoTX0l-ezougX5T0SzjOYluBDQT8pUtW7lGQnvlKS9xWPMcnroRqPGZ8eWbs01MknwQelFMNhyphenhyphenihoKwjuuBI2_6dzgBSe5hhYBgHwJpIOqweU-ZqiGzc2cRtX4/s5568/GOPR1923.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5568" data-original-width="4176" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6dDNPSSXYFQIp-xlJ7oNGf4o1FJMCQeZkDozjHQkx7qla9N3yVUVgBs5YERv4vvoMDUoTX0l-ezougX5T0SzjOYluBDQT8pUtW7lGQnvlKS9xWPMcnroRqPGZ8eWbs01MknwQelFMNhyphenhyphenihoKwjuuBI2_6dzgBSe5hhYBgHwJpIOqweU-ZqiGzc2cRtX4/w480-h640/GOPR1923.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Above: The first little wall alcove we encountered. Just room for a man to get out of the way of the tracks. </div><br /><div><br /></div><div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF92VxHjbTm034lPeah-sxyCtZpIjO3DlitH6alSxa2joYD7GT-LMQ-OwyrwPAgQQ_9bkFAq37CIIj5iCEaVlKgfMuS0-Q64Djs4Zq3tJiPD04DXJ6aRgX4oU3i2Ae9DWgRpCN9emF5sprQ9dPjde-lzGc7pLvk4x1q0xoa6qXmR2XHxW31_LVE5IEMwg/s3456/IMG_6637.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF92VxHjbTm034lPeah-sxyCtZpIjO3DlitH6alSxa2joYD7GT-LMQ-OwyrwPAgQQ_9bkFAq37CIIj5iCEaVlKgfMuS0-Q64Djs4Zq3tJiPD04DXJ6aRgX4oU3i2Ae9DWgRpCN9emF5sprQ9dPjde-lzGc7pLvk4x1q0xoa6qXmR2XHxW31_LVE5IEMwg/w640-h426/IMG_6637.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: Kenny emerging from the north portal of tunnel 1<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxRPA3u6CQl8exgSO6M9dyy5TP4QGhJ7JqTX397JWeP-2C1ozJ-QjJpnSXOr5o4LAeFAd8ZPAgWA_9rTKpVSgdyIH1otHJDtYcpWJUkOaOTNb68c_6BBteYXOH2zngNoHdKN-aiMr6ij7Cwd03kZOoLjLzvb09_7TXyiM27GRqcK-RvsMdxU_Tewi6wzE/s3456/IMG_6632.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxRPA3u6CQl8exgSO6M9dyy5TP4QGhJ7JqTX397JWeP-2C1ozJ-QjJpnSXOr5o4LAeFAd8ZPAgWA_9rTKpVSgdyIH1otHJDtYcpWJUkOaOTNb68c_6BBteYXOH2zngNoHdKN-aiMr6ij7Cwd03kZOoLjLzvb09_7TXyiM27GRqcK-RvsMdxU_Tewi6wzE/w640-h426/IMG_6632.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: Looking back through tunnel 1 brick lined, shorter, and you can see the portal of 2 <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> We had erratic weather on this trek. The sleet stopped and started a couple times. In the video I am posting that gives the highlights of the five tunnels you can see a white out where the sleet is coming down so hard! It was a good way to spend a day. We had a lot of satisfaction in finding these cool structures and soaking up some history. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> I had gotten all healed up from my bad knees before Christmas. I got sick with a sinus infection and sore throat. The doc put me on antibiotics and prednisone. I got over that and thankfully was done the course of meloxicam for my knees. It was no time until the effects of the meloxicam wore off and the knee problems returned. Today on the return hike I was limping pretty badly. My knees were swollen, bruised,painful and I was having a lot of difficulty putting weight on them or bending the left knee. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> I made it back to the jeep and getting off them helped. I dozed part of the way home which helped me to get away from the pain for awhile. I dutifully iced my knees down as ordered by the doctor.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I restarted my meloxicam. I also started raw turmeric root the very next day. It was not as bad as I imagined and seemed a lot more effective than the powdered stuff. I am now able to put weight on my knees and bend the left one a lot more. I'm waiting on an orthopedic consult to get established with that specialist. My New Year in 2024 is not off to the 100% positive start, but I feel sure I'll get better.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Aside from the knee trouble the trip was great! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Below is a video of the series of five tunnels at Elk Valley.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /></div><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8AiRpSUZ5L4" title="Elk Valley Abandoned Railroad Tunnels" width="670"></iframe>Dana Kooglerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05415223619811093720noreply@blogger.com0Caryville, TN, USA36.2994159 -84.22303697.9891820638211541 -119.3792869 64.609649736178852 -49.0667869tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626760878352814160.post-91877851991050224572024-01-09T17:15:00.004-05:002024-01-09T17:19:54.040-05:00 Country Store Blog Series: Yoder's Country Market<p> </p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration-line: underline;"><br /></span></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u> Country Store Blog Series: Yoder's Country Market,Country</u></b></div></b></h2><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Saturday 1/6/24</b></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/yoderscountrymarketbullsgap/" target="_blank"><b>Yoder's Country Market </b></a></p><p><br /></p><p> I'm trying to resume some of the fun, popular blog series I had been doing. We had an opportunity to go to the Yoder's Country Market for a first visit this past Saturday. My daughter needed to purchase new living room furniture. We took her to<a href="https://www.facebook.com/bullsgapproducemarket/" target="_blank"> Bull's Gap Furniture</a> which is next door to Yoder's. She got a sofa, love seat, and two recliners by Ashley Furniture at outlet prices! She got four pieces of brand new, in the box furniture for what she planned to pay for two pieces! Way worth the trip. Into the bargain we got to visit Yoder's to eat lunch and shop! </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> Below: Pulling up out front of the store on a Saturday. It was busy! </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfIEiMULzAECMNNy0cQnJDdgDeYaWHEsHgSIfu3xbaleIrLwonLtBTpEbsWPqX6iLnHFIE33HnGrf_7WYCBHSb5LoXQPHgi2CzqNqJS9WO-dmOKzP3fdooWMC5sCX5zcXxaksmAdpQQvyzzUWlx_odzqj9eny9a9Dz4Jiqi2mJbs5T4W6PtHHiqy_IR4Q/s2048/416703310_7790195781010523_557267668015954273_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfIEiMULzAECMNNy0cQnJDdgDeYaWHEsHgSIfu3xbaleIrLwonLtBTpEbsWPqX6iLnHFIE33HnGrf_7WYCBHSb5LoXQPHgi2CzqNqJS9WO-dmOKzP3fdooWMC5sCX5zcXxaksmAdpQQvyzzUWlx_odzqj9eny9a9Dz4Jiqi2mJbs5T4W6PtHHiqy_IR4Q/w640-h480/416703310_7790195781010523_557267668015954273_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p> I don't mind taking photos in a business. I've done it many times. I don't like taking photos and getting wrapped up in picture taking when people are trying to navigate. It is rude so I kept a low profile and was considerate and used my cell phone for convenience. </p><p><br /></p><p> Below: The line for ordering food at their deli. We arrived right at lunch time and were all hungry. I gave my order to Kenny and got out of line to make the process a little shorter. They have you write down your order to put your sandwich together on an easy order form they have at the counter. You get the bread choice, and toppings and fixings you want. I love pimento cheese so that's what I ordered. I don't often have it since it isn't always good. Theirs was homemade and yummy! On whole wheat bread. Kenny had a barbecue. Crystal had chicken salad. I am not sure what the kids ordered. </p><p>It was all tasty and we got served quickly. You pay for your food at the register at the front of the store. This gives you a chance to finish shopping and get your drink of choice or chips and dessert. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheJA-FXhq15c27mw_MW0L7QggS1-acfGLNxX8NMlEJAJMc0lXHOJ9RVsuwPYZo2Zov2_z_jcmWxP5f2uA9GGMRzowGID_-N_eY4LcTQuq70pDuf4JtHbBSxL3sUs_NiHPZOddF8OSz-g-EULuA99I5-mtgZIPdtWh8NEdDSPsCCbV__i6X1jwxZ2wTet4/s1080/416710734_7790190357677732_3576499166848098464_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheJA-FXhq15c27mw_MW0L7QggS1-acfGLNxX8NMlEJAJMc0lXHOJ9RVsuwPYZo2Zov2_z_jcmWxP5f2uA9GGMRzowGID_-N_eY4LcTQuq70pDuf4JtHbBSxL3sUs_NiHPZOddF8OSz-g-EULuA99I5-mtgZIPdtWh8NEdDSPsCCbV__i6X1jwxZ2wTet4/w640-h640/416710734_7790190357677732_3576499166848098464_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGb3JB5p7Wj99ibiwZep63-MmzgCNfFQuMyuULecRWpjEZW77Ys5M_7uKJpEZa4suz_zzYLhtbveNDnhpK18p7gOTjd2hb1WqQN1EeEkITvA80fOMQsmknkW32C4Lkdd3oop3dSgDjK4W0Kdf5cJcQlPFcI9nc37J2oV6G_GqfngyzducUR1zISbKTiAQ/s1080/416721106_7790190427677725_1043306379690663066_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGb3JB5p7Wj99ibiwZep63-MmzgCNfFQuMyuULecRWpjEZW77Ys5M_7uKJpEZa4suz_zzYLhtbveNDnhpK18p7gOTjd2hb1WqQN1EeEkITvA80fOMQsmknkW32C4Lkdd3oop3dSgDjK4W0Kdf5cJcQlPFcI9nc37J2oV6G_GqfngyzducUR1zISbKTiAQ/w640-h640/416721106_7790190427677725_1043306379690663066_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEZlzZbvX-7hSZEiqXH0CYNgMEiB7C1o9kpOWAh9NUj2PkbsG5fWUD2TzhkgSVbZdDMH56yX2tvEI8Zv8lPAh0x-ewPp8tXgJWo9w3_yKY37FxoOngVHh9tm0g77ixSXjrylUqYKIaTS8hkZn4af3ic3EEKzlfJjU2GsdfH_kglPAnW1WSrXjdhMCn8QE/s2048/416703034_7790223474341087_8876073920857881627_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEZlzZbvX-7hSZEiqXH0CYNgMEiB7C1o9kpOWAh9NUj2PkbsG5fWUD2TzhkgSVbZdDMH56yX2tvEI8Zv8lPAh0x-ewPp8tXgJWo9w3_yKY37FxoOngVHh9tm0g77ixSXjrylUqYKIaTS8hkZn4af3ic3EEKzlfJjU2GsdfH_kglPAnW1WSrXjdhMCn8QE/w640-h480/416703034_7790223474341087_8876073920857881627_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi22pBKqRGif4cqM-JlWA_hyphenhyphensbMTwo-HiMv0QgFREY8slqpM82us-sniiwSOFRNX9eabD11Q7igb7mFqtQgxvNNwfHXmvRK25aSrFm6iM4YP-udKu5n6ZgNr1DDJ5ISGsCdUZOVXkWl5rCl2E0lEa4ERhfZRXd5AOoii9zbeeDYNfySmUhPGUmFgc6QvWQ/s2048/416709402_7790202867676481_2489971418448224566_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi22pBKqRGif4cqM-JlWA_hyphenhyphensbMTwo-HiMv0QgFREY8slqpM82us-sniiwSOFRNX9eabD11Q7igb7mFqtQgxvNNwfHXmvRK25aSrFm6iM4YP-udKu5n6ZgNr1DDJ5ISGsCdUZOVXkWl5rCl2E0lEa4ERhfZRXd5AOoii9zbeeDYNfySmUhPGUmFgc6QvWQ/w640-h480/416709402_7790202867676481_2489971418448224566_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeR4_Jxp4t19QZhMfUdjlQbkDe3GmEOpMQerHo6Sr8lils-arLjL7z2tXVD9wLE3TjoLaBECJlNoaM7JUSA0gZahCptqZ3t7wgRV_WLAl_N-KzRbOMJejuKJCY-uaMyLxV4UwynF1Jh2alxBCDkhdZifoOHz3-pZ9aQ8aETZbM5TGOYoKmxQpELpw_N94/s2048/417181485_7790222271007874_7058104443225673127_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeR4_Jxp4t19QZhMfUdjlQbkDe3GmEOpMQerHo6Sr8lils-arLjL7z2tXVD9wLE3TjoLaBECJlNoaM7JUSA0gZahCptqZ3t7wgRV_WLAl_N-KzRbOMJejuKJCY-uaMyLxV4UwynF1Jh2alxBCDkhdZifoOHz3-pZ9aQ8aETZbM5TGOYoKmxQpELpw_N94/w640-h480/417181485_7790222271007874_7058104443225673127_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Above are their menu boards to give you an idea of what the choices are and pricing. </p><p><br /></p><p> The desserts are pre-packaged in plastic go containers. Cutlery, napkins, straws, seasonings are all located at the front of the store near the door. No place indoors to eat, but they have a covered porch with tables. It was chilly and drizzling rain, but that didn't stop us. We were prepared! </p><p><br /></p><p> Yoder's staff were friendly, professional and quick. My granddaughter bought a bottled Sprite with the old fashioned pop top. I took it back in to the register for help and they had a bottle opener at the ready. They carry sodas made with old fashioned cane sugar instead of corn syrup. This is excellent because Tessa has corn syrup as a food intolerance. She tries to avoid it, and it is hard because it is in so many things. </p><p><br /></p><p> I was impressed at the size of this country market and the huge selection of items they carry.</p><p>Fresh local produce, eggs, meats, and dairy. All non GMO and organic. Lots of treats as well as healthy options. I was spoiled to going to The Cheese Shop in Stuarts Draft, Virginia run by the Beiler Family. I have missed it since moving to Tennessee. Now I have found an alternative! </p><p> I used to buy stuff in bulk living way out in the country on our farm. I haven't done as much of that in Tennessee because I don't live on a farm anymore. I am close to stores now instead of 25 miles out in the boonies! I remembered the way I used to do things. I think it might be good to get back to some of that. Just because I am handy to the store doesn't mean I should give up on that way of life completely. </p><p><br /></p><p> Below are the photos I snapped while we were outside eating lunch. It delighted me to hear my grandchildren exclaiming how good everything was and how this was a new favorite spot! Telling us we'd have to come back again! They wanted to be caught up to speed on the Amish and Mennonite way of life. It was a good opportunity to talk to them about this. The Koogler family in Virginia had quite a few Amish and Mennonites in their ranks. They couldn't have been that way always because they were Hessians. They were mercenary gun smiths and munitions makers thus kügle... round balls... of shot or lead... bullets! They came to North America with the British army as their helpers. </p><p><br /></p><p>Below: eating outside on the tables with our lunch and purchases made. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2w82PsHflccX_pLhA8DOGQFEum5SEYRLG3u35V58IOglzomJG7TB15gvskkN7djhgKcGTXWOJhyphenhyphenMI5pg7QkcX9jDkazGhw18mQYcZO8v-WGOwy310RbiUgUmEAP-VN5Sbu_vZwM9PlgKTT5r6Y-knqfP7zn2ZO__CK5XxIC0hucvhI9TC2oVjTyBXtV4/s1080/417173023_7790189991011102_7462349965342131302_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2w82PsHflccX_pLhA8DOGQFEum5SEYRLG3u35V58IOglzomJG7TB15gvskkN7djhgKcGTXWOJhyphenhyphenMI5pg7QkcX9jDkazGhw18mQYcZO8v-WGOwy310RbiUgUmEAP-VN5Sbu_vZwM9PlgKTT5r6Y-knqfP7zn2ZO__CK5XxIC0hucvhI9TC2oVjTyBXtV4/w640-h640/417173023_7790189991011102_7462349965342131302_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5q8ahDFTgKYluwjQLB-f1yxNgd6tOBpKb0seX9HTDMQpohou43hfuaKM8zC2w0wIanpiFw42VuLdIKyfT_chNl1Zv1i4kQWE0H99XvIhWQmP7MQiXKw_20MAGV74xyBgH2M-UJNFgpGzCsIeM-UhoIT1eQxJkbf91zuAYHovPlndp3PFKcDB31RoCuVs/s2048/417179116_7790196524343782_6772866126128466753_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5q8ahDFTgKYluwjQLB-f1yxNgd6tOBpKb0seX9HTDMQpohou43hfuaKM8zC2w0wIanpiFw42VuLdIKyfT_chNl1Zv1i4kQWE0H99XvIhWQmP7MQiXKw_20MAGV74xyBgH2M-UJNFgpGzCsIeM-UhoIT1eQxJkbf91zuAYHovPlndp3PFKcDB31RoCuVs/w640-h480/417179116_7790196524343782_6772866126128466753_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpB9PdWXuozLkNBSTmMxImKbgOgUxnO9TMEE8iBFmGakIjHPCabWuqTeaG071FycVSoBmMZ_Fjs08STNAgSRG8CfpqNunpiCz6r859MyFQAOajVNebnXMA7VS6Hd79q6Jnpcfk1MelQv5tqSU4ky8G63zoiGjFQ-c_zJ8hhjwPZgI6nRsZlOiECkIhuRo/s2048/417574807_7790196681010433_2891324721698236396_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpB9PdWXuozLkNBSTmMxImKbgOgUxnO9TMEE8iBFmGakIjHPCabWuqTeaG071FycVSoBmMZ_Fjs08STNAgSRG8CfpqNunpiCz6r859MyFQAOajVNebnXMA7VS6Hd79q6Jnpcfk1MelQv5tqSU4ky8G63zoiGjFQ-c_zJ8hhjwPZgI6nRsZlOiECkIhuRo/w640-h480/417574807_7790196681010433_2891324721698236396_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Kenny's people were taken as POWs after the Revolutionary War and imprisoned for three years or so.</p><p>Once they had served their time in Greeneville, Virginia they were given the option to return to Germany or stay in the newly formed United States. Several thousand Germans including the Koogler's stayed. They avoided being involved in Nazi Germany. I am not sure how some came to be Mennonites or Amish, but at some point they did. Kenny's family was Presbyterian since his father was half Scottish and half German. The kids got a history lesson.</p><p> Back when I was a kid we were good friends with a big Mennonite family who we camped with on weekends. We went swimming, had pot lucks, camp fires, and hymn sings and music on Saturday nights. Sunday's we'd get up and go to church services. Sometimes to the Mennonite church. Sometimes our Baptist church. Sometimes both! Very cool people who are fun, but love the Lord!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Below are some photos of the types of various merchandise they carry in store. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They have every sort of spice or season you'd ever want and they have great prices and you can buy in bulk if you want. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYQkU6TCXne4L7P_XPcR-e6Esa94yLGhqr2Q67SwhWKU0lUyQnlN-LpqdmplYFAzz4hxkNnCsIE1pVz8NyWGWFzcklQbQvoTxF_tZDeL75nGEDDD_DYRZPRlBrIh9ULOEMEIhBuPgeekL7frNatQYhANcrqo0fpivDN9OAFI5c3FHhjJPFu04-AE7Q_4U/s2048/416710909_7790199697676798_3290945105548329107_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYQkU6TCXne4L7P_XPcR-e6Esa94yLGhqr2Q67SwhWKU0lUyQnlN-LpqdmplYFAzz4hxkNnCsIE1pVz8NyWGWFzcklQbQvoTxF_tZDeL75nGEDDD_DYRZPRlBrIh9ULOEMEIhBuPgeekL7frNatQYhANcrqo0fpivDN9OAFI5c3FHhjJPFu04-AE7Q_4U/w640-h480/416710909_7790199697676798_3290945105548329107_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiksvMvxp4JtUcBI8eHstzx6GGKV6QS2uFEnzoDBQEbrRdCTfDiyGsODbBS8IK6CX0qUuITUSUwKrmqJJocmtBH4fVNohBQPFeIjCZYSuCc7fJ961X9f1HfX4TgukyCOlpTGV9NKCqKULTzA5tKdOR4-O0rbNFNCzptqudkjxCDeUiTsJtHB0fRZzxJRg/s2048/416714637_7790199224343512_7926234744381127634_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiksvMvxp4JtUcBI8eHstzx6GGKV6QS2uFEnzoDBQEbrRdCTfDiyGsODbBS8IK6CX0qUuITUSUwKrmqJJocmtBH4fVNohBQPFeIjCZYSuCc7fJ961X9f1HfX4TgukyCOlpTGV9NKCqKULTzA5tKdOR4-O0rbNFNCzptqudkjxCDeUiTsJtHB0fRZzxJRg/w640-h480/416714637_7790199224343512_7926234744381127634_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Above: They sell culinary items for baking, cake decorating and every sort of cooking and food prep. <div>I was able to replace a wire mesh strainer of mine that went missing. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjytmNTy50b71Q8AXPBFMND34GxhWUbLHNHlVu0LWr-iLadfIprH4fJY-lmgOpQh5P9UT2jIwV22IjNMQ8jYhb7UkJ3YM1PFgZMZGSW21Jo_zsoEnImRZ-K6KrfPy_A-eoiPZBsAS6Pb1Tnx-e-IFqtpxUfsFG_-gDDNdOFBWPrHoSzN_nEH_znxwrQcWg/s2048/416721114_7790197431010358_1788485772495423840_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjytmNTy50b71Q8AXPBFMND34GxhWUbLHNHlVu0LWr-iLadfIprH4fJY-lmgOpQh5P9UT2jIwV22IjNMQ8jYhb7UkJ3YM1PFgZMZGSW21Jo_zsoEnImRZ-K6KrfPy_A-eoiPZBsAS6Pb1Tnx-e-IFqtpxUfsFG_-gDDNdOFBWPrHoSzN_nEH_znxwrQcWg/w640-h480/416721114_7790197431010358_1788485772495423840_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Above: looking down the aisles at all the goodies and shoppers. </div><div>Below: They sell Kunzler Bacon which I bought. I am not as fond of Benton's Bacon as it is a little too smoky to suit our family. Kunzler is milder. They sell corn meal mush, scrapple, sausage, ham, hog jowl, braunschweiger, liverwurst, brats. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhHMVbYRuoyq5UqPp_PZ16CD4a_lu0tjjefYzBXDiENCGWIh6rGyj0_ITeEw3HaDtQCDIHgvY67iYyjLL7cIPOFQ_pvk6rIHzxI0LAdcfvNSbMrQ2Uu0gzHVbAXuhjrzVxVMpvc8UKTqUo__9PAzPmBVUoIEmE1HH0EdHYnNw8aTKxXZW5Dwk0Cq4U7CY/s1080/416746050_7790190274344407_8872199527954167500_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhHMVbYRuoyq5UqPp_PZ16CD4a_lu0tjjefYzBXDiENCGWIh6rGyj0_ITeEw3HaDtQCDIHgvY67iYyjLL7cIPOFQ_pvk6rIHzxI0LAdcfvNSbMrQ2Uu0gzHVbAXuhjrzVxVMpvc8UKTqUo__9PAzPmBVUoIEmE1HH0EdHYnNw8aTKxXZW5Dwk0Cq4U7CY/w640-h640/416746050_7790190274344407_8872199527954167500_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbNx1I3Gyf5h8P3KX3hFhL-ghB9tg5Qu929wxLm8-kjLVglHxjPlW6lLGJhPZ_P9A8kLDKbLIXwRaRieco3xd0T4Z8oNymYMe_Ar7tIw1MtKU8D-42kmy2M8gsLcQKJn3q9Q-pXAjVDLWSelcb1thThOTD0PUNKqXOVHSZKpkoHVz9El6UrZ00f5k-3HA/s2048/416756563_7790199857676782_5247451902936417409_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbNx1I3Gyf5h8P3KX3hFhL-ghB9tg5Qu929wxLm8-kjLVglHxjPlW6lLGJhPZ_P9A8kLDKbLIXwRaRieco3xd0T4Z8oNymYMe_Ar7tIw1MtKU8D-42kmy2M8gsLcQKJn3q9Q-pXAjVDLWSelcb1thThOTD0PUNKqXOVHSZKpkoHVz9El6UrZ00f5k-3HA/w640-h480/416756563_7790199857676782_5247451902936417409_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Above: bulk sized spices of every type. I need to give some of these a try! <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicHvBJ1ij4wxw_KgyulLVUxw8yzuNw9mGUWS3lQxRSae44YQ5SCbUfVvIdPTLPYeUkUTKs2r-nzO2rt_gqRxL6_16omd0D2uCzKMDp_ZaFwCpMHUYCeTV5coAs4W2CAviAC1d3xnPDI1434x0hGmj_tVa1hbWGuKn_j0_rhWrAaXIjCPovXSubizteJjk/s1080/416881880_7782943571735744_5212407567226665374_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicHvBJ1ij4wxw_KgyulLVUxw8yzuNw9mGUWS3lQxRSae44YQ5SCbUfVvIdPTLPYeUkUTKs2r-nzO2rt_gqRxL6_16omd0D2uCzKMDp_ZaFwCpMHUYCeTV5coAs4W2CAviAC1d3xnPDI1434x0hGmj_tVa1hbWGuKn_j0_rhWrAaXIjCPovXSubizteJjk/w640-h640/416881880_7782943571735744_5212407567226665374_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Above: A good shot of the wide aisles and one of the few shots that wasn't jammed with people! This is a popular place!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFZqxvV9Ccavp68kKEpQc5_eybhZSzCxGiG3nvJ9cg02B7G-Lg-2exo3jnZKmfXZwtF0RojTvbkC-oTm0r7GJLiMDbTYuxO8NaP3AJY2ZerQW7rGWrWLO6mZiFMhs8uoOKe0XUiQ_SEF7VhYbEViGLw5kLX5Mzl6ByCbuNr4OUDQPeAsCF7ZcUN5GjVIc/s1080/416898094_7782943618402406_3961366138009984315_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFZqxvV9Ccavp68kKEpQc5_eybhZSzCxGiG3nvJ9cg02B7G-Lg-2exo3jnZKmfXZwtF0RojTvbkC-oTm0r7GJLiMDbTYuxO8NaP3AJY2ZerQW7rGWrWLO6mZiFMhs8uoOKe0XUiQ_SEF7VhYbEViGLw5kLX5Mzl6ByCbuNr4OUDQPeAsCF7ZcUN5GjVIc/w640-h640/416898094_7782943618402406_3961366138009984315_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Above: All sorts of wonderful candles. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRcKBG0jzthSFKHeW3sJOFbvRr2Io-dWzvaOt8ZrNlyEdEukwfnLmAm4gy03yfk67DTDS2K6mVw3s3i8S6TB_XIgqnJW10nwdRmdE6LM5xZ-fQtiW0CrW_S8m_ReHOf-uK7Nbmpl0Xt5i4B0hyM8-gaaftTimWh0J8F8ptXprYK9_UnyzS1xx4phM5sDk/s2048/417173938_7790197731010328_3884389147064817183_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRcKBG0jzthSFKHeW3sJOFbvRr2Io-dWzvaOt8ZrNlyEdEukwfnLmAm4gy03yfk67DTDS2K6mVw3s3i8S6TB_XIgqnJW10nwdRmdE6LM5xZ-fQtiW0CrW_S8m_ReHOf-uK7Nbmpl0Xt5i4B0hyM8-gaaftTimWh0J8F8ptXprYK9_UnyzS1xx4phM5sDk/w640-h480/417173938_7790197731010328_3884389147064817183_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Above: Mark downs on Christmas candy</div><div>Below: Some of the various neat toys they sell. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBt3zZ7TIRAI4_biqviAiUBUIqVg-yG3a4KDGrPER4bEv04mOFoeawYPYgFTbNl9ka2x2M3ZoQI9sWXkXTXb0qRgsmh5s3gkdtYAM2IFCfC75i7ryVdvmzj-tXyKc2Lmj2f4G981_istO-1avAm4bc4-ye8WanFMiAk5NRcHpWtY3yj8jZXnj73AkwGks/s2048/417174316_7790198954343539_6662115403468258893_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBt3zZ7TIRAI4_biqviAiUBUIqVg-yG3a4KDGrPER4bEv04mOFoeawYPYgFTbNl9ka2x2M3ZoQI9sWXkXTXb0qRgsmh5s3gkdtYAM2IFCfC75i7ryVdvmzj-tXyKc2Lmj2f4G981_istO-1avAm4bc4-ye8WanFMiAk5NRcHpWtY3yj8jZXnj73AkwGks/w480-h640/417174316_7790198954343539_6662115403468258893_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>Below: They carry Downey's honey butter and Amish butter rolls salted and unsalted<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivazEKhfVtZtRCORdQZfwBK0bloWhiASD3VJCEV1Kg9qdyKEmzQU0VuRo206CdC-yEroB_UweekuHX8AhlsvVdh-5x1s1sfIsWYY1EO8d8710x8r6Lf3MMoPLR8pkqYmdn9lrQgDzU_xQ6J7V9M8tB2uafDvuDBglFTJZTNqakioHrAEgTeF-cnGqSs3E/s2048/417181413_7790200167676751_9019432050624793533_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivazEKhfVtZtRCORdQZfwBK0bloWhiASD3VJCEV1Kg9qdyKEmzQU0VuRo206CdC-yEroB_UweekuHX8AhlsvVdh-5x1s1sfIsWYY1EO8d8710x8r6Lf3MMoPLR8pkqYmdn9lrQgDzU_xQ6J7V9M8tB2uafDvuDBglFTJZTNqakioHrAEgTeF-cnGqSs3E/w640-h480/417181413_7790200167676751_9019432050624793533_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJyqzTJ1uhQIAIfETo5iX5wo91ptQDV2xpJU5pAoQQtbIcUlGPz5E2_C23guoe8t4nSsDwLp75pVq2lkEt3PSkkRY5ooE2_6yHaKSUf50SN6wzTj7OXuMt08-ZIAHSfERT7ezVx-rrZvhFsAVpDYdoDpLC_gG4YjCRhAiWVpYzn3oFMc44lrAy-lf-F4A/s2048/417182595_7790198704343564_411645528203481943_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJyqzTJ1uhQIAIfETo5iX5wo91ptQDV2xpJU5pAoQQtbIcUlGPz5E2_C23guoe8t4nSsDwLp75pVq2lkEt3PSkkRY5ooE2_6yHaKSUf50SN6wzTj7OXuMt08-ZIAHSfERT7ezVx-rrZvhFsAVpDYdoDpLC_gG4YjCRhAiWVpYzn3oFMc44lrAy-lf-F4A/w640-h480/417182595_7790198704343564_411645528203481943_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Above: a closer shot of the hams. My Daddy still knows how to cure old timey country hams and butcher. It is a dying art I'm afraid. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Below is a rack of some of their fresh baked goods. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrN5FR5St4LzrDsEKPeZwZrDaIlcxML33qtXsYW7mpAWn5sawLfkNS0um8I3Lac6YvOSTnrRI0au_2o06_zmerBYk4eb2rI2FfHnPbPwcR-WolzJOtHZoiz8Lvi3UXC_ScWqBvduWoe78L0d0vVymy_z5JYUWbzEt7o9sSAwhSe2jw5JcFBtNT01HpGF4/s2048/417183239_7790196874343747_6175070108614846655_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrN5FR5St4LzrDsEKPeZwZrDaIlcxML33qtXsYW7mpAWn5sawLfkNS0um8I3Lac6YvOSTnrRI0au_2o06_zmerBYk4eb2rI2FfHnPbPwcR-WolzJOtHZoiz8Lvi3UXC_ScWqBvduWoe78L0d0vVymy_z5JYUWbzEt7o9sSAwhSe2jw5JcFBtNT01HpGF4/w640-h480/417183239_7790196874343747_6175070108614846655_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPEmqUBc3_dDWhW0N3YP52uHX2f-46jmDlz9d4ep0YOUjgBK8Rdegb5zrN56pgTJ2-7eNslxSX6rxT3h7VWGnU_5RqX6L4EnuCn_5s9hHr8FyNIUQpAlZOrV7MGa9O1IoeFz9eDuVraLVp_BDlEdd4qJt3RQ8aSclUHYbtME1mktQyoGXpl9R_E3jojKw/s2048/417187345_7790199114343523_5515977565713313578_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPEmqUBc3_dDWhW0N3YP52uHX2f-46jmDlz9d4ep0YOUjgBK8Rdegb5zrN56pgTJ2-7eNslxSX6rxT3h7VWGnU_5RqX6L4EnuCn_5s9hHr8FyNIUQpAlZOrV7MGa9O1IoeFz9eDuVraLVp_BDlEdd4qJt3RQ8aSclUHYbtME1mktQyoGXpl9R_E3jojKw/w640-h480/417187345_7790199114343523_5515977565713313578_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Above: pottery mugs with Yoder's emblem. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivbUStbXIW6h0q3b_ELgXectZOd-XdfiC29AJNPFjqMrMu7sxvF13hKxKqFKoZLxb9rHmulxGRIlFgUnVF_y0swdCopWePUdqFPREycPe9EMA1VgRsw3HhK-hCVs80gMoE1xh4BYYngX7-GbWOpLII-4QYBJZH1FIbpE_iMR-JURQHeFtWieMuGMBSqLY/s2048/417194879_7790199381010163_8074095435038954648_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivbUStbXIW6h0q3b_ELgXectZOd-XdfiC29AJNPFjqMrMu7sxvF13hKxKqFKoZLxb9rHmulxGRIlFgUnVF_y0swdCopWePUdqFPREycPe9EMA1VgRsw3HhK-hCVs80gMoE1xh4BYYngX7-GbWOpLII-4QYBJZH1FIbpE_iMR-JURQHeFtWieMuGMBSqLY/w640-h480/417194879_7790199381010163_8074095435038954648_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Above: Lodge cast iron cookware and bacon presses</div><div>Below: a huge selection of beverages many of them healthy juices, waters, and tea<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKkWlvkNiVSHqiAzhBpDOuT5WtIUu00s4SrgcH6WScI0z4otIA1UwHCCKwwTVFKjEBsO88aNXvZzVRN57vwIsEeaB8u82JjaqaMvjFrkVMsIF0JhpR5pssLw06gdne4xwlzqWts3PrZX2ldLajYP7KjLgOzKV_cC9wCyv_9r6QE6BIZrW4UMtpXlna0AA/s2048/417240565_7790200797676688_3166148132700704804_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKkWlvkNiVSHqiAzhBpDOuT5WtIUu00s4SrgcH6WScI0z4otIA1UwHCCKwwTVFKjEBsO88aNXvZzVRN57vwIsEeaB8u82JjaqaMvjFrkVMsIF0JhpR5pssLw06gdne4xwlzqWts3PrZX2ldLajYP7KjLgOzKV_cC9wCyv_9r6QE6BIZrW4UMtpXlna0AA/w640-h480/417240565_7790200797676688_3166148132700704804_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Below: The coffee stand at the deli<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf0v03CzXUJTHY47u2iupll71fh0nIKymVH01OJTuKqDx0zB2d9n8jsF8tZKW6hNjBt8FbYIJA96V1NVHU2K_589bJVbQM4OQ34sZSVzMhZaXkEXlDXp70oOJLNFDGQhg7NzsfOxpNIwosqnVMHU-TDfiHSVjQPorXuf-Dicon6AOhCtEMThNjK5tl97A/s2048/417378669_7790197157677052_8374950574562313175_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf0v03CzXUJTHY47u2iupll71fh0nIKymVH01OJTuKqDx0zB2d9n8jsF8tZKW6hNjBt8FbYIJA96V1NVHU2K_589bJVbQM4OQ34sZSVzMhZaXkEXlDXp70oOJLNFDGQhg7NzsfOxpNIwosqnVMHU-TDfiHSVjQPorXuf-Dicon6AOhCtEMThNjK5tl97A/w640-h480/417378669_7790197157677052_8374950574562313175_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeHJkWdnOKX_G-Mx2ZBz1BEkh5ULnsA59DAtHEoMXG63DKwLzfIOWhbVCnEPB5_nX_ZugWp3-qis1_ji3IRy6NC0NP-XqzUcW-QiqWGV2ADIRqOxrJl1bfEYhuvUx7kmW8ab09CBeOUcTe57DKUPDFDd4Lek8qf4ojWcW-Qfkk7msYMsbQy03_xT5UfEs/s2048/417577439_7790202091009892_6874617976811571960_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeHJkWdnOKX_G-Mx2ZBz1BEkh5ULnsA59DAtHEoMXG63DKwLzfIOWhbVCnEPB5_nX_ZugWp3-qis1_ji3IRy6NC0NP-XqzUcW-QiqWGV2ADIRqOxrJl1bfEYhuvUx7kmW8ab09CBeOUcTe57DKUPDFDd4Lek8qf4ojWcW-Qfkk7msYMsbQy03_xT5UfEs/w640-h480/417577439_7790202091009892_6874617976811571960_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Above: another shot of the aisles<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Below: Dried fruits, nuts, veggies dehydrated, popcorn, all healthy options. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMKMR1P6xCa2GSvFRgvLhfAv8xtu44XrO7aV45pgpF-tES6bDuuCGtZirjgIqg26E8lu7lylC_9jzo3-NNhafXwbGMLEY3viN_i7uwjiIMQNlIuNrX0iySaYu_bNHzVFriCwzucs_wdotodkh7l95OcqGqBp5xmSEGoxRaRv6lFmU30B_ueDVm1gLYCPA/s2048/417911599_7790197884343646_4973579300087147032_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMKMR1P6xCa2GSvFRgvLhfAv8xtu44XrO7aV45pgpF-tES6bDuuCGtZirjgIqg26E8lu7lylC_9jzo3-NNhafXwbGMLEY3viN_i7uwjiIMQNlIuNrX0iySaYu_bNHzVFriCwzucs_wdotodkh7l95OcqGqBp5xmSEGoxRaRv6lFmU30B_ueDVm1gLYCPA/w640-h480/417911599_7790197884343646_4973579300087147032_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLqjUfJ19kzaZWL2PrCyKquaeG6eu25xHKwXnzaQi3TOzR5rEaXeMlTA2ZKt-ZG43vOosx-Pv82gjQtD-lIojCvAIWo4kd6pDFfoMvcsgor1bDbTD4nMC7rf8LTtuT4e4_YWWCciPuA2WjeT579TIQUiQfVfJ264uzQxmSUcuxpwpQMXa15ve4cRTjQ9A/s2048/418161172_7790201524343282_1900136769093688378_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLqjUfJ19kzaZWL2PrCyKquaeG6eu25xHKwXnzaQi3TOzR5rEaXeMlTA2ZKt-ZG43vOosx-Pv82gjQtD-lIojCvAIWo4kd6pDFfoMvcsgor1bDbTD4nMC7rf8LTtuT4e4_YWWCciPuA2WjeT579TIQUiQfVfJ264uzQxmSUcuxpwpQMXa15ve4cRTjQ9A/w640-h480/418161172_7790201524343282_1900136769093688378_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Above: bulk dry goods like muffin mixes, flour, corn meal, etc. <br /><p><br /></p><p> </p><p> It was a wonderful way to spend a rainy Saturday. I felt good to be getting back into something I had started some time ago! </p><p><br /></p><p> Last of all I purchased mill ground yellow corn meal.. self rising! It is ground at Linney's Water Mill in North Carolina. I used to get my corn meal and flour at Kennedy Wade's Mill near my house in Virginia. I made soup beans with ham and made from scratch cornbread using my newly purchased corn meal from Yoder's. I baked it in a family hand me down cast iron skillet given me by my Aunt Katie. It turned out perfect! </p><p style="text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCmU5d1wWXm0n467DgE7tuKoBvVYZFuM_Nf8BMqfLr6MVZ7QpW0h6jrUxBlgSInDiHs47J0Krvd58Tc-edzIWV0-yUrcw9GH4bg4GNnoM2j3vhyyzOQHJw8934NykZyD9wuwUsJOOy98LEploqgeJ_Bn5hyphenhyphenp5kGjjkMoQXFMnAtGPz-iNExKv3IJOOpho/s1080/416699437_7790189731011128_5556060673931456014_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCmU5d1wWXm0n467DgE7tuKoBvVYZFuM_Nf8BMqfLr6MVZ7QpW0h6jrUxBlgSInDiHs47J0Krvd58Tc-edzIWV0-yUrcw9GH4bg4GNnoM2j3vhyyzOQHJw8934NykZyD9wuwUsJOOy98LEploqgeJ_Bn5hyphenhyphenp5kGjjkMoQXFMnAtGPz-iNExKv3IJOOpho/w640-h640/416699437_7790189731011128_5556060673931456014_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p> Above: Self rising yellow corn meal</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRg9ba2e13x7WDH3r3PRrQGsVIQy-vjnrJpt-6ppnfoQVafCyz0rl-aunejH85g9b9GCn-NleQsaMJ_UAgzVd0uBsLISgWNh3xcSTQZ5uIOSJfM2xErnDy2ecPMRm9Z7EGn9rqfcs6sknVjMqIwjmEfdce4Ep6pZchqJi1O6ZBtFToUZLIXoJRJitmZ4Y/s1080/418293417_7790189824344452_676058732826269562_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRg9ba2e13x7WDH3r3PRrQGsVIQy-vjnrJpt-6ppnfoQVafCyz0rl-aunejH85g9b9GCn-NleQsaMJ_UAgzVd0uBsLISgWNh3xcSTQZ5uIOSJfM2xErnDy2ecPMRm9Z7EGn9rqfcs6sknVjMqIwjmEfdce4Ep6pZchqJi1O6ZBtFToUZLIXoJRJitmZ4Y/w640-h640/418293417_7790189824344452_676058732826269562_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Above: unbaked corn meal batter in the skillet<p></p><p>Below: The finished corn bread! Golden brown, tender inside, crispy outside.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNZWDzrZsa7fXI_OzT9xdB00Ey9YBN84eTZbEllJ0KGjxhx7TISRbYWRbHoIOgcmPgxGVKhE6oYmvUAL54VL_B4_F1b60TXwmtdilo_DSIjrLXrXrtS3dtOGFtqZzQzfauS8vQgyZhbl3_ga31ba7O1bGEfXhLbYQUr6zDz6zxIFiDQ00Jdh5E1QuOU9Q/s1080/416701825_7790189907677777_8273531977075718920_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNZWDzrZsa7fXI_OzT9xdB00Ey9YBN84eTZbEllJ0KGjxhx7TISRbYWRbHoIOgcmPgxGVKhE6oYmvUAL54VL_B4_F1b60TXwmtdilo_DSIjrLXrXrtS3dtOGFtqZzQzfauS8vQgyZhbl3_ga31ba7O1bGEfXhLbYQUr6zDz6zxIFiDQ00Jdh5E1QuOU9Q/w640-h640/416701825_7790189907677777_8273531977075718920_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p><p><b><u> Corn Bread From Scratch Recipe</u></b></p><p> </p><p>Eight Inch Cast Iron Skillet</p><p>1/2 stick butter</p><p>2 cups self rising yellow corn meal mix</p><p>1 cup sweet milk</p><p>1 Tbsp sugar* optional</p><p>2 Tbsp vegetable oil</p><p>1 large or 2 small eggs</p><p><br /></p><p>Directions: Preheat oven to 400 °</p><p>Place 1/2 stick butter in skillet and place in oven to melt and coat skillet</p><p><br /></p><p>Mix corn meal mix, eggs, milk, vegetable oil and sugar if you use it... in a medium bowl stirring to mix well. Don't over mix or your cornbread will be tough.</p><p>Once skillet is hot and butter melted remove from oven with a mitt and place on stove top.</p><p>Pour batter into skillet and return to preheated oven for twenty minutes. </p><p>Corn bread is ready when golden brown and knife inserted into center comes out clean. </p><p>Mine took about 22 minutes. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Below is a quick video of a toy demo by my granddaughter Tessa done at Yoder's. I think it is a squirrel in a cup!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p></div><iframe width="670" height="356" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mFvqVktwsx4" title="toy at Yoders market" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>Dana Kooglerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05415223619811093720noreply@blogger.com215275 W Andrew Johnson Hwy, Bulls Gap, TN 37711, USA36.2340946 -83.06562617.9238607638211533 -118.2218761 64.544328436178844 -47.9093761tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626760878352814160.post-55698317651853319112024-01-09T12:29:00.004-05:002024-01-19T16:15:52.349-05:00Virginia Visit New Years 2023-24<h1 style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Vlfr9sJLBxq8sKXso2t6_JwkD9jjWTkAsyLKUr7sW6d9sKmKD4PqvMtQPkdG614fEemUdzlMXEIGzrIlxt1qaZ7zG064asSf7rrE8_m-MGDgemDjIm0xzgQ-PCvlj1Ia86wcnjFTlurP1Lxwi8t4nG3oEcahyphenhypheniPSXz470TvzP8W5sZdOHdP8DYlJT1M/s1080/415781973_7757017744328327_1051011797743359216_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Vlfr9sJLBxq8sKXso2t6_JwkD9jjWTkAsyLKUr7sW6d9sKmKD4PqvMtQPkdG614fEemUdzlMXEIGzrIlxt1qaZ7zG064asSf7rrE8_m-MGDgemDjIm0xzgQ-PCvlj1Ia86wcnjFTlurP1Lxwi8t4nG3oEcahyphenhypheniPSXz470TvzP8W5sZdOHdP8DYlJT1M/w640-h640/415781973_7757017744328327_1051011797743359216_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></b><div><b><span style="font-size: small;">Above: Snowman decoration I made for my mom several years ago. I sewed him from a thrift store sweater and used stuff I had at home for the rest. </span></b></div></h1><h1 style="text-align: center;"><b><u><br /></u></b></h1><h1 style="text-align: center;"><b><u><br /></u></b></h1><h1 style="text-align: center;"><b><u><br /></u></b></h1><h1 style="text-align: center;"><b><u>Virginia Visit New Years 2023-24</u></b></h1><div><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Kenny & Dana Koogler</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Adam, Crystal, Michael and Tessa Lindsey </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Thursday Dec. 28 through Sunday Dec. 31, 2023</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Visited Dana's Parents--Both Sets of them along with sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> We have a sort of tradition of heading to Virginia to visit immediately after Christmas. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>This year we planned to ALL go, but a few kinks arose in the plan. Jared, Lydia and their kids ended up staying home because of some important adulting chores that needed doing. A hard, but necessary decision. Had they not tended to it the reschedule of the appointment would have taken months and cost them hundreds of dollars. The rest of us went on. Lydia helped us get hotel rooms at a bargain basement cost. We stayed at a Comfort Inn & Suites in Staunton. We had adjoining rooms. This put us between both sets of my parents. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> The family situation with the farm sale has created some tensions. Kenny did not need to go out there this visit. Just let things calm down. I notice as time passes the idea of going back there becomes more painful for him instead of less. Without the parents who made it home it just is not the same. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> We had an easy trip up. If it is only me and Kenny in the truck I kick the seat back and nap on the way up the road. It makes a five and a half hour drive seem far shorter. We left very early and stopped on the road to get breakfast when everyone was ready. Tummies full and bathroom break over I got back in the truck and into my cocoon and before we knew it we were there! We stopped off first at my Daddy and stepmom's house in Fairfield. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> I admit that as my parents have grown older I have my moments when I get upset and worry about them. Visiting and spending quality time really helped allay my fears. I could see that they are doing very well. Dad's still going to the gym several times per week to work out. Mom is still sewing in her shop and cooking and doing all sorts of things. They just went on a trip to Nashville right after Thanksgiving. We got to hear all about that. I'm proud of them for getting out and going. It was one of those group tours. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd82VQbRllR9xlWJvPK0sUpQDiEgjK_NJx7rzbOPqVll0Un8dKjMXOthmoxmJuQg4eE0gM5ocnhv-zNoI9ULM3xBYIuoaSZpcOBBk1CzZwvZPKslaTW3uxbatfnYjQmqaSVm3G-7jFDfAdL40xQq4o4pnw81YHp0j1WGZd6eeyXkEebFoCm3XkuGCIXX4/s1376/417729257_7790218761008225_8495760546516223306_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1376" data-original-width="1376" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd82VQbRllR9xlWJvPK0sUpQDiEgjK_NJx7rzbOPqVll0Un8dKjMXOthmoxmJuQg4eE0gM5ocnhv-zNoI9ULM3xBYIuoaSZpcOBBk1CzZwvZPKslaTW3uxbatfnYjQmqaSVm3G-7jFDfAdL40xQq4o4pnw81YHp0j1WGZd6eeyXkEebFoCm3XkuGCIXX4/w640-h640/417729257_7790218761008225_8495760546516223306_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Above: my Daddy sits beside my new niece Lauren. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv0m5MpoPxbRebi07XzrP7GZhJN3IrLOzuwtb4-5LPb8rDSTi7fjD6MlSi4QyWRaDef3yFc1TzZUhDlnnxO4r6etng300IQmmx7csRKbqznm_MR_FYjbZclVtBLhIlvuaufCxgEmLao7NNSC9sQumqZc3_DJbzgFBU4sVX-RUig63YumW0ZZ4OsXRdfzM/s1080/417574022_7790197451010356_5157647755621609071_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv0m5MpoPxbRebi07XzrP7GZhJN3IrLOzuwtb4-5LPb8rDSTi7fjD6MlSi4QyWRaDef3yFc1TzZUhDlnnxO4r6etng300IQmmx7csRKbqznm_MR_FYjbZclVtBLhIlvuaufCxgEmLao7NNSC9sQumqZc3_DJbzgFBU4sVX-RUig63YumW0ZZ4OsXRdfzM/w640-h640/417574022_7790197451010356_5157647755621609071_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Above: Nephew Joshua checks his cell phone and by him on the floor is his wife Lauren.. .my new niece. Niece Lily.. Joshua and Cody's younger sister sits on the couch. