Lookout Mountain Hike

In an effort to rid myself of the extra cookies from the holiday I went with several friends on a "city" hike up Lookout Mountain. This walk is moderate and originated from the Cravens House. The trail head is easy to find, just above the house, and the Cravens House entrance is well noted just above Ruby Falls in Chattanooga.

There are several well maintained trails under park service authority on the side of Lookout Mountain, part of the Chickamauga Battlefield preservation. This walk is three miles in length (round trip) and offers several grand views of the Chattanooga Valley. Although uphill the whole length, it is not a steep trail with the exception of a few metal stairs at the very end. Point Park, our destination does have an entrance fee although we cut our walk just short of the Park to avoid entering the fee area. Chattanooga offers many opportunities for day hikes, many within the city limits and should be searched out by tourists and residents alike.

More Random Walks In The Smokies

It's winter in Tennessee....which means cool temps (40's-30's at night for now) for most of east TN and rain often though it was spitting snow up in the Townsend area yesterday. Today as I sit in downtown Chattanooga with coffee watching it rain outside on the cold street I'm saying to myself, "I've hiked in much worse conditions yet those hikes on dry days in the 60's are much more seductive". So I think I'll hike on Signal Mtn. another day.
Now random hikes.
"The Mysterious One" and I had a wonderful hike a few weeks ago starting at Meigs Creek Trailhead from the sinks up to Lumber Ridge and out at Tremont. We met some cool folks out of Knoxville (Phd Candidates) at the intersection and we all rested, shared some about jobs, educations, trails, and our mutual love for the wild life before continuing along our daily paths.
I've made several more trips up to Laurel Falls myself and watched the bear families reduce their time out as the daylight grows less and the temps drop. Since my last "random walks" entry I've hiked the Whiteoak Sinks and West Prong trail.
The park continues to absorb lots of traffic in the form of auto-tourism and as my internship w/ the GSMNP ended, seeing this, one of many threats to our wild life, I am further motivated to take action towards preserving what we haven't sold yet. And I'm talking about lands around the state and region where unchecked development continues to pollute our waters w/ silt from erosion and other pollutants, mountains are being destroyed for a limited energy source, coal; the dirtiest form of producing energy, and the apathy demonstrated by so many folks who "just love this park" as they throw a plastic bottle out the window of their car.
Personal responsibility for my well being and that of the wild world which remains, translates into action on my part. Not just complaining to the "next guy". Action for me involves writing short fact based letters to the editor, calling the elected people on the local, state, and federal levels, Often (The numbers are available on this page). These folks work for us. When I hear folks bitch about some new law or tax I'll often ask them did they voice their opposition via letters or phone calls and almost always I hear them say "well no, it doesn't matter". That's just what the career politicians want us to believe. Nothing changes if nothing changes. Peace.

Bear Cub can't get no sleep

This cub was resting above a busy trail last week and was finally tired of all the attention. Here it's coming down the tree after rousing from it's slumber along a large branch above the folks gathered to look at it. The mother and a sibling had left the tree sometime earlier and were likely close by. These pictures were taken by noted wildlife photographer M. Harter, who happened to be in the area. Thanks to him for his contribution.

Hazel Creek

Sandwiched between two beautiful weekends we were able so schedule a trip to Hazel Creek on the North Carolina side of the Smokies. Our weekend was anything but dry with rain both nights, fortunately after tent ready.

Access to Hazel Creek is via shuttle boat from Fontana Marina, a ten mile hike from the Road to Nowhere, or paddle by canoe/kayak from the Cable Creek put-in.

We chose shuttle from the marina and enjoyed a beautiful although chilly ride down Fontana Lake to our destination. Hazel Creek is the location of a large mining and logging operation prior to the park designation and several ruins scattered through the forest make for interesting side trips off the trail. Despite the remote location we were joined on Saturday night by as many as 30 other backpackers who arrived by several means of transportation and with varying degrees of preparedness, ranging from garden carts slugging enough gear to outfit a small army, to minimalists who carried their weekend supply in day packs.

Although the fishing was not very productive on this trip, Hazel Creek is one of the crown jewels of Smokey Mountain trout fishing as well as having a population of smallmouth in the lower reaches.

The first camp site is only .5 miles from the boat put in and is by reservation only. Often booked months in advance. However there are plenty of sites at 1 mile, 3 miles, 5 miles and none miles on up the trail as well as having access to the lake trail which can drop you of into the Eagle Creek drainage.

The trail itself for the first several miles follows the bed of a logging era train route and is wide as well as almost level with a low grade for 5 miles. We saw plenty of game; turkey, deer, hawk, all within the strolling distance of camp. Bear cables are prevalent and make the food storage easy.

