above: Cypripedium calceolus found in Fentress Co.

Jamestown Weekend

Thurs. April 16 through Sunday April 19, 2026

Kenny & Dana Koogler

Sharon McGee & Otey the Pup

Jared, Lydia, Gabe & Mia Koogler

Photos are HERE

My friend Sharon lives in Fentress County out past Jamestown. She asked me to come house and dog sit for her so she could hike Mount LeConte. I readily agreed and offered to let her "house swap" with me despite the kitchen being remodeled. She had plans for lodging already so she did not stay here. I made it over to her home around 3:30 p.m. on Thursday.

I had my jeep throw a "Service Transmission" error code and go into limp mode on the interstate on the way over twice. Each time I was driving the speed limit at 70 mph. I had a shimmy in my left rear tire from where a flat got replaced with a new tire and was not properly balanced.

Once I got off the interstate I didn't have anymore trouble. I knew though that I'd want to leave on Sunday when Kenny did so I didn't travel home alone. I'd get off I-40 east in Lenoir City to drive secondary roads in case of more trouble. I also knew on Monday or Tuesday I needed to get to the dealership to get it checked.

I stopped briefly at Cumberland Mountain General Store in Clarkrange. I learned that they had put the antiques back in the store after having removed them. I've been trying to find some unique items to freshen up our house. The remodel really inspired me. I found the store busy, but not crowded. It is a nice compromise now between boutique and antique. I found the blend to be just right.

I left with some decoration for my kitchen as well as our camper. Limited space in the camper means the items need to be small and special. I found that today!

Below: paper flower bouquets and wreaths!

above: shelves with more paper flowers, moon pies, hats, dolls, and jewelry

Below : closer view of hat and sign

Below: the shelves are filled with antiques once again!

I had a nice visit with Sharon. She had fixed dinner which we enjoyed. She left that evening and it was just me and Otey on our own. I took him on an evening walk down to the river and the beach area. It was pretty as always and the bird songs, sounds of the river and the quiet were lovely.

Below: looking downstream. Water levels are low. We need rain!

Below: Looking straight at the bluff

Below: zoomed in on the dogwood blooms on the bluff

Below is a short video clip of the evening sounds along the river. The birds sound so pretty.

I watched TV for awhile and found some pastels in the closet. I sat down and drew with them. It was fun, but messy. It is hard to get much detail with these. My daughter in law Lydia later told me she'd work with me on them to help me finesse how to blend and get detail. She's talented!

Below: First attempt with pastels. A scene up Bill's Creek. Very rough.

Friday Morning I loaded Otey up and took a ride up Bill's Creek. Based on what I had seen in the woods around the house and along the road I had a feeling wildflower season was mostly over at this elevation. A drive up the road confirmed it. It was pitiful. I had missed it by a mile.

I was down about it, but realized that unless I could get up high in elevation there was nothing for it.

I decided instead to spend the day in Crossville. I got Otey squared away and rode down to the Rocking Horse Antique Shop. I am so glad I did! I was there a little over a month ago so I didn't hold out much hope of finding good stuff that was interesting. I shouldn't have doubted them. I came out of there with an entire box of wonderful unique home decoration. Stuff for the bathroom, back screen porch, kitchen and more. They have a great assortment of antiques and contemporary country home items.

I also went to McAllister's for lunch. It was healthy and satisfying. I hit Beall's before heading home. I found a pretty new dress, sandals and a blouse for me. I found a good candle for the house.

I figured I'd best head back since Otey would be ready to eat. I made a day of it and by the time I pulled in Jared, Lydia, and the kids arrived just ahead of me. They were playing with the dog.

Kenny showed up a short time later. He stopped in Jamestown to pick up some items for dinner.

Sharon had suggested the family join me over at the house. What a great friend.

I was happy to see them. I slept much better with Kenny there. I missed him.

The kids played with the dog and had fun. Mia drew and colored with me. We planned to go riding the next day.

Saturday

We had a nice breakfast Saturday morning. Coffee on the deck. Breakfast round the table.

It was lovely. Everyone rested well. I packed sandwiches for everyone and we gathered our gear to go for a ride. We went up the river trail and it was very pretty. Lydia had never seen it before at all.

Jared had only seen a little of it.

Fringe trees were blooming all along the river and smelled heavenly.

Below: a fish eye view of the river and its mirrored surface. We had a bluebird day!

Below: a little bit of golden ragwort blooming

Below: violets in bloom

Below: the river trail stretches onward

Below: wild geraniums still hung on

above and below: fringe tree in bloom.

Below: the machines along the trail. Jared, my son at the far right.

What a change between visits to the River Trail. Last Spring this time we had to turn back thanks to ultra high water crossings. Back during Winter Kenny & the guys in the family couldn't get close to it thanks to high water. Today the levels were low, but the river still very pretty.

Above: blue hole of water on the river

Below: upper end of the Blue Hole

Below: the blue hole up at the gully

Below: the overlook at Wilder Subdivision

We wanted to ride through some areas where the kids could play in the creek and go along Wilson Ridge up high. I thought maybe we'd see some wildflowers up higher. It turned out to be a good plan, but the wildflowers were still largely spent. It was a real let down, but the kids enjoyed it and we made the most of it. We sat near the creek to eat lunch.

Above: Mia plays in the creek

Below: prairie trillium

above and below. We found yellow lady slippers in seven different spots today!

We had a good day of riding and made it back to the house at a reasonable time. Jared & Lydia wanted to leave Saturday evening to head home. They were considering how they'd have to return to work on Monday and wanted to have time to get prepped and rest some.

Below is a video of the highlights of our day's ride