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Below: Son in law Adam and brother in law Brian who is Josh, Cody and Lily's dad. Married to my baby sister Erica. </b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs599XJUv57I6OJiYxJfOuRY9EL-U21QSonxEkgx1AhXUgK16yrAy-laSFZv8BmAhc25F1xOqx0LJdZ9wkSG6WExAvs6BCQhaJ9zSyuOqlHOxB39dl5HppYfJTXidZqxvHBbItCG-whRpXudsJ4kTY8DWXNVxGkVPhwXbr8b0ZNC72oAHFbCY-fyReEH0/s1080/417573598_7790198217676946_4699903762308988418_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs599XJUv57I6OJiYxJfOuRY9EL-U21QSonxEkgx1AhXUgK16yrAy-laSFZv8BmAhc25F1xOqx0LJdZ9wkSG6WExAvs6BCQhaJ9zSyuOqlHOxB39dl5HppYfJTXidZqxvHBbItCG-whRpXudsJ4kTY8DWXNVxGkVPhwXbr8b0ZNC72oAHFbCY-fyReEH0/w640-h640/417573598_7790198217676946_4699903762308988418_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><b>Below: Another view of Adam and Brian.... that's the look Brian gets when he's up to something. </b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQpTY62ruwG4PYAxSJ_M1iPCsSI9_DwBzsotAjDGdcrghGMDjQBouBQ9aS0D6F3nH4EvdilwkGHUlLZkK6sQ6BOWng2HmOOfHHcPTBcoePpGyA8P3NW851u_HJaPQ2QND3lrdoI4TR8ldAv6QuGIRgn8S3BNo1Fz2eXaC-2GPigCjzgb2he1V0mU3TuHM/s2048/417548487_7790219007674867_120567439234192985_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQpTY62ruwG4PYAxSJ_M1iPCsSI9_DwBzsotAjDGdcrghGMDjQBouBQ9aS0D6F3nH4EvdilwkGHUlLZkK6sQ6BOWng2HmOOfHHcPTBcoePpGyA8P3NW851u_HJaPQ2QND3lrdoI4TR8ldAv6QuGIRgn8S3BNo1Fz2eXaC-2GPigCjzgb2he1V0mU3TuHM/w640-h480/417548487_7790219007674867_120567439234192985_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHYGLP8JqOMY00FlIlhKwOp3tCab_eNvN_EjK0RoBuJXml0-NGehf_5qF1LYXbXulwU6uVSJUg5VyVhzEXTfAAeRRc_pD5srbk36zU1dKdxLRqoBesKcQp-XBtkNELYFMQf-2U_q3fOON4NB97O1UJovsFcbIvN-GS1of_z4MYqYSmgV_GXP-6AEUF7WQ/s2048/417253284_7790220417674726_7249741064795097004_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHYGLP8JqOMY00FlIlhKwOp3tCab_eNvN_EjK0RoBuJXml0-NGehf_5qF1LYXbXulwU6uVSJUg5VyVhzEXTfAAeRRc_pD5srbk36zU1dKdxLRqoBesKcQp-XBtkNELYFMQf-2U_q3fOON4NB97O1UJovsFcbIvN-GS1of_z4MYqYSmgV_GXP-6AEUF7WQ/w640-h480/417253284_7790220417674726_7249741064795097004_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><b>Above: Lauren and Lily talking. Michael my grandson slumped on the sofa. </b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZpfjLU-RH808-CGGtuQ_pgcA_UeiEkIRV_WQLLw4pybgePWGAQWaMMkMQ42jla3PLIoziKYoW11SQK8J-FwwWKmlzNOVBEXDPvaGNBfS-X85XmdA1kKzjwir9Im84JczumVgk8X1Lw63dyoRVP_gtBLve7pel4vWDSMw_aQM1kBe4gXeHWGlQrbsq3kQ/s2048/417190442_7790217717674996_6094086080135387509_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZpfjLU-RH808-CGGtuQ_pgcA_UeiEkIRV_WQLLw4pybgePWGAQWaMMkMQ42jla3PLIoziKYoW11SQK8J-FwwWKmlzNOVBEXDPvaGNBfS-X85XmdA1kKzjwir9Im84JczumVgk8X1Lw63dyoRVP_gtBLve7pel4vWDSMw_aQM1kBe4gXeHWGlQrbsq3kQ/w640-h480/417190442_7790217717674996_6094086080135387509_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><b>Above: Mom's & Daddy's Christmas tree and the area of the house that used to be the back porch. </b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsutwaACqWtJ3Zd9k-nOA7xR3GQOL8DHlrU_EtHXL6OIXl36cHWCImeWxhCNGfMKcmQMayQ7NzQ8iMPvmda2qJcUepEkAXlNRkoGVaAYq2q0chHAP1AGJFqq7BFB7FxTPSVlHS6d6ozQsLqt2Ms0g2HDMVAUw9bXsvihGtyOPA-16X1q-8vJrU6anrBEA/s1080/417187427_7790198037676964_8014863046624483266_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsutwaACqWtJ3Zd9k-nOA7xR3GQOL8DHlrU_EtHXL6OIXl36cHWCImeWxhCNGfMKcmQMayQ7NzQ8iMPvmda2qJcUepEkAXlNRkoGVaAYq2q0chHAP1AGJFqq7BFB7FxTPSVlHS6d6ozQsLqt2Ms0g2HDMVAUw9bXsvihGtyOPA-16X1q-8vJrU6anrBEA/w640-h640/417187427_7790198037676964_8014863046624483266_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><b>Above: My nephew Cody and his sweet girlfriend Katherine Lotts. We hope we get to keep her in the family forever. She's a lot of fun. Cody is a cadet at VMI and majoring in psychology. He says he's going into the Marines after he graduates. </b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXVN8A9zwxDXd50EDlpNKqzElTIsHlyz0dhfjKWDGLdezHs6VSqJdPpJZuTEroaEbcg40ozIv-UR-IRwA0WDMt0tAcWzVct11N-364B9qX7nha5rW8LEg6zsdOIL01Kh0yJsgARfjNYr3GuoxfVZigO3-DcW9Py4qHGgi4PjhUyW2JY903X-_Rpmq205c/s2048/417182200_7790216287675139_3942970021869211384_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXVN8A9zwxDXd50EDlpNKqzElTIsHlyz0dhfjKWDGLdezHs6VSqJdPpJZuTEroaEbcg40ozIv-UR-IRwA0WDMt0tAcWzVct11N-364B9qX7nha5rW8LEg6zsdOIL01Kh0yJsgARfjNYr3GuoxfVZigO3-DcW9Py4qHGgi4PjhUyW2JY903X-_Rpmq205c/w480-h640/417182200_7790216287675139_3942970021869211384_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">Above: Mom's corner china press.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie6bdRkJswco-DEEFtWEByDYylcpqIkUceZqzL2q35YYPEq6MPMGkkkfew56w3UwhnxSWBREmlugdU_IMAMFTWkE4dEUlKLuUzoiTnYXQ3tKuxKK-PAl2P7vruZvzsoPIo9Uokmuadbg_rRmNTHJonfyqdHH3RXcdOHZpVs_yP__4p191TrzYioCBNSyQ/s2048/417178538_7790221694341265_3373053814320290301_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie6bdRkJswco-DEEFtWEByDYylcpqIkUceZqzL2q35YYPEq6MPMGkkkfew56w3UwhnxSWBREmlugdU_IMAMFTWkE4dEUlKLuUzoiTnYXQ3tKuxKK-PAl2P7vruZvzsoPIo9Uokmuadbg_rRmNTHJonfyqdHH3RXcdOHZpVs_yP__4p191TrzYioCBNSyQ/w640-h480/417178538_7790221694341265_3373053814320290301_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">Above: scenes from the next morning when we had brunch</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuuZrDTdoHMEqIf3PDwY6dpRdeZyMcG07cCqDRg_MACtaQ4UfHDy9P5OPuO8-nmNYPQaaFLvFJqreTLkjsVNBoAD5hRqRe75pLgLLPffNC4txUqmASVGA26KAayIlOaprbZru-W0PLTCOiFmMDDww5t9_8lvZzCZjcM5SjYons6001adYcB49Bw50IS9g/s2048/417177132_7790222021007899_2300514484413286104_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuuZrDTdoHMEqIf3PDwY6dpRdeZyMcG07cCqDRg_MACtaQ4UfHDy9P5OPuO8-nmNYPQaaFLvFJqreTLkjsVNBoAD5hRqRe75pLgLLPffNC4txUqmASVGA26KAayIlOaprbZru-W0PLTCOiFmMDDww5t9_8lvZzCZjcM5SjYons6001adYcB49Bw50IS9g/w480-h640/417177132_7790222021007899_2300514484413286104_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><b>Above: the bar area and poinsettias</b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitAirCPgk2amN1nqVrHmihkpbInUbjh4PlvwSdVFyPydTZKadcmb3HxbGQ4TFCjkYFtRDfThVwyVLofSojyrQRzWvofrvBO91hsUD2JHmoOrcFroaGZJVsSZNSCMuonDFtWHYi2T-V_1R0eup92g9TY37Sxmuaj5ln3DKyEq6VHZvUVBkdu1_CiP9h3EY/s2048/417172854_7790207687675999_5614489215836486676_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitAirCPgk2amN1nqVrHmihkpbInUbjh4PlvwSdVFyPydTZKadcmb3HxbGQ4TFCjkYFtRDfThVwyVLofSojyrQRzWvofrvBO91hsUD2JHmoOrcFroaGZJVsSZNSCMuonDFtWHYi2T-V_1R0eup92g9TY37Sxmuaj5ln3DKyEq6VHZvUVBkdu1_CiP9h3EY/w640-h480/417172854_7790207687675999_5614489215836486676_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><b>Mom's Christmas village in her pie safe. The cat used to go get the little ice skater girl off the "pond" which was a mirror. We'd find the skater just any place in the house where the cat stashed her. I have the skater now in a "junk lamp" I made for granddaughter Tessa. </b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ2BDke_61DiA7-0hpYirw6TmQd2pEb28TaSFJ9ByQcECTl0yvjuKDKKBKbGpHi9hq7ik8bjk1TBYxtbU8OOy2inHkQaJyy6fPIyWXFYxRRboO0Kp39vttlBX6WiZTXHkk-DeszTKnyX0cIy8I6Yl0PZ-XYsQ1OO9VWnik4ND0jSB4y0tg80oCAKaVbg0/s2048/417172441_7790216724341762_871861007548518016_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ2BDke_61DiA7-0hpYirw6TmQd2pEb28TaSFJ9ByQcECTl0yvjuKDKKBKbGpHi9hq7ik8bjk1TBYxtbU8OOy2inHkQaJyy6fPIyWXFYxRRboO0Kp39vttlBX6WiZTXHkk-DeszTKnyX0cIy8I6Yl0PZ-XYsQ1OO9VWnik4ND0jSB4y0tg80oCAKaVbg0/w640-h480/417172441_7790216724341762_871861007548518016_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><b>Above: Adam, Brian, granddaughter Tessa, daughter Crystal , Cody and Katherine. </b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDVYUZAkvYA1wGEMajN8StLQ8rFQQcVktCZxV68vJONi7Z9I8gh4hXjKtdHWtA1SronkQ3toKCAwB8YFsJvoKSDUre-tk_1D8vkaPDwTThQFg24P1GaRBi55Xyydh_BFbE-HJs4eLMwj3JkJGU4Xm4abx3gKfQpgcJ8HE8Rsy4JQK8SVrLauVXqT4a8B0/s2048/416748262_7790215721008529_2396341645856427762_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDVYUZAkvYA1wGEMajN8StLQ8rFQQcVktCZxV68vJONi7Z9I8gh4hXjKtdHWtA1SronkQ3toKCAwB8YFsJvoKSDUre-tk_1D8vkaPDwTThQFg24P1GaRBi55Xyydh_BFbE-HJs4eLMwj3JkJGU4Xm4abx3gKfQpgcJ8HE8Rsy4JQK8SVrLauVXqT4a8B0/w640-h480/416748262_7790215721008529_2396341645856427762_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><b>Above: right to left Cody, Katherine, Tessa, Adam and Lily</b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">Below: I sneaked and took this photo with my cell phone. My niece Lily being completely spoiled rotten by new sister in law Lauren. I joked that she had Lauren well trained. We are a loving family and don't believe in personal space. Joshua is grinning like the cat who ate the canary. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii0wzlAgqbiqkBAwEAnjfa-irhqCOFy_owm_pvCUiESXSS604SWmLDSq4M4hNwjaM4Kmh_ztnyUCeAp789YajfEmSCRmQI_sn45GKuPV4W-9zRIJmLUsGz0baytUmDiNWNna_fuSy_Qlwhzwr9O2WXEAUjia3u4M7lj7FLkgN51DJHs8Mhw8F-yfXhpKY/s1080/415499583_7756174657745969_6272590153263820854_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii0wzlAgqbiqkBAwEAnjfa-irhqCOFy_owm_pvCUiESXSS604SWmLDSq4M4hNwjaM4Kmh_ztnyUCeAp789YajfEmSCRmQI_sn45GKuPV4W-9zRIJmLUsGz0baytUmDiNWNna_fuSy_Qlwhzwr9O2WXEAUjia3u4M7lj7FLkgN51DJHs8Mhw8F-yfXhpKY/w640-h640/415499583_7756174657745969_6272590153263820854_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwytdJqPC_Qs21ql7fw4QeX7eEPldHJ9ShZtW1U17PDvZGv-Ua-fLcT28HRambkTX_sUtEkQXg_8anRYYTPXVjV1A3NEiUhHZqS_OjuVt-WTUz3udf-Mo4C9q3f1fXq26PWazSKb71jhhB0ko0pDKOA2_gb-muxU4JYOGs1EkaQJW9PRayGeIxlGJCFpc/s1080/415041582_7756174671079301_7864951251904241435_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwytdJqPC_Qs21ql7fw4QeX7eEPldHJ9ShZtW1U17PDvZGv-Ua-fLcT28HRambkTX_sUtEkQXg_8anRYYTPXVjV1A3NEiUhHZqS_OjuVt-WTUz3udf-Mo4C9q3f1fXq26PWazSKb71jhhB0ko0pDKOA2_gb-muxU4JYOGs1EkaQJW9PRayGeIxlGJCFpc/w640-h640/415041582_7756174671079301_7864951251904241435_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><b>Above: Bar area with juice and punch and coffee. </b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWb9LUwOHB1ubHCoaLVginvirn9ckP-gI7I-aIw8GK5RAg4eaF9ZcAnH_ORRAxLyeTxLbhSt4KgIs0Gau4UI9hsG5CZoeoWFaPGY3Seh9bgSUavp6GaRtmmGhxGugjrlSEBBnJiIYuxTJ88T_CWWci44-yTQwS6hA-f5T2BTUUP45Z0H29COpGtcNzMco/s1080/414999092_7756174661079302_3759554091888829928_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWb9LUwOHB1ubHCoaLVginvirn9ckP-gI7I-aIw8GK5RAg4eaF9ZcAnH_ORRAxLyeTxLbhSt4KgIs0Gau4UI9hsG5CZoeoWFaPGY3Seh9bgSUavp6GaRtmmGhxGugjrlSEBBnJiIYuxTJ88T_CWWci44-yTQwS6hA-f5T2BTUUP45Z0H29COpGtcNzMco/w640-h640/414999092_7756174661079302_3759554091888829928_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">Above: Mom in the kitchen </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">Below: Crystal standing talking to someone</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgby3rVV0_qNIsPYUaX7by8hInlITEtTSywRAroTWjQOG4oYFBtp_5cr4oFZ68y6ChawEtgfOec4GHyllQU88oThXMWxFQWfYxiS0PdD8yFeJ6YeV995LbR6Fv47nMVlEcJuX7EBnrI-RI3rsz_SESwFrAkhFB3bX1-Yu-ds7bjkgU2W7L4v9Rur9NO7B4/s1080/414905469_7756174647745970_2652457973489287350_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgby3rVV0_qNIsPYUaX7by8hInlITEtTSywRAroTWjQOG4oYFBtp_5cr4oFZ68y6ChawEtgfOec4GHyllQU88oThXMWxFQWfYxiS0PdD8yFeJ6YeV995LbR6Fv47nMVlEcJuX7EBnrI-RI3rsz_SESwFrAkhFB3bX1-Yu-ds7bjkgU2W7L4v9Rur9NO7B4/w640-h640/414905469_7756174647745970_2652457973489287350_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><b>Below: Sister Erica with mask on in the kitchen. She is getting over the covid and being extra careful and considerate. I did not care. I hugged her anyway. Just happy to see her and know she was well. Lily, my niece, joked that Erica had been bleaching the house like mad and wanted to burn the bed, but Brian wouldn't let her. lol.... The family joke is that Erica is "Aunt Etter" called after an Auntie who was cleaning crazy. She was so sick that the Christmas tree was still up! That is unheard of at their house. The year she had a hysterectomy she had Lily in charge of taking down Christmas decorations at home while she was hospitalized. </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSXcaZbjB27AszqQ0qIWfoKAxgw-5EE_kwv9hZigQVgP3rg7eUtQ-uQUU-iBnj9mcGQ5kqpJhCXDVEW-hCRcZl89o-fCdd01hWKwOgiMKIMuuIcuq7wBz4DuBwgbYVryspegt1NpbFl-Hl1qS2SdgiDyoSKGhNfxcfTzkw-xdQmm3rlKSSAvdGRd0chYI/s2048/417243913_7790217224341712_3925550623568669351_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSXcaZbjB27AszqQ0qIWfoKAxgw-5EE_kwv9hZigQVgP3rg7eUtQ-uQUU-iBnj9mcGQ5kqpJhCXDVEW-hCRcZl89o-fCdd01hWKwOgiMKIMuuIcuq7wBz4DuBwgbYVryspegt1NpbFl-Hl1qS2SdgiDyoSKGhNfxcfTzkw-xdQmm3rlKSSAvdGRd0chYI/w640-h480/417243913_7790217224341712_3925550623568669351_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: 700;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: 700;"> We had a great visit and some wonderful food. My sister Erica made her tasty breakfast casserole which I must learn to make. We joked and teased each other. My beautiful niece Lily is a high schooler at age 15. She has her learners permit and is learning to drive. Doing a great job. She is smart and doing well in school. She said she hates school and school largely hates her. I asked her why? She said that Josh and Cody were so wild in school her teachers who had them attached the trouble maker label to her as well. It is undeserved in her case. It was mostly undeserved in their case, but they could be pretty wild. Uncle Brian says yes, Lily inherited a lot of messes to clean up. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: 700;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: 700;"> Next day we went on down to my mother and step daddy's house to visit. We were at either house all day long. They live in my great granny's old house. It has three bedrooms, living room, kitchen and bathroom. They have had all kinds of improvements to the house. New heat system. New plumbing, tankless water heater, windows, outdoor trim. Kitchen with new counters and table. Very nice. Patches the dog has passed away. They still have four cats, but they are wary of visitors so they stay clear. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: 700;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: 700;"> Below: Michael and Adam in the living room. The tree is so pretty! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQQ9Md1EB-hti97CRXXK9zSO5m0jVR2x23YiPokNyRerH2RMHbCZncV_ZN74AdZ5mnhhRyYwjykRCyfUbHH1DxDNyz7lL_GG_DEdRz19yq9X_5Q-8pNzUXsUoNbwUq2gLgLYBHZZpo1ZECWeMtogbrw-RfC8EuuG7NjDn9KAsvOoeEAF6Ps8ZWrxk2FXU/s1080/417178272_7790196031010498_4066284608459394929_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQQ9Md1EB-hti97CRXXK9zSO5m0jVR2x23YiPokNyRerH2RMHbCZncV_ZN74AdZ5mnhhRyYwjykRCyfUbHH1DxDNyz7lL_GG_DEdRz19yq9X_5Q-8pNzUXsUoNbwUq2gLgLYBHZZpo1ZECWeMtogbrw-RfC8EuuG7NjDn9KAsvOoeEAF6Ps8ZWrxk2FXU/w640-h640/417178272_7790196031010498_4066284608459394929_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Below: Kenny plays games on his phone<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6wlkCwvfbM8RPRDYseGMba2yaVJOX8W95w1vCnk0Y63O53z1_l59ImMgXD9keuFqjt6z3ZhOGXLXP3OwPy7CiUcnVBEUxCUoUEs-N2M-uYCiVNm-mkDiQt5z7WN_r3ivWjM8dnHls7FkpnLyvRCUZV3s3C6eeujhw88-X28ZKYNamRLRGS5w8hG4nlHk/s1080/415745150_7757017750994993_3923183798070035673_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6wlkCwvfbM8RPRDYseGMba2yaVJOX8W95w1vCnk0Y63O53z1_l59ImMgXD9keuFqjt6z3ZhOGXLXP3OwPy7CiUcnVBEUxCUoUEs-N2M-uYCiVNm-mkDiQt5z7WN_r3ivWjM8dnHls7FkpnLyvRCUZV3s3C6eeujhw88-X28ZKYNamRLRGS5w8hG4nlHk/w640-h640/415745150_7757017750994993_3923183798070035673_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2LSbb8WiAcYmykQN7Kouvla5cvNP5HogbVO1wOJUkbzQt-Sddii0I3c0EYto8Sv-Nz4PwS0NlVBxwhyphenhyphenGRffHplmcvxCRCUWg1RbjqDqYqieGjx8IEs4Cbe5Yrs4JshaydXjo2potBEhYYoaQ9ItygdkINcAq30kVKIe1wgd1y3HkEpd00wA0uXwoBgEI/s1080/414956027_7757017754328326_635312912153928747_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2LSbb8WiAcYmykQN7Kouvla5cvNP5HogbVO1wOJUkbzQt-Sddii0I3c0EYto8Sv-Nz4PwS0NlVBxwhyphenhyphenGRffHplmcvxCRCUWg1RbjqDqYqieGjx8IEs4Cbe5Yrs4JshaydXjo2potBEhYYoaQ9ItygdkINcAq30kVKIe1wgd1y3HkEpd00wA0uXwoBgEI/w640-h640/414956027_7757017754328326_635312912153928747_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Above: Mom and Michael in the kitchen. She cooked us a fantastic meal! We had crab legs and low country boil. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivwsKXy8JN8yqvEqqFV_AsI4bxo5nJME_gjRVgS-2oijIywkJts_NJqsIl09xrQe9QgvVDobk-5lpekmH7Pomg0pE3Tq8BRr8-R8lLqExYm5mdZCaGBlqMyrXS42RgyMXbNLhoNBqskY4qumTtFhvtFW7B9aEqGjSLAGkMMIgpuHcO9rlqZPK_A6GdNrk/s1080/414920600_7757017757661659_2135409852377737060_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivwsKXy8JN8yqvEqqFV_AsI4bxo5nJME_gjRVgS-2oijIywkJts_NJqsIl09xrQe9QgvVDobk-5lpekmH7Pomg0pE3Tq8BRr8-R8lLqExYm5mdZCaGBlqMyrXS42RgyMXbNLhoNBqskY4qumTtFhvtFW7B9aEqGjSLAGkMMIgpuHcO9rlqZPK_A6GdNrk/w640-h640/414920600_7757017757661659_2135409852377737060_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Above: I've backed up to show the living room better. </span></div><div style="font-weight: 700; text-align: left; text-decoration-line: underline;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: 700; text-align: left; text-decoration-line: underline;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: 700; text-align: left;"> I got to see my sister Valerie and niece Emily. I got to visit a lot with my folks and chat with them. Catch up in their doings. Mom is a truck driver and has gone back to work one day a week to help out co-workers who need a day off. It pays great and she enjoys it still. </div><div style="font-weight: 700; text-align: left;"> They appreciate her willingness to help out. </div><div style="font-weight: 700; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: 700; text-align: left;"> We got home and brought Christmas gifts too large to ship to my folks. </div><div style="font-weight: 700; text-align: left;">It was a fun visit all the way round. We went bargain shopping one afternoon. I did not find much. The stuff was so picked over, but I did find a table cloth I needed and a set of nice rugs for my bathroom. We headed home Sunday morning early. Got up and were on the road by seven a.m. We stopped on the way home for breakfast and got rolling again. We were home without incident by about 1:30 p.m. I am always glad to get home to my own bed! </div><div style="font-weight: 700; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: 700; text-align: left;"> Lastly I am posting a couple photos taken at our home during Christmas. I was the worst this year for not taking pictures. Just would rather be in the moment and not on my phone or holding a camera all the time. </div><div style="font-weight: 700; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaGHLeV9VhnXGdNUh3N0I4NRKSOcXkNxPL8MwlLon4q71VnlbfgCcHoBzO3jZw4B4fqUbFmqZPLWd1khyphenhyphentaafXE5o2OSRD7D0so3uhsYdDSDKF5upCsGPjIUL5CIo5VZlAIgVvMd2Pl4i69PZv7A1DHVJmFQ7H3BKlliZjp_gJaHCTl13N8prnQvHbVZ8/s1080/411902022_7731334543563314_2671476260983997945_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaGHLeV9VhnXGdNUh3N0I4NRKSOcXkNxPL8MwlLon4q71VnlbfgCcHoBzO3jZw4B4fqUbFmqZPLWd1khyphenhyphentaafXE5o2OSRD7D0so3uhsYdDSDKF5upCsGPjIUL5CIo5VZlAIgVvMd2Pl4i69PZv7A1DHVJmFQ7H3BKlliZjp_gJaHCTl13N8prnQvHbVZ8/w640-h640/411902022_7731334543563314_2671476260983997945_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><b>Above: First Christmas making authentic lebkuchen .. German ginger bread cookies. </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>They were a huge hit and now I must make them year round!</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Below: my granddog Tippy... Gabe is her "Dad" and she is precious</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwraiHkw9Cx1RMX5AR_qhOWrY6-Y3UU0hi6kY0ouk7ROzE9JcXhPAAJFij4RwEuJ8ibtFIAF24b9n5EWpgPZWmdL6tu3LRKNiFrmCIKAZ6jxqqUnBKi9jSCnRqjDlMTu6XDQZ6upSv-2__CLku6JPdEw5mja8b2J5yNOf-4Ko7riD9YVjk_4AhDc6uNbg/s1080/412776803_7733332423363526_5997972459484199072_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwraiHkw9Cx1RMX5AR_qhOWrY6-Y3UU0hi6kY0ouk7ROzE9JcXhPAAJFij4RwEuJ8ibtFIAF24b9n5EWpgPZWmdL6tu3LRKNiFrmCIKAZ6jxqqUnBKi9jSCnRqjDlMTu6XDQZ6upSv-2__CLku6JPdEw5mja8b2J5yNOf-4Ko7riD9YVjk_4AhDc6uNbg/w640-h640/412776803_7733332423363526_5997972459484199072_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCKjQN0rEUh34ci0Et70zJdh8rbfzwwXpjeK2hGXuUrMxWGvFEQ_S5aUx0i1gfvciADC3K10L_k7Tam1UIpd3qNmYUxWB4bp8O8Lj_Y2qtNC5cwvXyARkvgm34EM3IpvqZUmvUcIIePbqZOFqxkWCbdc832m4jmDKO2m3O56yFv28D86f_7LZRAWFFpys/s1080/414869435_7737060962990672_8167422066504720039_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCKjQN0rEUh34ci0Et70zJdh8rbfzwwXpjeK2hGXuUrMxWGvFEQ_S5aUx0i1gfvciADC3K10L_k7Tam1UIpd3qNmYUxWB4bp8O8Lj_Y2qtNC5cwvXyARkvgm34EM3IpvqZUmvUcIIePbqZOFqxkWCbdc832m4jmDKO2m3O56yFv28D86f_7LZRAWFFpys/w640-h640/414869435_7737060962990672_8167422066504720039_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><b>Above: my kitchen mantle on the pass through fire place. This is Christmas morning.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Below: I fixed a roast turkey for Christmas since the one at Thanksgiving got gone so fast! </b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizkc9dCj42qNnOXZF41Zg_TNUcUQkMTParLwjpZuF6df2Rzn9VMwV3Y1-kCYr_fZsNGZksY2vMt8FZTlk6awK9zflJEUsK-5nfjM0mT6g0tDVj7V0nmPmki2fPlWUJ-IthyK0aVi-3RpBtkjSf0JP5qvUHtx4RTh4MyY71pnp4A1BY-sTlkgtFJPQiH1U/s1080/416698981_7790204951009606_7482992218970486828_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizkc9dCj42qNnOXZF41Zg_TNUcUQkMTParLwjpZuF6df2Rzn9VMwV3Y1-kCYr_fZsNGZksY2vMt8FZTlk6awK9zflJEUsK-5nfjM0mT6g0tDVj7V0nmPmki2fPlWUJ-IthyK0aVi-3RpBtkjSf0JP5qvUHtx4RTh4MyY71pnp4A1BY-sTlkgtFJPQiH1U/w640-h480/416698981_7790204951009606_7482992218970486828_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="font-weight: 700; text-align: left;"><br /></div></div>Dana Kooglerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05415223619811093720noreply@blogger.com0Staunton, VA 24401, USA38.149576 -79.07169589.8393421638211578 -114.2279458 66.459809836178849 -43.9154458tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626760878352814160.post-42721080206239907452023-12-19T20:49:00.000-05:002023-12-19T20:49:17.660-05:00Hidden Hollow Christmas Lights<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAUPvIUSzTptsxkKkH7fqDSU74AjWahN6vuKdXw7aJHcbI3t918bAGG0bZDtGH-57WJTy5G4HhCs-AyTILal7pUpXPVZgGUk0D8X0ySz9-JnYtcOv3eUUr9M9DfHpcMrkQhBAL7hkfK001xnH2wEggV_gKmahr5G4S4PIjrnEFPMI7YIZkZGoUrXDFogg/s259/images%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="259" data-original-width="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAUPvIUSzTptsxkKkH7fqDSU74AjWahN6vuKdXw7aJHcbI3t918bAGG0bZDtGH-57WJTy5G4HhCs-AyTILal7pUpXPVZgGUk0D8X0ySz9-JnYtcOv3eUUr9M9DfHpcMrkQhBAL7hkfK001xnH2wEggV_gKmahr5G4S4PIjrnEFPMI7YIZkZGoUrXDFogg/s16000/images%20(1).jpg" /></a></div><br /><h3 style="text-align: center;">Merry Christmas! </h3><h1 style="text-align: center;"> </h1><h1 style="text-align: center;"><b><u><br /></u></b></h1><h1 style="text-align: center;"><b><u><br /></u></b></h1><h1 style="text-align: center;"><b><u>Hidden Hollow Christmas Lights</u></b></h1><div><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Friday Dec. 8, 2023</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Dana Koogler and Sharon McGee</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/hiddenhollowpark/" target="_blank">Hidden Hollow Info Here </a></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://cumberlandgal.smugmug.com/Hidden-Hollow-" target="_blank"><b><br /></b></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://cumberlandgal.smugmug.com/Hidden-Hollow-" target="_blank"><b>Hidden Hollow Christmas Lights Pix</b></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> The original plan was for myself and Kenny to go over to friend Sharon's home in Jamestown, TN Friday evening. I'd get the kids out of school and we'd head that way and go to the Christmas lights Friday evening. Plans tend to change with us. Granddaughter Tessa came down with strep throat late Thursday. Her brother Michael, our fourteen year old grandson, was still feeling a bit puny from having had it himself earlier. He was worn out from band concert on Thursday night. Add to that Kenny found out he was probably going to have to work on Saturday. Add to that our grandkids needed to be back on Saturday night because our childrens Christmas pageant was Sunday morning. It wasn't stacking up too well. I decided I would just go by myself Friday morning and spend Friday night. I'd have to get up Saturday morning to head home. I had promised Adam & Crystal a day to themselves on Saturday. We go through spells of trying to cram too much into a weekend. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> I got up Friday and headed over to Sharon's house. I got there just before lunch. I'm not exactly sure, but I think it was around 11 am. We gabbed a little. We loaded up and went to Livingston for lunch at Wayne's Grill. She also took me by the Out of Date Store. It was pretty cool. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Lunch at Wayne's was satisfying. I found out Wayne passed on a couple years back, but his son is running the place.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> Next we went to Cookeville. Sharon needed to drop a picture off at a frame shop for repair. Odie went with us. He was so good all day. We went shopping at a store I had seen, but never checked out... Gabe's Department store. It was very nice! I got some Christmas shopping done.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> It was timing out about right. We went and hiked to City Lake Falls. Sharon had never been. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Odie needed a stretch break. It was a short, easy hike where Odie was welcome. It is right near our final destination... Hidden Hollow. A man sat on the dock playing a guitar. It sounded so nice!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> The falls were running fairly well though water levels are still diminished. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWCf0uXxEffPrcvtkCiKMuhKFKdx7LxPHislXDpGXiZtt8hvO7xjonptZa-SHff4iHDCQqXQOmFbR1L_iU9_49Q_yyWIMzPntwrPorym5ivZG9mZL4tE_AamIHdVnxNEOiRQIJrW4gmrVdTdqmq79Te7FXpO8KVrRb_YE51xMCSfcD-JWq3vfSOOWOLiU/s5568/GOPR1776.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWCf0uXxEffPrcvtkCiKMuhKFKdx7LxPHislXDpGXiZtt8hvO7xjonptZa-SHff4iHDCQqXQOmFbR1L_iU9_49Q_yyWIMzPntwrPorym5ivZG9mZL4tE_AamIHdVnxNEOiRQIJrW4gmrVdTdqmq79Te7FXpO8KVrRb_YE51xMCSfcD-JWq3vfSOOWOLiU/w640-h480/GOPR1776.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Above is a photo of City Lake Falls. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Below is a short video of the same waterfall </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="340" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bH95JVwQXl0" title="City Lake Falls with Sharon" width="670"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> Once we got done at City Lake we loaded back up and drove the short distance out to Hidden Hollow Park. I had only been here once before and that was many years ago. Back when it was Arda Lee's Hidden Hollow. Neither of us had ever been here for Christmas lights display. It was to start at five p.m so they suggested getting there a few minutes early. We were about half hour too early. We drove around for about fifteen minutes. We were glad we did for we got to see a beautiful sunset from "Sunset Acres" barn up on the ridge. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6MAb1wsBllKZHyfjLbAZtingynRqfHmeVT4ofeAq2qRcS20QBPyzsAINXQQ87ry-s-xKXOjGtD1oz8N3xkFnd9K8Jcizbd9pBp5J4VUxPbM2CuYninT6wgbGt5UauM0KqGIxIIDAqHY7udTFynv-W4dxoCKYOp6onhylDrM9R7RTEyWgZab3v10VsTdQ/s1080/406482621_7674671455896290_5578250482769078993_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6MAb1wsBllKZHyfjLbAZtingynRqfHmeVT4ofeAq2qRcS20QBPyzsAINXQQ87ry-s-xKXOjGtD1oz8N3xkFnd9K8Jcizbd9pBp5J4VUxPbM2CuYninT6wgbGt5UauM0KqGIxIIDAqHY7udTFynv-W4dxoCKYOp6onhylDrM9R7RTEyWgZab3v10VsTdQ/w640-h640/406482621_7674671455896290_5578250482769078993_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Above: Sunset Acres barn...so pretty<div>Below: Sunset from this spot! <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4BY6VqkOIBXAJN7Ita6fICrXodc1Xvb1gNCwbpvaqsFrqjmCOU0i-2qG0wlsjssrhaYSQyuD4dWIJzAaaKL06xRCVfbuD7Ep6JSIS2na-RFH-ive-oUOhFNm0mMaXjQsyP9P-4VjNIlJwa2WQ8honLhaLx2NtaGjE27VToMGtXMcxBYZ8i4am3CyJZ3Q/s1080/406871613_7674663839230385_6873039251503023845_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4BY6VqkOIBXAJN7Ita6fICrXodc1Xvb1gNCwbpvaqsFrqjmCOU0i-2qG0wlsjssrhaYSQyuD4dWIJzAaaKL06xRCVfbuD7Ep6JSIS2na-RFH-ive-oUOhFNm0mMaXjQsyP9P-4VjNIlJwa2WQ8honLhaLx2NtaGjE27VToMGtXMcxBYZ8i4am3CyJZ3Q/w640-h480/406871613_7674663839230385_6873039251503023845_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> We did not sit at the gate long back at Hidden Hollow. I knew how much it cost, but had no idea how to go about paying or the logistics of the whole event. I phoned them to ask. It turned out to be easy. You just pay at the snack bar once you enter. It is $7 per person. Once they realized we were out at the gate they came on and opened up a few minutes early. It was getting dusky so our timing was good. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> It was a comfortable evening. Our coats felt good, but there was no wind whipping to chill us. Paying was easy and fast. We were first to arrive. The staff was helpful and it was nice. It looked like a fairy tale place. A little bit of true Americana still hanging on in this day and age. We had the option to park and walk around or drive not one, but three different routes to see the lights! </div><div style="text-align: left;">We parked and walked first. Odie was welcome there which was also nice. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> Below are photos sorry for how blurry driving through the main entrance at the covered bridge. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I found out that another limitation of Go Pro is that it isn't the greatest on night photography. </div><div style="text-align: left;">My regular camera isn't much better. I tried all kinds of things to improve the images without much success. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihaToPwU6667RSaepHdKGDgPz1x5fDMZ9cRGxY0N6OyUNKj9X0bjzw2lBnbLDRTkqZiMk-4cMoDX2S8djEP2XcOetcKY2Y6iWjIDYwGMcpuAsYU5YG6JZluETYmSCirz4BXd1Ls_93tPFWqSN2vR6yFaQ7sj_TDEAxzEXQymyzRUcAPZDrB_uu_CVCT18/s5568/GOPR1835.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihaToPwU6667RSaepHdKGDgPz1x5fDMZ9cRGxY0N6OyUNKj9X0bjzw2lBnbLDRTkqZiMk-4cMoDX2S8djEP2XcOetcKY2Y6iWjIDYwGMcpuAsYU5YG6JZluETYmSCirz4BXd1Ls_93tPFWqSN2vR6yFaQ7sj_TDEAxzEXQymyzRUcAPZDrB_uu_CVCT18/w640-h480/GOPR1835.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWG2VT6Svd680ETFA17QTKdgGWePtoUZSIjgii7qJbPZSINdIqsRMDkWgDX9-9SYQoKidL4W09FUITD-jy4V1V8IXbHPV4BsZhrJykdhl5DF-Rnzw-n0zi2XQurizswQ0AHAgtgoJAwg4bczjz2GotuPhc__uR1kVb1jQpwTqV3A4wi9vK8P0hGafqs8I/s5568/GOPR1834.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWG2VT6Svd680ETFA17QTKdgGWePtoUZSIjgii7qJbPZSINdIqsRMDkWgDX9-9SYQoKidL4W09FUITD-jy4V1V8IXbHPV4BsZhrJykdhl5DF-Rnzw-n0zi2XQurizswQ0AHAgtgoJAwg4bczjz2GotuPhc__uR1kVb1jQpwTqV3A4wi9vK8P0hGafqs8I/w640-h480/GOPR1834.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZmMg4KPlX7KOefH-e2bUA4dicLkcGDX7dma3AfNlZtr2tgBeQtts0r-gXINE4jDw4BEX2bbKm2AMtjdKIy9PnYmOcHTcMU6oM93vA0bZD0rVa8NnadPirlsOhQAa2ZaCAanRrNjRFRzbxH03vilzfodlF4apor_SuP5b021rHfGYKs8P2Pt0ELQesKKk/s5568/GOPR1778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZmMg4KPlX7KOefH-e2bUA4dicLkcGDX7dma3AfNlZtr2tgBeQtts0r-gXINE4jDw4BEX2bbKm2AMtjdKIy9PnYmOcHTcMU6oM93vA0bZD0rVa8NnadPirlsOhQAa2ZaCAanRrNjRFRzbxH03vilzfodlF4apor_SuP5b021rHfGYKs8P2Pt0ELQesKKk/w640-h480/GOPR1778.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: Pony rides all lit up<div>Below: Arda Lee's Hidden Hollow at Christmas!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEL0yNkjT3b0QYQtoZLdGfvOoNoCMfY7IWq_iGV4dlX8XpLyelRcpIHHvdI6gxB5RTDoH6e3-bxn1y9a7DlselJJMGkPcuXI1fR1RDGaW31eF5cwzBEbpBT01tEKkz2ZbJkqkv4Myjp8AtN_HvB-p6fUoL3jgoV1tbczOANmihAf9hzyv65Xfl3FX9VbY/s5568/GOPR1779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEL0yNkjT3b0QYQtoZLdGfvOoNoCMfY7IWq_iGV4dlX8XpLyelRcpIHHvdI6gxB5RTDoH6e3-bxn1y9a7DlselJJMGkPcuXI1fR1RDGaW31eF5cwzBEbpBT01tEKkz2ZbJkqkv4Myjp8AtN_HvB-p6fUoL3jgoV1tbczOANmihAf9hzyv65Xfl3FX9VbY/w640-h480/GOPR1779.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYYVdHXyrQJesl1ViI7x_kgp0pYsMYW6uaQkzZdxaqXxbe7Bge-J97QMpMwSnc4DPODwiJASIidMsG_zQJwQdUkpvMRVGawGfFeUTH9HANtCpRenjJwxOGAWEvLi7ql5RIqtApfAWWNrLw1xkD6s6_mjar4iLoPcUVmgRkTG1uBiDLKrscV8bvMYyiL48/s5568/GOPR1780.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYYVdHXyrQJesl1ViI7x_kgp0pYsMYW6uaQkzZdxaqXxbe7Bge-J97QMpMwSnc4DPODwiJASIidMsG_zQJwQdUkpvMRVGawGfFeUTH9HANtCpRenjJwxOGAWEvLi7ql5RIqtApfAWWNrLw1xkD6s6_mjar4iLoPcUVmgRkTG1uBiDLKrscV8bvMYyiL48/w640-h480/GOPR1780.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: Cute ponies getting ready for kids</div><div> </div><div>Below: Just getting started to view the lights<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEnibRe2S7mZFU6DL9sPoSoALPCPPdDkjt3wtA1k0Lx-xTOgx_mb6sWey5PWcGcbmtIgsM3L18fxy8NfmSVxJlIQT4I9caePczYgD4bIuoM5E-6xDNPT2LGv1e5aDCQxk4xizZ2i-xfdDb9aYXKp_qWz3KBbjw-ebsGT0uQ7bbrbA3A5M-t1FjA70Job0/s5568/GOPR1781.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEnibRe2S7mZFU6DL9sPoSoALPCPPdDkjt3wtA1k0Lx-xTOgx_mb6sWey5PWcGcbmtIgsM3L18fxy8NfmSVxJlIQT4I9caePczYgD4bIuoM5E-6xDNPT2LGv1e5aDCQxk4xizZ2i-xfdDb9aYXKp_qWz3KBbjw-ebsGT0uQ7bbrbA3A5M-t1FjA70Job0/w640-h480/GOPR1781.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Abov<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUeJFsYhhHFPd04NGbWaJ5uILgK5eiHGhcbiMR-caX8ki_uUA-rNPjnt66WbWMjDbg8rCMwkIduj5-yEzE7xFI5m4970BVVs6GAkcEfA6hD__6sE0nmKZSUQ5gH0DoXaqdU9vVkASIezfUh8SHPOd9jTKkSgz_ONmjkt4pUDKnsQx5FXhDMJOfsejKdnM/s5568/GOPR1782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUeJFsYhhHFPd04NGbWaJ5uILgK5eiHGhcbiMR-caX8ki_uUA-rNPjnt66WbWMjDbg8rCMwkIduj5-yEzE7xFI5m4970BVVs6GAkcEfA6hD__6sE0nmKZSUQ5gH0DoXaqdU9vVkASIezfUh8SHPOd9jTKkSgz_ONmjkt4pUDKnsQx5FXhDMJOfsejKdnM/w640-h480/GOPR1782.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>above: a cozy fire in the pavilion and such a nice spot to have a snack, a cup of coffee or hot cocoa!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR2gwkUgXdSr8jtPNFI6BSUeMz91fyIJxl5x93qtE4EZEcuTy9s4qN-Vik9d7KH6X6eZzfXn7O6hpv5ye58kqh36GXTBIfXZle8XJZKPQyFt-zTU-Mck88dSwWtwrgQprJr9KvPxxBy_8iZCUKzssOdgB3U595cF4QutHMrBwONJoLP4WgNgoDi-oWvJw/s5568/GOPR1784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR2gwkUgXdSr8jtPNFI6BSUeMz91fyIJxl5x93qtE4EZEcuTy9s4qN-Vik9d7KH6X6eZzfXn7O6hpv5ye58kqh36GXTBIfXZle8XJZKPQyFt-zTU-Mck88dSwWtwrgQprJr9KvPxxBy_8iZCUKzssOdgB3U595cF4QutHMrBwONJoLP4WgNgoDi-oWvJw/w640-h480/GOPR1784.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: the lights lining the pavilion</div><div>Below: Frosty the Snowman and Santa Claus were there. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. Odie had his picture taken with them. What a photo op!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihmFZI5h9-BxpO0fWqK4l9AT837ZrSzpNneEc4xasy3nf3c-j8IKMFIOHTDbbpbb2cDMbim6upTpzQtTEE2uy24ubSMEq07qpa8qMflEiMfAWKf3lIge6VRPqRrF-PZxfIFK3SgGWPxVfe4Ki0xszdC0qd3Lf41a_sPggYWWmBYzIiLEULoofXoczk5Lg/s5568/GOPR1786.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihmFZI5h9-BxpO0fWqK4l9AT837ZrSzpNneEc4xasy3nf3c-j8IKMFIOHTDbbpbb2cDMbim6upTpzQtTEE2uy24ubSMEq07qpa8qMflEiMfAWKf3lIge6VRPqRrF-PZxfIFK3SgGWPxVfe4Ki0xszdC0qd3Lf41a_sPggYWWmBYzIiLEULoofXoczk5Lg/w640-h480/GOPR1786.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1GhzVZVNbflc17YpXMB20SWgKp0NCTRW2mdpUMMveWkZWsKGRkm9Y7pQKi7AMq4qwXQmmtZFP-wS83oI7hIpYtXKVr8GWQfqbCilt_Db5NXBZ82UI-frBvFpefPfnKvL0OpdZ_edVAiezAj2F4Yq_JZucseMn92x_uspBKImD11yumpiTWxIWxmY6JjE/s5568/GOPR1787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1GhzVZVNbflc17YpXMB20SWgKp0NCTRW2mdpUMMveWkZWsKGRkm9Y7pQKi7AMq4qwXQmmtZFP-wS83oI7hIpYtXKVr8GWQfqbCilt_Db5NXBZ82UI-frBvFpefPfnKvL0OpdZ_edVAiezAj2F4Yq_JZucseMn92x_uspBKImD11yumpiTWxIWxmY6JjE/w640-h480/GOPR1787.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: close up of the red and green sparkles on the parking area</div><div><br /></div><div>Below: This is where we parked so the action starts the second you pull up to the gate and just keeps going! <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuyZmNAWs3h2VKQxYT1XYLWKcDwvfEm3yKJ4poS0NyX22qxJFLqu619EFROKgv4sGxakVvwp_SJqIZPOOkbWRRhhpsloPsUjrPTZprPS3cFU3WCr4T-rhXVmI2i2YV_0higrqRRi7AYI0J_5AaLtRoJyLHN9qI4Tb3kXrsGsVO4141RyBTqTNdbtPZzlU/s5568/GOPR1788.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuyZmNAWs3h2VKQxYT1XYLWKcDwvfEm3yKJ4poS0NyX22qxJFLqu619EFROKgv4sGxakVvwp_SJqIZPOOkbWRRhhpsloPsUjrPTZprPS3cFU3WCr4T-rhXVmI2i2YV_0higrqRRi7AYI0J_5AaLtRoJyLHN9qI4Tb3kXrsGsVO4141RyBTqTNdbtPZzlU/w640-h480/GOPR1788.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKUIXZqHmSaulEmo3JJw3yi4U4JnJ4DInfHH7iysRaZYWWT7KfX-Tl4V94pcpf_rHfqLt4zG9_tnrFHIFcZSP8uqi7nfRz9K4I_pfVxV1Vo-wLtqN3kz7ruhdNdG-BahVGVcDfX_FjIL8mm2v6ko1FHGQXncKScvLSJ1dTd3sHbLDVkSZaSECSoovnkKI/s5568/GOPR1791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKUIXZqHmSaulEmo3JJw3yi4U4JnJ4DInfHH7iysRaZYWWT7KfX-Tl4V94pcpf_rHfqLt4zG9_tnrFHIFcZSP8uqi7nfRz9K4I_pfVxV1Vo-wLtqN3kz7ruhdNdG-BahVGVcDfX_FjIL8mm2v6ko1FHGQXncKScvLSJ1dTd3sHbLDVkSZaSECSoovnkKI/w640-h480/GOPR1791.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: choo choo train as part of the mini golf course!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoDEK_YGG5p2c0uiGSMD4sKy8ThCeKRBPDi8DApSVoPAjCv1_z57VKdkopJmB5mQb4qgUcxDz8g061MYwCpXxSeHIVdmU8RyVLAyA6q5cOVOZ5BMnH_4U2b4RosTGNPe_zcuYJsH8_A7L3CCwzfkgq6aeb9KjrweqTMCfqSubR6B0IwY9LsKDvibffpts/s5568/GOPR1793.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoDEK_YGG5p2c0uiGSMD4sKy8ThCeKRBPDi8DApSVoPAjCv1_z57VKdkopJmB5mQb4qgUcxDz8g061MYwCpXxSeHIVdmU8RyVLAyA6q5cOVOZ5BMnH_4U2b4RosTGNPe_zcuYJsH8_A7L3CCwzfkgq6aeb9KjrweqTMCfqSubR6B0IwY9LsKDvibffpts/w640-h480/GOPR1793.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: the lake really makes some lovely reflections across the water at night<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuLKqeIUOsiuv0BSH_XQ6ZSCM7SzT14ISWejxdApAD1ulSuaSTYSUKZxA34LCoORMELBQ_zM7sCkC8BwNG3Aj76aj1q_vURJ-wXBdtIod0L_wmuIfV__RIhH_2S4QVR22KaF64sXvpZ20jpbaGD4q_fHOYDeYTf1yKgPtFt24ZqzmU28ZTIzT6It22hnM/s5568/GOPR1795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuLKqeIUOsiuv0BSH_XQ6ZSCM7SzT14ISWejxdApAD1ulSuaSTYSUKZxA34LCoORMELBQ_zM7sCkC8BwNG3Aj76aj1q_vURJ-wXBdtIod0L_wmuIfV__RIhH_2S4QVR22KaF64sXvpZ20jpbaGD4q_fHOYDeYTf1yKgPtFt24ZqzmU28ZTIzT6It22hnM/w640-h480/GOPR1795.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>above and below Looking toward the old mill across the lake<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0V0P-kLnZpB__0N9Tfb_DvkRDiuruXWsgDBYGp29Xo2-RFLs7mM5C2oTVds2Yf27eXp46QoO19glJ7QSnligV9VUja9Ezv3zW0rxG9njfRRZpemaFaVTAq4RnOQIuRt5x4Pu5r2ZaE8IHX8_Pg-4nqnrfVVTkGKV1XlThdWm50awQK7b1hkapYCwPbr8/s5568/GOPR1796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0V0P-kLnZpB__0N9Tfb_DvkRDiuruXWsgDBYGp29Xo2-RFLs7mM5C2oTVds2Yf27eXp46QoO19glJ7QSnligV9VUja9Ezv3zW0rxG9njfRRZpemaFaVTAq4RnOQIuRt5x4Pu5r2ZaE8IHX8_Pg-4nqnrfVVTkGKV1XlThdWm50awQK7b1hkapYCwPbr8/w640-h480/GOPR1796.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaJcKyhdczjfNQtlM5YXrkFnu55hA-Bb6zBBDYqVR0ys6rHv52DVbDGQj1vnvF9IR1QEgtjHkJqfqI_1kY80I3Zecc7ppY5S3Hzxk5DnvOhkMILt6CxtdN2xtfIqVCmn29HpdDh1F9zAYc4qzrJ9qGmu2YQoX1BmPfI0BMSfYUCQ9gtqsvq-MuyvOIA2w/s5568/GOPR1798.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaJcKyhdczjfNQtlM5YXrkFnu55hA-Bb6zBBDYqVR0ys6rHv52DVbDGQj1vnvF9IR1QEgtjHkJqfqI_1kY80I3Zecc7ppY5S3Hzxk5DnvOhkMILt6CxtdN2xtfIqVCmn29HpdDh1F9zAYc4qzrJ9qGmu2YQoX1BmPfI0BMSfYUCQ9gtqsvq-MuyvOIA2w/w640-h480/GOPR1798.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: wishing well <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD2WkNQvKHdjdyZtnlurf2DQMbDuzLhk1qzttQPvGh5LwQVEje7px9onuXRx02rYYagjOZddNmxPE3U83Djqrdrk65tXrkIcqFKauIYZP3cbgkbK6N7tWBJZ3l1JVmeMTw_L5G9bH_zUYwqQZ4EPBMdytA30n2D-MqDYxGYeVfQ6to2bzg57aa3mOGjMk/s5568/GOPR1799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD2WkNQvKHdjdyZtnlurf2DQMbDuzLhk1qzttQPvGh5LwQVEje7px9onuXRx02rYYagjOZddNmxPE3U83Djqrdrk65tXrkIcqFKauIYZP3cbgkbK6N7tWBJZ3l1JVmeMTw_L5G9bH_zUYwqQZ4EPBMdytA30n2D-MqDYxGYeVfQ6to2bzg57aa3mOGjMk/w640-h480/GOPR1799.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: Christmas tree lights<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjKJzoVXre_otmjUJCRJnxXnQMMf0DQlw4K5eS93T8GJG4t4-SDd1f5nwE5btkRkMotTkWt3bwqpB0E1_gNTxM8vMxcm2B-pxceaTdGe548lkv2TrnVlqAXn47gPyUgOa4bDF2BZ8VuoYCn8YiHBrFMRhMYu_UdI20kXkqtFrBqMquFdTLHTKeCdA5pFU/s5568/GOPR1802.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjKJzoVXre_otmjUJCRJnxXnQMMf0DQlw4K5eS93T8GJG4t4-SDd1f5nwE5btkRkMotTkWt3bwqpB0E1_gNTxM8vMxcm2B-pxceaTdGe548lkv2TrnVlqAXn47gPyUgOa4bDF2BZ8VuoYCn8YiHBrFMRhMYu_UdI20kXkqtFrBqMquFdTLHTKeCdA5pFU/w640-h480/GOPR1802.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>above and below: little covered foot bridge as part of the golf course<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkBzy1ALddnFu5K02izhv2b1ALfcfl2R-a96k1km4lExtWw0mffLmdnwKz4l2fhhNq78mEJz6BPRXLhoCfVgC6rfqXGRXGdJNbWK6cuRhaACNsKrDLQ0EkSw6DymrVbq1TorprZ4b3KPadnKbzyjPH2Z4am77S9pdPXjjGh4jpc1ChAxRXNHgNyvj17iQ/s5568/GOPR1803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkBzy1ALddnFu5K02izhv2b1ALfcfl2R-a96k1km4lExtWw0mffLmdnwKz4l2fhhNq78mEJz6BPRXLhoCfVgC6rfqXGRXGdJNbWK6cuRhaACNsKrDLQ0EkSw6DymrVbq1TorprZ4b3KPadnKbzyjPH2Z4am77S9pdPXjjGh4jpc1ChAxRXNHgNyvj17iQ/w640-h480/GOPR1803.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNeL5ntaaTf_kezriyja1lDT1rNlceoL2RxrYlyqzRiezuAq3kI-NdBNg8-M-52bdFtuOidrLqxfs7mfj7V3nODaaPcyfv1DC3mWUBG-g9JCyXpkWv0XneKb7Nco7wgSwB1_cKPfiZjkiepiFcFsJjwCB9TXHxacsyuvP2Hs6XllmCfrAWhunUquh_Kxw/s5568/GOPR1792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNeL5ntaaTf_kezriyja1lDT1rNlceoL2RxrYlyqzRiezuAq3kI-NdBNg8-M-52bdFtuOidrLqxfs7mfj7V3nODaaPcyfv1DC3mWUBG-g9JCyXpkWv0XneKb7Nco7wgSwB1_cKPfiZjkiepiFcFsJjwCB9TXHxacsyuvP2Hs6XllmCfrAWhunUquh_Kxw/w640-h480/GOPR1792.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Above: some odd rock forms. this looks like a camel to me or maybe a dolphin</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The two shots below are my favorite views of the night. all those glowing colors on the water<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQj7hjR7fZ9O7QUEC1BlApvVlWcXwG5IwYctlgiIG0BALs60AM0rHMubZ8CWhtqYC_8DPCfkFFAMMhW7ZkCYyt_ezaCBieZ6bmbqvegy49UAZhMFpR4NSHNIQLiTNYSraGBkX0iVeu7_q2vGCejGDrzDAS5mmUo8RH18S414hCR4bkwmiJ2B2JM5tMldg/s5568/GOPR1811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQj7hjR7fZ9O7QUEC1BlApvVlWcXwG5IwYctlgiIG0BALs60AM0rHMubZ8CWhtqYC_8DPCfkFFAMMhW7ZkCYyt_ezaCBieZ6bmbqvegy49UAZhMFpR4NSHNIQLiTNYSraGBkX0iVeu7_q2vGCejGDrzDAS5mmUo8RH18S414hCR4bkwmiJ2B2JM5tMldg/w640-h480/GOPR1811.