Boulder rolling into KY home only gets $10,000 fine

Boulder rolling into KY home only gets $10,000 fine

Random Walks

Well the weather is great this year I think. Cooler than average w/ plenty of moisture so water has not been a problem. I've been hiking regularly from School House Gap, both directions, West Prong where there has been regular sign of bear activity, Middle Prong, and OTG in several locations. I began an internship w/ the GSMNP and my location will allow more frequent hiking at the eastern end of the park which I look forward to! Any suggestions?

Bushwacking!

Today I took a semi-educated guess and went completely off the grid for about a mile into White Oak Sink. Heck, it was pretty likely that I was going to end up either in the sink or crossing the road to Cades Cove.
After coming upon the trail, almost exactly where I was expecting/hoping, I continued to the sink where at one point I noticed a bear quickly moving with little noise up a ridge in front of me. Just before you get the the rocky cliff on your left near the bottom. I've seen several bears as I've walked this route.

Mornings

The morning on Rich Mountain trail was quiet to walk on with the frequent recent rains and active w/ creatures such as birds, chipmunks, and squirrels. Here it is late summer and there are orange, purple, yellow and white blooms happening, as well as lots of different mushrooms. Dang! I wish I had a camera. Peace.

Mt Sterling via Big Creek

Hello, and Whoa!!, what a great backpacking excursion (7/27-7/29/09). This walk began at the Big Creek trailhead which we followed the 5 mls. up to campsite #37. Here we set up a base camp late in the evening just before the first of several thunder showers began. It rained both nights and was very pleasant temperature wise despite the humidity.
Big Creek trail is relatively easy hike w/ a slight incline most of the way amounting to less than a 2000' elevation gain over the 5 ml. distance. This trail is a dual use trail and parallels Big Creek w/ several popular swimming holes along the first mile or two.
The #37 site is a large flat area in a bottom surrounded by mountains allowing access to several trails in different directions. We barely noticed the other campers at this location because of it's size and everyone contributing to the quiet peacefulness.
Monday we got a relaxed start up the Swallow Fork trail and were blessed w/ having the entire distance of the roundtrip dayhike to ourselves for observation, contemplation and discussion. The natural gifts of the green plants and blooming "rodo's", a version or two of Aster's, some Coneflowers, Indian Pipe, Bee-Balm, and the funky Turk's Cap near the top of Sterling, and other summertime blooms were spectacular and will bring me back again. This trail also parallels the creek it's named after and branches of itself and others for more than 2mls. of it's 4ml. distance.
We enjoyed the clouds atop Mt Sterling from the firetower, had lunch and walked to the watering hole for campsite #38, which is located up here, before we started our return trip. After finishing the filtering I stood up and turned around to see a healthy bear coming our way and only about 50' from us. It appeared as startled as I but only looked at me and continued walking when I said calmly, "hello, we're just getting some water but were finished and will be leaving now". I quietly told my hiking partner, who was still sitting w/ her back to the bear to stand up and not freak out that there was a bear right behind us. When she stood the bear stopped and I continued my "dialogue" w/ it ensuring it we were leaving and that there was plenty of water. My friend saw the bear and slowly spread her arms to appear bigger while asking me "is that a big bear?" Suddenly...in my mind I became a PhD wildlife biologist w/ a vast knowledge of the black bear in Southern Appalachia and responded "naaa, about average",(Deputy Fife). Which was probably true based on the limited number of bears I've seen. I'd guess it to have been around 200 lbs.
The curiosity of these remarkable animals is great and while it sniffed the air and watched us we slowly began moving out of the way and up the trail we had come at which point it began moving in the opposite direction.
Along the return trip of Swallow Fork the rewards were great w/ a new perspective and appreciation of the plants, animals and water.
Our return to the camp came just before the rain began to fall. Peace

Alone OTG Sunday 19th

My what a release from negative emotions! A 3 mile RT hike OTG including a quick dip in the water! This short walk and action changed my perception and attitude completely! Have you ever been out on a trail and began to "feel really small" because of a remarkable cloud, cliff, or waterfall? Or perhaps a close encounter w/ a bear when your alone and off the main path? Well this was about the "aloneness" OTG and feeling what I needed to feel. Really powerless. Peace

Around the Cabin

I got in to late for my normal Friday night hike, so I took off "down the road." Now normally I don't write about a short stretch the legs walk, but it struck me today how much there is to see even in a short distance of the cabin. Last night I saw a bobcat run across the road on my way home and today I saw a variety of birds, animals and plants. A flock of brightly colored yellow finch, a red tailed hawk, a deer, and the dreaded domesticated Pekingese.