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCZMPDqabgJZZJKjGZdYaCD-SANOMOgNrQATULZWtHjqvpXReKfcO_S-8vsRBJCPselYhbrV6g8AGCB1Xni3emYAFrqH2ggtVDTsxfrEXILqE36_imxUsKYgmWfhHtGBUL_smqdZmXCrLcNhE4augT58n9vx8ZHp4ZbUbE0vHB10zjfFwsaCQ-5U54sOU/s5568/GOPR1812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCZMPDqabgJZZJKjGZdYaCD-SANOMOgNrQATULZWtHjqvpXReKfcO_S-8vsRBJCPselYhbrV6g8AGCB1Xni3emYAFrqH2ggtVDTsxfrEXILqE36_imxUsKYgmWfhHtGBUL_smqdZmXCrLcNhE4augT58n9vx8ZHp4ZbUbE0vHB10zjfFwsaCQ-5U54sOU/w640-h480/GOPR1812.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1MOcNDqXt-LwU96IJ3i4jeYGTNHX5E8jZxgS8JxYLvx3b5Rgxehz5tmgTTMjH_GF3oUCPiwk7fOxVjQX5e4F2Bv-yd3ayknyCpcJuqhSC575_dbP8EWs52CH9uwKx0y5evc73yL3ejaTfZPsJAre3lmO5JDIRQAPd6pOFxzGXlGtZX6SGQO0neuK_64s/s5568/GOPR1814.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1MOcNDqXt-LwU96IJ3i4jeYGTNHX5E8jZxgS8JxYLvx3b5Rgxehz5tmgTTMjH_GF3oUCPiwk7fOxVjQX5e4F2Bv-yd3ayknyCpcJuqhSC575_dbP8EWs52CH9uwKx0y5evc73yL3ejaTfZPsJAre3lmO5JDIRQAPd6pOFxzGXlGtZX6SGQO0neuK_64s/w640-h480/GOPR1814.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgH-MGFOnFmq01uwLDTGKI39mh6zfpr2yLnNmHcbLstgN9TP7UA1N9dowDB5dsVhD3moTGHQELKCUNuZTQiWQe7tsUDxsZjNerAcgbnOv6UTSDaHpyH_yA7FZ_ZYIaNyyueoFsUbdABbbj19nWUBfrQHULxoMcZf79kFRIaYn1VL1EOLuosilE_MFQ8Ic/s5568/GOPR1815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgH-MGFOnFmq01uwLDTGKI39mh6zfpr2yLnNmHcbLstgN9TP7UA1N9dowDB5dsVhD3moTGHQELKCUNuZTQiWQe7tsUDxsZjNerAcgbnOv6UTSDaHpyH_yA7FZ_ZYIaNyyueoFsUbdABbbj19nWUBfrQHULxoMcZf79kFRIaYn1VL1EOLuosilE_MFQ8Ic/w640-h480/GOPR1815.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsf4MEqOhHwWgt3K7Yl37Z5GfJud-Ze6N8FBpWq9mlp1sO35jcsR49VoiRERKGcsxYVOuZ-kNcfgrFBcurhGuZ0E0RQ8HeJazhDxhS7G-L3W62CIvH6gjO84z6HaRc-K5FoWpbb-djQ_db8fvsGzwOqUf5MdSKpuRF7XMs_xxhlyaB0noG2BkxGLK1ny8/s5568/GOPR1817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsf4MEqOhHwWgt3K7Yl37Z5GfJud-Ze6N8FBpWq9mlp1sO35jcsR49VoiRERKGcsxYVOuZ-kNcfgrFBcurhGuZ0E0RQ8HeJazhDxhS7G-L3W62CIvH6gjO84z6HaRc-K5FoWpbb-djQ_db8fvsGzwOqUf5MdSKpuRF7XMs_xxhlyaB0noG2BkxGLK1ny8/w640-h480/GOPR1817.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Three shots above: Carolers under a lamp light</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ykwoiGw0otmxqKA6mZgkGb-qtpABYbDY5p3h2uckF8yMRfC85O1MsBK92tS7HqxSe224YQ78wsjPc0pK4hus6BQZ4wIJzmeC_qr1F3c4Jqcza11wcpAkenIECdElw2SehGagPjx4TOEty-3aXpXEfw7rwptgXaouEWo6peyGSbJSL-dbBPncjbp-UjY/s5568/GOPR1818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ykwoiGw0otmxqKA6mZgkGb-qtpABYbDY5p3h2uckF8yMRfC85O1MsBK92tS7HqxSe224YQ78wsjPc0pK4hus6BQZ4wIJzmeC_qr1F3c4Jqcza11wcpAkenIECdElw2SehGagPjx4TOEty-3aXpXEfw7rwptgXaouEWo6peyGSbJSL-dbBPncjbp-UjY/w640-h480/GOPR1818.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: another look at carolers and the climbing structure behind them I think is part of the playground.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRzmVaOlE3rFtJyhsDiO7v3vrRZykskixgs4Ys5ayJ7oeJW7GIwi1UQC1w924A1p_dSOLankzSTSQ7cNLZwa84KJqUgRFFeJ73nAqwxxG_9YImjXvpcBRio5OjCEI_KX0uzOUHaVyDyq3iSsDsB7Law5rYmbhPq5TXC0maDIVukLHPtkZhrMjHq7IbUUk/s5568/GOPR1819.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRzmVaOlE3rFtJyhsDiO7v3vrRZykskixgs4Ys5ayJ7oeJW7GIwi1UQC1w924A1p_dSOLankzSTSQ7cNLZwa84KJqUgRFFeJ73nAqwxxG_9YImjXvpcBRio5OjCEI_KX0uzOUHaVyDyq3iSsDsB7Law5rYmbhPq5TXC0maDIVukLHPtkZhrMjHq7IbUUk/w640-h480/GOPR1819.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>above and below: <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPGY4UCs1SC_nWaeRhfjEpemiSwjUCTCzLjI2t6co-jHGxpzrCr-Gfb5ALxe22DtgEYNfqQDuBaq1z5xi5F8qctrVyygQtY9VkcqkGRcFhztE-E1GzE59j-5LlykzV1Ym-EnS1WxheXYN0gzMHIc4qqQdvJdr1EPonk2dq943uWNQ-I_ZOeR3Hc8zHByA/s5568/GOPR1820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPGY4UCs1SC_nWaeRhfjEpemiSwjUCTCzLjI2t6co-jHGxpzrCr-Gfb5ALxe22DtgEYNfqQDuBaq1z5xi5F8qctrVyygQtY9VkcqkGRcFhztE-E1GzE59j-5LlykzV1Ym-EnS1WxheXYN0gzMHIc4qqQdvJdr1EPonk2dq943uWNQ-I_ZOeR3Hc8zHByA/w640-h480/GOPR1820.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipq32nqyMaQ35dpgdEVBFFXBDcsptwvuOY1UcW_7DS6AcEv5TDqja4BOzobUE7zFtDmS614p6IzPCABATyHwd26Sc3luobuniiNioQxyjev_t7PeT-IlR_7KWq1TZ02kJ-HVWzYY26MbweYtSDEKmEfWU7xy5N6TG-7Q6Ei17XlVKannc2nOkyhRo9fIk/s5568/GOPR1830.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipq32nqyMaQ35dpgdEVBFFXBDcsptwvuOY1UcW_7DS6AcEv5TDqja4BOzobUE7zFtDmS614p6IzPCABATyHwd26Sc3luobuniiNioQxyjev_t7PeT-IlR_7KWq1TZ02kJ-HVWzYY26MbweYtSDEKmEfWU7xy5N6TG-7Q6Ei17XlVKannc2nOkyhRo9fIk/w640-h480/GOPR1830.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>above: Peace on Earth<div>Below; Another look at the building with the mill wheel as we prepared to leave at nights end.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGJbWPXrOmybU4ollD4mhNbtvSD5giNWbbA42EKFz9waGOaKRUHQyJ3mEhI55b4SPN1GeyocuzyMBJMx8-H4jiW7IDUEdMFy_EooXaziCd-wXOitfMTZzN1koyciiuOp3ahERI_QhfvS63Ke5r1FOw3Cbq1_nUyKEN-3R0rRx6D-sDkU8_wuhBFLYH-rc/s5568/GOPR1831.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGJbWPXrOmybU4ollD4mhNbtvSD5giNWbbA42EKFz9waGOaKRUHQyJ3mEhI55b4SPN1GeyocuzyMBJMx8-H4jiW7IDUEdMFy_EooXaziCd-wXOitfMTZzN1koyciiuOp3ahERI_QhfvS63Ke5r1FOw3Cbq1_nUyKEN-3R0rRx6D-sDkU8_wuhBFLYH-rc/w640-h480/GOPR1831.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNcjQmw57ZWpJu6qzX8SMLwevC-l8iW1DUrlzEISHM48PGDrs272kKkwXO5vWMg26Od8t4W6WZYUcrL-pW0yUv5cEeClZ4aWT-3z6qvCqUge3vnsyF7xPjACIqHnejHmEazMbhjImBv9yWiwe6UeyBjeMkslDP-wjg6ZshmTUcrNRpKcHTLm97AsE-PTQ/s3456/IMG_6524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNcjQmw57ZWpJu6qzX8SMLwevC-l8iW1DUrlzEISHM48PGDrs272kKkwXO5vWMg26Od8t4W6WZYUcrL-pW0yUv5cEeClZ4aWT-3z6qvCqUge3vnsyF7xPjACIqHnejHmEazMbhjImBv9yWiwe6UeyBjeMkslDP-wjg6ZshmTUcrNRpKcHTLm97AsE-PTQ/w640-h426/IMG_6524.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: Best shot of the lights and the lake was with my Canon camera<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Below: Gingerbread house </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKMLkDjO2e8fMxLU3DvqBgceZtgqdyJplTUjXWiKzscOVrN04FQ6U6W6zVYI3IPIbzILEaajtl72-9lXPc4voz4IVL7t25pc6t4cUKBsUrV2-eshUQRgNcl5wLAbCu0M_RWXu_HMKqJuIfhBdQqR8_pwjcMcUhccc7Dis5clLdxMZK5pIw3v6hcmRhA8E/s3456/IMG_6528.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKMLkDjO2e8fMxLU3DvqBgceZtgqdyJplTUjXWiKzscOVrN04FQ6U6W6zVYI3IPIbzILEaajtl72-9lXPc4voz4IVL7t25pc6t4cUKBsUrV2-eshUQRgNcl5wLAbCu0M_RWXu_HMKqJuIfhBdQqR8_pwjcMcUhccc7Dis5clLdxMZK5pIw3v6hcmRhA8E/w640-h426/IMG_6528.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiut4_FkeACMiKecdC0-7SXQrBDyGmb4svuvEzO8AcoOsb73tE4AFncWKrZKdgN6Tqoy2B9GMjtqYKZwTJs-vQbZHt0waQBdfyNuKVw6ZitUYgmqeDXd7EpS_B1knEMQJI_L5pXZCvAe86Ln0dOTTb0KgCMauTSbZTCaAdLE-m-xOD5mSIQfAIHgl7DJGo/s3456/IMG_6529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiut4_FkeACMiKecdC0-7SXQrBDyGmb4svuvEzO8AcoOsb73tE4AFncWKrZKdgN6Tqoy2B9GMjtqYKZwTJs-vQbZHt0waQBdfyNuKVw6ZitUYgmqeDXd7EpS_B1knEMQJI_L5pXZCvAe86Ln0dOTTb0KgCMauTSbZTCaAdLE-m-xOD5mSIQfAIHgl7DJGo/w640-h426/IMG_6529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: Sharon and Odie ahead of me<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Below: Memorial plaque regarding Nora Evangeline Lee </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-MSKHraG8wj3fhSQkOZdNuKMrmlnF7d8OQEeasGg5_nna35Y2EvsFwQwBx6vuc6eI6HApQc5FdSNw5TJT4ad3JB_9YbeJ33zlT7j4vpFJfuD9ARdNQQ3Ow7l8_BMM1Xo8OT_UjBvcAIGIMw2woUczelIMogzx6XnyooLvGV5sZPPQrmzl2Tww-UZa5Xg/s3456/IMG_6531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-MSKHraG8wj3fhSQkOZdNuKMrmlnF7d8OQEeasGg5_nna35Y2EvsFwQwBx6vuc6eI6HApQc5FdSNw5TJT4ad3JB_9YbeJ33zlT7j4vpFJfuD9ARdNQQ3Ow7l8_BMM1Xo8OT_UjBvcAIGIMw2woUczelIMogzx6XnyooLvGV5sZPPQrmzl2Tww-UZa5Xg/w640-h426/IMG_6531.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp-06FYOosmDQ1JHdDXxHYzk5kwS0bdDmAWd9oDeFe1W-X87XnYY6hKeZqBUndHptXl_X6jzONZ9VWeaASP8SdB2BYPz7zvsf_RApN-eEJeivMmLtgd2pVucn_A0X1iFr4DCRdmnzVdFcl0vDhR5F9YbqANmvu3cL-nd4YHwOFpS5u_dXptHbZqU06TLI/s3456/IMG_6532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp-06FYOosmDQ1JHdDXxHYzk5kwS0bdDmAWd9oDeFe1W-X87XnYY6hKeZqBUndHptXl_X6jzONZ9VWeaASP8SdB2BYPz7zvsf_RApN-eEJeivMmLtgd2pVucn_A0X1iFr4DCRdmnzVdFcl0vDhR5F9YbqANmvu3cL-nd4YHwOFpS5u_dXptHbZqU06TLI/w640-h426/IMG_6532.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: Hidden Hollow Sign<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGU7ZDoRqZjUJOlJ4t_EeVdLQY8n-GDntkNSJxMn4i9zrPRkLObRhbvTdv-89iN7btddIaVpeekcJMDW65rvojxrinQYcw6v6uMEM22RmW4d1aDkWqX1gaSIFUNXp8xoFsRUHYGFblpLhRGPFob9RkqFONRiUEMTVAV5n4spWMb-jfzDAPIn0kG2Q9Pes/s3456/IMG_6533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGU7ZDoRqZjUJOlJ4t_EeVdLQY8n-GDntkNSJxMn4i9zrPRkLObRhbvTdv-89iN7btddIaVpeekcJMDW65rvojxrinQYcw6v6uMEM22RmW4d1aDkWqX1gaSIFUNXp8xoFsRUHYGFblpLhRGPFob9RkqFONRiUEMTVAV5n4spWMb-jfzDAPIn0kG2Q9Pes/w640-h426/IMG_6533.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: Train and old mill<div><br /></div><div> Below is a video of the highlights of the event. It demonstrates it way better than my photos do.</div><div>They have a waterfall at Hidden Hollow. It is hard to see at night, but it was still flowing. It is in the video clips.</div><div><br /></div><div> We had a great time. We got done and headed to Cookeville and had dinner at Longhorn Steak House. We had good food. Great company and conversation. </div><div>All in all it was a fun visit and I'm already looking forward to going back to do more stuff with Sharon!</div><div>Kenny is a little jealous because he missed out, but he was happy for me.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><iframe width="670" height="340" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/r0U-iasDccI" title="Hidden Hollow Christmas Lights" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>Dana Kooglerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05415223619811093720noreply@blogger.com0Hidden Hollow Park, Cookeville, TN 38506, USA36.149135 -85.42513287.8389011638211556 -120.5813828 64.45936883617884 -50.2688828tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626760878352814160.post-14646335588701979912023-12-19T12:20:00.006-05:002023-12-19T14:41:24.601-05:00Daily Dose of Aggravation: My Next Husband Will Have a Pony Tail <h1 style="text-align: center;"><b><u><br /></u></b></h1><h1 style="text-align: center;"><b><u><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZkUBixr048R_pljahQ6DLEYwuubJiiljKZqKzt1nwmx8QrBQD3vePH5CQM3wcbEiJdjKxH6u0JhzMhcmBSZah042KaWBuQVNZX1gGMmyTKL7VBQHW16_Sg76gl4QbWgWs4K_xkfpHg-yuR4pyH-cbdmsOA1uHK14rwfx1VjaClITAhVO5oRdkU-_EaOc/s246/download.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="205" data-original-width="246" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZkUBixr048R_pljahQ6DLEYwuubJiiljKZqKzt1nwmx8QrBQD3vePH5CQM3wcbEiJdjKxH6u0JhzMhcmBSZah042KaWBuQVNZX1gGMmyTKL7VBQHW16_Sg76gl4QbWgWs4K_xkfpHg-yuR4pyH-cbdmsOA1uHK14rwfx1VjaClITAhVO5oRdkU-_EaOc/w200-h166/download.png" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /></u></b></h1><h1 style="text-align: center;"><b><u>Daily Dose of Aggravation: </u></b></h1><h1 style="text-align: center;"><b><u>My Next Husband Will Have a Pony Tail</u></b> </h1><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Dana Koogler </b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Dec. 19,2023</b></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxpl5MzLpOpBH_3KM-COvukh-b29LQ5Sa117YpIZdVOj3BJWClq0BR32UdryBsbaaJ_mLgy4APQ7Q4ucKQRIWGDSc2i6UAC1rXirIYx0rHCgjlukws12LSTRvNpKuBJpooueBHgcX47uf3O5u002mPPQ38opHvxvlveomaFf2EE9jpOcN77AhyskExM2M/s243/images%20(4).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="243" data-original-width="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxpl5MzLpOpBH_3KM-COvukh-b29LQ5Sa117YpIZdVOj3BJWClq0BR32UdryBsbaaJ_mLgy4APQ7Q4ucKQRIWGDSc2i6UAC1rXirIYx0rHCgjlukws12LSTRvNpKuBJpooueBHgcX47uf3O5u002mPPQ38opHvxvlveomaFf2EE9jpOcN77AhyskExM2M/s16000/images%20(4).jpg" /></a></div><br /><p>Above: my little ponytail husband of the future </p><p> <b> I decided to write blog entries about some of the funny ways me and Kenny annoy one another.</b></p><p><b>It's part of how we show affection in this family. You do something dumb and you will be reminded of it lovingly, but laughingly many times over the years. I can't sew that great, but my mom and step mom are great seamstresses. Consequently my brother-in-law Brian calls me The Golden Needle. Stuff like that. Kenny and I have been together for so long and we both have so many idiosyncrasies. We like to kid each other. It is partly a coping mechanism. Instead of getting truly angry with one another's ways we joke about it. </b></p><p><br /></p><p> <b>Dana's Idiosyncrasy that Lead to This Exchange: I HATE to be told what to do and forced to do a thing. People's expectations of performance from me light a match under my ass. </b></p><p><br /></p><p> I am including a funny video clip below from the movie <u>The Hot Chick </u> that perfectly sums up my attitude, feelings, and actions when it comes to being expected or forced to do a thing. The movie is Rachel McAdam's character Jessica switches bodies magically with a random low life dude who then uses her body he is inhabiting to strip to earn money. It is comical and very apt for my internal landscape regarding expectations. <b>Especially stereotyped expectations. </b></p><p><br /></p><p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="337" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1KxqAkXiRt0" title="Rachel Mcadams - The Hot Chick 720p HD Stripper" width="675"></iframe></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: center;"> <b><u> Kenny's Dream Motorcycle</u></b></h2><div><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div><b><u> </u></b></div><p> <b> Kenny likes motorcycles and over the years has episodes where he fancies himself a biker. </b></p><p><b>He has bought and sold a couple bikes. I have given it a try each time. I've really made the effort to be a sport. No denying that, but I don't like motorcyles. Never have. Never will. I also don't fit with the biker chick lifestyle and Kenny doesn't fit the biker image in any way. One day after selling the last sports bike he mused "One day after I retire I'll get another motorcycle." </b></p><p><b>He was gaging my response. It was not what he hoped for when I replied "You go ahead. You will be riding it without me the next go round. I don't like it. It makes my back hurt. I feel foolish. I don't like or fit that lifestyle." He knows me only too well. He knew a couple things right now. #1 -- I really meant what I said having tried it twice before. #2 He knew if he kept on being pushy about it .. I'd be annoyed. <br /></b></p><p><b> I guess he figured if he couldn't count on me to go riding with him he may as well have some fun at my expense. He got real quiet for a moment, but that didn't mean he was letting it drop.</b></p><p><b>"You ARE going with me on the motorcycle like it or not." he said. I quizzed him "How do you reckon you're going to get me on there?" He grinned and said "Oh you're going sweetheart if I have to put a side car on that thing and hog tie you and set you in there. You ARE going!" </b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b> Below are two hilarious images of bikes with sidecars... this is what came to mind. </b></p><p><b>Well, truthfully I had Sgt. Schultz and Col. Klink from Hogan's Heroes in mind, but couldn't find a very good image of those scenes. <br /></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsIiCaFhSnDX-1IIL4EraxEni3u4VSalr4Ku4JOI2XtYwRSSvnJ_rXGiuTsCNVdwuxUMXKUvCFXsh0Xt0tE0_l4qer1mfLnh15M8F2wW7GggGnk159HlqTuPWphDwOaB2VcxMBZASd347o1GecupuBtfaJkb4q1JFqBC7rUNR6-hv9p3O-8KRVildIEJI/s755/s-l1600%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="591" data-original-width="755" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsIiCaFhSnDX-1IIL4EraxEni3u4VSalr4Ku4JOI2XtYwRSSvnJ_rXGiuTsCNVdwuxUMXKUvCFXsh0Xt0tE0_l4qer1mfLnh15M8F2wW7GggGnk159HlqTuPWphDwOaB2VcxMBZASd347o1GecupuBtfaJkb4q1JFqBC7rUNR6-hv9p3O-8KRVildIEJI/w400-h313/s-l1600%20(1).jpg" width="400" /></a></b></div><b><br /></b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIBIZNSNz2vfE6HaRFL6ZoQWBB2r4Vb-Ba9A561qTDYZEgrSRSmh4p515ve6CzF4pSycyuQltouk6pF7irnVjD7RGvAsmnYRwecTNnEiIQvb4dWGitnaRaeKTJ5i90t8a-G6zQhAiBbtxI_0elKJZiP0FTmL-RO-7sS_J0sbJWtyM6KwbOe8q4JH19NYI/s489/imperious%20rex.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="489" data-original-width="456" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIBIZNSNz2vfE6HaRFL6ZoQWBB2r4Vb-Ba9A561qTDYZEgrSRSmh4p515ve6CzF4pSycyuQltouk6pF7irnVjD7RGvAsmnYRwecTNnEiIQvb4dWGitnaRaeKTJ5i90t8a-G6zQhAiBbtxI_0elKJZiP0FTmL-RO-7sS_J0sbJWtyM6KwbOe8q4JH19NYI/w373-h400/imperious%20rex.jpg" width="373" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> I was not to be so easily outdone by the whole forced sidecar thing. I told Kenny "Look, if I wanted to be married to a biker. I'd have married a biker. I'll tell you what I'll do. When you kill yourself on that motorcyle my next husband will be just that.. a REAL biker." I went on to describe the criteria.</p><p>He will wear leathers. He will ride a Harley-Davidson. He will have a long pony tail. He will be rich as Croesus. He will be four feet tall and weigh about 120 lbs. When I say jump he will say "How high?" </p><p><br /></p><p> Kenny's eyes got big and he must not have liked the image that conjured up. He said "Oh Lord! You just want him to be like that so you can boss him around and beat him up! You'll take hold of him by that ponytail and be swinging him around like a club! The look of astonishment on his face was priceless. "That's right!" I declared. <br /></p><p><br /></p><p> Then the utter ridiculousness of the conversation settled over both of us and we just lost it. We laughed hysterically. Shortly after that we were going down the road in the vehicle when we passed a motorcyle with a side car with a biker man and a woman in the sidecar. It was one of those honking big Honda Goldwings. I really don't like them. I always say if you're going to get a motorcyle that size you may as well buy a Miata or a compact sports car. </p><p><br /></p><p> Over the years as that story has gotten told to grandchildren it has never failed to illicit a fit of laughter. Our grandson Michael is almost as evil as me. He'll see a dude now and then who fits my given description and will point him out to me making us laugh all the more. </p><p><b>Below are several photos of Kenny with the last motorcycle he owned. </b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIfGWB3UBTi-mICBdkA_bPrh1InFnPAZaPzJofPAt3mGLDQ8A6aU3nXCehW0wrp3FnRNFgdoVo1xgNO0j9R5lUhPdH66IzTdukimPTfW3CHxuzYSD1e8kumv0dpKDqH6h5X1rFxK15DJY7MIB209IFLqa-hWrq5RgTsR6ukihWx-y-Hcp70t7ZsMZbmtQ/s1024/Andrews%20Bald%20004.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIfGWB3UBTi-mICBdkA_bPrh1InFnPAZaPzJofPAt3mGLDQ8A6aU3nXCehW0wrp3FnRNFgdoVo1xgNO0j9R5lUhPdH66IzTdukimPTfW3CHxuzYSD1e8kumv0dpKDqH6h5X1rFxK15DJY7MIB209IFLqa-hWrq5RgTsR6ukihWx-y-Hcp70t7ZsMZbmtQ/w640-h480/Andrews%20Bald%20004.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc8duiG7JM_nig9Bl82bWSGgqOzZNsVzsbwydinX4plaWjHbSepUKKlmBayHhGpYJKOjfiLa2SsJGabgKJcHvrC0qUJZJVjIoGz0UHvi_9gkiVZX7t7DencW53_PGn_gjNG0WX39CbLT-LfJdGmxZ37zcFG6fEypPcyARwgvMERae-c14GlRfQD8HWSPA/s864/Kenny%20and%20new%20cycle.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="724" data-original-width="864" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc8duiG7JM_nig9Bl82bWSGgqOzZNsVzsbwydinX4plaWjHbSepUKKlmBayHhGpYJKOjfiLa2SsJGabgKJcHvrC0qUJZJVjIoGz0UHvi_9gkiVZX7t7DencW53_PGn_gjNG0WX39CbLT-LfJdGmxZ37zcFG6fEypPcyARwgvMERae-c14GlRfQD8HWSPA/w640-h536/Kenny%20and%20new%20cycle.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLMW7Kson20j6MGgXVSpib0gs-sInF55lpBAdItIrhCyFXHN7ihFd-rtmBRFdnNeCUwqHRURFx6ShRsXMFswsFmK1l0uko8qfFlqYUDGaatKl264eJW7qO5vZujHWs8R_Cdkv-D3RG7b5bSBVLwFS0z4wN-03xmnPZWWWma02eZyHWsnQZ-djzIu5fP4c/s1280/Andrews%20Bald%20098-X2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLMW7Kson20j6MGgXVSpib0gs-sInF55lpBAdItIrhCyFXHN7ihFd-rtmBRFdnNeCUwqHRURFx6ShRsXMFswsFmK1l0uko8qfFlqYUDGaatKl264eJW7qO5vZujHWs8R_Cdkv-D3RG7b5bSBVLwFS0z4wN-03xmnPZWWWma02eZyHWsnQZ-djzIu5fP4c/w640-h480/Andrews%20Bald%20098-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> I am really mean and have a black hearted sense of humor. </p><p><br /></p><p>Below is a series of photos I shot from the vehicle at a gas station in Tellico Plains, TN. </p><p>I saw a biker dude come out dressed in full leathers. He stood and smoked. Then he proceeded toward his ride which was not a motorcycle, but a scooter!!!! A little Japanese scooter of all the things. </p><p>I was really laughing about this. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL1v3NcW9fAbFs_hIXQZyqUzBWGZTHIV3x4hWpnUX2YEMLeMarhN7_sg6NGedlZn60Cs1Atjzkznxo49-59nfnZwn1egdPZzyI6f4DenPdtUQaBzhVfvQTQe7gAhGdbB4wg9PkKjP0QYGit-KV7_hqxs70nLgD-9QaKGBqxmj6UB7KLN5_mwpeJjtzAL8/s1024/Indian%20Boundary%20Autumn%20104.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL1v3NcW9fAbFs_hIXQZyqUzBWGZTHIV3x4hWpnUX2YEMLeMarhN7_sg6NGedlZn60Cs1Atjzkznxo49-59nfnZwn1egdPZzyI6f4DenPdtUQaBzhVfvQTQe7gAhGdbB4wg9PkKjP0QYGit-KV7_hqxs70nLgD-9QaKGBqxmj6UB7KLN5_mwpeJjtzAL8/w640-h480/Indian%20Boundary%20Autumn%20104.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig_0JsbsFhfrpGvri-6ZBEY4Duc3O4AeA3PHXH3l1fy7kYWZs1_wPbLau1vZTERl4xmN2N9xVabIi6H_5vkNxgzZ_T1scozj3U25NmN-9_5aayZTVtQ5XuVT9u2LTJsvlJMfMVzqRB4bUZX56v0tsFWxQvYs7GBARy8zWbrORwjnoFV3HBiDu9zeLbpxs/s1024/Indian%20Boundary%20Autumn%20105.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig_0JsbsFhfrpGvri-6ZBEY4Duc3O4AeA3PHXH3l1fy7kYWZs1_wPbLau1vZTERl4xmN2N9xVabIi6H_5vkNxgzZ_T1scozj3U25NmN-9_5aayZTVtQ5XuVT9u2LTJsvlJMfMVzqRB4bUZX56v0tsFWxQvYs7GBARy8zWbrORwjnoFV3HBiDu9zeLbpxs/w640-h480/Indian%20Boundary%20Autumn%20105.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjGoknF3klQh_JjEYFlebjTD0Y_y8tRAKcHqdUcG4BekTCZyXgLgEj-DNYD0qQMARg4tkvr3-1DdueFEQFhkzNWLhOn7sUkwPfFS5P_tAWwvC5Ny44EkohoQtx94J7zUApa-_J5TLJznM1LmXVtRp9ve2JjpJScTY3li5k6OAUYz2LPl7hW4wOatwSWc4/s1024/Indian%20Boundary%20Autumn%20106.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjGoknF3klQh_JjEYFlebjTD0Y_y8tRAKcHqdUcG4BekTCZyXgLgEj-DNYD0qQMARg4tkvr3-1DdueFEQFhkzNWLhOn7sUkwPfFS5P_tAWwvC5Ny44EkohoQtx94J7zUApa-_J5TLJznM1LmXVtRp9ve2JjpJScTY3li5k6OAUYz2LPl7hW4wOatwSWc4/w640-h480/Indian%20Boundary%20Autumn%20106.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Qc6z1FMdAFAX57CT6WMVC4nGVFv7hBUqwxPU_85rcN1qEJDG3aT8NPn8jQHn0yLBIrEzXw9JeFRW3Pp0MrdCbUTRwgA43pIJEfLjy5McNRrEym5WlzTM3i_U5EE_qREnTDZaT_ePO1k0f-RC49XJso4EGserhlhnj4899QAC56iyUmWxLjktNWw1IeY/s1024/Indian%20Boundary%20Autumn%20107.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Qc6z1FMdAFAX57CT6WMVC4nGVFv7hBUqwxPU_85rcN1qEJDG3aT8NPn8jQHn0yLBIrEzXw9JeFRW3Pp0MrdCbUTRwgA43pIJEfLjy5McNRrEym5WlzTM3i_U5EE_qREnTDZaT_ePO1k0f-RC49XJso4EGserhlhnj4899QAC56iyUmWxLjktNWw1IeY/w640-h480/Indian%20Boundary%20Autumn%20107.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4fmDjnshQOfeagRUpS12kfsG3NWNY_G9-QyqHVQslLsQECFWTKu0osNlvOtaXw5ZWwdZ8DquRUy9CoPWpCmXYZ_LGF2mKag7utE5aeFlFIK8gYaHisQS5wvgehdRiifV5qYQO96N87EyhKJ1utdtdpsSR3rrpkePrjh30v11elJVMqV0A3ZHoDDMEMHc/s1024/Indian%20Boundary%20Autumn%20108.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4fmDjnshQOfeagRUpS12kfsG3NWNY_G9-QyqHVQslLsQECFWTKu0osNlvOtaXw5ZWwdZ8DquRUy9CoPWpCmXYZ_LGF2mKag7utE5aeFlFIK8gYaHisQS5wvgehdRiifV5qYQO96N87EyhKJ1utdtdpsSR3rrpkePrjh30v11elJVMqV0A3ZHoDDMEMHc/w640-h480/Indian%20Boundary%20Autumn%20108.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>He's the Japanese Anime biker dude! </p><p><br /></p>Dana Kooglerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05415223619811093720noreply@blogger.com0Blount Beach, TN 37804, USA35.7834176 -83.89573457.4731837638211545 -119.0519845 64.093651436178845 -48.7394845tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626760878352814160.post-72256827782053911542023-12-17T22:05:00.004-05:002023-12-17T22:19:17.427-05:00How to Shave a Cat's Butt<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDYzcS_iXZmGZ7s3U6eP00pCX-5ctdaAD3QHWbmz1cT7JBwdt9Lig12HFav3PIw6n31RtDiQF765VLChReWOoOlgvma_gOMl0RlcTRwkv_yjC7baSniQhH2FY1Fq2ucgUoDcEPdwBh2crRVbHI2lgfKsS3_v1YsJpE1QhknCop9Qjg5LLWUiSJBQUtuGc/s800/shirt-1657042315-75d9e56c5ef7d40239432b55cccd9074.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDYzcS_iXZmGZ7s3U6eP00pCX-5ctdaAD3QHWbmz1cT7JBwdt9Lig12HFav3PIw6n31RtDiQF765VLChReWOoOlgvma_gOMl0RlcTRwkv_yjC7baSniQhH2FY1Fq2ucgUoDcEPdwBh2crRVbHI2lgfKsS3_v1YsJpE1QhknCop9Qjg5LLWUiSJBQUtuGc/s320/shirt-1657042315-75d9e56c5ef7d40239432b55cccd9074.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><h1 style="text-align: center;"><b><u>How to Shave a Cat's Butt</u></b></h1><div><b><u><br /></u></b></div><h3 style="text-align: center;"><b><u>Funny Stories of Sophie the Cat & My Evil Doings</u></b></h3><div><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Dec. 16, 2023</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Dana Koogler </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> We got our first cat in Tennessee in about November of 2003. I was working at an orthopedic practice with a very nice man named Glenn Urban. He was an ortho tech. He invited us out to his place to visit him and his sweet wife Mary. He was showing us around. We had a fun day. He let Kenny come deer hunt on their farm. His cat had kittens and they were super cute. Kenny had never been a cat person, but decided we needed a kitten. The mama cat was particularly sweet and such a good mother all the nurses at Baptist Hospital had her kittens. We went home with a tiny, barely weaned gray and white kitten we named Sophie. She was one of the sweetest cats we've ever had. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> She had a funny personality. She followed me everywhere like a child. This lead to some hilarity later on as she got older. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><b>Cover It Up! -- Sophie and the Bathroom </b></u></div><p><br /></p><p> I wasn't kidding when I said Sophie followed me everywhere. I couldn't even take a pee without her following me into the bathroom to shred the toilet paper, climb up on the toilet tank, and walk around and all over me. She was like my kids when they were small. You'd go to use the bathroom and have a toddler patting your knees. One night I was lying on the bed reading a book. Kenny was on the throne and had the door open a crack. I saw Sophie come trotting in and dart straight in the bathroom. I stopped reading and perked up. I wondered what she'd do when she realized it wasn't me in there?</p><p> I did not have to wonder long. In a matter of seconds she came flying back out of the bathroom with her eyes big as saucers. As soon as her paws hit that bedroom carpet she started "digging" the way cats do when they bury their poop or pee in the litter box. She dug and dug. About that time Kenny hollered from behind the bathroom door "Uh-huh! That's right! Run! I bet you'll think twice before you come in this bathroom again when *I"M* in here! " and he laughed. The cat looked shaken up and stalked away with me laughing uncontrollably on the bed and Kenny laughing like mad from the terlit. </p><p><br /></p><p> If I live to be 100 years old I'll not forget it. </p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjCBp7M7AoM4OuhZPHBKq9czu3LCacps5HGRuTQyoOlM243FkGeuy0CoZYg6yHHogEpmXdKgO74Ng4N7C1f9WDYXx9d8aez5ngm4-KWBqRnXQXwMlCmiSUKnvSzThB82xCdTICh120uiLMf7nU-CjwxwR9qB4NPSGuJlPs3iiKipNwGxEkJ4YcU-epWhgQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="259" data-original-width="194" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjCBp7M7AoM4OuhZPHBKq9czu3LCacps5HGRuTQyoOlM243FkGeuy0CoZYg6yHHogEpmXdKgO74Ng4N7C1f9WDYXx9d8aez5ngm4-KWBqRnXQXwMlCmiSUKnvSzThB82xCdTICh120uiLMf7nU-CjwxwR9qB4NPSGuJlPs3iiKipNwGxEkJ4YcU-epWhgQ" width="180" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Below: Sophie patiently waiting to see a bird in the window<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiKErjUd429PkwZAKS14eqtcQ_bDwNFVQbpTfITmZgO08K3mX5r4Hv39XuO0KSgS7dos2y9JViMiLs4Dmjq0-DUo91e2TACae26PyHoBv8Ir0hJ0NjNSIEA6iWnxVX_dHWzR0ZG7D5ZhozgUkvDfS9JGfNi0pjlA_baWBHSkOcL6A414G_99c-wGaY3GY/s864/waiting%20patiently%20sophie.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="864" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiKErjUd429PkwZAKS14eqtcQ_bDwNFVQbpTfITmZgO08K3mX5r4Hv39XuO0KSgS7dos2y9JViMiLs4Dmjq0-DUo91e2TACae26PyHoBv8Ir0hJ0NjNSIEA6iWnxVX_dHWzR0ZG7D5ZhozgUkvDfS9JGfNi0pjlA_baWBHSkOcL6A414G_99c-wGaY3GY/w640-h480/waiting%20patiently%20sophie.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><u>Them's Fightin' Words! I'll Smack Them Eyebrows of Yer Face! </u></b></p><p><br /></p><p> Our daughter Crystal was about fifteen. She was really funny and expressive. She took a notion to wiggle her eyebrows up and down at the cat to see what Sophie would do. The cat did something alright. She got mad. Apparently that is a declaration of war in cat language. She meowed at Crystal and jumped at her. Then she stalked off to pout. We thought it was cute and funny. Crystal didn't make a habit of it, but she would do it now and again to get a reaction out of the cat. </p><p><br /></p><p> One Saturday morning we Sat in the family room watching television when the cat entered the room.</p><p>Crystal lit into the eyebrow wiggling. Sophie meowed and turned and ran out of the room. She went to the furnace room. Twenty minutes later as we sat watching tv I saw a gray and white blur sail through the air in my peripheral vision. The blur settled on Crystal's face. It was Sophie! She had held a grudge and was dishing out revenge for the eyebrow wiggling. She had her paws wrapped around Crystal's head. Both back and front legs with her fuzzy belly covering Crystal's face completely. She looked wildly around the room and meowed. We got the point. "Let's see ya wiggle them eyebrows now girl! Do it one more time and I'll smack 'em off yer face!" </p><p><br /></p><p> It was hilarious, but we quit doing it because the cat was scary. I did not even know a cat could hold a grudge! </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgfrV5rT1yzK2DrsCSWhpUo7ip7TVhSmycLNMKvIATDUxj0P38dDg03pEKazeRnO28WPgqExVBv57H1brNPWdFA2jPP2Hwm-heerJ1b-GTD10Kdb8szm5etE6vvqsO7qu1Gj88yF371_W_8iMx1A0a-clyUqZd0T3Gv6hirdVAMrtJ_0QsO-5QWYBXO5y4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgfrV5rT1yzK2DrsCSWhpUo7ip7TVhSmycLNMKvIATDUxj0P38dDg03pEKazeRnO28WPgqExVBv57H1brNPWdFA2jPP2Hwm-heerJ1b-GTD10Kdb8szm5etE6vvqsO7qu1Gj88yF371_W_8iMx1A0a-clyUqZd0T3Gv6hirdVAMrtJ_0QsO-5QWYBXO5y4" width="320" /></a></div><br />above: eyebrows clip art<p></p><p><br /></p><p>Below: Sophie lounging very relaxed </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCOCGpeHjY3UpOPvajYE9laLQ66KDbhxEFEt6NSVIiLHOwEnDOSiJAjOXklcAHWEgNt56xHVbs9rWf7R_VFQN1-2g7ObRJGNaVxq-uKBcWoSaNqTw5w33HjLNGicQmSQYhYg05gonKdIUdmdZv7Z0fxgJygTtKQrO38-MLuaRqAFwrE76f1ktteRxSOic/s576/Sophie%20study%20face.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="576" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCOCGpeHjY3UpOPvajYE9laLQ66KDbhxEFEt6NSVIiLHOwEnDOSiJAjOXklcAHWEgNt56xHVbs9rWf7R_VFQN1-2g7ObRJGNaVxq-uKBcWoSaNqTw5w33HjLNGicQmSQYhYg05gonKdIUdmdZv7Z0fxgJygTtKQrO38-MLuaRqAFwrE76f1ktteRxSOic/w640-h480/Sophie%20study%20face.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: center;"><b><u>Answering Machine Rescue </u></b></h3><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEha0Vg9Zson8-rG2TcdBqigUoskIZ9q7ISGr_cyxdhP1KD4sHgFiilg96z0-CvcJ3CM8WwQkU8MAe2I0UsTqAgeznCm1Y7y9V4FiOrjgGKl1VVpt58SO_U4UicH_9Yc0VL4r877SkS7fjlUvz-Pa0vts-8BUgwhkIecS0Q_ibaDztfk9LW8OxDMuyq8YYU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEha0Vg9Zson8-rG2TcdBqigUoskIZ9q7ISGr_cyxdhP1KD4sHgFiilg96z0-CvcJ3CM8WwQkU8MAe2I0UsTqAgeznCm1Y7y9V4FiOrjgGKl1VVpt58SO_U4UicH_9Yc0VL4r877SkS7fjlUvz-Pa0vts-8BUgwhkIecS0Q_ibaDztfk9LW8OxDMuyq8YYU=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p>above: old style answering machine </p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> Back in 2003 we still had an old style answering machine in our bedroom on a dresser next to a land line phone. It was a big old oak dresser we still own. The cat was fascinated by the voices coming from the machine. She'd jump up there and bat at it and stare bewildered. Trying to figure out how the person got in the machine. She knocked the machine in the floor a couple times. We found it funny. </p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> One day Kenny, myself, and friend Rich Stevenson were out hiking. We were on the way home from Virgin Falls. We decided to have my kids phone in a Pizza Hut pizza to pick up on our way through. We called them and discussed it. Worked out the logistics. Timed it out. Then Kenny got a funny idea. He told Rich how Sophie acted over the answering machine. He told our kids not to answer the phone the next call, but let it go to the answering machine. They agreed. He called the machine on the way down the road as Rich was driving. "Here kitty, kitty, kitty! Sophie! Oh Sophie!" </p><p style="text-align: left;">he yodeled into the machine. </p><p style="text-align: left;"> We got home and after supper went into the bedroom to watch. Kenny pushed the answering machine button and his kitty calling message played. Poor Sophie came running. Although Kenny was standing there she leaped up onto the dresser. She was alarmed that Dad was IN the machine! She tried to dig him out! She meowed and clawed at it until once again she knocked it in the floor. </p><p style="text-align: left;">We were all howling with laughter. After that we did not tease her with the answering machine anymore. She was perturbed with us. Rightfully so!</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZFW8clsfRwc2PrmPjCkOVZvfvTzyD7peJc7Q2hmUipB_Kr140paWXuzPX1RzlM_129-jOvqg72g4da_9JO_mDMRjdjSTPO0FOUMJiUcvwSL5gJ4-FSBpiOa1ZfqKmFll0PPieGc5GrySZSkHKG3ddjxirNTzEh3PKQIdaB3_BOI30e8akQBSm9YFG18A/s720/Soph-N-Stoph%20Study%20Buddy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZFW8clsfRwc2PrmPjCkOVZvfvTzyD7peJc7Q2hmUipB_Kr140paWXuzPX1RzlM_129-jOvqg72g4da_9JO_mDMRjdjSTPO0FOUMJiUcvwSL5gJ4-FSBpiOa1ZfqKmFll0PPieGc5GrySZSkHKG3ddjxirNTzEh3PKQIdaB3_BOI30e8akQBSm9YFG18A/w640-h480/Soph-N-Stoph%20Study%20Buddy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Above: Sophie helping me study. <br /><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><u>Backpacking Equipment Also Means War!</u></b></p><p><br /></p><p> I never understood it, but another something that used to set Sophie off was my backpacking gear.</p><p>She liked to fight my backpack and a pair of cushy slippers I took with me on cold weather trips. It was like the sight of those items was one more way to declare war! I have photos to prove it. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3T7RD6wfCUZi1og5g-tqfPp64UlTzp9j9BFxDawYBWF8zy2vrqJftB78ZHUS43TiKZscVufBe9Al0wBd3OnXKx_RLA1kFgQLy7knWPZs5Uy7uvkD4-vBWnKjrf5oT5ozNbB7Z_crEBIYSRlG6296hd43hhCiRr6Gi2Ib4IqG0AwdELW1ujFGEw3CJ-pM/s1024/Goshen%20Prong%20050.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3T7RD6wfCUZi1og5g-tqfPp64UlTzp9j9BFxDawYBWF8zy2vrqJftB78ZHUS43TiKZscVufBe9Al0wBd3OnXKx_RLA1kFgQLy7knWPZs5Uy7uvkD4-vBWnKjrf5oT5ozNbB7Z_crEBIYSRlG6296hd43hhCiRr6Gi2Ib4IqG0AwdELW1ujFGEw3CJ-pM/w640-h480/Goshen%20Prong%20050.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Above Sophie fights my bedroom shoes<div>Below: She fights my backpack! <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_KaLuRd2RnBbR-H0angvLw9HgyztEG7w1YGRyvXlahHjyaoXg63H8iuLPLvNl49Zg9dwW0xeTQYG_p15Iz8RbLJipJvARQasfcCMAVaCq9yu894TLf5HYL4c0ZeT4KSAid35-tocHpS5EtK6JYNd44pC8gtmSTqMsjHUCB9GoPY889pWkD0T1CDAYuj8/s864/Sophie%20fights%20the%20backpack.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="864" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_KaLuRd2RnBbR-H0angvLw9HgyztEG7w1YGRyvXlahHjyaoXg63H8iuLPLvNl49Zg9dwW0xeTQYG_p15Iz8RbLJipJvARQasfcCMAVaCq9yu894TLf5HYL4c0ZeT4KSAid35-tocHpS5EtK6JYNd44pC8gtmSTqMsjHUCB9GoPY889pWkD0T1CDAYuj8/w640-h480/Sophie%20fights%20the%20backpack.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: center;"><u>How to Shave a Cat's Butt</u></h3><p><br /></p><p> Sophie lived a long, happy, spoiled life. She was about nine and was real fat and not able to get round to her back end to clean herself up the way she could as a youngster. I am a serious DIYer and don't like paying for things I believe I could do myself. Instead of taking the kitty to the groomer and paying $$$ to get her cleaned up I decided I'd do it for her.. She had a dirty butt with real bad dingleberries back there. I bathed her and got her clean. She did great for me. I knew that unless her fuzzy backside was trimmed up I'd be repeating this unpleasant process again and again. I knew I needed to trim the fur on her rear end to make it shorter, neater, less likely to catch poop. </p><p> The only clippers I had were Kenny's beard trimmer. I thought to myself "What he doesn't know won't hurt him". I got the clippers out to use on the cat's rear end. I sat down with her and wrapped her in a towel with her butt sticking out. I proceeded to try to shave her butt. The next thing I knew she let out a yowl and took off like a split streak! She was gone! Hiding from me. I'd had my chance and blew it! I conceded my defeat. I cleaned up the beard trimmer and put it away where I'd gotten it. I went on with my day and did not think about the incident again. Well, I didn't at least for awhile. </p><p>One evening I was lying on the bed reading when Kenny came in and went to our bathroom. I heard the sound of the beard trimmer. My guilty conscience twitched a tiny bit, but the evil side of me got tickled and started to laugh. The bathroom door was open so I knew I had to try to contain myself.</p><p>He would see me and hear me guffawing and rolling around and it would give me away. </p><p> I couldn't keep it together. He did indeed hear me and stopped what he was doing to confront me. <br />"Alright. Let's have it?! Spit it out!? What have you done now?" At first there was no way of telling him for I could not stop laughing. I finally got to where I could speak and I proceeded to tell him what I'd done. Once I Dana-splained to him he didn't get mad, but laughed like a crazy man! His response? <u><b>"Joke's on you girly! You're lucky she didn't claw your eyes out! This beard trimmer is awful! It pulls the hairs out! You're lucky to still be ALIVE!" </b></u>👀</p><p> Then we both lost it and went into another fit of belly laughs. Sophie was the only one who didn't find it funny! Poor thing. We're crazy round here, but we keep things interesting. </p><p><br /></p><p> Below: Sophie sleeps atop my chicken Aunt Clucky</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE3abRcqw0cjHCrRqkJEjmebq6-5j9rzv8jjzuQtFhdLNQjdo5dP7PkH9icxR12kwWGGEYPMwq0EzCh0rt12mmXPYNC9oIJs8DgXFkcxrLW-QGTWSrD0usdCJ5FIfQjvHPIiWifblKeWp3hvsQqB5Te94Xs3JgaMDbLC-vI1BIbDDypcH-8e27RoJQxnI/s648/aunt%20clucky%20and%20sophie.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="486" data-original-width="648" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE3abRcqw0cjHCrRqkJEjmebq6-5j9rzv8jjzuQtFhdLNQjdo5dP7PkH9icxR12kwWGGEYPMwq0EzCh0rt12mmXPYNC9oIJs8DgXFkcxrLW-QGTWSrD0usdCJ5FIfQjvHPIiWifblKeWp3hvsQqB5Te94Xs3JgaMDbLC-vI1BIbDDypcH-8e27RoJQxnI/w640-h480/aunt%20clucky%20and%20sophie.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p></div>Dana Kooglerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05415223619811093720noreply@blogger.com0Blount Beach, TN 37804, USA35.7834176 -83.89573457.4731837638211545 -119.0519845 64.093651436178845 -48.7394845tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626760878352814160.post-19029921098478336362023-12-11T10:02:00.002-05:002023-12-11T10:02:39.132-05:00Rocky Branch Missionary Baptist Church Kids Christmas Program 2023<p><br /></p><h1 style="text-align: center;"><b><u>Rocky Branch Missionary Baptist Church Kids Christmas Program 2023</u></b></h1><div><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://www.rockybranchmbc.com/" target="_blank">Rocky Branch Missionary Baptist Church Info</a></u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Sunday Dec. 10, 2023</b></div><div><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div><b><u><br /></u></b></div><p><br /></p><p> We had our kids Christmas pageant this past Sunday morning during worship service. They worked really hard on it. Lots of practices. Lacey Morrison, Lindsey Huskey, Lisa Talley, Eddie Milsap, Yvonne Dunlap, Bobby Milsap, my daughter Crystal Lindsey, and others worked so hard on it to make it happen.</p><p><br /></p><p> My granddaughter Tessa, age 10 was a villager in the pageant. Grandson Gabriel, age 7 was a wise man. Mia age 3, was being bashful lately so she did not participate. We've got to work on that. Grandson Michael age 14 was not in this, but maybe he's going to be in the one for the adults and youth group. They did a beautiful job. It was sweet, unique and funny. Like every year they put their own little bits of improv on it that make it memorable. It went well this year, but there were a few points where the audience was giggling and the performers were grinning. </p><p><br /></p><p> I made video clips and edited together the highlights in a fifteen minute reel. </p><p>I am including it here. Their singing was adorable. Some of the cutest moments were Gary singing the odd syllable now and then into the microphone. Ikey the donkey having his donkey head dress replaced numerous times. Story the angel.. his sister going full out Pentecostal Praise and Worship on us. She was acting like my grandson Michael used to when he was little. My grandkids over the years have been the source of much levity. Tessa rolling down the steps in costume. Michael as the angry donkey. Cousin Averie as the mischievous black sheep. Michael as the booty shaking shepherd.</p><p> </p><p> We had Gabe and Mia spend the night so we could get them to church on time. Their parents came on later along with Nana Debbie and Papa John. It was the day for wearing new Christmas outfits. Mia acted thrilled about her new dress. Gabe was thrilled with his new church clothes. His wild candy cane shirt. They looked so cute. The real victory came in the form of Mia staying in her dress and church shoes. She came into my room as I was brushing my hair wanting to put on a pair of silver flip flops for church in cold, rainy weather. We had words about it. </p><p><br /></p><p> Below is the video editing together the high points of the performance.</p><p><br /><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="340" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gII3rauWbuo" title="Rocky Branch MBC Kids Christmas Play 2023" width="670"></iframe></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> Soloists during the performance were Darla Myers, Martin Huskey, Marley Huskey, and Aveah Myers. Mary was played by Olivia Icenhower. Joseph was played by Brodie Milsap.</p><p>Narrators were Lisa Talley and Eddie Milsap</p><p><br /></p><p> Below is a photo of Mia in her new Christmas dress</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0qAgb3zaKHpnWzIr7L4en4M2OipF5PSDaDcxFjgIRwiGs8jEPOAbW_5AvR_nDGBLqCXi90Gv9FHpqjzYuvG4axk3NXjmURXq1oLvMZQQBaf6bhaJOZbw_OGYG9rnnamruCq0pl2SfO2C3S851I3lHtso9_jGkjptkXdPIp4w2CjCvcM6TH1xWs9uf24s/s2320/Mia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1843" data-original-width="2320" height="508" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0qAgb3zaKHpnWzIr7L4en4M2OipF5PSDaDcxFjgIRwiGs8jEPOAbW_5AvR_nDGBLqCXi90Gv9FHpqjzYuvG4axk3NXjmURXq1oLvMZQQBaf6bhaJOZbw_OGYG9rnnamruCq0pl2SfO2C3S851I3lHtso9_jGkjptkXdPIp4w2CjCvcM6TH1xWs9uf24s/w640-h508/Mia.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIaW2nvvPXJrgRcy5i0wBa_1oofMImiYO_9wwk9LuzQK46i3MyIxtz7k6sgX9FuPIHIfzp3BpsvjlKAWb9g-WjSmxP4w6dCW7-SSrgbUl90NxCZrSlDSll4JyT6IQzX_Muc2N2rHIW89CpY4P72OWo_0N8Lsy0RwmzFEnvW5cTnd45LQ40BHD4-WNramE/s3456/IMG_6538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIaW2nvvPXJrgRcy5i0wBa_1oofMImiYO_9wwk9LuzQK46i3MyIxtz7k6sgX9FuPIHIfzp3BpsvjlKAWb9g-WjSmxP4w6dCW7-SSrgbUl90NxCZrSlDSll4JyT6IQzX_Muc2N2rHIW89CpY4P72OWo_0N8Lsy0RwmzFEnvW5cTnd45LQ40BHD4-WNramE/w640-h426/IMG_6538.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above is grandson Michael in his new Christmas shirt. <div>Below is grandson Gabe in his candy cane shirt he picked out<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUFhc3rvAVMPbdDxaYKIqioxLmkS713B_zoOV8bipyaOHGu63Ps77q9zF33I-eDJ5pKuylr4zjkI56GrAOEfbMs9D7vGfLI0cuxUY3jWE9ZSxgYgy5DjEvJojOo0N9j9fK7kujWoGgIKfW7g-HyPpwIaoMcQL10pcSuGAb27KiLvF4iAfV7-Kdw78u7S4/s3456/IMG_6586.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUFhc3rvAVMPbdDxaYKIqioxLmkS713B_zoOV8bipyaOHGu63Ps77q9zF33I-eDJ5pKuylr4zjkI56GrAOEfbMs9D7vGfLI0cuxUY3jWE9ZSxgYgy5DjEvJojOo0N9j9fK7kujWoGgIKfW7g-HyPpwIaoMcQL10pcSuGAb27KiLvF4iAfV7-Kdw78u7S4/w640-h426/IMG_6586.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKFDs0QtojZ2aOBMzg9787WuWoBjL60vVPpmh6cpN0MpIgZSrPbkDaf8JD9H2lOamol615qsRvIqe_jVdSgPiTUFEKu7hJNtx6nepaqeQQ_kLK33ctNsdQQnzvAk2pJoi5BhIqcwW-fL8QpYeOTFgvA6J2Ae3lXrUAvNrkL13aj9P7LzwQw5BIxHLh1OE/s3456/IMG_6545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKFDs0QtojZ2aOBMzg9787WuWoBjL60vVPpmh6cpN0MpIgZSrPbkDaf8JD9H2lOamol615qsRvIqe_jVdSgPiTUFEKu7hJNtx6nepaqeQQ_kLK33ctNsdQQnzvAk2pJoi5BhIqcwW-fL8QpYeOTFgvA6J2Ae3lXrUAvNrkL13aj9P7LzwQw5BIxHLh1OE/w640-h426/IMG_6545.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: Getting ready to start. our pastor Chad holding his youngest son's hand, Baylor. at the piano is his wife Lacey.. the director Lindsey in the gray facing the camera. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_kcYOXLLsWymMzzrtrGBWqI-JJM8G7IN9H2j4qmcXRNOzSVbgT8LXGPLglOyz-K6o6tNf8dDzziSTPdSXIN9N_MUZeyOqMQgU-WfCJCmwanWlPS5QtxoyrDYHwJ51W7RyLwpX8FxHpnx0S5bWP0VV-fLaeSFA6bUxlaxSt79Lmh-X4qo5-aHyCbprhKo/s3456/IMG_6546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_kcYOXLLsWymMzzrtrGBWqI-JJM8G7IN9H2j4qmcXRNOzSVbgT8LXGPLglOyz-K6o6tNf8dDzziSTPdSXIN9N_MUZeyOqMQgU-WfCJCmwanWlPS5QtxoyrDYHwJ51W7RyLwpX8FxHpnx0S5bWP0VV-fLaeSFA6bUxlaxSt79Lmh-X4qo5-aHyCbprhKo/w640-h426/IMG_6546.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Above: The corner of Kaiser Murrell's face, Sue Myers standing, Ikey Russell in his donkey costume minus the head dress. Janet, Isabella, Lindsey and some others. </p><p><br /></p><p>I did not get a photo of granddaugther Tessa's new Christmas blouse. I'll have to get one this week.</p><p>Below is a photo that includes her. She is wearing the brown head dress and blue robe. Gabe is by her in the reddish robe. </p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsJRmVahy6de4z8z4QRmjKdYl3OOEWoYPv6PlAs_qoeyKVU5joZjzVf_h4E8J3CNi_10ZbcilM-Z140LnpIEAABD7F9tmJlOGiWfWsWcFOUup1N5rt6Wfhtn3_C3UU3bVMZe_PtTgfw-WOqAxePbUeKmd-jpviK4OEn_ZDYQll-W4UMQ-FvvdMz0eSoSk/s3456/IMG_6555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsJRmVahy6de4z8z4QRmjKdYl3OOEWoYPv6PlAs_qoeyKVU5joZjzVf_h4E8J3CNi_10ZbcilM-Z140LnpIEAABD7F9tmJlOGiWfWsWcFOUup1N5rt6Wfhtn3_C3UU3bVMZe_PtTgfw-WOqAxePbUeKmd-jpviK4OEn_ZDYQll-W4UMQ-FvvdMz0eSoSk/w640-h426/IMG_6555.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> After church we went to Nanny's and Papaw's house to eat lunch. We had Snappy Tomato pizza and other snacks. We got ready and went to Little World at Heritage High School. This is our second year taking the kids. It was better this year than ever! </p><p><br /></p><p> Not only did the DECA students have Little World for the kids to do their Christmas shopping... The other school departments like Science, culinary, business, had a Christmas Fair for the whole family! It was a great school fund raiser. I know they made $60 just from me and Kenny. </p><p><br /></p><p> If you have never taken your kids or grandkids plan to do it next Christmas season. You will be blessed and so glad you did. Here is how it works. You take your children/grandchildren and some money or your bank card. They register at the front lobby area with help from the students. </p><p>You list your name, your childrens names, their budgets, list who they are to buy for.</p><p><br /></p><p> An "elf" .. a student .. comes out and escorts them through Little World to shop while you wait. </p><p>They buy gifts, get them wrapped and labeled. They come out grinning ear to ear. The student elves are just the best. They make the kids feel at ease and take good care of them. Gabriel bought everyone .. even the dog something for $40. Last year he got Kenny a handmade tool box that we both use numerous times per week! So the gifts are inexpensive, thoughtful, attractive, and useful. </p><p><br /></p><p> I've never seen kids so excited or proud! Plus the parents, grandparents, brothers and sisters get nice presents that are a genuine surprise! </p><p><br /></p><p> Once that was accomplished we went to the Christmas fair in the cafeteria next door. </p><p>It was amazing! My friend Maggie Bacon was Mrs. Santa. She had a booth where she and some students helped the kids decorate Christmas cookies. They were fun and yummy!</p><p>Reesie... one of the teaching assistants and the school chef had a snack bar set up and it was so good! </p><p>Hot coffee, hot chocolate, sodas, water, desserts. Kenny bought a lot of stuff with his sweet tooth.</p><p> They had a teacher outside with a S'mores making station.. a real fire with kits to make smores.</p><p><br /></p><p> They had games where the kids won prizes. They had a 3 D printer making cool items you could buy with tokens. You could make ornaments, or slime. You could get your picture or video made with lots of props to be funny. </p><p> They had a silent auction. My daughter Crystal teaches cosmetology and her students had a very popular, busy booth set up giving manicures and doing tinsel hair. I got some "farkles" in my hair to use Mia's word. They were covered up busy at times. </p><p> It was so much fun and so cool grandson Gabe is only in second grade, but he was saying "Oh I hope I get to come to high school here!" He loves robotics, crafts, science, and cooking! </p><p><br /></p><p> We tried to talk Papaw Kenny into getting sparkles in his hair or beard, but that was a big no!</p><p> It was such a rainy, gray, cold day and we spent two hours or more running around in a warm cafeteria visiting with faculty, students, family and community members. We had a lot of laughs and can't wait to do this again! </p><p><br /></p><p> We missed the Family night at Eagleton with Gabe because of illness, but we made up for it today.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Little World 2023 and Heritage HS Christmas Fair</p><p><br /></p></div>Dana Kooglerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05415223619811093720noreply@blogger.com0Walland, TN 37886, USA35.7281419 -83.81323057.4179080638211516 -118.9694805 64.038375736178835 -48.6569805tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626760878352814160.post-14695780805015459102023-11-29T17:53:00.002-05:002023-11-29T17:53:16.606-05:00Black Friday Opt Out Finishing the Kevin Adams 100 Waterfall Challenge<p> <u><b> </b></u></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><u><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjMaBW8kVpC6oBjuqjxfNVCplajNuPZ3k0m3bCN0qM4qA_S8-9-zD0yeXvthHTmx0Zf_NjFy-r6Aqym-A2zFsFVC9b4B0GxMkLnG8RNJLCfeyOKKy4iH_2u8TGW5jpHGcGlb6ntvu0oogt08Xbw8anOXh8LS6xlA2VtdZ47Hz70QyZEBhzGxc50-Zn-dhI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="221" data-original-width="228" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjMaBW8kVpC6oBjuqjxfNVCplajNuPZ3k0m3bCN0qM4qA_S8-9-zD0yeXvthHTmx0Zf_NjFy-r6Aqym-A2zFsFVC9b4B0GxMkLnG8RNJLCfeyOKKy4iH_2u8TGW5jpHGcGlb6ntvu0oogt08Xbw8anOXh8LS6xlA2VtdZ47Hz70QyZEBhzGxc50-Zn-dhI" width="248" /></a></b></u></div><u><b><br /></b></u><p></p><p><u><br /></u></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><u><b>Black Friday Opt Out</b></u></div><div style="text-align: center; text-decoration-line: underline;"><u><b>Finishing the Kevin Adams 100 Waterfall Challenge</b></u></div><div style="text-align: center; text-decoration-line: underline;"><u><b><br /></b></u></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Thursday Nov.23 to Sunday Nov.26 , 2023</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Dana & Kenny Koogler </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://cumberlandgal.smugmug.com/Hiking/Waterfalls/Pisgah-Forest/i-C27Q94F/A" target="_blank">Trip Photos are Here </a></span></div></h2><p><u><br /></u></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.kadamsphoto.com/north_carolina_waterfalls/wp-content/uploads/Kevin-Adams-100-North-Carolina-Waterfalls-Challenge.pdf" target="_blank"><b>Kevin Adams 100 North Carolina Waterfalls Challenge</b></a></p><p><br /></p><p><u><br /></u></p><p> Kenny's job as a crane operator requires him to be very flexible on scheduling. By extension that means I must be very flexible on scheduling. I have paddled my own canoe for years so I have learned to be okay with this. It has got to the point that he sometimes resents my Plans B, C, D, etc. He no longer is just happy that I'm happy. Sometimes he feels jealous that he is missing out. Back in October he warned me that November was going to be busy. Consequently we might not get to celebrate our anniversary on the actual date, but have to put it off until things quieted down. My response was Miss Merry Sunshine. I will do this or I will do that. No worries. He didn't seem to like my reaction. He told me one evening "Hey! Let's plan us a camping trip for right at Thanksgiving! Let's leave right after we eat!? We'll just take off!" To which I replied "Sure. Okay!" </p><p><br /></p><p> I decided I'd use the time to hike to my final two North Carolina waterfalls of the Kevin Adams 100 North Carolina Waterfalls Challenge. One was in Valle Crucis. The other was about an hour away in Old Fort. It turned out to be more difficult than we'd ever imagined to book camping reservations for an RV during the Thanksgiving holidays! We had to settle for what was within reason distance wise from the planned hikes. We also had to settle for what was open. Kenny found a place that is a Camping World campground. It looked nice. It is open year round. I booked it to the tune of $278 for three nights. </p><p><br /></p><p> The plan for Thanksgiving was to have it at our daughter and son-in-law's new home.</p><p>The whole family would pitch in and no one would be stuck doing it all. It was a great idea. She predicted we would NOT go camping. Crystal said we'd get full and sleepy and just forget it.</p><p>We ended up going, but she was more right than I cared to admit. I got sentimental. I wanted to be with the family all day. There is no pleasing me. I bellyache when I am stuck with kids. I bellyache when I have to leave them. I'm a wreck. I know. </p><p> Kenny and I talked it over at home in private. We were both of the mind we'd just as soon do something around the area. Forget camping. I checked into the campground's policy on cancellations.</p><p>I found that in order to receive even a partial refund you had to give them thirty days notice. Then you'd only lose $25. They also do not issue credit for another stay retaining your funds for a later trip. No changes during the holidays and no refunds. We did not want to be out the $278 so we were on the hook to stay. We were going. It was good in a way. It would force me to get this done.</p><p><br /></p><p> Thanksgiving Day was great. It was so yummy and the fellowship of our family was the best.</p><p>We took a ride to the top of the mountain on the side by side. Jason & Heather. Kenny, myself, Gabe,Mia and Michael. Later Tessa took a ride. The weather was cold, but clear and sunny. </p><p>We had so much fun. Going up Payne Holler to the playground was a butt puckering experience.</p><p>The trail is narrow and steep with a long plunge off the edge if you go over. I didn't care for it.</p><p><br /></p><p> I did not take a lot of Thanksgiving Day pix, but here are a few.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ7VoTwFapoc-BLQEhOMkfkMo5avJPhCBUAA3tuhv-13k4mR4717aJJKJipQq5q3qrCh9oJdq4nDMRLheLBK-0NEq21BC1w_FIY5DOnWhhuGKlZz9nRv7dMzjTYER49xMI_jga2piTlDBqJcABSEmb-PrD2fgMx202ByFTllFmhtfpt562d6QwHWexkA4/s5568/GOPR1701.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ7VoTwFapoc-BLQEhOMkfkMo5avJPhCBUAA3tuhv-13k4mR4717aJJKJipQq5q3qrCh9oJdq4nDMRLheLBK-0NEq21BC1w_FIY5DOnWhhuGKlZz9nRv7dMzjTYER49xMI_jga2piTlDBqJcABSEmb-PrD2fgMx202ByFTllFmhtfpt562d6QwHWexkA4/w640-h480/GOPR1701.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: Back porch with Adam's new Traeger smoker. He prepared a turkey with it!<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIEduNaSjYMe2XLCE0oI_993eV3RQEGkth5_OdflUYuqfQ7mWOoO0qo50BuZuBta-rz1CJDMI_2HWPh5WjCs6MvJbIurQ6Fe7oJ6gCqvDQAYn-KTZx3aL6nugQlgdooNZFmuZSCrCopI2pxF5w9JR8naQWPs6ofy521ZMfPFPVs7JPheMZfLLZliaSsvo/s5568/GOPR1702.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIEduNaSjYMe2XLCE0oI_993eV3RQEGkth5_OdflUYuqfQ7mWOoO0qo50BuZuBta-rz1CJDMI_2HWPh5WjCs6MvJbIurQ6Fe7oJ6gCqvDQAYn-KTZx3aL6nugQlgdooNZFmuZSCrCopI2pxF5w9JR8naQWPs6ofy521ZMfPFPVs7JPheMZfLLZliaSsvo/w640-h480/GOPR1702.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: Jason & Heather's side by side, Michael's four wheeler and Jason's white truck in the distance. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnGR-0iInjLeEO2jU_pOqQ2Se-MNeHh4x_kiUVC6m3qFCG8AkueGev2KCKloLpWk7zEgKifl7oyN6aI5_04kFV1jB3I2o0jtt2gh4KzQeKVMVq4HnK0mnQ0vBVUsn874yZo0289YdNd4nMkh8NmV0QyNIU2rmVrXn7L08015lxEyRVPijrhj5oOxd8-rE/s5568/GOPR1706.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnGR-0iInjLeEO2jU_pOqQ2Se-MNeHh4x_kiUVC6m3qFCG8AkueGev2KCKloLpWk7zEgKifl7oyN6aI5_04kFV1jB3I2o0jtt2gh4KzQeKVMVq4HnK0mnQ0vBVUsn874yZo0289YdNd4nMkh8NmV0QyNIU2rmVrXn7L08015lxEyRVPijrhj5oOxd8-rE/w640-h480/GOPR1706.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: Football on the back porch. Adam bought a propane heater to make it nice out there.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgla0iB36Xi5K7jcwtxlJ9BcuxTlQ3QhsGLbI8LyxWXaUL33slQCMgiBnxy3VfltNnrBR3VHw3ZYWDX6ZbP2UDGY-hCMPlcfxwef8PcQuDxbUPIbtLDVHjqYDLzJkmMMFk7-mSiTULKRBhhGVSibUc9vftDBcvUdc-UXZsolGubNnyFWGH-AjQiJ1SpGoY/s5568/GOPR1707.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgla0iB36Xi5K7jcwtxlJ9BcuxTlQ3QhsGLbI8LyxWXaUL33slQCMgiBnxy3VfltNnrBR3VHw3ZYWDX6ZbP2UDGY-hCMPlcfxwef8PcQuDxbUPIbtLDVHjqYDLzJkmMMFk7-mSiTULKRBhhGVSibUc9vftDBcvUdc-UXZsolGubNnyFWGH-AjQiJ1SpGoY/w640-h480/GOPR1707.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above and below: the food in the kitchen<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOeKyOL0-oppRPS4-L0rPa4Lw8TpEXIRHOGnGBfV-53KtcAWbbnwi4TEeiutACa1W_8NRazbACurlzZLeK1a79ZzyEnnE9vOHz33PNDuOWGx3OHYvmaNU105asqFeArl0IzLssS6HOJ3SxKClEY9YGGLwkb1ipaEQKKLIAFb6KF7-aaQNbuAu6FYZL6BA/s5568/GOPR1709.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOeKyOL0-oppRPS4-L0rPa4Lw8TpEXIRHOGnGBfV-53KtcAWbbnwi4TEeiutACa1W_8NRazbACurlzZLeK1a79ZzyEnnE9vOHz33PNDuOWGx3OHYvmaNU105asqFeArl0IzLssS6HOJ3SxKClEY9YGGLwkb1ipaEQKKLIAFb6KF7-aaQNbuAu6FYZL6BA/w640-h480/GOPR1709.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: I prepared a roast turkey the traditional way in the oven. It all got eaten. Just enough left overs for one sandwich or so. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Below: The turkey I roasted BEFORE it was devoured! I even put fresh rosemary in it out of my herb garden. I stuffed it with lemon and onion and Malden sea salt. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzhgWpG-tNktg8jfD-pyVHuSkul9h7f4ovfKv6Cpjt6TiEgEv89hKOHO0rGumrlhoiDVmaVmK6kpii11h3YcP_KcFfI_h8TyMl-A42iFcDpTWp1BcB6_kieAYaL8DihPjoCjsw5BcrCNCpg64QzvcJLE3o-JSxpxtLO3liU9wuretPp2sZ-Jjg9wE16jo/s1080/404594683_7616581561705280_6557266117404843811_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzhgWpG-tNktg8jfD-pyVHuSkul9h7f4ovfKv6Cpjt6TiEgEv89hKOHO0rGumrlhoiDVmaVmK6kpii11h3YcP_KcFfI_h8TyMl-A42iFcDpTWp1BcB6_kieAYaL8DihPjoCjsw5BcrCNCpg64QzvcJLE3o-JSxpxtLO3liU9wuretPp2sZ-Jjg9wE16jo/w640-h480/404594683_7616581561705280_6557266117404843811_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Below: the dessert table after it was hit pretty hard. My favorite of all was #1 Rowan's German chocolate cake. #2 was Pam's pumpkin cake with caramel icing. Gabe's favorite was Pam's Pumpkin cake! <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSmVTmqAAZaZJKDD3UF3z2Ajx15yUFmUs38R6TPgjII4ereSZJWPszDNA427Y5-klEOU_9P3Yj5UBP8yJV1_ebfJqj1BW7oPndgdYC6oPs9Ogn4mbmPl1qEeG-xU9iKXOifr2pEo7kpwkaNfKAkcf4U_Rs23b3YCfxFN3dPrzCL9yy65Y_89WSF9oThqY/s5568/GOPR1711.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSmVTmqAAZaZJKDD3UF3z2Ajx15yUFmUs38R6TPgjII4ereSZJWPszDNA427Y5-klEOU_9P3Yj5UBP8yJV1_ebfJqj1BW7oPndgdYC6oPs9Ogn4mbmPl1qEeG-xU9iKXOifr2pEo7kpwkaNfKAkcf4U_Rs23b3YCfxFN3dPrzCL9yy65Y_89WSF9oThqY/w640-h480/GOPR1711.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTWwWtlTrUdbbs_PwBW3GfHC3T1aE6F5E6Rs034BztXW1i_qCKIiZnkweYheYK2YiDhwE5PqvITCBoNybWo3yO9-t1EkAoAE-xdy8PVqkQmJYW5W7zJ7m0AczhmRFsvcCk5CA0pk3uicQnzDZLVfsC9grfb51iQevRoCSSp-N_OHwouC5e4gOuzZ8pvtw/s5568/GOPR1713.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTWwWtlTrUdbbs_PwBW3GfHC3T1aE6F5E6Rs034BztXW1i_qCKIiZnkweYheYK2YiDhwE5PqvITCBoNybWo3yO9-t1EkAoAE-xdy8PVqkQmJYW5W7zJ7m0AczhmRFsvcCk5CA0pk3uicQnzDZLVfsC9grfb51iQevRoCSSp-N_OHwouC5e4gOuzZ8pvtw/w640-h480/GOPR1713.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: left to right son in law Adam. Grandson Gabe, daughter in law Lydia. son Jared. cousin Rowan</div><div>Below: left to right. daughter Crystal with her back turned. Heather, Chevy, Adam, Gabe, Lydia<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6xYNqnUF984PNMfcqNfWxncdBnfAdPvg3KCXE_dAuaKc3A0Wmigz-Lc7hAjBI0McxaYk7TqW7VhkRjLJEyQ994OmBr-dazFY_iiBGu-gbnreV5VRLGbyGBXkxARU1DVKf3Ln6Ff0YZVKpdNlPuxLcTqBDpQefjmAimbPU_PvOgXq8Ph4siS3WNsUmmHQ/s5568/GOPR1715.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6xYNqnUF984PNMfcqNfWxncdBnfAdPvg3KCXE_dAuaKc3A0Wmigz-Lc7hAjBI0McxaYk7TqW7VhkRjLJEyQ994OmBr-dazFY_iiBGu-gbnreV5VRLGbyGBXkxARU1DVKf3Ln6Ff0YZVKpdNlPuxLcTqBDpQefjmAimbPU_PvOgXq8Ph4siS3WNsUmmHQ/w640-h480/GOPR1715.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Below: Michael standing.. grandson squatting down is granddaughter Tessa age 10. Chevy Rose, and Adam<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVkqzIoA-akpMFEjRWQyM2ir3DbbxuYVVmTrFK4IGxgt96R4pa3JS5QkgRra1uv43y7IuQEvrcm_j0iwCNpsUVjCLWta1TTgcQ658-_0A1i12VYqYBB_oJCwzXWOC4xgz1SnQM8WWXXbVFYbdLFhaI75s6PnH6dhFvtTbYrsHA5-gwxIxhJURsruM3ksk/s5568/GOPR1720.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVkqzIoA-akpMFEjRWQyM2ir3DbbxuYVVmTrFK4IGxgt96R4pa3JS5QkgRra1uv43y7IuQEvrcm_j0iwCNpsUVjCLWta1TTgcQ658-_0A1i12VYqYBB_oJCwzXWOC4xgz1SnQM8WWXXbVFYbdLFhaI75s6PnH6dhFvtTbYrsHA5-gwxIxhJURsruM3ksk/w640-h480/GOPR1720.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Below: Michael with a serious expression<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ut-XwEyQOvUyHNbvaGAyWqy-xlDrdpChhKs1_k1t_3YeWInzuoZCH9bcRcmM9XaxPgldPF7XbNXgJjfyecZ1JZNIkK4W5vIY2v4zLsIuoQZuU0EFPPRa5YJUO6b3Mi4Uxe7yUl9QaP7U0CJ3UynReMq4V0EsNgMiUh9l3dubqaGhLz8ZJ3wMt7zEDCw/s5568/GOPR1721.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ut-XwEyQOvUyHNbvaGAyWqy-xlDrdpChhKs1_k1t_3YeWInzuoZCH9bcRcmM9XaxPgldPF7XbNXgJjfyecZ1JZNIkK4W5vIY2v4zLsIuoQZuU0EFPPRa5YJUO6b3Mi4Uxe7yUl9QaP7U0CJ3UynReMq4V0EsNgMiUh9l3dubqaGhLz8ZJ3wMt7zEDCw/w640-h480/GOPR1721.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p> After lunch the family went our ways around the house and yard. Some of us took a ride up the mountain and spin around the nine acre property. Some went into the living room to go into turkey and food induced comas. We are like a bunch of dogs who will readily pile up on one another. </p><p><br /></p><p> Despite the temptation to hang around Kenny rolled me out and we had to leave. We said our good-byes. We went home and quickly finished packing and were on the road to North Carolina by 4:30 p.m. We weren't sure what to expect traffic wise, but we had no real problems either coming or going. That is a mercy. I use the ride time to kick back and have my turkey coma in the truck. I put my neck pillow around me. Put my fuzzy blanket over my lap and my jacket up over my face and settled in. I am absolutely rotten. The ride for me seemed like it only took a hour or so. </p><p> Arriving at this campground at twilight was not a problem as we were all paid up. We knew the campsite number, and the sites are wide, easy access with good lighting. We got set up around 7:30 p.m. It was late and cold and we were rather tired. We opted to wait until morning to go grocery shopping. Many businesses close early for Thanksgiving. We did not know if we'd find places open.</p><h3 style="text-align: center;"><b><u>Friday Finishing the Challenge</u></b></h3><p><br /></p><p> We had a nice breakfast this cold morning. We had time for a second cup of coffee. We headed to the Ingles in town. It was situated by my favorite store... Beall's. I looked at Kenny, batted my eyes and jumped out of the truck to go in. He laughingly parked the truck then followed me in. I found me a soft, red, fuzzy sweater with sparkles that says Deck the Halls. I got a sparkly pocket book to carry to church with a new dress and shoes. I quit so we could get the groceries and get on the trail. </p><p>A quick run back by the camper to put away groceries and pack sandwiches and we were heading to the trail. </p><p> </p><p style="text-align: center;"> <b><u> Curtis Creek and Hickory Branch Falls </u></b></p><p> Neither of the falls were a long hike, but the bad part was the drive to get there. </p><p>We had never been to the Curtis Creek campground. Upon seeing it I don't feel like we've missed anything. I'm sure it is probably prettier when we've had more rainfall and it is Spring, but it was nothing to brag about today. We found the trailhead and parked. We found the trail directly across from us. It climbs steeply to the ridge and then drops over into the drainage where the falls lies. We encountered some men on their way back out. One asked Kenny "What species are you looking for?" to which he replied "None. We're here to hike to the falls." That was odd occurrence #1. </p><p> We were grateful for Kevin's good directions. It saved us hiking to the top of the falls where you cannot see it that well. We went directly to the base. It was a pretty enough falls. Not spectacular, but some water on there. Enough to make it worth the hike. The entire hike was only 1.2 miles round trip.</p><p>Easy. Odd occurrence #2 came on our return hike. We had seen a lot of folks today hiking. Nice family groups and couples. We were greeted by several sweet, friendly dogs. We both like dogs.</p><p>The hike out was simple and I was ahead of Kenny by a few steps. I heard the sound of a vicious dog growling behind me. I turned to face a huge Rottweiler snarling at us with fangs bared. The woman holding the leash was not much bigger than me. My gut reaction that came flying out of my mouth was "ah shit!" The woman spoke " She's not going to hurt you. She's just protecting her family." </p><p> I just left my filter off and replied "Ummm I dunno. She got teef don't she?" Her eyes flew open wide and she looked indignant. I didn't give a damn. Kenny was angry. Angry disproportionate to the event. I did not understand why at that time. He did not tell me until later in the day that just prior to that happening the dog had been off the leash. He saw it and heard it. He was right to be mad. Some folks don't have any common courtesy or sense. Mrs. Mean Dog needs to keep her and her animal and her family that needs protecting far from me. </p><p> Kenny got over being mad and we both agreed that the funniest thing about it was my ingrained habit of whipping out the Black Jeopardy standard response of "He got teef don't he?" It was all that saved that for us. Kenny has decided to start open carrying a fire arm all the time for such occasions. He said he'd just tell the people to keep their mutt under control and leashed at all times or we'd be having a funeral right there on the trail. We'll start a "Pet Semetary." I don't blame the dog. I blame the idiot owners who fail to go by the rules, and who fail to socialize their dogs properly. Rottweilers or any breed can be sweet, big babies if you train them right. </p><p>Below is a photo of Hickory Branch Falls. </p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPa6XceLcZD3dQpCAB6m-XkD7pXTynXiYwhJRfoY5sYeCUanP3sx-pyrQFf5Ab24ArsjG-9b3k_6VKYg3BOM5Lt0NC-xRjr6s6-aWbO9yMVcRoucA4w53VT8gOV_G1RXjaTpzCy6zjHciiUKXPcRXHAU4icU7xxVZErjEhy3gmgsH5LyRVLF8GEOcaGAs/s5568/GOPR1728.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPa6XceLcZD3dQpCAB6m-XkD7pXTynXiYwhJRfoY5sYeCUanP3sx-pyrQFf5Ab24ArsjG-9b3k_6VKYg3BOM5Lt0NC-xRjr6s6-aWbO9yMVcRoucA4w53VT8gOV_G1RXjaTpzCy6zjHciiUKXPcRXHAU4icU7xxVZErjEhy3gmgsH5LyRVLF8GEOcaGAs/w640-h480/GOPR1728.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><p><u><b><br /></b></u></p><p>Below is a video of the same falls</p><p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="340" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/b0Lq1tVnVSc" title="Hickory Branch Falls" width="670"></iframe></p><p><u><b><br /></b></u></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><u>Crab Orchard Falls at Valle Crucis</u></b></p><p><u><b><br /></b></u></p><p><b> We cooled off from our hike and pulled over to eat a quick bite prior to continuing.</b></p><p><b>The next falls was clear over at Valle Crucis and there is no good way to get there. Despite that we picked the worst way there. It was the most winding road with precipitous drops and crazy drivers along it. I began to recollect why I'd put this off for so long. I hate coming here because there is no good approach. We finally managed to arrive at the conference center and park the truck. It was a nice place with clear signage indicating where to park, and where to start your hike. The hike is only 1. 4 miles round trip with the first part of the hike steeply uphill. There are benches along the way to rest. We knew one of them was situated right near the point where you turn left and begin heading down to the falls. We finally got to that point and could get glimpses of the waterfall. We could hear it so this was a good sign. We encountered lots of very nice people and nice dogs on this hike. </b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b> The downhill approach to the falls is in deep shadow at this time of the afternoon. Thankfully they have built boardwalks that get you down to the bottom of the main falls. It is a very slippery, wet, rocky, root strewn track. It would be a mess if not for the man made improvements. Crab Orchard Falls cascades steadily down the mountain in the deep gloom. </b></p><p><b>We watched one group of hikers head up through the rocks to look for more cascades. </b></p><p><b> I got my photos and video of this pretty spot. It dawned on me. I had done it! I had finished. </b></p><p><b>One hundred waterfalls completed. I was pleased, but knew something inside me was not right and needed fixing. The two hikes today felt very perfunctory. I was not overjoyed at it or particular enthused about hiking. I made up my mind I was going to figure this out. </b></p><p><b> </b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisyip4ElQW5bUDi4LFp9kgD4F3fXJW1nwuTZa3pU0Ww2JC19XyA0DqOy7fPw01NYfIws2AGXmJSB3vIbaHN4D7uhOTRy-r5oQlW8dbpxggbT-yh3m41h6A8XfyRYFxXKKoJQO6zC-6XivWXPjgGs2rzonRWQ8o0xmgxhrbxV0TQ8L7B3T_pW5Gw1ulgYE/s5568/GOPR1735.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisyip4ElQW5bUDi4LFp9kgD4F3fXJW1nwuTZa3pU0Ww2JC19XyA0DqOy7fPw01NYfIws2AGXmJSB3vIbaHN4D7uhOTRy-r5oQlW8dbpxggbT-yh3m41h6A8XfyRYFxXKKoJQO6zC-6XivWXPjgGs2rzonRWQ8o0xmgxhrbxV0TQ8L7B3T_pW5Gw1ulgYE/w640-h480/GOPR1735.JPG" width="640" /></a></b></div><b>Above: Looking downstream of Crab Orchard Falls at Kenny<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Above: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRyFO1yOWPWfDE2bezLPmuCWjq2H43EZNdtkvzjviOm6vwDjotvfDBIO7RZSIURGFpZVeEP2i4rXV2G7lWZGQLccp5ZxewigXbu060cFCXTXT1T1YSZ4uhix9afkw7AtO9QhFvySXAK1dD73MPkVQG6Qnvwu8x1EQshdzP2sG8g1mQK4Dle4m_RAd5Qh8/s5568/GOPR1734.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRyFO1yOWPWfDE2bezLPmuCWjq2H43EZNdtkvzjviOm6vwDjotvfDBIO7RZSIURGFpZVeEP2i4rXV2G7lWZGQLccp5ZxewigXbu060cFCXTXT1T1YSZ4uhix9afkw7AtO9QhFvySXAK1dD73MPkVQG6Qnvwu8x1EQshdzP2sG8g1mQK4Dle4m_RAd5Qh8/w640-h480/GOPR1734.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: the board walk and the folks with their very NICE dogs. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQEs6xNA5ID-KATxIaQGR6CV1f_b24Z8B1GSIRVL6Anb46YV9viMubK511MDntN0Gx5BWNrE-Vmp-jfTQ4KdGqxcYawGtlIenXYPegtDQKOQz-F_VYS7bFZjHEGy1bjBiFit3yjy_BOZlWQlZGi5Y3j4LTMvQqQve_i_QDWiDdWDOW1EwbvEy_HmdaEM4/s5568/GOPR1732.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQEs6xNA5ID-KATxIaQGR6CV1f_b24Z8B1GSIRVL6Anb46YV9viMubK511MDntN0Gx5BWNrE-Vmp-jfTQ4KdGqxcYawGtlIenXYPegtDQKOQz-F_VYS7bFZjHEGy1bjBiFit3yjy_BOZlWQlZGi5Y3j4LTMvQqQve_i_QDWiDdWDOW1EwbvEy_HmdaEM4/w640-h480/GOPR1732.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: Crab Orchard Falls is not real big. </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Below is a video of the falls</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="340" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dc_c-ISrsq0" title="Crab Orchard Falls" width="670"></iframe><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></b><p></p><p><b> We enjoyed the sight of the falls for a bit and began our hike out. We hiked along with another nice couple on the way. Once you get up that first hill the remainder of the hike is downhill or level. Back at the truck we loaded up and headed back to Marion. Kenny decided we should go out to eat tonight instead of cooking. He is big on google reviews and sets a great store by them. He found a barbecue place called "Smoke a Little Smoke". Insert eye roll here. </b></p><p><b> We went over there around 6:30 p.m. We'd gotten showered up and changed clothes into something dressier. The Christmas lights in downtown Marion were very pretty. The historic downtown was lovely. We pulled up to a stop light and the map indicated we needed to go straight. The only option to go straight was down an alley between two buildings. We pulled down in there and began looking around for this restaurant. It was dark back in this spot. I finally saw a lighted window and looked in. It was easy to see in because from street level you have to step down two or three stairs to enter. This gives you a clear view into the place. It was very dimly lit. The street and the whole atmosphere was very murdery looking. Only four people in the whole place. At that precise moment I did not care that the place had a 4.4 star review. I just knew I wasn't setting foot in that place. It looked like something off the X Files. I'm not above going in a dive bar, but this took the cake. Kenny was embarrassed at his choice. We went instead to a place new to us called J. Hartmans. It was wonderful! We laughed about the difference. He was still trying to rationalize things. "It would have been fine during the day." </b></p><p><b>I told him I'd sooner go in Lowell's of Murvul on a Friday night as that place. Lowell's was the local dive bar and the official "Cut N' Shoot" spot of weekends. Stabbings. You name it. It was so bad the place was shut down. It is no more. </b></p><h3 style="text-align: center;"> <b><u><br /></u></b><b><u> Saturday Morning Plans </u></b></h3><div><b> The original plan for Saturday morning was to get up and drive back up to Boone. We were going to hike to Flattop Lookout Tower. The morning dawned gray, drizzly, cold and windy. </b></div><div><b>I made up my mind I was not going to do that hike. I often identify a problem long before I can express exactly what that problem is in words. I had identified a problem with this plan and with me. I had a very nebulous vibe about this trip and this place in particular. Marion North Carolina is more populated and far more a town than where I came from in Virginia. Yet for all the additional homes and businesses it has the same feeling. Zack Virginia is twenty five miles in any given direction to a town. Nothing going on out here. Marion NC has the same feel. <br />Nothing going on round here. It is a bit desolate. I realized something about myself. I've lost the willingness to be in such places. I've grown to like more going on. I've grown to like being around people more. I'm not feral any longer. I've overcome that hermit lifestyle. </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b> I also realized that I was absolutely joyless in doing these hikes. I was merely checking off boxes. There. Done! and move on. I hate it. This is so not my style. I determined I was going to come up with a better plan for these final five fire towers. I was going to enjoy the hikes not just check off boxes. Give me a little and I'll get it sorted out and come up with a good plan.</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b> Today we'd do something different. I had lost all but one photo of nearby Tom's Creek Falls. I knew we missed the old mica mine while there last time. We'd go do that hike. Once we got done exploring we'd figure out what came next. </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b> Getting to Tom's Creek Falls was quicker than driving to Boone and the Blue Ridge Parkway. We arrived to find numerous other families hiking. That was okay with me. </b></div><div><b>I noticed the trees around the parking area and just beyond it were surrounded by a faint orange haze. A closer look revealed the trees were loaded with American bittersweet in fruit! It was so pretty. The drizzle of rain had stopped. It was still cold and gray so I left my heavy coat on. It felt great. The wind had died down some. </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b> We made the short, easy hike to the falls and the viewing platform. I enjoyed seeing the falls for only the second time ever. It was in need of some rainfall, but was at least flowing. It is a very tall waterfall. I think it is sixty feet high, but it looks to be taller. We saw a cut in the embankment on the left of the falls. I believed that to be where the old mica mine was located. </b></div><div><b>Kenny yelled for me to come up to where he was. He spotted a set of old supports for a wheel that was part of the conveyance system for the mica ore. A wheel sat in here that helped run a pulley car system to bring mica across the creek and to the haul road where it was taken out. </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Below is a photo of Toms Creek Falls in low flow. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAuCC2pfy-KeHxN2VKwQ19Iz7_Vp3buqxR313Qqs2D_DA9XzPRo3eBUeGFozkC5rnUGnQnjas64v78HDVmA7Rbr8myX9rwjH681bI6MaLWvk5T1_HYkhB4yHaFkCNCtzGwh5RpCaEpQEcGG3hp5pE6G0bYib8aTOoM-Is2gmwZiuCApuinVPRtu35OwIk/s3456/IMG_6482.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAuCC2pfy-KeHxN2VKwQ19Iz7_Vp3buqxR313Qqs2D_DA9XzPRo3eBUeGFozkC5rnUGnQnjas64v78HDVmA7Rbr8myX9rwjH681bI6MaLWvk5T1_HYkhB4yHaFkCNCtzGwh5RpCaEpQEcGG3hp5pE6G0bYib8aTOoM-Is2gmwZiuCApuinVPRtu35OwIk/w640-h426/IMG_6482.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Below is a look at the two cement structures that used to support a wheel for the mine.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This was their loading area for the ore.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYDZLrWKFYI6yPYBHGTA5M2MmDsqA0ADur5g7iTiXLbQxgX8he_66zNp8ehuU8csM2WLlrJSqK7XcwsaL-4O0jFIdhZ7Ej2m8g-ClRHPFn5be8pJUQGrt00sf-aswN9qBvl8pE49fXEcXiQSsJNUVzpxZ7Sn6WawltPoHnouRw-XFL1FAOM2NBkl16mkQ/s5568/GOPR1746.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYDZLrWKFYI6yPYBHGTA5M2MmDsqA0ADur5g7iTiXLbQxgX8he_66zNp8ehuU8csM2WLlrJSqK7XcwsaL-4O0jFIdhZ7Ej2m8g-ClRHPFn5be8pJUQGrt00sf-aswN9qBvl8pE49fXEcXiQSsJNUVzpxZ7Sn6WawltPoHnouRw-XFL1FAOM2NBkl16mkQ/w640-h480/GOPR1746.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> We checked out the cement structures and then climbed down to the creek and easily rock hopped to the far side. We followed that cut in the bank a very short distance to the old mine entrance. It was really cool. The way the mine opening is formed leaves a man made archway over the mine. You can see holes bored into the rock for anchor points. You can see the drill marks in the stone where they blasted. We spent some time just exploring. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> While I was taking pictures and video another couple appeared. They saw us nosing around and were curious what was over there? They came to check it out. This is how we came to meet Colleen and Dan Schreffler! They were a fun couple and we enjoyed their company briefly. We exchanged phone numbers so we could keep in touch. They are keepers! It felt good to make friends. We then crossed back over the creek and said our good byes. Kenny and I decided to take the trail that leads to the top of the falls to see what else we might find? I was glad we did. There is a decent view up there. We also found another ten foot drop and about a seven foot drop. The seven footer was easy to approach. The ten foot falls while pretty was a bit too close to the edge for us. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Below: the mine entrance</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii0W-HSyIDf0LjB4jGwwUP2_tsV4ZSCSHMyCaoNEQ0HqoIB17F8g82DWwXReC6DIn0Ooc22-NlxLS524qi5Qsidksrfw7G87lFP29tt_mod5HUFHaHrIEZZMXMREfax66Fhs8dVercWgXMGscsg0pmztrsbDyhyphenhyphenRKrdMi13CsbzwMNTZzA4nEEBfAoz0E/s5568/GOPR1749.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii0W-HSyIDf0LjB4jGwwUP2_tsV4ZSCSHMyCaoNEQ0HqoIB17F8g82DWwXReC6DIn0Ooc22-NlxLS524qi5Qsidksrfw7G87lFP29tt_mod5HUFHaHrIEZZMXMREfax66Fhs8dVercWgXMGscsg0pmztrsbDyhyphenhyphenRKrdMi13CsbzwMNTZzA4nEEBfAoz0E/w640-h480/GOPR1749.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Below: a different vantage point shows how there is a hole directly over the mine entrance. This forms an arch. Perhaps they hauled the ore straight up and then over? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRl5XXt_bIOGyQgsV1jsKpSKysi5kPwTYh178USn5u9MLIWmO44VQGItYh3KUt38q-jwTLJC7MTXnZe6X4fJx7lssKK6W8p3PWS0ZzvR_rktfYnqoa1wGV1h09P_oglJ4BFUhcOw5eYb-HcyRAeI7c37K89mutqbluTKz9xveqY_d7SdWk93qKbkm62v4/s5568/GOPR1750.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRl5XXt_bIOGyQgsV1jsKpSKysi5kPwTYh178USn5u9MLIWmO44VQGItYh3KUt38q-jwTLJC7MTXnZe6X4fJx7lssKK6W8p3PWS0ZzvR_rktfYnqoa1wGV1h09P_oglJ4BFUhcOw5eYb-HcyRAeI7c37K89mutqbluTKz9xveqY_d7SdWk93qKbkm62v4/w640-h480/GOPR1750.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Below: If you look closely you can see Kenny up there through the hole. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Dy6dy4xNDlSAameEJgP8zYD3DsoGhFLPpHaGKnZNcV2IwMYW4GgpGx3e7jcSK5WEFI6E86F35f9sc_mNFt-AicI_MUolpHa-pd67uVQ1IUjZFWlmue0_T2FmxKYUr9rsffbpQfGpPyJyRaDwgumq1iPZymcfPwRvPXZbXNUgnTXlPLcmr2UlIVS3GaY/s5568/Moria%20Mine%20hole.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Dy6dy4xNDlSAameEJgP8zYD3DsoGhFLPpHaGKnZNcV2IwMYW4GgpGx3e7jcSK5WEFI6E86F35f9sc_mNFt-AicI_MUolpHa-pd67uVQ1IUjZFWlmue0_T2FmxKYUr9rsffbpQfGpPyJyRaDwgumq1iPZymcfPwRvPXZbXNUgnTXlPLcmr2UlIVS3GaY/w640-h480/Moria%20Mine%20hole.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihob-3g6YOadmwDiM1URO_FmvPeCuXhfBo8Cw26g37qz5KPlSHg4tgYaD_ZZqJGMCFl9MGBSGBEs9mcffkvkBCUbSkYPYxclLAhk2NQJuMBji-uoRfti2_ADbLKzj20rBW2FBh6aK2cKe7DjDFt2YkeBajAF-lt8W3cwoZR2NnQ17FOrUeRICzb0g22g8/s5568/GOPR1772.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihob-3g6YOadmwDiM1URO_FmvPeCuXhfBo8Cw26g37qz5KPlSHg4tgYaD_ZZqJGMCFl9MGBSGBEs9mcffkvkBCUbSkYPYxclLAhk2NQJuMBji-uoRfti2_ADbLKzj20rBW2FBh6aK2cKe7DjDFt2YkeBajAF-lt8W3cwoZR2NnQ17FOrUeRICzb0g22g8/w640-h480/GOPR1772.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Above: the haul road that leads to the top of the falls looks pretty good. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Below: The view from the top of the falls out over the area. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAvv4IV7Vx0-akBb0mDWjLHhyOJ-Tvoe7-8jMRVdyNFxYiAB_LmocyZOX2VsXCKc_gjmibRIxOy_6civalfqGmEVKmQ43xms2TCKSx_nFQKnOlNrhF-2SsmUIIrCHvAPNIe-INlFyS-EkfxweQjF6ve9S46F3F7veN2X8lEc8bp64ZmxGPAy2fo3RK_cs/s5568/GOPR1769.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAvv4IV7Vx0-akBb0mDWjLHhyOJ-Tvoe7-8jMRVdyNFxYiAB_LmocyZOX2VsXCKc_gjmibRIxOy_6civalfqGmEVKmQ43xms2TCKSx_nFQKnOlNrhF-2SsmUIIrCHvAPNIe-INlFyS-EkfxweQjF6ve9S46F3F7veN2X8lEc8bp64ZmxGPAy2fo3RK_cs/w640-h480/GOPR1769.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Below: You can barely glimpse the ten foot section of falls up top. This was unsafe looking in low flow. I cannot imagine it being any better during normal water volumes. You'd run the very real risk of being swept over the brink of the falls. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW_gq19XGWxUrc4qnuNkDenc-5D6fv2nQwjpquax8iz5RBrXqN9qVIIjmyngfLvwCH4W2U9RVeKPvesnrjyW4GT7wBsYM_pD0i-aBV8jJt_tSVvvfPOuEXyAhec0UlJgJpSfBDkLqZQ1D1rlSVXZSi5U782PYUk-Gifjh5gH3vekucI1iA0FKun9Gb6cQ/s5568/GOPR1770.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW_gq19XGWxUrc4qnuNkDenc-5D6fv2nQwjpquax8iz5RBrXqN9qVIIjmyngfLvwCH4W2U9RVeKPvesnrjyW4GT7wBsYM_pD0i-aBV8jJt_tSVvvfPOuEXyAhec0UlJgJpSfBDkLqZQ1D1rlSVXZSi5U782PYUk-Gifjh5gH3vekucI1iA0FKun9Gb6cQ/w640-h480/GOPR1770.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Below: a profile view of the smaller cascade up top. It was quite pretty.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo2c9Jk4qGI3kjPG0_2Lwwh9OcgSwxLlfaNA_zND0V1WIn6_01OX_8LFHeIvCrN76RoaSRTNl44Ca3YTgti88E5VI7VNEbqApbbRUYnXBY1sNmH4aP6aZwQEcNfOv8v-POPVqP4i9S8L7EBPyaOrYLJRdcwsNs2HMcx_eXDiNG9UJK3OX25UQa8Legr2A/s3456/profile%20of%20Upper%20Toms%20Creek%20Falls.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo2c9Jk4qGI3kjPG0_2Lwwh9OcgSwxLlfaNA_zND0V1WIn6_01OX_8LFHeIvCrN76RoaSRTNl44Ca3YTgti88E5VI7VNEbqApbbRUYnXBY1sNmH4aP6aZwQEcNfOv8v-POPVqP4i9S8L7EBPyaOrYLJRdcwsNs2HMcx_eXDiNG9UJK3OX25UQa8Legr2A/w640-h426/profile%20of%20Upper%20Toms%20Creek%20Falls.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Below: same cascade shot from directly in front of it. This little pool was far enough back from the edge that you'd have to work hard to get swept over the main falls. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDZJ0n3klspuqf7GWuwxCKkb4o7Q3nn23kuCluBIX_Fn2lYp3JyTPfQChVLYLsfjQHku3XgcUyWPe2YflOCtdMAfVC_C4ID-bNuNSdNAbHTm8Q3e99YtiO741nHLl0TITLiihtUqXz3pTW_IjwOIRiHEuJOsFbjxBpNEUYVvHOl-8EQ2aFLAJhnr99Xa0/s5568/GOPR1757.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDZJ0n3klspuqf7GWuwxCKkb4o7Q3nn23kuCluBIX_Fn2lYp3JyTPfQChVLYLsfjQHku3XgcUyWPe2YflOCtdMAfVC_C4ID-bNuNSdNAbHTm8Q3e99YtiO741nHLl0TITLiihtUqXz3pTW_IjwOIRiHEuJOsFbjxBpNEUYVvHOl-8EQ2aFLAJhnr99Xa0/w640-h480/GOPR1757.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> It was fun exploring. Just doing things spontaneously. I felt the old joy of hiking return to me. I was recapturing what had been missing from this trip. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Below: This is the haul road on our return hike back down the mountain. The road reminded us of the old railroad cuts found in the Smokies. Deeply set between two banks. The layer of fallen leaves concealed many holes, rocks and roots. It was harder going down that coming up it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivmsYMjAVK-ubqnMyBmHgvHrR-XSzaDiPtjKcOVZ5duC0XwPEo2UYp6ZogZmiXWywnS3xiD3_sbKazkwxMCylf-vrUq7CJGNO_r31g7auWDbf4uCoop5UM-amCmmrJIU7dt_Oo3Qg9dM8MnW2Uv0cROvYxlWuT_cGVvsVNFMb4KmDVcE4iExFl8muGzKM/s5568/GOPR1771.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivmsYMjAVK-ubqnMyBmHgvHrR-XSzaDiPtjKcOVZ5duC0XwPEo2UYp6ZogZmiXWywnS3xiD3_sbKazkwxMCylf-vrUq7CJGNO_r31g7auWDbf4uCoop5UM-amCmmrJIU7dt_Oo3Qg9dM8MnW2Uv0cROvYxlWuT_cGVvsVNFMb4KmDVcE4iExFl8muGzKM/w640-h480/GOPR1771.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> We wrapped up our hike and went to town for some Christmas shopping. We got in some exercise. We made friends. We had fun. We managed to get some good deals on gifts for our family members. Marion really is a friendly little town. One lady saw us loading things into the truck and wanted to know if Wal-mart had anymore of those? We were able to tell her yes and where to find them. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div> Sunday morning we packed up and headed home early. We were trying to get home ahead of any traffic. We had no problems. We made it home in plenty of time to get me to choir practice Sunday evening and Gabe to practice for the Christmas pageant. I love to hike, but I've learned what makes it fun for me, and what robs me of my joy. I have also come to realize that I have formed connections in my community. I love my growing family. I love my little country church. I want to be involved in those events. December 11, 2023 it will be twenty-two years since we moved to Tennessee. It was a life changing decision that was prayed over by me. The Lord has been real, real good to me over these years. It has made all the difference for the better. </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b> </b></div><div><b> Below is a video of Tom's Creek Falls and the old mines. </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="340" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9zc7i1K1Nc8" title="Toms Creek Falls & Old Mines" width="670"></iframe><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><b><br /></b></div> I am including some information at the end of this blog entry regarding the various hiking challenges that are available to participate in. I have enjoyed them and in no way want to disparage them. I just did not plan well to finish up the waterfall list. I was winging it in a bad way. Upon returning home I joined the <a href="https://www.firelookout.org/index.html" target="_blank">Forest Fire Lookout Association. </a> It was something I'd long consider, but finally did! I am a member of the Tennessee chapter. I'm looking forward to the final five tower hikes. I am going to try to do those hikes to optimize the fun. I want to be in the Big Ivey area during one of the festivals where the Little Snowball tower is open for tours! I plan to learn and take advantage of my membership in the FFLA. I believe it will be a good experience. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here is a link to the <a href="https://www.carolinamountainclub.org/index.cfm/do/pages.view/id/49/page/Challenges" target="_blank">challenges available by joining the Carolina Mountain Club. </a>You must be a member in order to receive recognition for the challenge. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have completed their Waterfall 100. Since I did it they have made much more liberal rules for completing it which is great! If you feel you cannot complete a certain hike you can simply choose another one to substitute that will be better suited to your ability level. The list to choose from is more than 100. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I am working on their Lookout Tower Challenge. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Others are : </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Centennial Challenge-- 50 miles of hiking with the CMC and 50 hours of trail maintenance.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">100 Smokies Favorite Hikes</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Pisgah 400</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">South Beyond 6000 -- hike all the peaks in the south above 6, 000 feet elevation</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Youth Partner Challenge-- pair up with a youngster and introduce them to hiking.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Appalachian Trail-Mountains to Sea Challenge</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.kadamsphoto.com/north_carolina_waterfalls/waterfall-challenges/" target="_blank">Here is a list of Kevin Adams Challenge Hikes</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></b><p><u><b>Kevin Adam's challenges</b></u></p><p><b><span face=""Open Sans", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14px;">100 Disabled-Access North Carolina Waterfalls Challenge</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span face=""Open Sans", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14px;">100 North Carolina Waterfalls Challenge</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span face=""Open Sans", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14px;">250 North Carolina Waterfalls Challenge</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span face=""Open Sans", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14px;">500 North Carolina Waterfalls Challenge</span></b></p></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b> </b></div><p> </p><p><b>You might want to do the Smoky Mountain Hiking Club <a href="https://www.smhclub.org/900-Miler-Club" target="_blank">900 Miler Club</a> where you hike all the trails of the Great Smoky Mountains! </b></p><p><u><b><br /></b></u></p><p><u><b><br /></b></u></p><p><u><b><a href="https://www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/big-south-fork-go-big-challenge.htm" target="_blank">Each year Big South Fork puts on a GO BIG challenge. They have not yet come out with the events for 2024. When they do I'll place it here. </a></b></u></p><p><u><b><br /></b></u></p><p><u><b><br /></b></u></p><p><b> Get involved. It is so good for you and can bring much enjoyment. The key is to keep it fun and not make it a chore or just checking off boxes. If it comes to that you need to change how you're doing it in the words of my wise friend and 900 Miler Betsy Lee! </b></p><p><u><b><br /></b></u></p><p><u><b><br /></b></u></p><p><b>I have filled out my paperwork and mailed it to Kevin Adams. I'm glad I did it. </b></p><p><u><b><br /></b></u></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Dana Kooglerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05415223619811093720noreply@blogger.com2Marion, NC 28752, USA35.6840131 -82.0092744999999897.3737792638211559 -117.16552449999999 63.994246936178847 -46.853024499999989tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626760878352814160.post-46749715180213185912023-11-20T20:42:00.003-05:002024-01-19T16:17:17.903-05:00Excellent Picnic Locations 2023-24 Edition<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><h1 style="text-align: left;"><u><b><br /></b></u></h1><h1 style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: underline;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSBxWygOlAUeh0tNgZdfdKvDushewjHNo3U8dG7G0jxxQxfpzxnvI7i6NUNZX1Xt_grIiXQ3gGgv75qezyAhp3azEiRh5iCfDq0BDx7n-w7T18x1v0Xl_eKM1kgwG81Hb0ZFbsoaQqWJTCz0hkq_HjvQYWDFKNj3nWUQj7xkMp7kfxfA2kbBTASEeH0Y4/s890/Andrews%20Bald%20112-X2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="824" data-original-width="890" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSBxWygOlAUeh0tNgZdfdKvDushewjHNo3U8dG7G0jxxQxfpzxnvI7i6NUNZX1Xt_grIiXQ3gGgv75qezyAhp3azEiRh5iCfDq0BDx7n-w7T18x1v0Xl_eKM1kgwG81Hb0ZFbsoaQqWJTCz0hkq_HjvQYWDFKNj3nWUQj7xkMp7kfxfA2kbBTASEeH0Y4/w400-h370/Andrews%20Bald%20112-X2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">above: our picnic backpack was a souvenir from a trip in the past. </span></div><br /><b style="text-decoration-line: underline;"><br /></b></h1><h1 style="text-align: left;"><u><b>Excellent Picnic Locations 2023-24 Edition</b></u></h1><div><u><b><br /></b></u></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Dana Koogler </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>November 17, 2023</b></div><p><br /></p><p> <b>Back in June 2017 I wrote a blog entry suggesting great spots for picnics. It has been well read. </b></p><p><b>I have read back over it for inspiration myself finding it useful to me as a reminder. I considered how many places we've had picnics since then. I decided it would be fun to update that topic. We have had lots of new families move into the area. It might be helpful to them. I appreciate this more as a grandparent these days. I have a little bit of Pinterest Woman in me. I like planning and putting on fun events for my sweet husband or friends and family. I count these events as some of my most treasured memories. </b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b> Before I forget to share this I am putting it up near the top of this article. I was looking into parks and picnic spots in Knoxville since it was close by. I saw photos of Walker Springs Park. It looked beautiful so I wanted to go. I'm not sure why, but I just had this feeling that I needed to investigate that a little more. Something wasn't sitting well with me. I am glad I checked because <u>Walker Springs Park is to be avoided! </u> It has been the site of numerous car clouting incidents, assaults on both women and men. Joggers getting attacked. One lady had her car broken into and decided to just jog there and leave the car at home since it wasn't far from her apartment. She had a scary close call with an attacker. There are too many other places to go to take a risk like that. </b></p><p><br /></p><p> <b> I have included links to information about the state parks and areas mentioned. I apologize up front for not using the official state park website links. I would have except this is one of those times when the websites are not working. I got an "</b></p><h1 style="text-align: -webkit-center;">403 Forbidden</h1><p><b>" on each and every one, every time I tried. This is why when I include info from state of TN websites I just copy the text to the blog entry and then include the link. I don't want to plagiarize, but I know how often these sites are down for the count. </b></p><h3 style="text-align: center;"> <b><u><a href="https://www.facebook.com/CumberlandMountainSP/" target="_blank"> Cumberland Mountain State Park</a></u></b></h3><div><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div><b><u><br /></u></b></div><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> <b> One place we like to camp and always have a good time is Cumberland Mountain State Park in Crossville, TN. It has beautiful scenery. It has a rich history. I've never heard of any crime there.</b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>It is convenient being in Crossville. It is an hour and fifteen minutes from my home in Blount County. It is uncrowded. Recreational opportunities include hiking, swimming in season, fishing with a valid Tennessee license, boat rentals, kayaks, pedal boats for rental during season. You can bring your own canoe or kayak and launch it for $6 dock fee. The kids can run around and play on the grass or playgrounds. There are spots along Byrd Creek below the dam where kids can play in the creek. </b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>You could make a visit to the <a href="https://cumberlandhomesteads.org/tower-museum/" target="_blank">Homesteads Tower & Museum nearby</a>. It is inexpensive at just a few dollars per person. </b></p><p><br /></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b> Parking-Ample</b></li><li><b>Handicapped Accessible--Yes</b></li><li><b>Restrooms-- Yes</b></li><li><b>Trashcans--Yes</b></li><li><b>Pavilions-- Yes</b></li><li><b>Grills--Yes</b></li><li><b>Shade-- Yes</b></li><li><b>It has spots for picnicking that offer comparative solitude</b></li><li><b>It is a safe, secure, pleasant atmosphere</b></li><li><b>Tables-- Yes</b></li><li><b>Playgrounds--Yes</b></li><li><b>Recreational Opportunities-- Yes. </b></li></ul><p></p><p><br /></p><p><b> Below are some photos of the picnic area and park. It is an outstanding place for Autumn scenery and foliage viewing. </b></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/CampingTrips/Exploring/Cumberland-Mountain-State-Park/i-tc7V5zD/0/c275501d/X3/IMG_5952-X3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="427" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/CampingTrips/Exploring/Cumberland-Mountain-State-Park/i-tc7V5zD/0/c275501d/X3/IMG_5952-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Cumberland-Homesteads/i-cNtPFPz/0/e6bc1f1e/X3/IMG_6494-X3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="427" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Cumberland-Homesteads/i-cNtPFPz/0/e6bc1f1e/X3/IMG_6494-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/CampingTrips/Exploring/Cumberland-Mountain-State-Park/i-3hhNTPz/0/5c8999a2/X2/GOPR1169-X2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/CampingTrips/Exploring/Cumberland-Mountain-State-Park/i-3hhNTPz/0/5c8999a2/X2/GOPR1169-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/CampingTrips/Exploring/Cumberland-Mountain-State-Park/i-vDsJHcG/0/a50b36e8/X3/IMG_6903-X3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="427" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/CampingTrips/Exploring/Cumberland-Mountain-State-Park/i-vDsJHcG/0/a50b36e8/X3/IMG_6903-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><h3 style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqWgmp4mQHLjdzbrA22MT9s283vzb-Xhet6v-mDhRfBEOFND0aLiEhY_YFvo-aZvBfuUvyEGGl3D-y5za3pAncP2RbmRjYUQkkT1AFywjfnxDFQ3XrS1kEnGOM-fXjf2T7d2OJzHhLEBqzK7jbwxbvjVh05kWuGtq91x5T_g1qrLQAIZYu-n9y9bWuvM4/s640/CMSP%20dam%20bv.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqWgmp4mQHLjdzbrA22MT9s283vzb-Xhet6v-mDhRfBEOFND0aLiEhY_YFvo-aZvBfuUvyEGGl3D-y5za3pAncP2RbmRjYUQkkT1AFywjfnxDFQ3XrS1kEnGOM-fXjf2T7d2OJzHhLEBqzK7jbwxbvjVh05kWuGtq91x5T_g1qrLQAIZYu-n9y9bWuvM4/w640-h480/CMSP%20dam%20bv.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Above: a look at the pretty Fall colors and Byrd Lake and the bridge/dam. <br /><b><br /></b></h3><h3 style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></h3><h3 style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></h3><h3 style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></h3><h3 style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></h3><h3 style="text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://www.facebook.com/sgtalvincyorkstatepark/" target="_blank">Alvin York State Park</a></u></b></h3><p> Pall Mall, Tennessee is home to the Alvin York State Park. It is where Sgt. York was born and raised and lived out the rest of his full life. It is a beautiful state park and you couldn't find a nicer spot for a picnic. It has beautiful scenery, rich history, is uncrowded, and there is plenty to do there.</p><p> </p><p><b>Parking-Ample</b></p><p><b>Handicapped accessible--Yes</b></p><p><b>Restrooms--Yes</b></p><p><b>Trash cans--Yes</b></p><p><b>Pavilions--Yes</b></p><p><b>Shade-- Yes</b></p><p><b>Tables--Yes </b></p><p><b>Grills--Yes</b></p><p><b>Benches for sitting</b></p><p><b>It is in a safe, secure, pleasant atmosphere. I know of no crime reported there.</b></p><p><b>It is more of a family spot, but being uncrowded could be a couples or romantic picnic, but does not provide much privacy or seclusion. </b></p><p><b>Recreation opportunities--Fishing, hiking, swimming, touring the mill, nearby country store, visitor center, Tour Alvin York birthplace and home, nearby Alvin York Sunday School building is now abandoned, but can be visited, sandy beach area, basketball goals, </b></p><p><br /></p><p><b>Below are some photos of the grounds and facilities</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PTtjB4duTkM/YJvmaJ_werI/AAAAAAAAfSg/Bn9cwJ9xtzEsHvhbDpgHN7SJ8On2_fZHwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_1884.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PTtjB4duTkM/YJvmaJ_werI/AAAAAAAAfSg/Bn9cwJ9xtzEsHvhbDpgHN7SJ8On2_fZHwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/IMG_1884.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: picnic table near the mill dam on the Wolf River under some shade trees<p></p><p>Below: one of the pavilions</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MOFdTWrmCbI/YJvmVbZdwDI/AAAAAAAAfSQ/xNW8AgOtPMMo9YQqroBaUTxyAZzCHuUtQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_1870.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MOFdTWrmCbI/YJvmVbZdwDI/AAAAAAAAfSQ/xNW8AgOtPMMo9YQqroBaUTxyAZzCHuUtQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/IMG_1870.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Below: a nice new playground. There are also other sets of swings nearby<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v-CfgyuTr1Y/YJvmVEiGY1I/AAAAAAAAfSI/68qaZHyqJocxoAHq-y3aNa1vLfNDWl2vwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_1872.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v-CfgyuTr1Y/YJvmVEiGY1I/AAAAAAAAfSI/68qaZHyqJocxoAHq-y3aNa1vLfNDWl2vwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/IMG_1872.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b><p></p><p> Below: a look at the Alvin York Grist Mill </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NWCJYhe_Dtw/YJvmdMBVdTI/AAAAAAAAfS0/KCjxiV6XJbwgrmTVqqspNEy6uztZsWd0wCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_1899.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NWCJYhe_Dtw/YJvmdMBVdTI/AAAAAAAAfS0/KCjxiV6XJbwgrmTVqqspNEy6uztZsWd0wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/IMG_1899.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Below: the beautiful blue Wolf River</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qZZKoN2kV1c/YJvmbgqYB5I/AAAAAAAAfSo/veopyzcVBGUhwYLSGItVgBFkDq6WvxzTwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_1889.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qZZKoN2kV1c/YJvmbgqYB5I/AAAAAAAAfSo/veopyzcVBGUhwYLSGItVgBFkDq6WvxzTwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/IMG_1889.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://www.tn.gov/environment/program-areas/na-natural-areas/natural-areas-east-region/east-region-/na-na-frozen-head.html" target="_blank">Frozen Head State Park</a></u></b></h3><p><br /></p><p> <b> Located in Morgan County, Tennessee out past the new Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary Frozen Head State Park is one of our family's favorites! It is about an hour drive from my house. It is beautiful in any season. It is another example of a state park with rich history. It has lots to do there. I have seen it at times where it is busy, but only now and then. Nine times out of ten it is uncrowded and is always more laid back then fighting the traffic and crowds in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The scenery is gorgeous and I have no reports of crimes there. </b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>Parking-Yes, abundant</b></p><p><b>Handicapped accessible--Yes</b></p><p><b>Restrooms--Yes</b></p><p><b>Trash cans--Yes</b></p><p><b>Pavilions--Yes</b></p><p><b>Shade--Yes </b></p><p><b>Tables--Yes</b></p><p><b>Grills--Yes</b></p><p><b>Playground--Yes, multiple play sets</b></p><p><b>Visitor Center-- Yes </b></p><p><b>It has numerous scattered spots for picnics that offer some privacy as uncrowded as it is. </b></p><p><b>I consider it a family environment, but would be a nice spot for a romantic picnic as well.</b></p><p><b>Recreation opportunities-- fishing with a valid license, hiking, biking, volleyball, playgrounds, creeks to play in. </b></p><p><b>Below is a video from one of our most fun trips to Frozen Head. It was Summer and the kids played in the waterfall and the creek. They played Barky Boats. </b></p><p><br /></p><p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="340" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/In1c-K-4if8" title="Frozen Head State Park Summer 2022" width="670"></iframe> </p><p>Below: Grandson Gabe goes down the slide. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Hiking/Wildflowers/Frozen-Head-State-Park/i-B8PHxqq/0/b711d79b/X3/IMG_0472-X3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="427" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Hiking/Wildflowers/Frozen-Head-State-Park/i-B8PHxqq/0/b711d79b/X3/IMG_0472-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><b>Below: Bridge near the picnic area and playground. It is very pretty. The stream here is perfect for splashing around in for little kids. Our kids like to look for critters like crayfish, minnows, salamanders, turtles, frogs, and garter snakes.</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Hiking/Wildflowers/Frozen-Head-State-Park/i-vSNSdwL/0/9fe7d933/X3/IMG_0473-X3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="427" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Hiking/Wildflowers/Frozen-Head-State-Park/i-vSNSdwL/0/9fe7d933/X3/IMG_0473-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://cherohala.com/tour/" target="_blank">Cherohala Skyway</a></u></b></p><p><br /></p><p> <b> The Cherohala Skyway is a scenic auto road that runs from Tellico Plains on its western end to Robbinsville, NC on the eastern end. It has opportunities for hiking, photography, motorcycle riding, bike riding, auto touring, bird watching, botanizing, leaf peeping and many other hobbies. </b></p><p><b>It has eight picnic spots along it. If you click the heading above it is a link that will open a map. It is the entire length of the Skyway from end to end. It shows where the spots are and what facilities are there. I will touch on one or two that are the best and what to expect in season. </b></p><p><br /></p><p><b> Parking-usually plenty at each</b></p><p><b>Handicapped accessible-- Spirit Ridge is ADA compliant and I think maybe Stratton Ridge is. </b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>Restrooms-- Stratton Ridge, Spirit Ridge, Turkey Creek, Though the map claims Hooper Bald is restroom equipped when last I was there it was NOT. I need to stop by there and see if they have fixed that. Turkey Creek's restrooms are gender neutral and sometimes not well kept. </b></p><p><b>Trash cans-- Brushy Ridge and picnic sites all have waste receptacles </b></p><p><b>Pavilions-- none</b></p><p><b>Grills-- none</b></p><p><b>Tables-- Yes</b></p><p><b>Shade-- Brushy Ridge -some</b></p><p><b>Views Brushy Ridge is my favorite but all have views </b></p><p><b>Scenery-- Brushy Ridge is a good overlook and picnic spot in any season, but Autumn is best in my opinion. If you are going to picnic at Hooper Bald picnic area it can be cold and damp even in June. Take a jacket. Be prepared for fog, misty rain, even when it isn't calling for any.</b></p><p><b>Best times for Hooper Bald picnics are July, August, September, and first two weeks of October.</b></p><p><b>During the second and third weeks of June the native azaleas bloom on Hooper Bald making it a very easy hike to see them at only 1 mile round trip. Gregory Bald in the Smokies is 10 miles round trip by the shortest route. </b></p><p><b>Scenery is beautiful at all of them</b></p><p><b>Recreation opportunities-- Hiking, bird watching, wildlife viewing sometimes, leaf peeping</b></p><p><b>Atmosphere-- nice at all of them, but don't count on privacy during weekends. Good family atmosphere. </b></p><p><b>Security--I don't know of any outright car clouting incidents. (Vandalism or thefts) but don't leave your valuables in sight in the car. Don't leave it unlocked even if you are nearby.</b></p><p><b>I had a very scary encounter at Fall Branch Falls while solo hiking. I know of another man who had a similar experience while hiking with his wife at Stratton Bald. I have never felt scared or heard of any bad encounters right near the road. Just be aware of your surroundings.</b></p><p><br /></p><p><b>Below are a few photos of Brushy Ridge Overlook and some others to show what the Skyway has to offer. </b></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0BPLklSqdhFVinnQHvKRt033oYlewFiwNd3YtaFnylp7uKJcwmfHMw5HQMJN-9qDdQ82dt3bDyvnCgqa6XrsZtiAjdUhQhpPTyyox4cVmvgSTpWmqxNfw9ZRT2996uqHs7zzmjN6s_3KgqFitVeZal7ivAROH0XeWYqnjVgsN88HWlg1TltGDwXVmpas/s1080/397235612_7519222414774529_1945854334284348240_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0BPLklSqdhFVinnQHvKRt033oYlewFiwNd3YtaFnylp7uKJcwmfHMw5HQMJN-9qDdQ82dt3bDyvnCgqa6XrsZtiAjdUhQhpPTyyox4cVmvgSTpWmqxNfw9ZRT2996uqHs7zzmjN6s_3KgqFitVeZal7ivAROH0XeWYqnjVgsN88HWlg1TltGDwXVmpas/w640-h640/397235612_7519222414774529_1945854334284348240_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Above: our recent anniversary picnic/cookout at Brushy Ridge Overlook. <div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Family/Grandkids/Baby-Michael/i-8b9Hqvb/0/45db9e17/X3/Hooper%20Bald%20fir%20trees%20mtn%20laurel%20azaleas-X3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="427" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Family/Grandkids/Baby-Michael/i-8b9Hqvb/0/45db9e17/X3/Hooper%20Bald%20fir%20trees%20mtn%20laurel%20azaleas-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Below: I even broke out the good smelling Fall candles!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4OIMndKAwnyumELVDt0K1C0QR1_9A5YnlBRiOfK72AEQGLJ6DO5Z2lKAkH8DwOB40-mEWor7SOLp5WvbCsAk36nTvL009m2KGRetIk4FFwhgmHxpJNg8QAjHnEMmAKpQovQyUikeo3OWZjQqD7U3DreTMrsodCPnfW9ol8bShcpVtuzEwiIIYAA_fTI0/s1080/397248457_7519222411441196_197899340328652396_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4OIMndKAwnyumELVDt0K1C0QR1_9A5YnlBRiOfK72AEQGLJ6DO5Z2lKAkH8DwOB40-mEWor7SOLp5WvbCsAk36nTvL009m2KGRetIk4FFwhgmHxpJNg8QAjHnEMmAKpQovQyUikeo3OWZjQqD7U3DreTMrsodCPnfW9ol8bShcpVtuzEwiIIYAA_fTI0/w640-h640/397248457_7519222411441196_197899340328652396_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipEpGTYAvwN5jh0zzXUNhHDH9csp2c_FbDQNhyphenhyphenLA16APZnOnR-TFlUtKyrcHByiDlYNnaHBBo3HdX8paXSo2eAIYYu_z0y1ELb-lGataigKxrN0ySswXfXpYMGysncKAYLuXE84_D_VRKrx3cf76ckCdUC5mODsOTrkuw615KRs02b2vJ6cCauajwRRHE/s3456/IMG_6305.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipEpGTYAvwN5jh0zzXUNhHDH9csp2c_FbDQNhyphenhyphenLA16APZnOnR-TFlUtKyrcHByiDlYNnaHBBo3HdX8paXSo2eAIYYu_z0y1ELb-lGataigKxrN0ySswXfXpYMGysncKAYLuXE84_D_VRKrx3cf76ckCdUC5mODsOTrkuw615KRs02b2vJ6cCauajwRRHE/w640-h426/IMG_6305.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: Shute Cove picnic area is also nice.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Below: view from Brushy Ridge<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZqoaxS778a5HNiCmpxvAqnQtHocMQfImL5-lVTYH20diUtzExAEvmzDaPf1ZVfAJ6u17saq6nZknsstbUpWZjarBwtXRbzXkVkID4QVKMyfhOsE9DyU1W-66I01v9T-7UYFbLasfCASQTN113E9A7pLq_qVWV4GTGNUIK89QhRZbwci7cwDlCeswnjMc/s3456/IMG_6325.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZqoaxS778a5HNiCmpxvAqnQtHocMQfImL5-lVTYH20diUtzExAEvmzDaPf1ZVfAJ6u17saq6nZknsstbUpWZjarBwtXRbzXkVkID4QVKMyfhOsE9DyU1W-66I01v9T-7UYFbLasfCASQTN113E9A7pLq_qVWV4GTGNUIK89QhRZbwci7cwDlCeswnjMc/w640-h426/IMG_6325.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Below: Huckleberry Knob view in Autumn<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUeFLTnzdwVY8hQZiAxWvEyHg4J4STGp_bR9BmsKBM3NleQCDq0KpjgZkmlvbHEF-uXAZhN_slsz1L_D4Qa2QKJxilooEKxe3e0r9l0KzzwRzUiQhaCJTCKWbMiu7vSkmuWAPB_vS4crh1j9rkBOwu4rSNVeYtURqG0t-Fz3ZRmxAoDaUf40SVUYjMA1U/s864/Huckleberry%20Knob%20toward%20Oak%20Knob.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="864" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUeFLTnzdwVY8hQZiAxWvEyHg4J4STGp_bR9BmsKBM3NleQCDq0KpjgZkmlvbHEF-uXAZhN_slsz1L_D4Qa2QKJxilooEKxe3e0r9l0KzzwRzUiQhaCJTCKWbMiu7vSkmuWAPB_vS4crh1j9rkBOwu4rSNVeYtURqG0t-Fz3ZRmxAoDaUf40SVUYjMA1U/s16000/Huckleberry%20Knob%20toward%20Oak%20Knob.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7RcKTf5-n52luriUKu8HwBRUmYU4XQgplOy5pC-PM58zYSh1jz2TNTFdVYZXX9_ufhUpaqE7cTYiJXfF0H4w0zg3EB7FV9JM2HuMH7DhhrwmV7nI3yMRO88XHBR7WILTwRMirdr6tzyQxEaVg7SCHsJvDIZoRYI71WwH6pEJbU1cQHReG4lp9g6SHL2E/s1600/IMG_3154-X3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7RcKTf5-n52luriUKu8HwBRUmYU4XQgplOy5pC-PM58zYSh1jz2TNTFdVYZXX9_ufhUpaqE7cTYiJXfF0H4w0zg3EB7FV9JM2HuMH7DhhrwmV7nI3yMRO88XHBR7WILTwRMirdr6tzyQxEaVg7SCHsJvDIZoRYI71WwH6pEJbU1cQHReG4lp9g6SHL2E/w640-h426/IMG_3154-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><b>Above: Hiking out Hooper Bald as a family in June for my daughter and grandkids to see the azaleas for their first time ever. </b></p><p><br /></p><p><b>Below is one final shot of Hooper Bald during azalea bloom</b></p><h3 style="text-align: center;"><u><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Family/Grandkids/Baby-Michael/i-8b9Hqvb/0/45db9e17/X3/Hooper%20Bald%20fir%20trees%20mtn%20laurel%20azaleas-X3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="427" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Family/Grandkids/Baby-Michael/i-8b9Hqvb/0/45db9e17/X3/Hooper%20Bald%20fir%20trees%20mtn%20laurel%20azaleas-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b></u></h3><h3 style="text-align: center;"><u><b><br /></b></u></h3><h3 style="text-align: center;"><u><b><br /></b></u></h3><h3 style="text-align: center;"><u><b><br /></b></u></h3><h3 style="text-align: center;"><u><b><br /></b></u></h3><h3 style="text-align: center;"><u><b>Look Rock Picnic Area</b></u></h3><p><b> We love Look Rock and Foothills Parkway because they are close by the house. They are convenient and beautiful. We are blessed to live where we do and we are aware of it. We have some fine recreational facilities in our back yard. We love to travel, but the driving gets tiresome. It is sometimes nice to just enjoy nature without having to work hard to get there. I have not camped at Look Rock Campground yet, but I sure hope to. The scenery is lovely any time of year, but especially in Spring and Fall. </b></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b>Parking-- Yes-ample. </b></p><p><b>Handicapped accessible-- Yes </b></p><p><b>Restrooms--Yes</b></p><p><b>Trash cans--Yes</b></p><p><b>Pavilions--None</b></p><p><b>Shade-- Yes</b></p><p><b>Views-- Yes</b></p><p><b>Scenery-- Yes, beautiful all four seasons. </b></p><p><b>Recreation opportunities--hiking, bike riding, auto touring, Spring wildflowers, Fall colors, Watching the sunset, photography. </b></p><p><b>My grandkids take their bikes and Hover board up there to ride when it is not busy. We've never found it busy. </b></p><p><b>Tables--Yes</b></p><p><b>Grills--Yes</b></p><p><b> Atmosphere--Family friendly. Never crowded. You may have it to yourself, but folks use it to walk for exercise even when it is gated off so it is not particularly secluded. </b></p><p> <b> Security--I know of only one minor incident of vandalism to park property on Foothills Parkway some time back. It was a racial slur and I don't what ever came of it. I am unaware of any car clouting incidents. There have been two occurrences of violent crime in the area in 22 years. One involved Michael Hearon's disappearance from Happy Valley. The other was the murder of Sandy Jeffers in about 2003. I do not feel unsafe going there with my friends, family or solo. </b></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF9SbU8AIdrqku4ltVuRMMLSzlpBAxvZ14NXaAAkuS0lPXAGfjcVZ6u7uRWCkSwob0HrIA6Na-tX9CcxLnrR92KpRKPHBaWN28f8Ju2Y2VVlGv0GkVQxnoTea0i_FWBXHvv5iIjUPg4kFKAH4ESUe07PUNTN1L0fGwIi-1LCnqwUwChX7_8aT6YuucfDY/s1284/20221016_173156.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="963" data-original-width="1284" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF9SbU8AIdrqku4ltVuRMMLSzlpBAxvZ14NXaAAkuS0lPXAGfjcVZ6u7uRWCkSwob0HrIA6Na-tX9CcxLnrR92KpRKPHBaWN28f8Ju2Y2VVlGv0GkVQxnoTea0i_FWBXHvv5iIjUPg4kFKAH4ESUe07PUNTN1L0fGwIi-1LCnqwUwChX7_8aT6YuucfDY/w640-h480/20221016_173156.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Above: Peak Autumn colors at Look Rock Picnic Area <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4dNfgu7DVvIkqPzcIMqFMLXak5m3lJ_k0oTu10krlx1WanECFpQH91EHGa5TuIWY1LAI5zee4aZJWSVyzbbilXiPBly3OweV1pXHjZW1SiUSj9xyNqgkujXqO5C3b4FFWNNAK1Ss88c0vMZ-DSwhhmcWbwoqBVrJRLQ0TT1_BzXdT8bTXBNBJ76EpFIM/s1284/20221016_173727.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="963" data-original-width="1284" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4dNfgu7DVvIkqPzcIMqFMLXak5m3lJ_k0oTu10krlx1WanECFpQH91EHGa5TuIWY1LAI5zee4aZJWSVyzbbilXiPBly3OweV1pXHjZW1SiUSj9xyNqgkujXqO5C3b4FFWNNAK1Ss88c0vMZ-DSwhhmcWbwoqBVrJRLQ0TT1_BzXdT8bTXBNBJ76EpFIM/w640-h480/20221016_173727.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Above: Mimi and Gabe aka Drew Cary at Look Rock Picnic area. I'm not sure what game they were playing, but they were having fun. She is bossing him around which is staying in character. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Below: Drew Carey and on the right.. Mimi</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpS2WSeLADoT2snfbNQGd3lTkbwumE9uevyi0XauSAr9iYTbwCNyFE63n7FOZmbdzqeFy5KLjRMUqGGl46M4IrnNV4ntR-xdSB-UGa5qorz8-nQ4ZjDVkIX2TMNkEAB9TZMgdeJ28zFBayqA2bOPAf9VAd_IBjev8bZutJA7f6KHi4lIJoZCpv9zOP5_I/s780/intro-1517348540.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="437" data-original-width="780" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpS2WSeLADoT2snfbNQGd3lTkbwumE9uevyi0XauSAr9iYTbwCNyFE63n7FOZmbdzqeFy5KLjRMUqGGl46M4IrnNV4ntR-xdSB-UGa5qorz8-nQ4ZjDVkIX2TMNkEAB9TZMgdeJ28zFBayqA2bOPAf9VAd_IBjev8bZutJA7f6KHi4lIJoZCpv9zOP5_I/w400-h224/intro-1517348540.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5SOMvSlrk93XL8qgExq0eZo_ZvINBKivEOWmdvBZcitZnvnSPDKyB-OUPQY1N8lyXkqG_8uTocAA66HirnUekegLVZ4b37Nky8V4A9gk_W1p2XO4LEzOzxWcl4etP3NiNx7WNSftTuiWq11zz0ry7dZWXRXlYhZAmh4dFnWOt4Kejj4ATGqVHLLVXoWk/s1284/20221016_174322.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="963" data-original-width="1284" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5SOMvSlrk93XL8qgExq0eZo_ZvINBKivEOWmdvBZcitZnvnSPDKyB-OUPQY1N8lyXkqG_8uTocAA66HirnUekegLVZ4b37Nky8V4A9gk_W1p2XO4LEzOzxWcl4etP3NiNx7WNSftTuiWq11zz0ry7dZWXRXlYhZAmh4dFnWOt4Kejj4ATGqVHLLVXoWk/w640-h480/20221016_174322.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Above: picnic tables, level spots, and grills. Plenty of shade and sunny spots too. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHfmq84gXxdKHo0xS-wcyWC9O4_XGlEd0pcexZ9feIxJIRH0YFXbOSHM3fs8lF4B0msS2KAt4PB7-kMpPANdc0NBjmUJZ4wdOLHqSHEHNYIo0O5FjmOVTwE3Rva87P7Cfg6XdBb2l98zuch9e2uFESTq3YfTPRt4J4eGS5yUKTpPwyhC9RmcqgQhUEGX0/s5568/View%20from%20FHPW%20bv.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHfmq84gXxdKHo0xS-wcyWC9O4_XGlEd0pcexZ9feIxJIRH0YFXbOSHM3fs8lF4B0msS2KAt4PB7-kMpPANdc0NBjmUJZ4wdOLHqSHEHNYIo0O5FjmOVTwE3Rva87P7Cfg6XdBb2l98zuch9e2uFESTq3YfTPRt4J4eGS5yUKTpPwyhC9RmcqgQhUEGX0/w640-h480/View%20from%20FHPW%20bv.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Above: Peak foliage colors on Foothills Parkway near Look Rock</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Family/Around-Home/i-2wK4RSf/0/fb0afb07/O/Look%20Rock%20tower%20leans.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Family/Around-Home/i-2wK4RSf/0/fb0afb07/O/Look%20Rock%20tower%20leans.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>Above: Make the short hike out to Look Rock Tower for the views and some exercise. You can hike there from the picnic area, campground, or make the hike shorter and hike from the parking area directly across from it. <br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Below: A view from Look Rock Tower toward Maryville. </b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Family/Around-Home/i-JfVmmvC/0/7096e231/O/view%20toward%20maryville.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Family/Around-Home/i-JfVmmvC/0/7096e231/O/view%20toward%20maryville.jpg" width="640" /></a></b></div><b><br /><u><br /></u></b><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><u><br /></u></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><u><br /></u></b></p><h3 style="text-align: center;"><b><u>Towee Creek</u></b></h3><div><b> Towee Creek picnic area is small but appealing. I did not even know it existed until several years back we decided for Father's Day we'd do a Whole Family Paddle on the Hiwassee River.</b></div><div><b>I set about trying to find a spot we could have a cookout afterwards. I looked up picnic areas on Google Maps and lo and behold... up pops this little spot. It looked like it would be very convenient so we'd give it a try. I had several larger area spots picked out as a back up.</b></div><div><b>It is one of the most fun picnics we've had. </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><p><br /></p><p><b>Parking--Yes. ample</b></p><p><b>Handicapped accessible-- Somewhat, but not ADA compliant</b></p><p><b>Restrooms--Yes vault toilets </b></p><p><b>Trash cans--Yes</b></p><p><b>Pavilions--No</b></p><p><b>Shade --Yes</b></p><p><b>Views--No</b></p><p><b>Scenery--Lovely in Summer. Sits by both the crystal clear Towee Creek and the Hiwassee River</b></p><p><b>Solitude/privacy--No. Especially not on weekends</b></p><p><b>Atmosphere-- Family friendly, quiet, peaceful, </b></p><p><b>Tables--Yes, but limited to three</b></p><p><b>Grills --Yes-- One</b></p><p><b>Security--It is not far from civilization. Unreliable phone signal here, but some spotty coverage.<br /></b></p><p><b> No known reports of crime or break-ins. </b></p><p><b>Recreation opportunities--Nearby hiking, John Muir Trail just up the gravel road, boating, fishing with a valid TN license, swimming, creek play, </b></p><p><b>Added Bonus-- <a href="https://relianceflyandtackle.com/" target="_blank">Reliance Fly & Tackle-</a>- is a wonderful general store and campground 2 miles down Powerhouse Road. You pass it on the right on your way to Towee Creek picnic area.</b></p><p><b>They sell fishing licenses, tackle, bait, convenience items such as groceries, charcoal, lighter fluid.</b></p><p><b>They also have cabin rentals. They pulled our fat from the fire on our picnic. Our propane grill failed to work suddenly leaving us with raw burgers. God is great. Someone left behind a brand new grill at our table before we arrived. Looked like it had been used exactly once. Reliance Fly & Tackle had charcoal for it and lighter fluid. It took longer than anticipated, but it saved the day! I'll never forget it. This is one of those spots I hesitate to even share because the memories were so special I want to hoard it up for me and mine. That isn't right though. </b></p><p><b>Back up plans in case this spot is already taken should include <a href="https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/250034" target="_blank">Quinn Springs Picnic area</a> and </b></p><p><b><a href="https://www.recreation.gov/camping/poi/240587" target="_blank">Hiwassee River Picnic Area.</a></b></p><p><b>Below is the little red covered bridge at Reliance Fly & Tackle. It is charming and so is the store.</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Bridge-Hunter/i-b3mts4M/0/03b1b43b/X3/IMG_1561-X3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="427" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Bridge-Hunter/i-b3mts4M/0/03b1b43b/X3/IMG_1561-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b><p></p><p>Below: our family gathering. We paddled the Hiwassee and then grilled out and spent the afternoon recuperating.. It was awesome even if the paddling did make me cry at one point. That river is not to be trifled with! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Hiwassee-River/i-gZXdk8G/0/381a39c7/X3/IMG_1532-X3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="427" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Hiwassee-River/i-gZXdk8G/0/381a39c7/X3/IMG_1532-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><b>Below is a photo of the picnic area shot from the creek. It illustrates better the size of it and how things are situated. Vault toilets are 25 yards further up the road just across from the picnic area.</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Hiwassee-River/i-zjgmZZr/0/74220d93/X3/IMG_1536-X3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="427" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Hiwassee-River/i-zjgmZZr/0/74220d93/X3/IMG_1536-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><b>Below: Michael and Tessa, my grandkids playing and swimming in Towee Creek with two new friends! </b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Hiwassee-River/i-XBvmNSX/0/7abc2fed/X3/IMG_1551-X3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="427" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Hiwassee-River/i-XBvmNSX/0/7abc2fed/X3/IMG_1551-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b><p></p><p><b>Below: One final picture of our get together taken from across the road. This is one cool spot!</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Hiwassee-River/i-dnNBMrv/0/873ff5ff/X3/IMG_1546-X3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="427" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Hiwassee-River/i-dnNBMrv/0/873ff5ff/X3/IMG_1546-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><b><br /></b><p></p><p><b><br /><br /></b></p><h3 style="text-align: center;"><u><b><a href="https://cogop.org/fow/" target="_blank">Fields of the Wood</a></b></u></h3><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b> Fields of the Wood is a sort of religious theme park for lack of a better term. It was created by the Church of God of Prophecy. They are a charismatic Christian church. I have grown to love this place over the years. Maybe as my faith increased and my Christian walk deepened I placed more value on it. I have not as yet got to have my picnic there, but Lord willing.. I shall one day! </b></p><p><b> It is beautiful and tranquil. They are located just a few miles west of Murphy, North Carolina.</b></p><p><b>It operates on a donation basis. There is a box for donations on premises. You won't find another place like this anywhere I promise. It is worth a stop especially if you are a Christian. </b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b> </b></p><p><b>Parking-- Yes, abundant</b></p><p><b>Handicapped accessible-- Yes. to the restrooms, lower and upper picnic grounds, and many of the attractions. </b></p><p><b>Restrooms-- Yes</b></p><p><b>Trash cans--Yes</b></p><p><b>Pavilions-- Yes</b></p><p><b>Shade --Yes</b></p><p><b>Views--Grandstand from the top of the Ten Commandments and up on the hill of Flags and the Cross., up on the prayer hill. </b></p><p><b>Scenery- Incredible views of the mountains, a park setting with manicured and landscaped grounds. Well cared for. </b></p><p><b>Solitude/privacy--Possibly. It is more a family atmosphere, but this place is never crowded. </b></p><p><b>Depending upon where you go to have your picnic you may well have it to yourself! Especially up on top the hill at the Ten Commandments</b></p><p><b>Atmosphere-- Peaceful, pleasant, family and Christian oriented. </b></p><p><b>Tables--Yes</b></p><p><b>Grills --No</b></p><p><b>Security. Gated. Open sun rise to dusk. No known crime here. </b></p><p><b>Recreation opportunities--Hiking, two paths up the hill, walks, creek to play in for kids,</b></p><p><b>fountain, room for kids to run around in safety, Nearby hiking opportunities. Panthertop Lookout Tower, North Shoal Creek Falls, Murphy River Walk, </b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>Bonus-- for a Christian this would be a good prayer walk and place of meditation and quiet Bible study. A good place to renew your spirit and recharge your batteries. Heading up the hill on steps opposite the Ten Commandments is a prayer walk with scripture and suggestions for things to pray over. At the summit is an altar of sorts to place your prayers written down on paper and leave them. </b></p><p><b>They also have a visitor center and gift shop and burger cafe with snacks. It is not open all the time.</b></p><p><b>You can check their website on the link above for hours and call them for seasonal times. </b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b> I can hardly wait to go back here and have a picnic. It just appeals to me. </b></p><p><b>Below: Grandson Gabriel sits at the picnic table on the high mountain that has the Ten Commandments. You can walk up or drive up. </b> <b>This is where I want to try out. It is quite a view!</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Doc-Rogers-Country/i-FFhrrNf/0/76a84d43/X3/IMG_5613-X3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="427" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Doc-Rogers-Country/i-FFhrrNf/0/76a84d43/X3/IMG_5613-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Below: a view of the grounds from where Gabe sits</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Doc-Rogers-Country/i-kg86TmR/0/c2c18646/X3/IMG_5611-X3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="427" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Doc-Rogers-Country/i-kg86TmR/0/c2c18646/X3/IMG_5611-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">Below: view of the mountains from the same spot</p><h3 style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: underline;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Doc-Rogers-Country/i-787W9kV/0/5ad2f125/X3/IMG_5616-X3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="427" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Doc-Rogers-Country/i-787W9kV/0/5ad2f125/X3/IMG_5616-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div>Below: Gabe running around near the cross of flags</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: underline;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Doc-Rogers-Country/i-Jh796GP/0/af55cb96/X3/IMG_5634-X3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="427" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Doc-Rogers-Country/i-Jh796GP/0/af55cb96/X3/IMG_5634-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Below: another vantage point of the grounds from up high. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Doc-Rogers-Country/i-RkgX2vd/0/8d10bf16/X3/IMG_5608-X3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="427" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Doc-Rogers-Country/i-RkgX2vd/0/8d10bf16/X3/IMG_5608-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b style="text-decoration-line: underline;"><br /></b></h3><h3 style="text-align: center;"><u><b>Hiwassee Dam </b></u></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;"><u><b><br /></b></u></h3><div><b> I feel sure the idea of having a picnic or cookout near a dam doesn't sound like a very good spot to some folks. Different strokes for different folks, eh? We did just that at the Hiwassee Dam near Murphy, North Carolina. It was splendid! We had several other families around and couples. It was very laid back and the weather was perfect. I am eager to do this again!</b></div><div><b>We spent the day exploring Apalachia Lake in the canoe and enjoying the Fall colors.</b></div><div><b>We wrapped up our day with a nice outdoor dinner. We paddled up to several waterfalls that day! I just learned a day ago about ANOTHER falls that we have not paddled to so we need to go back! Waterfall on Moccasin Creek is a couple mile paddle from Hiwassee Dam.</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b> The scenery here was glorious. Views of the mountains. Autumn colors. The impressive and powerful dam. It was peaceful and just an all around good vibe at this spot. </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><p>Parking--Ample</p><p>Handicapped accessible--Yes</p><p>Restrooms--Yes</p><p>Trash cans--Yes</p><p>Pavilions-No</p><p>Shade--Yes</p><p>Views--yes. beautiful views of the lake and mountains</p><p>Scenery-- Forested, Autumn colors, sparkling lake. </p></h3><h3><p>Tables--Yes</p><p>Grills--Yes, a few. </p></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;"><p>Security-- TVA patrols this regularly and it seems like a safe place to me.</p><p>I wouldn't hesitate to come here alone. I know of not a single incident here.</p><p>Privacy/solitude-- Family friendly, but never crowded. Quiet. </p><p>Recreation opportunities-- boating, fishing with valid NC license, hiking, auto touring. Joe Brown Highway comes right through here and we always have a good time doing that drive. Lots of history and rural beauty. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Doc-Rogers-Country/i-FmNfzbM/0/7136a822/X3/IMG_5845-X3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="427" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Doc-Rogers-Country/i-FmNfzbM/0/7136a822/X3/IMG_5845-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Above: a look at Hiwassee dam from the base</p><p>Below: a look across the dam. You drive across it. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Doc-Rogers-Country/i-RbtnkJh/0/17be8f1a/X3/IMG_5843-X3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="427" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Doc-Rogers-Country/i-RbtnkJh/0/17be8f1a/X3/IMG_5843-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Below: one of the other families picnicking besides us</p></h3><h3 style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Doc-Rogers-Country/i-7dV4mWF/0/65fdcb4d/X3/IMG_5842-X3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="427" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Doc-Rogers-Country/i-7dV4mWF/0/65fdcb4d/X3/IMG_5842-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><b>Below: additional tables and picnic spots down at the base of the dam along the access road</b></h3><h3 style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Doc-Rogers-Country/i-LB3TNWr/0/100a8508/X3/IMG_5847-X3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="427" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Doc-Rogers-Country/i-LB3TNWr/0/100a8508/X3/IMG_5847-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b>Below: our little grill and picnic basket</b></h3><h3 style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: underline;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Doc-Rogers-Country/i-kVxZFX4/0/dc594990/X3/IMG_6195-X3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="427" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Doc-Rogers-Country/i-kVxZFX4/0/dc594990/X3/IMG_6195-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Below: a view of Lake Apalachia from the canoe. Look at those colors! <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: underline;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Doc-Rogers-Country/i-BDRwfGq/0/e71a4cc9/X3/IMG_6099-X3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="427" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Doc-Rogers-Country/i-BDRwfGq/0/e71a4cc9/X3/IMG_6099-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b>Below: another Fall foliage shot from Lake Apalachia </b></h3><h3 style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: underline;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Doc-Rogers-Country/i-fpwdnf9/0/9568748f/X2/IMG_6104-X2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="533" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Doc-Rogers-Country/i-fpwdnf9/0/9568748f/X2/IMG_6104-X2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><b>Below: Shuler's Creek along Joe Brown Highway one of my all time favorite scenic drives. </b></h3><h3 style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Doc-Rogers-Country/i-h53qSCf/0/69cf9538/X3/Shuler%20Creek%20BV%20horiz.-X3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="566" data-original-width="800" height="453" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Doc-Rogers-Country/i-h53qSCf/0/69cf9538/X3/Shuler%20Creek%20BV%20horiz.-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b>Below: We took a side road to Pointdexter Chapel off Joe Brown Highway and scenes like this are why! I think people are hungry for rural scenery and the countryside. </b></h3><h3 style="text-align: center;"><u><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Doc-Rogers-Country/i-FDDwNcw/0/0672f08b/X3/Pointdexter%20Chapel%20aka%20Church%20of%20the%20Dove-X3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="427" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Doc-Rogers-Country/i-FDDwNcw/0/0672f08b/X3/Pointdexter%20Chapel%20aka%20Church%20of%20the%20Dove-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b></u></h3><h3 style="text-align: center;"><br /></h3><div><u><b><br /></b></u></div><div><u><b><br /></b></u></div><p><b> I hope those who read this find it helpful. I write the kinds of things I can refer back to for inspiration and ideas. They are reminders to me. I write the sorts of articles I like to read and would have found especially helpful when we moved to Tennessee twenty-two years ago. I find these sorts of articles by others useful and enjoyable even today! </b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b> One of the things that makes a picnic memorable is the time spent. Towee Creek was a golden day of memories I treasure. It is about more than just the eating. My son-in-law's family.. the Lindsey's showed me how a GREAT picnic is supposed to go. Many times on Mother's Day we'll go to Metcalf Bottoms after church and have a picnic that lasts all afternoon. Heather and Jason sometimes go over and reserve a big, nice spot and hold it for us all. These events are BIG and involve hammock lounging, corn hole games, kids and adults in the river playing, eating like Elvis, and waiting awhile and eating some more! These folks are a huge blessing to me. I don't deserver it, but I'm blessed! </b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b> The point being... don't be afraid to be "Extra" when it comes to picnics. I take nice table cloths, candles, lawn chairs, hammocks, toys to play in the creek like nets, buckets, cups, balls,</b></p><p><b>snorkles and masks. Make memories! Stick around awhile. The only thing we take with us when we leave this world is the love of our family and friends and the memories. </b></p><p><b>Get out there and get plenty of it! I sure plan to grab all the gusto I can.</b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>Below is a video shot on Lake Apalachia. This was right before our Hiwassee Dam Picnic</b><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="340" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EYe_5mNdyjg" title="Canoe Trip on Apalachia Lake" width="670"></iframe></p><p><b>**Edited to Add-- While looking up info links for this article I found a news piece that says Hiwassee Dam Recreation Area is to be expanded! Wonderful news! </b></p><p><b><a href="https://www.cherokeescout.com/local-newsletter/hiwassee-dam-park-expand" target="_blank">Here is a link to the news article in the Cherokee Scout.</a></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b> </b></p><p><br /></p><p>I have a list of places I hope to try and have never been yet:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Hanging Dog Rec. Area Murphy NC</b></li><li><b>Little TN River Greenway Franklin NC</b></li><li><b>Ferebee Memorial Picnic Area in Andrews, NC</b></li></ul><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b>I will try to revisit this topic and add info and photos etc. as I am able</b>. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> </p><p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div>Dana Kooglerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05415223619811093720noreply@blogger.com0Blount Beach, TN 37804, USA35.7834176 -83.89573457.4731837638211545 -119.0519845 64.093651436178845 -48.7394845tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626760878352814160.post-6239342625804791602023-11-15T17:26:00.009-05:002024-01-19T16:17:31.849-05:00Off Trail Hikes I Have Done<h1 style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Hiking/Great-Smoky-Mountains/Mill-Creek/i-RZzwx2p/0/683bb3aa/O/Dana-in-the-tree-two.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="545" data-original-width="485" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Hiking/Great-Smoky-Mountains/Mill-Creek/i-RZzwx2p/0/683bb3aa/O/Dana-in-the-tree-two.jpg" width="570" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Above: a dryad in a hollow tree along the Narrows manway. </span><u><br /></u></b></h1><h1 style="text-align: center;"><b><u><br /></u></b></h1><h1 style="text-align: center;"><b><u><br /></u></b></h1><h1 style="text-align: center;"><b><u> Off Trail Hikes I Have Done</u></b></h1><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Dana Koogler</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Wednesday Nov. 14, 2023</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> I got a message from a buddy yesterday that got me thinking about all the off trail hikes I have done. I also got to thinking about my position regarding off trail hiking. I am all for it, but it is certainly not everyone's idea of a good time. I decided I'd blog about some of my experiences. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>I am also stating here my position on sharing this sort of information. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> I do not keep GPS tracks for off trail hikes EVER. I would not post that kind of information on the internet. I would not share that sort of information with anyone<u> ever. </u></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>I do use GPS coordinates and route planning for attempts. We use them in the field, but I won't be forthcoming with that to anybody. The reason being 1. It could be inaccurate. 2. It could be accurate and still get someone in trouble. 3. I made the trip and planned it, executed it without having a GPS track from others so I am not going to rob the person of the work and the challenge.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>4. It is part of the "If you don't know, you don't go" mind set. Some off trail routes are traditionally marked by cairns. These are little rock piles set up to take you from one point to the next. I leave those and appreciate those. I don't remove that kind. I also don't make them myself or leave flagging. I will use survey tape now and then and then come back and "clean my route" as I return. I use it minimally. One such example would be bushwhacking to the base of Flat Creek Falls. Having screwed up in the past while solo bushwhacking I learned from it. I marked this one critical spot that is hard to see on the return. One the way back the neon orange tape gets removed and the place looks the same as before I arrived. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> I began going off trail in 2002 to 2003 and it became an obsession. I loved it.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>I see the benefits of participating in this activity. What has it done for me? </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>It has blessed me to be able to see the rare, unspoiled beauty and power of nature that few see.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>It has made me a better navigator and wayfinder. It makes you tougher. Like Jeff Clark of Meanderthals motto "If you're gonna be dumb, you gotta be tough!" I'd say that's me in a nutshell. It has forged bonds with friends like nothing else ever could. It has created a stronger bond between me and my husband. He is my partner in crime, my lover, my best friend. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>It has given me a passion for outdoors that nothing else did before or since. It keeps life interesting for me. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> I will however take people occasionally on return trips if the spirit moves me. <br />I will also evaluate the ability of the person or people going on a trek and perhaps share the knowledge that will help them out. For this reason I am listing what I have done. I never mind someone asking me for assistance. I ask folks for help when I need it or want it. I ask with zero expectations. <u>If they help me that's great. If they don't ... no hard feelings.</u> It is rude to put upon others and have the attitude that you are entitled to have them help you. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> Below is a list of Off Trail Stuff I've Done in a bulleted list. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Many of these routes were done so long ago I may have lost photos from it or video footage.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>It is often the case that the route is so bad I did not take photos at all or very little. I've done a pile like that. It is hard to remember to take photos while your butt is hanging off a cliff while crossing over a fallen tree. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u>Great Smoky Mountains</u></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Porters Creek Manway/Dry Sluice Gap </b></li><li><b>False Gap Manway to abandoned shelter along the A.T.</b> </li><li><b>Upper Ramsay's Cascade</b></li><li><b>Mill Creek Falls </b></li><li><b>Ledbetter Ridge to Russell Field </b></li><li><b>Bull cave manway </b></li><li><b>Scott mountain manway </b></li><li><b>Flat Creek Falls to the base</b></li><li><b>Climbed Mount Leconte from Grotto Falls to the summitt past Upper Grotto Falls, Twin Falls, and Dome Falls then down Alum Cave Bluff Trail</b></li><li><b>Moore Springs manway </b></li><li><b>Big Branch manway off Baxter Creek trail </b></li><li><b>Hurricane Mountain manway</b></li><li><b>Defeat Ridge to summit. Includes Thunderhead manway </b></li><li><b>Sam's Creek manway to Green Camp Gap</b></li><li><b>Greenbrier pinnacle </b></li><li><b>Rich Mountain manway </b></li><li><b>The Cat Stairs</b></li><li><b>Greenbrier Pinnacle</b></li><li><b>Injune Creek</b></li></ul><p></p><ul><li><b><p>Rhododendron Creek manway</p></b></li><li><p><b>Grandfather tree manway</b></p></li><li><p><b>Wilson Falls from Mount Collins to Elkmont </b></p></li><li><p><b>Chimney Tops manway </b></p></li><li><p><b>Marks Creek manway </b></p></li></ul><p style="text-align: left;"></p><ul><li><b>Blanket Mountain manway</b></li><li><b>Bear Pen Gap manway</b></li><li><b>Buck Horn Gap manway</b></li></ul><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b><p>Honey Cove manway</p></b></li><li><p><b>Whistling Gap Manway</b></p></li><li><p><b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span>off trail to Panther Falls old Slate mines Garner Falls</b></p></li><li><p><b> un-named manway into park from Wears Walley to Little Brier Gap</b></p></li><li><p><b>Grayback Falls via Walker Sisters manway</b></p></li><li><p><b>Court House Rock/Quilliams Cave</b></p></li><li><p><b>Smith Creek Manway</b></p></li><li><p><b>Bent Arm manway</b></p></li><li><p><b> Little Laurel Branch Falls </b></p></li><li><p><b>The Abe Hole</b></p></li><li><p><b>Gold Creek Falls</b></p></li><li><p><b>Mannis Branch Falls</b></p></li><li><p><b>Meigs Falls </b></p></li><li><p><b>Rush Branch Manway</b></p></li><li><p><b>Mids Gap Manway</b></p></li><li><p><b>Ash Hopper </b></p></li></ul><br /><p><b></b></p></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u>North Carolina</u></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Alarka Falls from top to base and back </b></li><li><b>Big Falls on Thompson River from top down and back. Then from bottom up on other trips.</b></li><li><b>Winter Green Falls-- Gorges State Park</b></li><li><b>Waterfall on Laurel Fork</b></li><li><b>Waterfall on Tributary of Laurel Fork</b></li><li><b>Falls of Wolf Creek near Balsam NC</b></li><li><b>Rocky Bottom Gorge</b></li><li><b>Bonas Defeat Gorge </b></li><li><b>Panthertown Falls </b></li></ul><div><b><br /></b></div><h4 style="text-align: left;"><b><u>Tennessee </u></b></h4><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Puncheon Camp Creek Twin Falls</b></li><li><b>Rogers Creek Falls</b></li><li><b>Bryan Fork Falls</b></li><li><b>Sophia Falls </b></li><li><b>Phillips Creek Tunnels</b></li><li><b>Cap Rock Window -Big South Fork </b></li><li><b>Rock Castle Gorge Waterfalls</b></li><li><b>Fallingwater Falls from the base & the top</b></li><li><b>Tallassee Creek Falls</b></li><li><b>Rainbow Falls & Pit</b></li><li><b>Blue Hole Branch Falls</b></li><li><b>Four Mile Creek Falls</b></li><li><b>Crystal Falls in New Harmony-- now off limits</b></li><li><b>Simmons Branch Falls from base to top & back</b></li><li><b>Fern Camp Falls & arch from the top and the base</b></li></ul><div><b><br /></b></div></div><div><b>These are all the ones I can think of. I expect more will come to me in the future. After you have done so much it all begins to run together. Many of these were done multiple times. </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b> Since I began this sort of thing many others have come along who have far exceeded these feats.</b></div><div><b>By the time I did some of them they were not as difficult because they'd been trod before.</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><u> My Wish List of Manways & Off Trail Hikes at Present</u></b></div><div><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Paddle & bushwhack to Garner Falls, Slate Mines & Panther Creek Falls</b></li><li><b>Shop Creek to the Falls & X-Ray Betty</b></li><li><b>Tabcat Creek Manway to Maynard Branch Falls</b></li><li><b>Bunker Hill Branch Falls</b></li><li><b>Parsons Branch Falls from lake </b></li><li><b>Davis Creek Manway to Big Trees</b></li><li><b>Repeat trip Marks Creek Manway to Falls</b></li><li><b>Noisy Creek Manway to Jenny Falls</b></li><li><b>The Cat Stairs to Greenbrier Pinnacle and back down</b></li><li><b>Repeat Mill Creek Falls & Sugar Cove Falls</b></li></ul></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><u><b>Below are some of the manways I am aware of, but have never attempted</b></u></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Ground Hog Ridge Manway</b></li><li><b>Sam's Creek Manway to the A.T.</b></li><li><b>Bone Valley Manway</b></li><li><b><a href="https://cityviewmag.com/ekaneetlee-trace/" target="_blank">Ekaneetlee Trace</a>--If you are interested in off trail hiking here is a link to John Quillen's latest Cityview column about his experiences on the Ekaneetlee Manway. He's crazier than I am by far, but he's a swell guy and a talented author. </b></li><li><b>Dalton Branch Manway</b></li><li><b>Forney Creek to Forney Ridge Manway</b></li><li><b>Old Black Manway past Ramsey's Cascade to the A.T.</b></li><li><b>manway into the back of White Oak Sinks from Scott Mountain Trail</b></li><li><b>Breakneck Ridge manway</b></li><li><b>Wooly Tops manway</b></li><li><b>Cannon Creek </b></li><li><b>Lowes Creek</b></li><li><b>Polls Gap</b></li><li><b>Collins Creek Manway</b></li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div>Below are some videos of various trips I've taken off trail and some photos of the best places.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Below: Wilson Falls was the trip of a lifetime. </b></div></div><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="347" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1WAW6CZH1q8" title="Wilson Falls" width="673"></iframe><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Below is Puncheon Camp Creek Twin Falls-- another long sought after location with no trail</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><br /></div><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="340" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KDP1nZ5u58M" title="Puncheon Camp Creek Twin Falls" width="670"></iframe><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Below: Rogers Creek Falls is nearby Puncheon Camp Creek Twin Falls and is a similar off trail challenge. It was a roped climb to reach these. I put the music "Misery and Happiness" on this video because I likened my relationship to Rogers Creek Falls as a girl with a bad boyfriend. Love/hate. I encountered a group of guys who were frustrated with multiple attempts to find Rogers Creek Falls and said they considered it a Unicorn! </b></div><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="340" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NBeb-xOavlI" title="Rogers Creek Falls" width="670"></iframe><br /><br /><b>Below is a video of Mill Creek Cascade. We have made multiple trips to this one because we love it. </b><b>The big trees, beautiful forest, navigation challenge, physical challenge are something else!</b><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b><div><br /></div><div><br /><div> </div></div></div><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="340" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nepIbpc9FhE" title="Mill Creek Cascade" width="670"></iframe><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Below is a photo of Upper Ramsey's Cascade</b></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Ramseys-Cascade-and-Beyond/i-zp9MsMx/0/46fe57f7/O/1st%20glimpse%20upper%20ramseys.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="324" data-original-width="432" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Ramseys-Cascade-and-Beyond/i-zp9MsMx/0/46fe57f7/O/1st%20glimpse%20upper%20ramseys.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b>Below is Upper Grotto Falls</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Great-Smoky-Mountains/i-3cf7FBL/0/25ebc2f0/O/Upper%20Grotto%20Falls.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="576" height="498" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Great-Smoky-Mountains/i-3cf7FBL/0/25ebc2f0/O/Upper%20Grotto%20Falls.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><b>Below are a couple photos taken on Defeat Ridge Manway. It involved so much belly crawling for us that I took very few photos. Additionally it is not a "pretty" or scenic manway. It is a Prove You're a Real Man challenge. I have lost a lot of hide involving myself in these sorts of things. Consequently I'm a "real man" as I'm ever gonna be and no longer feel the need to prove anything to anybody. </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Defeat-Ridge-Manway/i-Jc9tSCP/0/a9a0e154/O/Rhodo%20Tunnel%20on%20Thunderhead%20Manway.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="672" data-original-width="504" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Defeat-Ridge-Manway/i-Jc9tSCP/0/a9a0e154/O/Rhodo%20Tunnel%20on%20Thunderhead%20Manway.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>Above: my partner and friend Dan Heimsoth on the manway before shit got real.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Defeat-Ridge-Manway/i-QhXcPrh/0/a0b0a72e/O/Defeat%20Ridge%20Manway%20emerges%20on%20Thunderhead.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="576" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Defeat-Ridge-Manway/i-QhXcPrh/0/a0b0a72e/O/Defeat%20Ridge%20Manway%20emerges%20on%20Thunderhead.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div>Above: The photo above shows where we emerged on the summit of Thunderhead Mountain. You cannot even see the opening cause there really isn't one. We were so claustrophobic by the time we got out of that mess we were doing high kicks in tutus! <br /><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYgtciOiPdE25L3s8h3MvRtu_pkQx2ddAvZqMzBE5f-ZFdobgCfiWSBWacNl224xZ9oq9wVyj_ZcnZZty7BzzTFkuqJxfHe7e3ljf1cQXOtijqH-LApwbmjHVD-X5m4cHHJtNZfKoONK4-OL5jh3ct2Gt1YFxeb1LOIL-bznfNgDQOVxuCC2KkOvlYRKk/s600/st,small,507x507-pad,600x600,f8f8f8.u1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYgtciOiPdE25L3s8h3MvRtu_pkQx2ddAvZqMzBE5f-ZFdobgCfiWSBWacNl224xZ9oq9wVyj_ZcnZZty7BzzTFkuqJxfHe7e3ljf1cQXOtijqH-LApwbmjHVD-X5m4cHHJtNZfKoONK4-OL5jh3ct2Gt1YFxeb1LOIL-bznfNgDQOVxuCC2KkOvlYRKk/w200-h200/st,small,507x507-pad,600x600,f8f8f8.u1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Below are a couple shots from Sam's Creek Manway-- the lower portion</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Flowers/Wildflowers/Botanical-Bliss-2009/i-Hv466Pz/0/dfc49d59/O/Sams-Creek-bridge.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Flowers/Wildflowers/Botanical-Bliss-2009/i-Hv466Pz/0/dfc49d59/O/Sams-Creek-bridge.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b>Above: old metal bridge across Sam's Creek. </b></div><div><b>Below: a pretty water hole along Sam's Creek Manway</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Great-Smoky-Mountains/i-WXXj6JZ/0/e819a901/O/Leaf%20Pool%20along%20Sams%20Creek.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Great-Smoky-Mountains/i-WXXj6JZ/0/e819a901/O/Leaf%20Pool%20along%20Sams%20Creek.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b><br />Below is a photo of a tree carved with Mids Gap for the manway</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Sugarland-Mountain-Trail/i-fvWZtvF/0/d2334645/O/40%20Signage.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="545" data-original-width="371" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Sugarland-Mountain-Trail/i-fvWZtvF/0/d2334645/O/40%20Signage.jpg" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Below is a marker for the Chimney Tops manway. It is gone now </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Sugarland-Mountain-Trail/i-hG9CSZK/0/a44d3979/O/CT-manway-opening14.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="391" data-original-width="545" height="391" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Sugarland-Mountain-Trail/i-hG9CSZK/0/a44d3979/O/CT-manway-opening14.jpg" width="545" /></a></div><br /><div><b>Below: a view of Chimney Tops from the manway. We went from Sugarland Mountain to Chimney Tops by way of a narrow strip of land that bridges them. <br /></b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Sugarland-Mountain-Trail/i-v5KMmqC/0/6ebee6a2/O/Chimneytops17.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="439" data-original-width="545" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Sugarland-Mountain-Trail/i-v5KMmqC/0/6ebee6a2/O/Chimneytops17.jpg" /></a></div><b>Below is a video of Panther Creek Falls that can be reached by a bushwhack or a combination paddle/bushwhack. We took kayaks and then bushwhacked because it was more fun for us. This trip was incredibly pretty.</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><br /><b><br /></b><br /></div><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="347" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Q7INX47aFMs" title="Panther Creek Falls" width="673"></iframe><br /><br /><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Below is my favorite photo from that bushwhack. I dreamed this scene precognitively before we ever did this. It was a recurring dream that was a good one!</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Great-Smoky-Mountains/i-pLwLngQ/0/9ec41303/O/423011_532153233481517_763911125_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Great-Smoky-Mountains/i-pLwLngQ/0/9ec41303/O/423011_532153233481517_763911125_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b></div><div><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Great-Smoky-Mountains/i-dkHRXnf/0/691abfbf/O/263428_532128393484001_694614856_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Great-Smoky-Mountains/i-dkHRXnf/0/691abfbf/O/263428_532128393484001_694614856_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Below: another wonderful scene from the kayak portion of the trip. The slopes along Abrams Creek on fire from the sunset and Autumn colors.</b></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Below is a video from a bushwhack to Little Laurel Branch Cascade. It is near Ramsey's Cascade, but few ever come up to see it. It is a bit of work.</b></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="340" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/88hgJvWFXHQ" title="Little Laurel Branch Cascade" width="670"></iframe><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Below is a photo of Flat Creek Falls taken from its base which has no route to the base and no official trail to the top part either. This visit was in Fall and it was still flowing great.</b></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Category/Smoky-Mountain-Waterfalls/Flatcreek/i-54gDMN9/0/bdf8d807/X3/flat%20creek%20falls%201%20-%20Copy-X3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="427" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Category/Smoky-Mountain-Waterfalls/Flatcreek/i-54gDMN9/0/bdf8d807/X3/flat%20creek%20falls%201%20-%20Copy-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><b>Below is a video of Flat Creek Falls from its top to its base </b></div><div><br /></div><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="347" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xyFKe7b1l_w" title="Flat Creek Falls" width="673"></iframe><br /><br /><div><br /></div><div><b>Below is a movie I made of Alarka Falls from its headwaters source springs all the way to the base.</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><br /></div><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="340" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XQ3vxtu2aEc" title="Alarka Falls 2016 Movie" width="670"></iframe><br /><br /><div><br /></div><div><b>Below is the only photo I have of Marks Creek Falls. It is a challenge to see. </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ybUkJMj-SUUBljL8oGFfwOE17XjM3P5_f1Swxjv5oIXgvGcpmQuRJPShW-WFJZeayoZ6U8oLPSMO9YUeWDpfsbIfRXgTm8v6kZQLC3iob42cebj0p_0-QKsb8Hpgbw4UafI5EPq5ppDby51CdZBGOUw7Q4lJVysrOI6EPGxfBCq29cSVM_Ido5Ff91k/s720/MCF.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ybUkJMj-SUUBljL8oGFfwOE17XjM3P5_f1Swxjv5oIXgvGcpmQuRJPShW-WFJZeayoZ6U8oLPSMO9YUeWDpfsbIfRXgTm8v6kZQLC3iob42cebj0p_0-QKsb8Hpgbw4UafI5EPq5ppDby51CdZBGOUw7Q4lJVysrOI6EPGxfBCq29cSVM_Ido5Ff91k/s16000/MCF.jpg" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Below are photos from The Cat Stairs </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>I have very few photos taken on this because it is such a navigation and physical exertion challenge. I did find a have a couple. They do little to illustrate the difficulty. It was fun though. I have done this three times. I even broke my own rule and did it in the snow for a friend! </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Below: The Barnes sisters' graves. Mike Povia told me you ain't nothing if you ain't been to the Barnes Sisters graves and the old Barnes place. </b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4aaMbQ2Jjp2nPhg5IyfDHuAXL5lewxvJSjYUQ0-BEgCRbp3YKBuRFjeppeYi-4Z5fpmaKRhoc9Q6uh7kD_6ReKQ-3pVpOSC8a__PxRQpd6vtalm1NjuDDispg7aj0f6wnenGRlRXszMxyroPFsjOUccEaL4GqqBNHpAgtuKTi8KwMG-8pubsAj0JC52Q/s576/Barnes%20graves%20cat%20stairs.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="356" data-original-width="576" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4aaMbQ2Jjp2nPhg5IyfDHuAXL5lewxvJSjYUQ0-BEgCRbp3YKBuRFjeppeYi-4Z5fpmaKRhoc9Q6uh7kD_6ReKQ-3pVpOSC8a__PxRQpd6vtalm1NjuDDispg7aj0f6wnenGRlRXszMxyroPFsjOUccEaL4GqqBNHpAgtuKTi8KwMG-8pubsAj0JC52Q/w640-h396/Barnes%20graves%20cat%20stairs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho5wKv8ZVxkTaxRPFfzWN8plnRDbM51fKlCzPHlcTmiWSzSe3mSmAh0y6jaNOD2BR1uvkwWUdDvYKdE3ktkmHvbKbpteIHayU2ArU5KMpI0qG2ylCxFutnDICHZVUaD7wzm5GDc1hq0unP7N_pbzDDCKLkj15knPzRnolO6SkXJmypa40dhilHCoiHjJM/s576/chimney%20barnes%20place.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="576" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho5wKv8ZVxkTaxRPFfzWN8plnRDbM51fKlCzPHlcTmiWSzSe3mSmAh0y6jaNOD2BR1uvkwWUdDvYKdE3ktkmHvbKbpteIHayU2ArU5KMpI0qG2ylCxFutnDICHZVUaD7wzm5GDc1hq0unP7N_pbzDDCKLkj15knPzRnolO6SkXJmypa40dhilHCoiHjJM/w640-h480/chimney%20barnes%20place.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Above: ruins of the old Barne's Place. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Below: It is a long way down here. You are climbing the Cat Stairs hand over hand. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRrJb_gMIOBZ4qC1qOof_Lh-jXv9fm1HBxjFUXfFDRoWon3UzRiojytleLF4Gqra6VgvzHkrb4L6rfpzVh1D6EP5n1m6cvnBMW0WSafv5I3LVjN9wN9v0Q4rtPzCRGEx5YFOboat7pOH_3YS1Rnbr5TcHQtJS8GxJuY-H5BwsdkDDEN3snZgqCnFuDg9Y/s576/The%20cat%20stairs%20in%20snow.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="576" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRrJb_gMIOBZ4qC1qOof_Lh-jXv9fm1HBxjFUXfFDRoWon3UzRiojytleLF4Gqra6VgvzHkrb4L6rfpzVh1D6EP5n1m6cvnBMW0WSafv5I3LVjN9wN9v0Q4rtPzCRGEx5YFOboat7pOH_3YS1Rnbr5TcHQtJS8GxJuY-H5BwsdkDDEN3snZgqCnFuDg9Y/w640-h480/The%20cat%20stairs%20in%20snow.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Below: coming to the top of the ridge you go through a hole in the rhododendron to emerge atop Greenbrier Pinnacle. A lot of crawling involved. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-_Ah4HBHj_YsIsAS2JHVMpKGtJc4t4xOVAVVYd0sxlpbeJXvQimwXEd3TOW3rb4hBBgObE_gWXPmdoyg_jDvMzyCaS-4YChff625qMfRASccns3XLQc-gG7hYgW-rxPjkaDo4LDPjy9W6wEQYX0rCiNm3eFh0LMGMxMnsih8Fma7GvCo0S1jCNG4WK6c/s576/cat%20stairs%20rhodo%20hole%20near%20the%20top.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="576" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-_Ah4HBHj_YsIsAS2JHVMpKGtJc4t4xOVAVVYd0sxlpbeJXvQimwXEd3TOW3rb4hBBgObE_gWXPmdoyg_jDvMzyCaS-4YChff625qMfRASccns3XLQc-gG7hYgW-rxPjkaDo4LDPjy9W6wEQYX0rCiNm3eFh0LMGMxMnsih8Fma7GvCo0S1jCNG4WK6c/w640-h480/cat%20stairs%20rhodo%20hole%20near%20the%20top.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div> There is a younger generation of hikers coming along who haven't done these yet. I don't want them to be deprived of the opportunity to challenge themselves. I also want to spread the misery around evenly. Everyone can suffer! 👿😁<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><b><br /></b></div><div><br /></div>Dana Kooglerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05415223619811093720noreply@blogger.com0Walland, TN 37886, USA35.7281419 -83.81323057.4179080638211516 -118.9694805 64.038375736178835 -48.6569805tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626760878352814160.post-18044124292901498042023-11-15T10:09:00.001-05:002023-11-15T10:09:22.920-05:00Santeetlah Dam Water Release, Tapoco Tavern, & Bear Creek Falls Hike <p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQXJgunJO5-m1Cco8-v6lFU0NMgRycCB2YXYxuC7bJyWIDEuFqz5lxSvNzoSnd5OfzTjCjvY9z0KuMhMGneN2UQkSyjgG1liyosAoVoSvnzDGklYKZRshszd5ye1GcHOqG5jpmioJKLaLitN-iPML_s0QxBhMZYsJSfat62q1GYVNIMDX6DLT1-nkgFDQ/s5568/GOPR1638.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQXJgunJO5-m1Cco8-v6lFU0NMgRycCB2YXYxuC7bJyWIDEuFqz5lxSvNzoSnd5OfzTjCjvY9z0KuMhMGneN2UQkSyjgG1liyosAoVoSvnzDGklYKZRshszd5ye1GcHOqG5jpmioJKLaLitN-iPML_s0QxBhMZYsJSfat62q1GYVNIMDX6DLT1-nkgFDQ/w400-h300/GOPR1638.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />above: bright red maple leaf on Bear Creek Falls trail </b></h3><h3 style="text-align: center;"><b><u><br /></u></b></h3><h3 style="text-align: center;"><b><u>Santeetlah Dam Water Release, Tapoco Tavern, & Bear Creek Falls Hike </u></b></h3><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b> Sat. Nov. 11, 2023</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Dana & Kenny Koogler </b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Hike Distance for the day 1.5 miles </b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></p><h3 style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://cumberlandgal.smugmug.com/Nature/Slickrock-Creek-Area/i-C6sXx9L/A" target="_blank">Photos are Here </a></b></h3><div><br /></div><div> We celebrated thirty-nine years of marriage on Friday November tenth. Many wedding anniversaries over the past seven years have included ruined plans or no celebration at all. We made up for it this year by celebrating all weekend long! We were at Tapoco a week or so back. We learned the last water release of the year would occur on Saturday November eleventh from Santeetlah Dam. We had never experienced it before so we planned to attend. We hoped we'd be able to see some kayakers on the Cheoah River and the river gushing. We also hoped we'd be able to get down to the base of Santeetlah Dam safely to witness the water release up close and personal. </div><div><br /></div><div> We got up Saturday and headed toward Tapoco. The day was drizzly, gray, & overcast which delighted us. We need the rain and will take whatever we can get. We hoped that the rain and our early start would help us make it across Tail of the Dragon without a lot of crotch rockets and bikers. </div><div>We got our wish. The previous day's traffic snarls and accidents were a memory. We had no trouble all day long. We did not see any motorcyclists until our return trip. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> The only stop we made on our ride over was at the Calderwood Dam Overlook. I had seen some fellows photos of it and wanted to finally take it in myself. I wanted to see if it was possible to get a really good look at the dam? The view was beautiful. Autumn colors were still fresh and lovely over here. They've had way more rain so the leaves remain on the trees and very pretty. I enjoyed the view of the dam in the distance. I walked across and enjoyed the view to the north as well. Our drive across Foothills Parkway was gorgeous. It is still very pretty up there with lots of colors. </div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6va-SAIrhI3xYOCXCf9PsH10of10gIH_oXBiwkUQJHKEd7qswQdBL4e4_ZK6HUYrZgUyNKYjqln9N6zu_VkUgyEengeBSiiUSH1bkE9ix7MWGI8q9iKFp-MBh5YFH3Nt1_WLTE8FkE9THUw6AycMqLcVHPvO21HW0tfgw5pZphnTMk6LebRpd60OW7xY/s5568/Calderwood%20Overlook%20to%20the%20north.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6va-SAIrhI3xYOCXCf9PsH10of10gIH_oXBiwkUQJHKEd7qswQdBL4e4_ZK6HUYrZgUyNKYjqln9N6zu_VkUgyEengeBSiiUSH1bkE9ix7MWGI8q9iKFp-MBh5YFH3Nt1_WLTE8FkE9THUw6AycMqLcVHPvO21HW0tfgw5pZphnTMk6LebRpd60OW7xY/w640-h480/Calderwood%20Overlook%20to%20the%20north.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Above: the view to the north back towards Foothills Parkway<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBtnfkHPHDxxc703yi0B2mhrjD9jez7SIh0bBRXuLa5Ir1FqhrcY4KMHFo7t0JqhiSivxfYBJEAm2VP0w4fgvVlGo4P8G_1GxNk435ERbXViwLhlPT4kPGvYw-gFBx2PEnCCYuCQi1HeHXDiw_5t8hIy2E0qmr_eGuwMU8LbAqsRETdWxZYeydBQKm5bY/s5568/GOPR1581.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBtnfkHPHDxxc703yi0B2mhrjD9jez7SIh0bBRXuLa5Ir1FqhrcY4KMHFo7t0JqhiSivxfYBJEAm2VP0w4fgvVlGo4P8G_1GxNk435ERbXViwLhlPT4kPGvYw-gFBx2PEnCCYuCQi1HeHXDiw_5t8hIy2E0qmr_eGuwMU8LbAqsRETdWxZYeydBQKm5bY/w640-h480/GOPR1581.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: View of Calderwood dam far in the distance with pretty yellow leaves and fog. <br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> We decided to go to the dam first since if we could not approach the base we'd have to go to the overlook. We arrived to find the entrance ungated. There is an access to Cheoah River for boaters to enter right there so they leave it open. We pulled down there and saw a sign that said Outfitter Parking Only. We weren't parking where they were so we went ahead. We pulled over at the last gate thrilled to have found no impediments to our going to the base of the dam. We parked out of the way and walked down there. It was safe. Only three of six gates were pulled. It was an impressive sight!</div><div>The thunderous white water poured down the old concrete dam. I remembered what the concrete beneath that white water looked like a couple weeks ago. It wasn't lost on me that these dams are aging. I pray they hold up. So far so good. </div><div><br /></div><div> The spray from the water was something else! We stood for about five minutes just taking in the power and the sight of this ninety-five year old dam pouring great streams of frothy white water. </div><div>Cheoah River was running well today! We enjoyed it. I looked up in the distance and saw an unmarked white suburban approaching. I got that "don't push your luck' feeling and told Kenny we needed to move on. We began our walk back to the truck briskly. As I got closer I could see the suburban was pulling up to let passengers out to do kayaking. I still decided we'd best move along.</div><div>Kenny lagged behind me. I was already in the truck by the time he got there. He got in the truck and sat down telling me what he'd seen. " Though you cannot see it because this gate is closed, there is a sign on the back of it saying "no trespassing'". Yikes! In our excitement to see the water release we never caught a glimpse of it until then. Not in two trips down here until we were leaving today. </div><div>We got by with it, but now that we know we will stay clear. We will just go to the overlook. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6mAdA6Qepc9ikz68iQBI2Q9-RG5Sl6DHLBAyXc5PaB8jsMahuegYjKbkO6wZHHYbi2TarOkKNiEbd_F3qY9JlbpFlGZVD1wh0TkPMmr9ff8C_3OPa9H7e2bWCvIq_kNBPmpi-l5D6BQIbHjC5t0UuU81DKeFTqmBdmvgCfdH5N77xF8nYURLvcJqiHws/s5568/GOPR1594.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6mAdA6Qepc9ikz68iQBI2Q9-RG5Sl6DHLBAyXc5PaB8jsMahuegYjKbkO6wZHHYbi2TarOkKNiEbd_F3qY9JlbpFlGZVD1wh0TkPMmr9ff8C_3OPa9H7e2bWCvIq_kNBPmpi-l5D6BQIbHjC5t0UuU81DKeFTqmBdmvgCfdH5N77xF8nYURLvcJqiHws/w640-h480/GOPR1594.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2oluDW0Xl5BAorgpkI134Lk6wbyu6044RFAXPIHQaT91kdE8jaDXnXBK0ldsVeHaXyYzlTOTDiCch3c9gTptCsrlsdoUhDLo6ToujumlRD1OtC7igoi79Vg75raBrHRSqbEZiEVlW_10x0FdWaNUwCXxihgWL8ksbb9l3eGKGMqTRH4OPCotWHgHGAhc/s5568/GOPR1595.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2oluDW0Xl5BAorgpkI134Lk6wbyu6044RFAXPIHQaT91kdE8jaDXnXBK0ldsVeHaXyYzlTOTDiCch3c9gTptCsrlsdoUhDLo6ToujumlRD1OtC7igoi79Vg75raBrHRSqbEZiEVlW_10x0FdWaNUwCXxihgWL8ksbb9l3eGKGMqTRH4OPCotWHgHGAhc/w640-h480/GOPR1595.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdGNqJpW1DdCbIgm0n8Zb7KQ3YBPAOc7Zvk3scj5HY8DOvZ6g_X5PTaEJJni9xnYZpYMRc4JBF_xixBKRqajMFVlS4MK4Y8b6qishNcJEKP4_M9Q-9JgvaucWSkJb97iYf_OZwMEAe1zWAJyrQbvTnvugJ0-mnhIJzKp5RZL83HflWD_OD04ZPBSppGs4/s5568/GOPR1598.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdGNqJpW1DdCbIgm0n8Zb7KQ3YBPAOc7Zvk3scj5HY8DOvZ6g_X5PTaEJJni9xnYZpYMRc4JBF_xixBKRqajMFVlS4MK4Y8b6qishNcJEKP4_M9Q-9JgvaucWSkJb97iYf_OZwMEAe1zWAJyrQbvTnvugJ0-mnhIJzKp5RZL83HflWD_OD04ZPBSppGs4/w640-h480/GOPR1598.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnEGilF2DRPnN3t17x2snfJC9oIeIUA2Yx62ONp-RKKzjAPFJg6W9z6W5F1wc9eP3sATN8SvaeqOiVnxwWDz9f67cyN7adnh-SXds9MezhYYnoHMf2qw8oGgJTTI8jR4Qt8HURkQDe_wwdP83ovkSX9nXjeJqp_K5f2wowA_uZfxizazFZoJtQD74P-ug/s5568/GOPR1599.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnEGilF2DRPnN3t17x2snfJC9oIeIUA2Yx62ONp-RKKzjAPFJg6W9z6W5F1wc9eP3sATN8SvaeqOiVnxwWDz9f67cyN7adnh-SXds9MezhYYnoHMf2qw8oGgJTTI8jR4Qt8HURkQDe_wwdP83ovkSX9nXjeJqp_K5f2wowA_uZfxizazFZoJtQD74P-ug/w640-h480/GOPR1599.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij04MRvhx6ElexQi52kRlXnvgHiKoRxjjVcUJDjiM-IE44k48MvskjSmv0kti_hQyZQ-e5RL9hgKY4Q9S5H4FV2W_UnWf8ZRIVIQ9YVYrCdh2aLX-4qvPG0k8UT2xoXGdIdHhYqTLjZSjtc6AxW0U_dsaEEozE85vvuQaAQ1EBGvWZwfTK9F_GNjdkzSg/s3456/IMG_6433.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij04MRvhx6ElexQi52kRlXnvgHiKoRxjjVcUJDjiM-IE44k48MvskjSmv0kti_hQyZQ-e5RL9hgKY4Q9S5H4FV2W_UnWf8ZRIVIQ9YVYrCdh2aLX-4qvPG0k8UT2xoXGdIdHhYqTLjZSjtc6AxW0U_dsaEEozE85vvuQaAQ1EBGvWZwfTK9F_GNjdkzSg/w640-h426/IMG_6433.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>Above are several views of the Santeetlah Dam during the water release. </div><div><br /></div><div>Below is a video of it that gives a far better understanding of how powerful it is. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div><br /></div><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="340" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DDROTUpCv0M" title="Santeetlah Dam Water Release" width="670"></iframe><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> Next we headed back toward Tapoco taking our time as we went. We stopped to watch different spots along the Cheoah River where the boaters were gathering. Water releases mean loads of8 kayakers and rafters. It is a festive, party like atmosphere. We made it back to Tapoco lodge around 11:45 a.m. and decided to go on in for an early lunch. We'd beat the crowd and be able to take a leisurely lunch without hurrying. We planned to hike to Bear Creek Falls while there. It would also offer us a great chance to watch the kayakers in comfort . </div><div> </div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: center;"><u><a href="https://tapoco.com/dining/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA0syqBhBxEiwAeNx9N7oFJ-XyC1CwtnC7lwISrlrqqjMs9xIYNjfHDMDpzdCp7vbGtG9ZpRoC9K0QAvD_BwE" target="_blank">Tapoco Tavern</a></u></h3><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> Back at Tapoco Tavern we pulled in and found parking easily. We went inside to a roaring fire in the lobby and store. It was beautiful and they are beginning to decorate for Christmas. We headed downstairs to the Tavern. I took a moment to observe the river from the upper deck. The Cheoah River was really gushing today. Every now and then a lone kayaker would come down the river on his run or a group of several. They were having a lot of fun. These folks make it look so easy. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I know better. It most certainly is not easy. We got to witness one or two swift water rescues today. </div><div style="text-align: left;">It was educational to say the least. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3O_3fcRzA7KGKwFMXbs-Yn3_LiI7EGT_sTUPwWAv5I7aHF1xhvqa9FlC-wEoM6Xn3TsvU9UawJy3_ZMWK0wq0CL_HPV0HXa00NVtZXFRFtQGZwxtijf-KuAx23tdbH_Di7cToKoGL3KQ2vvuxjjoanEMvelwCP056UC0EgjbSKaQB-sQog1c8OvMJ6u0/s5568/GOPR1612.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3O_3fcRzA7KGKwFMXbs-Yn3_LiI7EGT_sTUPwWAv5I7aHF1xhvqa9FlC-wEoM6Xn3TsvU9UawJy3_ZMWK0wq0CL_HPV0HXa00NVtZXFRFtQGZwxtijf-KuAx23tdbH_Di7cToKoGL3KQ2vvuxjjoanEMvelwCP056UC0EgjbSKaQB-sQog1c8OvMJ6u0/w640-h480/GOPR1612.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: fire pit and chairs at the lodge/tavern. Someone has leashed their hound dog nearby while they have lunch. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTnXmtS-7Tl9kfUwQ_FOCEglDG33OM-NZKPIrHWcuEpoDYrvdGZVV_d-dcG8XC0u1Fe7DE14fnaaf8rhmYaX69rDEOHPvEZWdajNi_CrAfs0KsAa4WMB9oFSNRshTBYCdA1-WExu5AVlyM38pelIuAJ_dDsXb4aXHLBmWaHWRNDuvMtoxxKfiGAWdS3ws/s5568/GOPR1611.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTnXmtS-7Tl9kfUwQ_FOCEglDG33OM-NZKPIrHWcuEpoDYrvdGZVV_d-dcG8XC0u1Fe7DE14fnaaf8rhmYaX69rDEOHPvEZWdajNi_CrAfs0KsAa4WMB9oFSNRshTBYCdA1-WExu5AVlyM38pelIuAJ_dDsXb4aXHLBmWaHWRNDuvMtoxxKfiGAWdS3ws/w640-h480/GOPR1611.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: The Cheoah River is a bit murky as expected running at these high water levels.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJqf3hYtNmkwx7xYy8HyV1AEjF34OqwR0KOHATR7lLS5VPg4QWi__aZHC-CToiMb9v1bWlabk_nDtBQoMO1evBnmzgZvxCDNymV73yds3xw5ewgrRPOFHR-BDf9WK0MA82K_jwg_HqKuk5Nv0PqCtZiKZoUitzS13q7YwVdlk5ZxcRgAOdaTdDNRAa1c0/s5568/GOPR1608.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJqf3hYtNmkwx7xYy8HyV1AEjF34OqwR0KOHATR7lLS5VPg4QWi__aZHC-CToiMb9v1bWlabk_nDtBQoMO1evBnmzgZvxCDNymV73yds3xw5ewgrRPOFHR-BDf9WK0MA82K_jwg_HqKuk5Nv0PqCtZiKZoUitzS13q7YwVdlk5ZxcRgAOdaTdDNRAa1c0/w640-h480/GOPR1608.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: Here is a photo of Tapoco Tavern's outdoor seating. I don't feel real comfortable taking photos and video in a restaurant setting. It seems awkward somehow. I forced myself to do it simply to give an idea what this place is like. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw-pVCpvOV_Z-5IVtOZCx6ZWCM-Hd-nH3g4nP_a2QWglse52WOp96cxKAm7w6vQFIf5CbUJkSbFqoUc0mW_O3lGbMDeNl_paRC1_i5CUMA7c5V-uqUXy4Pt61vGntGAaBDLP6WghPRBS7LnHiE8u81REDNbIwP1OlvX4sn9R4nHmwBg5_WUoINQYCT2qI/s5568/GOPR1603.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw-pVCpvOV_Z-5IVtOZCx6ZWCM-Hd-nH3g4nP_a2QWglse52WOp96cxKAm7w6vQFIf5CbUJkSbFqoUc0mW_O3lGbMDeNl_paRC1_i5CUMA7c5V-uqUXy4Pt61vGntGAaBDLP6WghPRBS7LnHiE8u81REDNbIwP1OlvX4sn9R4nHmwBg5_WUoINQYCT2qI/w640-h480/GOPR1603.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: Looking downstream from the upper deck of the patio toward the bridge over the Cheoah River. The Fall colors are still very pretty. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7hg26r0VbG-6YlHSEZVrm0hRZ4C-Ypr8En5K-A-KZwn1CR6UnF5XeGyWgw40CWK6LDv4_Ts4S0sflGRGsXn6WBdYqswtq9wf7QpxiEXYj16K5p8NDv1TRpW2cBGnhi-XzOTGDA5woBweXs_AomVscr3kmzeKElDKoAhvAZs0E5f9MazspoBzlHuLs64Q/s5568/GOPR1601.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7hg26r0VbG-6YlHSEZVrm0hRZ4C-Ypr8En5K-A-KZwn1CR6UnF5XeGyWgw40CWK6LDv4_Ts4S0sflGRGsXn6WBdYqswtq9wf7QpxiEXYj16K5p8NDv1TRpW2cBGnhi-XzOTGDA5woBweXs_AomVscr3kmzeKElDKoAhvAZs0E5f9MazspoBzlHuLs64Q/w640-h480/GOPR1601.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: Here is another vantage of the river from up high. The mountain in the distance is very bright with colors. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> We were seated immediately though the place was busy. I don't think there is ever a time when it is NOT busy! I learned over the weekend that Mike & Renaee Lindsey, Jason & Heather Ledbetter, and Shannon & Courtney Icenhower have been to Tapoco to eat and stay in the last bit! Great minds think alike! Plus to be truthful we all have a bad base of FOMO in this family circle. We are competitive and a little jealous, but that's how we roll. We have a good time and love one another.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> We enjoyed seeing the river flowing past, the kayakers coming down now and then. They were fun to watch. We also enjoyed the pretty leaves on the trees and the general cozy atmosphere of the place. The service here is amazing as is the food. We had a nice lunch that was not heavy. I had a hot bowl of chicken noodle soup and a fresh salad and some hot coffee. Kenny had a beer and some loaded fries. I never have room for dessert. I just need to go there one day for nothing but coffee and dessert and to watch the people and the river. The heaters they have placed outside make the temperature just right on the patio in any weather. We were blessed with cool fresh air to breathe, but warm shoulders.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> I noticed they had posted the 2024 water release dates. If it works out the way we want it to I'd like to go over and stay the weekend in the lodge and see that. There is a lot of good hiking and exploring still left to do over there. Once we finished lunch we gathered up our stuff and headed out to hike to Bear Creek Falls. I had no idea how long a hike it was, but we decided to go for it anyhow. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> Below is a video of Tapoco Tavern that gives an idea what it was like.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="340" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jNHhItNrw6s" title="Tapoco Tavern" width="670"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u>Bear Creek Falls</u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> We walked upstream along the Cheoah River on the lawn of Tapoco. They have a sign marking the Bear Creek Falls trailhead. It follows the river upstream to where Bear Creek flows down and empties into the river. When we began our hike it was just us and a group of three young ladies. I figured they'd want to go ahead of us seeing as how they were a lot younger, but they hung back. We enjoyed the hike though in places it is very rocky, narrow, and sloped. It is exciting though! The river gushing by with kayakers was riveting. It was hard to look away for fear of missing something. The Fall colors along this hike were glorious still. I felt so grateful to be still enjoying the colors and leaf peeping. The drought has not impacted this area and consequently the trees are happier. They are hanging on to their leaves longer. There were numerous spots along the trail that we saw coppery beech leaves, yellow birch leaves, and orange sour wood and maple leaves. I like all of it. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Below: the start of the trail for Bear Creek Falls. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjpztrYTd1_fIriP3tyacUh1PkDmlYw6uXCvFTgJ77M_MM9MjZOf6QWxN5Ztc2GR3L6vBz-XxPtUh6v1zcJ8pBbB7_shTulGoTom8OR2r8KYYKNSCWNdNbIhlmW9SmOhoqz9BDBzxcBpAFUtspaXI2Lk-7oEYnao_cE34Yz5kJvdlP3Nqz2giFSWI9g0L0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjpztrYTd1_fIriP3tyacUh1PkDmlYw6uXCvFTgJ77M_MM9MjZOf6QWxN5Ztc2GR3L6vBz-XxPtUh6v1zcJ8pBbB7_shTulGoTom8OR2r8KYYKNSCWNdNbIhlmW9SmOhoqz9BDBzxcBpAFUtspaXI2Lk-7oEYnao_cE34Yz5kJvdlP3Nqz2giFSWI9g0L0=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Below: I loved the colors of these golden leaves</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjs_qodlR1aemV-rfe6Ah1rVCo_8oXRIydKwq1fngGslYty8oJQLA2WMhDTuBUIMQjHaUiLkJHwnyuVN8-A0JILmu3BDd6cH6RAQr-VYTO7DNwsntsCFDE2HXp9Qk5wEKiMNRlTTUYsrgEekUAfehRFLQxkyqguHcbu3f8d1yebGUs4p_plQDsnSl0YYro" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjs_qodlR1aemV-rfe6Ah1rVCo_8oXRIydKwq1fngGslYty8oJQLA2WMhDTuBUIMQjHaUiLkJHwnyuVN8-A0JILmu3BDd6cH6RAQr-VYTO7DNwsntsCFDE2HXp9Qk5wEKiMNRlTTUYsrgEekUAfehRFLQxkyqguHcbu3f8d1yebGUs4p_plQDsnSl0YYro=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Below: a set of stone steps goes down to the river and permits a close up look . The three girls who hiked out with us are down there. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhuHZ0vpw6JpH5ZVvH9LJn6vckPtqMj0ZcNLdpHuq1XaOClLCYIMoMqGvRSh9mWnRfsXrgsPVih-wr31vDa68Zzc8Qmnnu8VgvxkkgU2_J0__H9v_wSZkTc_xYOcT_4EmAvX0I34qf72w_V0XTpCcxo4S-M6ND5uuFN3t7vzp8Cwf6uId1K1r0_CihLzPo" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhuHZ0vpw6JpH5ZVvH9LJn6vckPtqMj0ZcNLdpHuq1XaOClLCYIMoMqGvRSh9mWnRfsXrgsPVih-wr31vDa68Zzc8Qmnnu8VgvxkkgU2_J0__H9v_wSZkTc_xYOcT_4EmAvX0I34qf72w_V0XTpCcxo4S-M6ND5uuFN3t7vzp8Cwf6uId1K1r0_CihLzPo=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Below: Kenny ahead of me in a scene decorated with gold, bronze, orange and deep green leaves.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSPUGwqKdNnv7vim4ieuxTIGW4etwINQtmd8DYnhP24pMLmBUor6BuyFmPd-8nnrhbSMs2N9nZDeHpoR7xAXy96CNAnKajjs4CLfawKfLunURx-EsxexEenTB5xONkLEiHxy6Taaq4LrbBP1tRUGKl41BmYT1mJzWgArPx2vVV5bjHpP7j-qywLZhB_r8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSPUGwqKdNnv7vim4ieuxTIGW4etwINQtmd8DYnhP24pMLmBUor6BuyFmPd-8nnrhbSMs2N9nZDeHpoR7xAXy96CNAnKajjs4CLfawKfLunURx-EsxexEenTB5xONkLEiHxy6Taaq4LrbBP1tRUGKl41BmYT1mJzWgArPx2vVV5bjHpP7j-qywLZhB_r8=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Below: Same scene minus Kenny. You can see some of the rocks also. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7cTBNi_fs0lWlpB1gk9Fnusq3gBZiI6JlaWR3hf_vMtmTCvYbcma6BPMDiUnTXxXq50pwD9BG_nNt_dVJSoymMRPWzmmEBaPtROSHGZuc4AzmaVdWElxkAheRoAhm6uScmd_MDy3OlhNBHm1Ii4XztRHJsFvpiVG1lc6xWFX5_-PmYx1EmpjvhzICNYM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7cTBNi_fs0lWlpB1gk9Fnusq3gBZiI6JlaWR3hf_vMtmTCvYbcma6BPMDiUnTXxXq50pwD9BG_nNt_dVJSoymMRPWzmmEBaPtROSHGZuc4AzmaVdWElxkAheRoAhm6uScmd_MDy3OlhNBHm1Ii4XztRHJsFvpiVG1lc6xWFX5_-PmYx1EmpjvhzICNYM=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Below: bright red/orange leaves against the river.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilmwkyNPdEBfY8ecrCIsL54ofiz3cLrv3RDp60XW6EU2OQZIHk5elgJqZ5P0KCYUH91Ncsqf3OHVqgTbUTkZdsaMEwv7RTjW4pxZvz7nkR1mwO-iDQYXhN7T3Coq9KdWBTKYxdVEvCM50J9EQGitIqLYXXJ9dT8jmavJ3LhBKTnNUf5lFt4uccqbHJJws" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilmwkyNPdEBfY8ecrCIsL54ofiz3cLrv3RDp60XW6EU2OQZIHk5elgJqZ5P0KCYUH91Ncsqf3OHVqgTbUTkZdsaMEwv7RTjW4pxZvz7nkR1mwO-iDQYXhN7T3Coq9KdWBTKYxdVEvCM50J9EQGitIqLYXXJ9dT8jmavJ3LhBKTnNUf5lFt4uccqbHJJws=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Below: Though this trail is well kept it still has some downed trees across it. It isn't any real impediment to progress though. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXkft9jebWqretmbZKyGSjG48DGd3TazBwWdn-Vkm_6l0f-1Okx4OcplarHF3_vJ5uRfjyU9v1vGyLJnj9o6gRCiKZ8_8Y5eM4w7PWdoeFAzx09AQsLtURx8l13oLQVF-3g9m5mYhNE-4LshoYBx8kBfbnkAhFLBHSJb57hiLGWyU8bY2FC-MUJrBsc24/s5568/GOPR1627.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXkft9jebWqretmbZKyGSjG48DGd3TazBwWdn-Vkm_6l0f-1Okx4OcplarHF3_vJ5uRfjyU9v1vGyLJnj9o6gRCiKZ8_8Y5eM4w7PWdoeFAzx09AQsLtURx8l13oLQVF-3g9m5mYhNE-4LshoYBx8kBfbnkAhFLBHSJb57hiLGWyU8bY2FC-MUJrBsc24/w640-h480/GOPR1627.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Below: a set of stone steps. We encountered these a couple times along our hike. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg0aNvDNDFBeTeT5zncEvkqJVdcHVfYP9mNwVF-wC156MdPy0uLA1krgytI6taTI1cJB5PhRH9VVWxYDd9W1NCThUtWo774MkBpDEnpSNoZybiGzMZxxQWN4iIY75BBHm5Fp2dZUvRX21qsKxL6xMMKy_LJlYVQeQ-TjNzn1oJuE8fsJByN8ic9uxNXdCk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg0aNvDNDFBeTeT5zncEvkqJVdcHVfYP9mNwVF-wC156MdPy0uLA1krgytI6taTI1cJB5PhRH9VVWxYDd9W1NCThUtWo774MkBpDEnpSNoZybiGzMZxxQWN4iIY75BBHm5Fp2dZUvRX21qsKxL6xMMKy_LJlYVQeQ-TjNzn1oJuE8fsJByN8ic9uxNXdCk=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Below: a partial view of a kayaker passing by</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjseWSKu5-vhWaMp8xngDtDN4jw6V8gDY1YbbfYWOxwUMhLKwrMJANVwciWpcRwtOPfzctLLd6BLr8FWHI912hr0FE2ZflPhUJGU17lO0u1t5dAeabOt3V2xYmA_Wr171bOLhTV5sbSv4PbT-uK4yHY_Ik5Flw4klvUwzusmYiFDN8mmQMAr0_yruTa7_U" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjseWSKu5-vhWaMp8xngDtDN4jw6V8gDY1YbbfYWOxwUMhLKwrMJANVwciWpcRwtOPfzctLLd6BLr8FWHI912hr0FE2ZflPhUJGU17lO0u1t5dAeabOt3V2xYmA_Wr171bOLhTV5sbSv4PbT-uK4yHY_Ik5Flw4klvUwzusmYiFDN8mmQMAr0_yruTa7_U=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Below: Just a pretty scene along the hike today. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi36Nny4W6HiJ1dcbO-8ZHHS9TcaNQmjF4Vdv7pDAULKYVMPsc5uy_CSVkMkFhUldb6OyMvDfXZlK-fXypO0CA-cUIugZbUIBbaUyi3FhO5Cumke6UuJoNEGZ89vchTakJS70SRc_22kVPDLVNyZSif4xyiq39-Wa6OWnIh5TDD5JTYeyb4dXZnE6IIsAI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi36Nny4W6HiJ1dcbO-8ZHHS9TcaNQmjF4Vdv7pDAULKYVMPsc5uy_CSVkMkFhUldb6OyMvDfXZlK-fXypO0CA-cUIugZbUIBbaUyi3FhO5Cumke6UuJoNEGZ89vchTakJS70SRc_22kVPDLVNyZSif4xyiq39-Wa6OWnIh5TDD5JTYeyb4dXZnE6IIsAI=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7LDH-ZtH5R2wRqNY3pLiqIKwlArCX7jFhhhn0uyvZClkNUrINhFrkB_2G8tW7wF4zCiffum4RWeWcKZJ6FO7nDORj0gqXE14FfyQJ8gwXQtuhjPIIG0aesd0bCR-6XDcBj9kc45VH7Wau9gL5CBWSY0RY87pujOqsojgZbU9MUkAbQneyhU3ixe3vdxk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7LDH-ZtH5R2wRqNY3pLiqIKwlArCX7jFhhhn0uyvZClkNUrINhFrkB_2G8tW7wF4zCiffum4RWeWcKZJ6FO7nDORj0gqXE14FfyQJ8gwXQtuhjPIIG0aesd0bCR-6XDcBj9kc45VH7Wau9gL5CBWSY0RY87pujOqsojgZbU9MUkAbQneyhU3ixe3vdxk=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Above: another kayaker in a bright blue kayak. <br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5d-TNpDJDSkqBO-mriryMEeVtQfpEFgGwoLYcsD0486M63oMbYZ2i4rFm0BQZNqqbxQOkU36oqJB8P6xi1VvPTHTbiU8v81ez_bWb99V-KfzLGLrsYBi_Ym5dBxkVdNtvR0ukHNR2P7zejVeHe8xzr4-4lyF1j94ymdq_lcXmiszs5nmuu4Qt48tbhdE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5d-TNpDJDSkqBO-mriryMEeVtQfpEFgGwoLYcsD0486M63oMbYZ2i4rFm0BQZNqqbxQOkU36oqJB8P6xi1VvPTHTbiU8v81ez_bWb99V-KfzLGLrsYBi_Ym5dBxkVdNtvR0ukHNR2P7zejVeHe8xzr4-4lyF1j94ymdq_lcXmiszs5nmuu4Qt48tbhdE=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br />Above: We got a neat little surprise. There is a supposed Moon Shine Still site along this hike. One of the young ladies had outpaced her friends. She was resting and waiting on them to catch up. She graciously agreed to allow me to take her photo. She looked very sweet sitting there. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Below: The trail takes a sharp bend around this rock on a narrow, rocky ledge.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkFl57mtxFFz90xn-Dksk06a7ct5gAd_iVrlOvJTVIGRK55jC5noR63H6vcCFz6unyY1zH2pAPqWSJCOyISwTno73-PHWdFZkbtIW5Jm3vQY0KV1M_4pk91ttG3qNTm7qPl4blRxTkwnFO-eIPXj2auvotnquGhMIEnJ3jqQ22Vy_HvNpsaVXm-0Fx85Q/s5568/GOPR1651.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkFl57mtxFFz90xn-Dksk06a7ct5gAd_iVrlOvJTVIGRK55jC5noR63H6vcCFz6unyY1zH2pAPqWSJCOyISwTno73-PHWdFZkbtIW5Jm3vQY0KV1M_4pk91ttG3qNTm7qPl4blRxTkwnFO-eIPXj2auvotnquGhMIEnJ3jqQ22Vy_HvNpsaVXm-0Fx85Q/w640-h480/GOPR1651.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div> The one thing neither of us liked about this hike on the way out was the spot where it was mere inches wide. It was sloped toward the river, narrow, and over a spot where a fall might not kill you, but you'd get injured. It would ruin your day. I took my time on this as my left knee has been giving me a hard time. It has been stiff and arthritic. We just left our trekking poles in the truck so we regretted not having them along. It would have helped a bunch. Kenny remarked to me about that time " If this continues to be this way or gets any worse I am done!" His left foot and ankle are weak from foot drop. A herniated disc several years earlier left him with almost no nerve signal to his left foot. It gives out on him, but he manages. Thankfully the trail conditions eased up and it widened and became more or less level again. He tuned up his cell phone maps to see how we were progressing. We were 3/4 of the way to the falls. We were encouraged and pushed onward. A few more ups and downs and we could see Bear Creek flowing out to meet the Cheoah River. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> It is necessary to duck over and under some rhododendron limbs to make your way to the falls. </div><div style="text-align: left;">It was not bad at all. The falls was running nicely and worth the hike for certain. Above the falls a sourwood tree glowed a bright neon orange. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMYJnPPad4dbArpqfqBAxknj22G6BOEj_8Kfg0St1UiJqm0DS_fEdrJBbGJsfuwCol0579wYttgyj2_Lsd7GEmhofLVRKWeIIsqnSFN3qCKc5f1zkKMDIZ5bPWjthENkXsHHLsa5BJ818TPnRxE5Pkvexj7mh1enptxmiRTutiALAVi7JbbtpYZuMNvR0/s5568/GOPR1653.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMYJnPPad4dbArpqfqBAxknj22G6BOEj_8Kfg0St1UiJqm0DS_fEdrJBbGJsfuwCol0579wYttgyj2_Lsd7GEmhofLVRKWeIIsqnSFN3qCKc5f1zkKMDIZ5bPWjthENkXsHHLsa5BJ818TPnRxE5Pkvexj7mh1enptxmiRTutiALAVi7JbbtpYZuMNvR0/w640-h480/GOPR1653.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: first glimpse of the base of the falls<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp7KEdUELh48TF7bG_vO7TOWissd1htx_m4NgTTJnP6-qjOHAnU9FqM7FAziCPMpmuGTi_Jf_-lerfHhqhYhZVXiDEb5N5nqFx0YXxPaQ3olZtqAgU2C6IjIF8mzf6rAfdd9OgbjqDR1VVM3401O_ZO-UxVSkJApJgJ2CwDDLRpWUtROMKV7Xmys5pgIs/s5568/GOPR1658.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp7KEdUELh48TF7bG_vO7TOWissd1htx_m4NgTTJnP6-qjOHAnU9FqM7FAziCPMpmuGTi_Jf_-lerfHhqhYhZVXiDEb5N5nqFx0YXxPaQ3olZtqAgU2C6IjIF8mzf6rAfdd9OgbjqDR1VVM3401O_ZO-UxVSkJApJgJ2CwDDLRpWUtROMKV7Xmys5pgIs/w640-h480/GOPR1658.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Above: Duck down here to get closer to the main falls </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin1pnpqdKRwqv0OIo5bpZ8o-TSYt76w0-YOLMpsWE_sOuilljb9jdO8QYhlv4H0_dP0Ub_nNSnYGGgpvhxpF8yBI43cQgPxKC6aEbb53KsxFRpMdZXPaVEdGiTCFhFwqvgb4sc55Rx7948rUnXhmESTYBSyL9OP0tbS4L-81YXIB4uM8DR7m2Lowfg3KI/s5568/GOPR1659.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin1pnpqdKRwqv0OIo5bpZ8o-TSYt76w0-YOLMpsWE_sOuilljb9jdO8QYhlv4H0_dP0Ub_nNSnYGGgpvhxpF8yBI43cQgPxKC6aEbb53KsxFRpMdZXPaVEdGiTCFhFwqvgb4sc55Rx7948rUnXhmESTYBSyL9OP0tbS4L-81YXIB4uM8DR7m2Lowfg3KI/w640-h480/GOPR1659.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: Close enough to see the lower parts<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrdWWxIzyr3qyscsDSUvdzDV22cPnttynoznzWA5a1IVTNHnEfUSlMUDcG3kXimvDejxjI76YxWXIYcqzpp_lfSM24zqh725_E91AWf3vLBbVgjgbtVwPw92OzQMTOex5U-2UAxrN1G3Pwh4aaOHsalRfDh7Flb5O5lf-qoyOddg6b_J3p0QNoVfoIMFc/s5568/GOPR1663.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrdWWxIzyr3qyscsDSUvdzDV22cPnttynoznzWA5a1IVTNHnEfUSlMUDcG3kXimvDejxjI76YxWXIYcqzpp_lfSM24zqh725_E91AWf3vLBbVgjgbtVwPw92OzQMTOex5U-2UAxrN1G3Pwh4aaOHsalRfDh7Flb5O5lf-qoyOddg6b_J3p0QNoVfoIMFc/w640-h480/GOPR1663.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Above: Looking toward the Cheoah River and the road</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6CpJVf53bUTJykzOtDmrMBJEiOmKYo589jncsPCgHrbJb88TdcLraZjlDYSDOJuGJZQBqhEryiYxb5mlSbBlS4cwWTJp8sMWRhsGbHsA39zAI_yoIyfkVtsdYNvOZqNkTRxe2uRtpRiu9Ea0flJQ9crRipV-dwGrcWjix5rNVBkeP14EGIn9S-imHHdY/s5568/GOPR1665.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6CpJVf53bUTJykzOtDmrMBJEiOmKYo589jncsPCgHrbJb88TdcLraZjlDYSDOJuGJZQBqhEryiYxb5mlSbBlS4cwWTJp8sMWRhsGbHsA39zAI_yoIyfkVtsdYNvOZqNkTRxe2uRtpRiu9Ea0flJQ9crRipV-dwGrcWjix5rNVBkeP14EGIn9S-imHHdY/w640-h480/GOPR1665.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: stream just above the lower drop. Littered with fall leaves of rust. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4RHkNEpdFA4Lqq1hwxCCLHFb05HjdepH_tIe254NT8E2kqVTmsIUqdCV07MNipFh8wEOnBipCyV4Le11yvJHX7bao3lzrYyJri3EKZAFDIzoSxwJp77w_Y-dqdslNFYV4v9nbduKj8EfTlQYAeGIiwouYjesFEldFavUQnFjDoKqYnh_7g1Tgugm7aXA/s5568/GOPR1666.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4RHkNEpdFA4Lqq1hwxCCLHFb05HjdepH_tIe254NT8E2kqVTmsIUqdCV07MNipFh8wEOnBipCyV4Le11yvJHX7bao3lzrYyJri3EKZAFDIzoSxwJp77w_Y-dqdslNFYV4v9nbduKj8EfTlQYAeGIiwouYjesFEldFavUQnFjDoKqYnh_7g1Tgugm7aXA/w640-h480/GOPR1666.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: neon orange sourwood tree practically glows with color. It is fanned out over the main falls.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj959wll_FwOWGCYEdnJrrtzuKrUf6N6Z3xaAuDYXtKF1McMq3Ed3DXTA_gm3m_GROe1G8GvgCtgk3-7oQwGaW5mYFM856PgI2HUaUCuHy3mi_R7MDHyMhSnIc-Q9-cwvX0844jIh8IgfZcJo_JqQPoCIodwGtuHUijv4Y7W6r8qDcVZ0-vKgq0mosIKAA/s5568/GOPR1672.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj959wll_FwOWGCYEdnJrrtzuKrUf6N6Z3xaAuDYXtKF1McMq3Ed3DXTA_gm3m_GROe1G8GvgCtgk3-7oQwGaW5mYFM856PgI2HUaUCuHy3mi_R7MDHyMhSnIc-Q9-cwvX0844jIh8IgfZcJo_JqQPoCIodwGtuHUijv4Y7W6r8qDcVZ0-vKgq0mosIKAA/w640-h480/GOPR1672.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: I climbed back over to the trail to see the falls in its entirety. I had to get a shot here of the bright red maple leaves before it. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1b_OxRm22B9EBeOCEd44Q6zMg0BAv2E3Us5T6BMRZXeOgGMgaNRW4A1VjaLb5OKOS8mQfJUxfOlZ7Cxcrti6_oIqR2WpszEzXGB8eFjHJ28dhhQgRr5iUbFA78DhS4u20nEsRjxVBRkJY38ZkxBHJRt1nFNFiQAhC8G4yXiprAG3Hftj3bNeuoIHpzfE/s5568/GOPR1674.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1b_OxRm22B9EBeOCEd44Q6zMg0BAv2E3Us5T6BMRZXeOgGMgaNRW4A1VjaLb5OKOS8mQfJUxfOlZ7Cxcrti6_oIqR2WpszEzXGB8eFjHJ28dhhQgRr5iUbFA78DhS4u20nEsRjxVBRkJY38ZkxBHJRt1nFNFiQAhC8G4yXiprAG3Hftj3bNeuoIHpzfE/w640-h480/GOPR1674.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Above: Bear Creek Falls with the orange tree over it. So beautiful! Kenny and I picked our way careful over logs and tree roots to an unobstructed view of the main falls. It was worth it. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> The young ladies hiking at the same time as us arrived just after we did. I think they took their time and checked everything out along their way. Several other groups of adults arrived as we were there. It was not so bad that everyone couldn't get a chance to see the falls without people.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> We had made it! I finally got to see this long awaited waterfall. How many times I'd drive past wanting to hike to it! I finally got my wish. We enjoyed this tremendously. Below is a video of the falls and the hike. It shows pretty well what it is like. It is a moderate hike.<br /><br /><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="340" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nCQyVDrVY5I" title="Bear Creek Falls at Tapoco" width="670"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Our return hike was not something I was looking forward to. I dreaded having to tackle that part sloped toward the river. Kenny reminded me it might be easier going back. It was. Each of us had our weaker, troublesome body part on the left to the inside now! It was not quite as tough to manage. I think facing something coming back is also a little easier knowing how long something goes on. We knew past this stretch the trail improved and got easier, and we'd have the worst over. We enjoyed the hike back. We got to see a kayaker stranded sitting on a rock in the middle of the river get rescued. They used swift water rescue techniques to get him safely back across to the bank. We were fortunate to have a man on the return hike who had ten years of swift water rescue experience. He graciously explained the process to us including WHY they did what they did. It was fascinating to us. I have utmost respect for these kayakers and their grit, their skill and their willingness to help one another.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> One of the things we spotted on the hike out was a bush on the left in full bloom! It was pink camellias. They are a cold weather flower. Very southern. I snapped a photo of them.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUhnPUynJhLBjTCtrW8z8Z62VqUOHs02lZHltUIeBq1fyRV_tUD6jwNJ6cTgXqEbyw74-miIiuuE0DQz6EbLJXIsp7NTHCYNwvqDMbw3PAdHSuGwJKxpZS8aZC9UmEU5U8JgXg8zEMOMLAzpv-ZfY2dORR_qzJhCMtxholgJtnitRdMtgsQoKCXOww_Gg/s5568/GOPR1690.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUhnPUynJhLBjTCtrW8z8Z62VqUOHs02lZHltUIeBq1fyRV_tUD6jwNJ6cTgXqEbyw74-miIiuuE0DQz6EbLJXIsp7NTHCYNwvqDMbw3PAdHSuGwJKxpZS8aZC9UmEU5U8JgXg8zEMOMLAzpv-ZfY2dORR_qzJhCMtxholgJtnitRdMtgsQoKCXOww_Gg/w640-h480/GOPR1690.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Above: camellia blossom</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> One final thing we saw was a kayaker running to his vehicle to get a throw bag which is part of their swift water rescue gear. We did not get to see how they used it this time. We were ready to head home. I hated to go, but we had plans the next day to have a family dinner with Crystal and Adam and those grandchildren. My cupboards were badly in need of resupply so I forced myself to get to the store and stock up. Kenny and I going together is usually a little easier to face it. He helped me get the shopping done and all the supplies put away. I was glad to be finished with that.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> On the drive home we enjoyed Foothills Parkway once more. I stopped at the best overlook to snap a photo and a short video of the Autumn colors. The views were lovely today! All in all this was a perfect day. No problems. No traffic. We were due for a win!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN_W_KAAaszp4R7CgWkwQaI0H4t3npnhA8LhyphenhyphenHR5nlhgWewLiYx_a_OtoUiKekkns71Ywlryw9zfI8ZL5W8MG7v3I1wXFZJoSBNxiRTaSe2lbutp1cwgl8LZi9j6nBiI_bLtGr44v5Rvx66oioioTEQoLyfEPxNcDv66f0aQNkh7s_wM9uzK5NhlBmJ5k/s5568/GOPR1695.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN_W_KAAaszp4R7CgWkwQaI0H4t3npnhA8LhyphenhyphenHR5nlhgWewLiYx_a_OtoUiKekkns71Ywlryw9zfI8ZL5W8MG7v3I1wXFZJoSBNxiRTaSe2lbutp1cwgl8LZi9j6nBiI_bLtGr44v5Rvx66oioioTEQoLyfEPxNcDv66f0aQNkh7s_wM9uzK5NhlBmJ5k/w640-h480/GOPR1695.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above: a view of the mountains taken with the Go Pro. That wide angle capture really is cool, but it bends the scenery. <div>Below is a more natural view of the mountains from Foothills Parkway. Same overlook in both.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOQINAF6N9_7ThjKgRSwWHSO4hfqqSpn__KIEMQ-ujHhwQFlOH44YvdvpXJg6XkuK73PmLfxYGx1XUiuuQVxO5gB1KZnFm44JqYNHTWtZu-yaASxICMspYR1jO6y2ro6ueu5WAYPL-vpEqyVKEzI6h2Y0E-VENJX5KO1JOUCXT8GERCslmMYL0ioJ8kos/s5568/View%20from%20FHPW%20bv.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOQINAF6N9_7ThjKgRSwWHSO4hfqqSpn__KIEMQ-ujHhwQFlOH44YvdvpXJg6XkuK73PmLfxYGx1XUiuuQVxO5gB1KZnFm44JqYNHTWtZu-yaASxICMspYR1jO6y2ro6ueu5WAYPL-vpEqyVKEzI6h2Y0E-VENJX5KO1JOUCXT8GERCslmMYL0ioJ8kos/w640-h480/View%20from%20FHPW%20bv.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Below is a video clip of the view from this overlook. We are blessed to live in a beautiful place that is easily accessible.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="340" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cLsEzY4LQF4" title="Foothills Parkway Autumn 2023" width="670"></iframe><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Calendar/view-event/event/4072/" target="_blank"><b>Last but not least.. I am posting the dates for the 2024 Water Releases on the Cheoah River/Santeetlah Dam. Here for my own use and for anyone else who reads this and wants to plan a trip. </b></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b>Here are the Dates Typed Out or you can click the link above:</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><h3 style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Saturday February 24, 2024</b></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Saturday March 16, 2024</b></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Saturday and Sunday April 6 and 7, 2024</b></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Saturday and Sunday April 20 and 21, 2024</b></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Saturday and Sunday April 27 and 28, 2024</b></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b> </b><b>Saturday and Sunday May 11 and 12, 2024</b></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b><b> </b><b>Saturday and Sunday May 18 and 19, 2024</b></b></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b><b><b> </b><b>Saturday and Sunday May 25 and 26, 2024</b></b></b></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b><b><b><b> </b><b>Saturday and Sunday June 22 and 23, 2024</b></b></b></b></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b><b><b><b>Saturday November 23, 2024</b></b></b></b></li></ul></h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Dana Kooglerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05415223619811093720noreply@blogger.com0Tapoco, NC 28771, USA35.4434184 -83.93684757.1331845638211533 -119.0930975 63.753652236178844 -48.7805975tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626760878352814160.post-88833552458245350962023-11-13T10:16:00.002-05:002023-11-13T10:16:10.956-05:00Daddy's Creek Overlook & Overlook NatureTrail South Loop<h2 style="text-align: left;"><b><u><br /></u></b></h2><h2 style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_zpV_07h343uyjItUk9gczxveOyb4iPruTd6QKUrBdmQW5Git2aSWOlQMi6WHF0OedBAXdJrPNlUa2H8rjQd4rQVce-JYA4Ac0dHbnhyJSBWUdiNQQDDDT6xCf9Srjd8d6cEdiH2v47N68AD3GSNxOYB6ujTgnsnEeMywXohBwRxk0p_RkqPs1oXolj8/s5568/GOPR1535.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="5568" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_zpV_07h343uyjItUk9gczxveOyb4iPruTd6QKUrBdmQW5Git2aSWOlQMi6WHF0OedBAXdJrPNlUa2H8rjQd4rQVce-JYA4Ac0dHbnhyJSBWUdiNQQDDDT6xCf9Srjd8d6cEdiH2v47N68AD3GSNxOYB6ujTgnsnEeMywXohBwRxk0p_RkqPs1oXolj8/w400-h300/GOPR1535.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Above: Bright red sweet gum leaves along Daddy's Creek</span></div><b><u><br /></u></b></h2><h2 style="text-align: center;"><b><u><br /></u></b></h2><h2 style="text-align: left;"><b><u><br /> Daddy's Creek Overlook & Overlook NatureTrail South Loop</u></b></h2><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Friday November 10, 2023</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Kenny & Dana Koogler </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><h3 style="text-align: center;"><u><b><br /></b></u><b><u>Overlook NatureTrail South Loop</u></b></h3><div><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div><b><u><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhlxibeeBZy4DsOGSdgndDiQL_8VOrZLCigdm8UpPMVmtF5FsPL3r6CjLyMVIvqPCyg3KSnJ436-yp1o6mMg-G_wCuO0nM0rooUW8gzyKTu14uFE6-PDk0ohykKxXCKpWwkmjNM_pDLm2xGlC9gR7KSoVFbf_cDhuCUT2oM__ejvo0d5wqMq5lc6Mj9Cus" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="356" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhlxibeeBZy4DsOGSdgndDiQL_8VOrZLCigdm8UpPMVmtF5FsPL3r6CjLyMVIvqPCyg3KSnJ436-yp1o6mMg-G_wCuO0nM0rooUW8gzyKTu14uFE6-PDk0ohykKxXCKpWwkmjNM_pDLm2xGlC9gR7KSoVFbf_cDhuCUT2oM__ejvo0d5wqMq5lc6Mj9Cus" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://cumberlandgal.smugmug.com/Fairfield-Glade-Trails/i-68fL4v3/A" target="_blank">Overlook Trail Hike Pix Here </a></u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u>A Day Full of Wrecks and Traffic Jams</u></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b> Friday Nov. 10, 2023 was our thirty-ninth year Wedding Anniversary! Kenny had a stressful week at work. Seeing as how it was our anniversary he was happy to take a day off and celebrate. I know he needed to de-stress. It was nice to sleep in awhile. We got our day off to a leisurely start. He needed to go to the bank which did not open until nine a.m. . We took our time getting ready to go hiking. The plan was to get the bank errand over and head to Crab Orchard to hike. Both trails were off that exit. We got out to Sevierville Road on our way to Maryville to the bank. We made it as far as Brown School Road and found all traffic at a dead stop. A pickup truck sat on the left shoulder of the road. Up ahead another pickup truck was sitting in the corner of someone's yard. It was pointing the wrong way. The passenger side of the cab was smashed in. The windshield was a mesh of spiderwebbed glass. It was clearly totaled. You could see that somehow it had rolled over and come to rest where it was. The day was gray and overcast with a light drizzle coming down. Another SUV sat on the left of the road with its nose against someone's privacy fence. The law was sitting there with blue lights flashing, directing traffic. Two roll back trucks were arriving to haul off damaged vehicles. </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEit5qEcLfqkA-jwQS_4jmrhU2G1C3dRf5tMLe7HjSLxIoQQ_PCi3Sc11vU8NIJYAGTk76sPy_4YWgZOIfVoGgSbdykDO3y0_YUybnTWAurYiz36Ru6PNiXT17kf3L64HmldHdQSonEP2yrqxyfX4YZwb0lapRa1af8np7pQ6FsL8g_DPnxlfSR35mYhw7k" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEit5qEcLfqkA-jwQS_4jmrhU2G1C3dRf5tMLe7HjSLxIoQQ_PCi3Sc11vU8NIJYAGTk76sPy_4YWgZOIfVoGgSbdykDO3y0_YUybnTWAurYiz36Ru6PNiXT17kf3L64HmldHdQSonEP2yrqxyfX4YZwb0lapRa1af8np7pQ6FsL8g_DPnxlfSR35mYhw7k=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b> We sat that and watched as they extricated the vehicles from the scene. The car was no problem. The badly damaged pickup truck was another matter. The owner was a pleasant looking younger man with a beard. He was on his phone calling someone probably to come pick him up. He watched and spoke with the attending officer as the rollback driver hooked to the frame of the pickup. He began the winch to reel it up onto the tow truck. I watched this process in amusement. I know I've got a rather dark sense of humor. I couldn't help getting tickled watching the bumper of the truck come loose and dangle by a thread. The left front wheel well was filled with sod and grass where it impacted and dug in. The bumper was also filled with dirt. Finally they got the road cleared and we got rolling. We had no way of knowing at that moment this pattern would be repeated numerous times today. </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> <u> Arriving at the Trailhead </u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> I wondered as we got off exit 329 in Crab Orchard if we'd be able to reach the Overlook Trailhead from this direction? Last trip I had to go round to Crossville for my approach as the road was blocked. Today we were pleasantly surprised to find the road work completed. Nothing in our way to slow down progress. It was no time until we found ourselves parking at the Overlook Trailhead. We were the only vehicle there today. Autumn colors were still pretty, but faded and less of them than a few weeks earlier. We walked down for Kenny to take a look at the view. The overlook is right there at the parking lot. It is very pretty and well constructed. I absolutely love Fairfield Glade. I formed a bad opinion of it because of a friend having a very negative experience with a couple ladies in a business. My dealings with area residents first hand have been only pleasant and positive. I could easily see myself living there and enjoying it. It is an attractive community with a fantastic trail system. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> We admired the view and the construction of the actual overlook. We could see Crab Orchard mountain in the distance. The view is mostly pine trees of deep green mingled with patches of rust colored oak leaves. I stood there preparing to turn and walk away, but something caught my eye. It was a man made object in one of the nearby trees. I took a closer look at it was the clasp ring from a fifty-five gallon drum. It is the device used to close the lid on one. I used to have a chicken feed barrel that was made this way. I know it wasn't there when I hiked a few weeks ago! </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Fairfield-Glade-Trails/i-z5r4trt/0/2a71b6eb/X3/IMG_6349-X3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="427" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Fairfield-Glade-Trails/i-z5r4trt/0/2a71b6eb/X3/IMG_6349-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: 700;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-weight: bold;"><div style="text-align: left;">above: the actual structure of the overlook is so pretty and beautifully constructed. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> It is a work of art. </div></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Fairfield-Glade-Trails/i-WDDZLwJ/0/3847bdc5/X3/IMG_6348-X3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="427" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Fairfield-Glade-Trails/i-WDDZLwJ/0/3847bdc5/X3/IMG_6348-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Above: and below : Here is the view for today from the Overlook. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Fairfield-Glade-Trails/i-rgWTJZJ/0/acd80f2e/X3/IMG_6351-X3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="427" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Fairfield-Glade-Trails/i-rgWTJZJ/0/acd80f2e/X3/IMG_6351-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Fairfield-Glade-Trails/i-F7HSJch/0/4f0b7c71/X3/IMG_6354-X3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="427" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Fairfield-Glade-Trails/i-F7HSJch/0/4f0b7c71/X3/IMG_6354-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Above: Barrel ring hangs in the nearby tree! How it came to be there is anyone's guess. </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: 700;"> We set off to start our hike. Kenny had to stop and check out the little info kiosks each place we came to one. I'm glad he did. I had the mistaken notion that if you hiked the loop north you had a distance of 1.7 miles. Hiking it south gave you a 2.3 mile loop. This is true, but was an incomplete picture of the options here. It is also possible to make a shorter loop of 0.60 miles on the south loop. In order to get the 2.3 mile loop you must make the entire hike along Daddy's creek coming back up the far side. I asked Kenny what he wanted to do today? He said since I had already hiked the north portion he'd as soon skip that unless I insisted on hiking it over. I did not care to repeat it this soon especially minus the pretty leaves. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Below is a photo of Kenny near the start of our hike. This image illustrates how the trail is constructed with plenty switch backs to make for an easier, gentler hike. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: 700;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Fairfield-Glade-Trails/i-PtRF8wg/0/aae7d6e6/X2/GOPR1502-X2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Fairfield-Glade-Trails/i-PtRF8wg/0/aae7d6e6/X2/GOPR1502-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Below: Kenny is ahead of me in this lovely forest of hemlocks, pines, oaks and maples. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Fairfield-Glade-Trails/i-4LCVXBf/0/b7f6b306/X2/GOPR1507-X2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Fairfield-Glade-Trails/i-4LCVXBf/0/b7f6b306/X2/GOPR1507-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: 700;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: 700;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: 700;"> On our hike today we got to the first intersection and turned right along the base of the bluff. The hike here follows the bluff line and some impressive rock formations for awhile. It then gradually descends to the level of Daddy's Creek. Just as the north loop had benches for sitting this part of the trail does also. It is marked with numbers in case of emergency you can tell the 911 operator where you are precisely. We got to the bottom of the gorge and walked beside Daddy's Creek. It was not as pretty with most of the leaves gone, but some color hung on in patches. The stream was still beautiful. The water was deep green and the surface calm and still. The sky had cleared and the drizzle of rain stopped. The surface of the stream reflected the blue skies and deep green trees like a mirror. It was quiet except for an occasional bird call. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Nearby a woodpecker squawked and hammered at a tree trunk. Later my friend the king fisher bird flew up and down Daddy's Creek squawking at us and fussing. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Below: trail intersection to go north or south with the sitting bench</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Fairfield-Glade-Trails/i-bmLjgPw/0/3b50a527/X3/IMG_5977-X3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="427" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Fairfield-Glade-Trails/i-bmLjgPw/0/3b50a527/X3/IMG_5977-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> A bench sits by the stream as you arrive at river level. It is large and has a back to it. Quite a nice touch for sitting and enjoying the tranquility of the area. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Below: Daddy's Creek acts as a mirror for the surrounding beauty. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Fairfield-Glade-Trails/i-mXFQrb6/0/084a6c2d/X3/Daddys%20Creek%20bv%20from%20south%20loop-X3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="542" data-original-width="800" height="434" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Fairfield-Glade-Trails/i-mXFQrb6/0/084a6c2d/X3/Daddys%20Creek%20bv%20from%20south%20loop-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-weight: 700; text-align: left; text-decoration-line: underline;">Below: the black mirror of Daddy's Creek.. a scrying glass </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Fairfield-Glade-Trails/i-hDmXH3G/0/6eebf71e/X3/Daddys%20Creek%20mirrored%20surface-X3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="530" data-original-width="800" height="424" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Fairfield-Glade-Trails/i-hDmXH3G/0/6eebf71e/X3/Daddys%20Creek%20mirrored%20surface-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Fairfield-Glade-Trails/i-8v9HWBg/0/e2bf2ac2/X2/GOPR1529-X2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Fairfield-Glade-Trails/i-8v9HWBg/0/e2bf2ac2/X2/GOPR1529-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Above: Kenny has walked out onto the rocks of Daddy's Creek. Low water levels have it where there are spots at which you could easily rock hop the stream without getting wet. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Below: leaves litter the trail </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Fairfield-Glade-Trails/i-TvqkdQW/0/680d7558/X3/IMG_5976-X3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="427" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Fairfield-Glade-Trails/i-TvqkdQW/0/680d7558/X3/IMG_5976-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Below: a closer look at the colorful leaves which were on the trees three weeks earlier now cover the ground like strewn confetti</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Fairfield-Glade-Trails/i-6696NVv/0/a831135d/X3/IMG_5975-X3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="427" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Fairfield-Glade-Trails/i-6696NVv/0/a831135d/X3/IMG_5975-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Below: Daddy's Creek is chartreuse green in color and rippled from the breeze along this stretch<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Fairfield-Glade-Trails/i-snRM5tZ/0/ffc8a6f7/X3/IMG_5978-X3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="427" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Fairfield-Glade-Trails/i-snRM5tZ/0/ffc8a6f7/X3/IMG_5978-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Below: just a little further along the stream Daddy's Creek changes its mood once more to deep and brooding<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Fairfield-Glade-Trails/i-qzkgLJ4/0/2517c39d/X3/daddys%20creek%20bv%20from%20camera-X3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="494" data-original-width="800" height="395" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Fairfield-Glade-Trails/i-qzkgLJ4/0/2517c39d/X3/daddys%20creek%20bv%20from%20camera-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><u><br /></u><div style="text-align: center;"><u><br /></u><div style="font-weight: 700; text-align: left;"> We hiked along enjoying the various different appearances of Daddy's Creek as it flows onward.</div><div style="font-weight: 700; text-align: left;">Heading north to Paducah, Kentucky. The trail is gentle and sandy under foot down here at river level. It is well marked the entire way. All trail intersections are double blazed making it hard to get confused as to direction. You would have to work hard to get turned around here. </div><div style="font-weight: 700; text-align: left;">Though the scenery was not nearly as pretty as three weeks earlier we still caught a flash of bright color now and then. A few sweet gum trees hung on down low and were any shade from pale yellow to deep burgundy. It seemed like no time at all and we found ourselves back at the main intersection along Daddy's Creek. Here is where the loops divide and go north or south. I stood at this pretty spot and compared how it looked three weeks earlier to now. </div><div style="font-weight: 700; text-align: left;">It was much more sparse, but the sage brush and russet weeds still dressed it up.</div><div style="font-weight: 700; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Fairfield-Glade-Trails/i-HBqfgxG/0/77f87b3d/X2/GOPR1540-X2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Fairfield-Glade-Trails/i-HBqfgxG/0/77f87b3d/X2/GOPR1540-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Above: main intersection at the stream level where you go north or south. Here we opted to head back up making a shorter loop of only 0.60 miles. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> We began our easy trudge back up to the overlook and the parking area. The day was warming up and I found it necessary to shed a layer. We took advantage of a bench and sat down to get a sip of drink. I removed my fleece jacket and stowed it in the backpack. I am liking my new Osprey pack. I'm getting accustomed to it. It is roomier, comfortable to wear, and allows more breathability for my back. I think it is going to hold up well.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> We heard a couple female voices along our return hike. We arrived back at the parking area to one other vehicle besides ours. We loaded up and set off for the next part of our day. We drove back out through Fairfield Glade past one pretty house after another. We turned down a gravel road and followed it just to see what was out there? We found it went nowhere except to provide access to a different part of the housing development where no homes have been built as yet. I did catch a glimpse of the biggest buck deer I've ever seen. He was thick bodied and stocky! He has been eating well! We tried to spot him as we drove along, but he had darted off into the forest for cover.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Below is a video of the scenery on the South loop hike today. I included a quick clip of the overlook from a few weeks ago, but the rest of the scenery was from Friday.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="340" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kH0fU7hyD8c" title="Overlook Trail South Loop" width="670"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> It was so nice to be able to head back to Crab Orchard quickly and ramble on to the Daddy's Creek Overlook trailhead. We did not have to get back out on the interstate. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: 700; text-align: left;"><a href="https://cumberlandgal.blogspot.com/p/overlook-nature-trail-directions.html" target="_blank">Here is a link to the directions for hiking Overlook Nature Trail. </a></div><div style="font-weight: 700; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: 700; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: 700; text-align: center;"><br /></div><h3 style="font-weight: 700; text-align: center;"><u>Daddy's Creek Overlook Section of the Cumberland Trail </u></h3><div style="font-weight: 700; text-align: center;"><a href="https://cumberlandgal.smugmug.com/Cumberland-Trail-/i-Lt4Btdm/A" target="_blank">Daddy's Creek Overlook Pix Here</a> </div><div style="font-weight: 700; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: 700; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: 700; text-align: center;"><a href="https://cumberlandgal.blogspot.com/p/daddys-creek-overlook-hike-directions.html" target="_blank"><br /></a></div><div style="font-weight: 700; text-align: center;"><a href="https://cumberlandgal.blogspot.com/p/daddys-creek-overlook-hike-directions.html" target="_blank">Daddy's Creek Hike Directions </a></div><div style="font-weight: 700; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: 700; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: 700; text-align: left;"> We drove out Hebbertsburg Road about four and a half miles when Siri told us to pull over we had arrived at our destination on the left. We did find a pull off, but it was clear it wasn't being used much. We also saw a gate which had signs on it warning that this was private property and under video surveillance. We got out and looked around and it was clearly not right. We piled back into the jeep. I told Kenny if this was it I was going to find something else to do. I wasn't hiking on someone's private property especially during hunting season. </div><div style="font-weight: 700; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: 700; text-align: left;"> Neither of us trust my cell phone's directions as it sometimes fouls up. Kenny got his phone working on the directions which were better. We drove another 1.25 miles further out Hebbertsburg Road to a well signed, obvious parking area for the Cumberland Trail. </div><div style="font-weight: 700; text-align: left;">I knew I had seen it before, and that it was an improved parking area specifically for that purpose. Google maps sometimes gets it wrong. It is worth mentioning that there is a "power lines access" for the Cumberland Trail along Hebbertsburg Road. It is indeed at the power lines that pass over the road in a clear cut. It leads eastward into Lone Star toward Lhoist mountain.</div><div style="font-weight: 700; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: 700; text-align: left;"> Once we got parked we donned our blaze orange on heads and chests. We set out on this hike. I knew there was supposed to be a neat rockhouse to the left so we followed it a ways. We did not find it after about 1/2 mile though we did find a neat rock formation I don't believe this was "Long Rockhouse". It was just a pretty, mossy cluster of huge boulders. </div><div style="font-weight: 700; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: 700; text-align: left;">Below is a photo of the neon looking moss in the evening light.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Cumberland-Trail-/i-rfhz55K/0/9a75420d/X2/GOPR1551-X2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Cumberland-Trail-/i-rfhz55K/0/9a75420d/X2/GOPR1551-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="font-weight: 700; text-align: left;"> We doubled back to the intersection to hike out to the overlook. The hike is a nice one and not real hard. It doesn't gain or lose much elevation along the whole thing. We just did an out and back today. The hike won't ever be a favorite for me. It is a pretty forest and a nice trail, but it lacks interesting features aside from the overlook there isn't much to speak of. It will never be a trail with lots of wildflowers or Autumn colors owning to the type forest it is. We did see a lot of lycopodium species on the forest floor. They look like mini pine trees. Possum paw ferns climbed up from the forest floor in patches to coat the bases of trees. Now and then you'd see a small red oak tree with leaves still on. The forest floor has patches that are soft and padded with layers of pine straw. </div><div style="font-weight: 700; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: 700; text-align: left;"> The trail undulates gently in a westward direction. You can see you are nearing the edge of the bluff. Soon you come to a small sign that indicates you need to go left for the overlook. A glance to the left and you can see it. The trail dips down slightly spitting you out at the edge of a rocky overlook of Daddy's Creek and to the southwest Crab Orchard Mountain. Today we could hear, but could not see Daddy's Creek below us. We were almost directly across from the Overlook Nature Trail where we'd been about an hour ago. </div><div style="font-weight: 700; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: 700; text-align: left;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Cumberland-Trail-/i-WkxdbFr/0/075c834f/X2/GOPR1563-X2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Cumberland-Trail-/i-WkxdbFr/0/075c834f/X2/GOPR1563-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="font-weight: 700; text-align: center;">Above the forest path is easy to follow and doesn't change much.</div><div style="font-weight: 700; text-align: center;">Below: Kenny has on his blaze orange. It is okay to hike the Cumberland Trail during hunting season, but you need blaze orange on head and chest. Hikers are not to be further than a hundred feet from the Cumberland Trail an any direction during hunting season. </div><div style="font-weight: 700; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: 700; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: 700; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Cumberland-Trail-/i-7jXZ8gD/0/5a63bbf4/X2/GOPR1564-X2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Cumberland-Trail-/i-7jXZ8gD/0/5a63bbf4/X2/GOPR1564-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Below: I liked the sun's shining down into the forest softly in this spot. </div><div style="text-align: center;">The green clusters at the bases of the trees are running cedar, possum paw ferns climbing, and lycopodium. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Cumberland-Trail-/i-d3hMzpG/0/1c2e2b0b/X2/GOPR1565-X2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Cumberland-Trail-/i-d3hMzpG/0/1c2e2b0b/X2/GOPR1565-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Cumberland-Trail-/i-ZrRfXwb/0/302fc3c3/X2/GOPR1569-X2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Cumberland-Trail-/i-ZrRfXwb/0/302fc3c3/X2/GOPR1569-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Above: a better look at the climbing ferns going up the tree trunks.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Below: a little color in the forest</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Cumberland-Trail-/i-824PfNS/0/1749a903/X2/GOPR1570-X2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Cumberland-Trail-/i-824PfNS/0/1749a903/X2/GOPR1570-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Below: red oak leaves<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Cumberland-Trail-/i-m4T8FfD/0/e7610cba/X2/GOPR1572-X2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Cumberland-Trail-/i-m4T8FfD/0/e7610cba/X2/GOPR1572-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Below: soft pine straw section of trail <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Cumberland-Trail-/i-Vv9JV69/0/43a501f0/X2/GOPR1578-X2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Cumberland-Trail-/i-Vv9JV69/0/43a501f0/X2/GOPR1578-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Cumberland-Trail-/i-pT2LKks/0/0d1578d8/X3/IMG_6370-X3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="427" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Cumberland-Trail-/i-pT2LKks/0/0d1578d8/X3/IMG_6370-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Above: this is the short piece of spur trail that leads to the overlook. I'm looking back the way we'd just come. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Cumberland-Trail-/i-wxwb3kR/0/aec3d738/X3/IMG_6375-X3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="427" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Cumberland-Trail-/i-wxwb3kR/0/aec3d738/X3/IMG_6375-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Above: the view to the north from the overlook<div>Below: view straight ahead --Daddy's Creek Overlook, but you cannot see Daddy's Creek at least we did not. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Cumberland-Trail-/i-nh4f4n9/0/b532418c/X3/IMG_6378-X3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="427" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Cumberland-Trail-/i-nh4f4n9/0/b532418c/X3/IMG_6378-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Below: This overlook is deeply cut on either side separating it from the main bluff. It is reached by a narrow strip of land that takes you out onto a rock ledge. This photo doesn't show it well, but at least one side of it . This is the north side. You can see the split. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Cumberland-Trail-/i-kWQcBM2/0/8ec10723/X3/IMG_6382-X3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="427" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Cumberland-Trail-/i-kWQcBM2/0/8ec10723/X3/IMG_6382-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="font-weight: 700; text-align: center;">We enjoyed the overlook and the limited view it provides. It was still quite pretty. </div><div style="font-weight: 700; text-align: center;">We began our hike back. It was gloomy in the forest, but as we neared the parking area the sun began to rise again. The forest became lighter. Once we got up on plateau level again we still had daylight. In the depth of the forest it was twilight at 3:30 p.m..</div><div style="font-weight: 700; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: 700; text-align: center;">Below is a video of the overlook that shows it better</div><div style="font-weight: 700; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: 700; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="340" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hpvMXEYiIZY" title="Daddy's Creek Overlook" width="670"></iframe><br /><br /><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: center;"> <u><b>Trying to Make It Home</b></u></h3><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b> The drive from Daddy's Creek Overlook to our home should take an hour and fifteen minutes. It might take an hour and a half during normal traffic in rush hour. We got back to Crab Orchard and I asked Kenny to pull over near the Old Crab Orchard Christian Church by Rt. 70. It is a historic church 107 years old. It is constructed of stone. I had wanted for some time to photograph it. I finally got my chance today. I snapped a few photos in the dimming light. </b></div><div><b>The sunset was turning Lhoist mountain reddish. The freight train across from the church sat still so I took a photo of that as well. We loaded up and headed for the interstate. </b></div><div><b>Below are the photos of the church and the train.</b></div><div><b> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidZycUnDpYQeB4sx7lkbbHU8mQUXpv4AjnMUdskZFFSMWfkK8Bgv8g_vt8BHwA3AhW3KIDQAsbrKVSpbTiLqqlGYUy7-TKyKu-ELX6pgizN8tR0Jy9Q3v_HusqGscW9FuILxQwo43Uuv-bj4E7f27N_DXXCncyh6snQiCLTTB1G3sr6kJEhUKtuxnNlfw/s3456/IMG_6394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidZycUnDpYQeB4sx7lkbbHU8mQUXpv4AjnMUdskZFFSMWfkK8Bgv8g_vt8BHwA3AhW3KIDQAsbrKVSpbTiLqqlGYUy7-TKyKu-ELX6pgizN8tR0Jy9Q3v_HusqGscW9FuILxQwo43Uuv-bj4E7f27N_DXXCncyh6snQiCLTTB1G3sr6kJEhUKtuxnNlfw/w640-h426/IMG_6394.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOLYkdgOdF6sBTikMumXK2x496YyegcJxBUI00E3KFi-AUynfijennjaYMQwQc1aobwlGheLO0w9Ju2dTaVLmgK2dNA8arVcW6HBqLl0V4mK77DTaUA1MvM1FdI4FDdmxv6VyVdoc4etP3HyGiuqG4dgo8lbNJ-f2lDpZXIvV8oLMdR_CYvh0CM7fUO0s/s3456/IMG_6392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOLYkdgOdF6sBTikMumXK2x496YyegcJxBUI00E3KFi-AUynfijennjaYMQwQc1aobwlGheLO0w9Ju2dTaVLmgK2dNA8arVcW6HBqLl0V4mK77DTaUA1MvM1FdI4FDdmxv6VyVdoc4etP3HyGiuqG4dgo8lbNJ-f2lDpZXIvV8oLMdR_CYvh0CM7fUO0s/w640-h426/IMG_6392.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmQMTZ2VuNnCrmwTc_oLM0103BKNsMF_GGeZfp6UW0AKtLzECUxOwEDcM2I127tEP34T4o1HZF7Nl_Y3SshGPOijxcISNEGbwpEhwtGX4ODnsB_BhXsbJJcMPxApv1lwJbTlAyMSs3ndI10EcX_lQs__g6ig6MNduEH9cMc31gqfDXyKQVImC2tlaczTM/s3456/IMG_6385.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmQMTZ2VuNnCrmwTc_oLM0103BKNsMF_GGeZfp6UW0AKtLzECUxOwEDcM2I127tEP34T4o1HZF7Nl_Y3SshGPOijxcISNEGbwpEhwtGX4ODnsB_BhXsbJJcMPxApv1lwJbTlAyMSs3ndI10EcX_lQs__g6ig6MNduEH9cMc31gqfDXyKQVImC2tlaczTM/w640-h426/IMG_6385.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhju4-vBl5d8MTGlr2ITh-Y4Voow29x9_oTizQcOmHhvs76zgXVVVP9SmXgr1xmcHlmrkc2OsbPNFX1r-SBlGXmTJWA7kWmWbLTIyPGI0qfKlxr29EC4gKbQb1AOxN3tXnq7SCJkFEUqAQk0AtBrnJlYaqDnWFJf3Wy8mmQi470XnjRnASfMn7HRikmOMs/s3456/IMG_6384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhju4-vBl5d8MTGlr2ITh-Y4Voow29x9_oTizQcOmHhvs76zgXVVVP9SmXgr1xmcHlmrkc2OsbPNFX1r-SBlGXmTJWA7kWmWbLTIyPGI0qfKlxr29EC4gKbQb1AOxN3tXnq7SCJkFEUqAQk0AtBrnJlYaqDnWFJf3Wy8mmQi470XnjRnASfMn7HRikmOMs/w640-h426/IMG_6384.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></b></div><div><b> </b></div><div><b> We pulled out to the main intersection in Crab Orchard we noticed quite a lot of traffic coming off I-40. Kenny remarked "I wonder where are these cars are coming from?" I told him I figured it was a Friday evening and folks were getting home from work. Now I am thinking of how Maryville is. Crab Orchard would truly never have that much traffic. We got on the interstate with the intention of getting off at Westel Road. We planned to see how the Flat Rock Auto Park was coming along. The signs on the interstate say Opening in 2023. Well boys, 2023 is nearbout over and I ain't heard nothing about it opening for real. We laughed and said we'd go Barney Fife it out and see for ourselves. </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b> We hadn't gone more than a mile or two when traffic on interstate forty east came to a complete stand still. Kenny looked at Google Maps and it showed a ten mile long back up all the way from where we were just east of Crab Orchard all the way to the bottom of Rockwood Mountain. Shoooes! We crept along in my jeep until we came to a spot where we could get off the road and go back west on Highway 40. Back in Crab Orchard we turned onto SR 70 to head home. This is what all those vehicles had been up to. They were doing just what we were doing. Trying to get somewhere and avoid the crash zone and parking lot that were Interstate 40 East.</b></div><div><b>We got into the long procession of red ants marching down route seventy. At least we were moving and making progress. We finally got back on interstate at Rockwood. We hadn't gone another couple miles when we encountered another bottle neck. Once more the traffic was at a stand still, then a low crawl. Kenny is Mr. Road Rage, but this time I could not blame him. We were tired and over the traffic accidents that began earlier in the day. We were trouble magnets it seemed. We crept along regretting not getting off at the first Lenoir City exit. Finally we came to the 40/75 split and Kenny asked "Should I just take 75 and go to Lenoir City?" "Hell yes! Let's do it" I answered. </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b> We made it to Lenoir City and tried to go in Jersey Mike's for a sub sandwich. We were both getting hungry and it was 7:30 p.m. We went through another Google Map malfunction. Trying to reach that little sandwich shop in that area near Ft. Loudon Medical Center is a cluster. </b></div><div><b> Google Maps did not know that one end of Kelsey Lane was inaccessible due to newly placed traffic barriers. Finally we made it there and went in to grab a bite to eat. It was quick, fresh and good tasting. Feeling better about life we went back to the jeep. We'd take 321 home. </b></div><div><b>A few miles out of Lenoir City there was mercifully not another soul on the road but us. </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b> What should have been an hour and fifteen minute drive home took us nearly three hours!</b></div><div><b>We were just happy to be home and that it wasn't us in those wrecks.</b> <b>We laughed about our misfortunes today and shook it off. </b></div>Dana Kooglerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05415223619811093720noreply@blogger.com0Daddy’s Creek Overlook, 3800-4798 Hebbertsburg Rd, Crab Orchard, TN 37723, USA35.9591066 -84.846580699999997.6488727638211529 -120.00283069999999 64.269340436178851 -49.69033069999999