My point is.... get out today, even if it is in your neighborhood, there is plenty to see.

Here's Rufus

Some of you asked who Rufus is. Rufus is the frog on my walking stick. I carved it from a piece of poplar in 1991. Notice the tongue with a fly on the end!

Cloudland Canyon, GA

Just finished the 4.8 mile canyon rim trail. Sorry guys your loss and mine, I left the camera at home. This trail has some incredible vistas. Although rated moderately difficult on the web site I think it would push being that high. There are some steep areas as you go into and out of the canyon but overall the trail is moderate.

The first leg is through hemlock and laurel, I wish that it had been in bloom! Then once you climb out the trail passes back to the rim several times, giving you first a view of the canyon then later a view west into the setting sun. I had the trail completely to myself with the exception of a troupe of girl scouts on their way to an overnight back country spot. We were only within hearing distance of each other for 20 minutes or so, long enough to hear them joking about my "ski pole" walking stick. To save embarrassment I might have to pull Rufus back out. This high tech gear is not always the coolest!

I noticed on the way out the drive-in campground looked almost empty. Would be a great place for a weekend getaway.

South Cumberland State Park, July 3-4

Dudes and Dudettes! What a really cool over-night we did at the Collins West campground on the rim of Savage Gulf! My camera is on the blink so I was not able to record the beauty as I usually would have though I was able to enjoy this area first hand and hope to enjoy it again soon with others. Spending more time there and enjoying further the views, streams, falls, trails and remarkable peacefulness. And with that, Peace.

Hidden Springs

Well it's happening! The prese-rvation for some of Hector and Susie's property is becoming a reality. The protection of the cascading falls which drop a couple of hundred feet from the plateau on H&S's were one of the topics addressed in a meeting held at their place on Tuesday(23rd). Several members of the Tennessee Parks and Greenways Foundation came over to provide information regarding conservation easements, the benefits, and answer any questions or concerns folks may have had. This was also an opportunity for the foundation to encourage H&S's neighbors; who were invited, to investigate the option and join the effort to preserve this fabulous section of an awesome geologic formation, the Cumberland Plateau.
Another gathering will be held in which more folks from the surrounding area will be invited in order for them to learn the benefits about preserving their lands through conservation easement.
This is a file photo from 12/19/08, showing the top part of one of these gifts.

A Weekend Walk

Hello, This excursion encompassed 3 days, 2 nights out, w/ lots of rain on the second day as I climbed the Swallow Fork Trail to Mount Sterling.
The walk began out of the Big Creek area w/ the first 2 miles a steep climb up Chestnut Branch Trail to the AT. A great "cardio" workout, if one so chooses.
I'd met a couple from Maryland leaving the parking area just before me, who were going to be walking the same route over the next few days as I was and we met again at the top of this 2 ml. "startup trail". We all agreed on it's challenging incline.
Now on the AT I continued to gain elevation at a lessor rate until reaching the Mt. Cammerer spur at which point I chose the .6 ml spur and to go sit on "White Rock" for lunch and lunch. Once finished here I put my boots on; after noticing the beginnings of a blister, and moved back to the AT and the almost 3 mls to Cosby Knob shelter where I'd be staying as campsite #37, was booked, on the computer at least. When the heavy storms woke me later that night I was glad to add the 1.6 mls RT spur to my trip.
The next morning I awoke, had coffee and oatmeal, w/ the one other man who was up and chain smoking cigarettes, and climbed back on top of my sleeping bag as the intermittent but often heavy rain continued. I thought I'd wait and see what developed w/ the weather as I would have at least partial light until near 9pm and would be walking about 9 mls to #38 on Mt Sterling. So I was in no hurry. The rest of the groups which filled the shelter that night began to stir over the next few hours until restlessness seized the group of men from Sevierville and vicinity and they began to put on their packs w/ differing levels of eagerness to set out. (It was interesting how one was wearing a bush-cheney '04 shirt, made me wonder how he can endorse a cause which opposes those things he talked so highly of,??, the outdoors)
This group set out after putting up there cell phones, no really, and were followed soon after by a small group who were hiking the AT section through the GSMNP, 75+ mls. They were from somewhere near Charlotte I believe and I invited them to view and contribute their experience on WMBB, if they'd like. The rain seemed to be stopping for a while anyway and so I finished my packing and said goodbye to Jessie who was hiking sections of the AT and would be completing the current section soon.
I hope she'll contact Meg the Hiker for future excursions.
As I walked the days route I stopped and appreciated several times the beautiful shades of green in different shapes and the full streams flowing along much of the Low Gap Trail and the Swallow Bottom trail which become Big Creek. Dude! That's a big creek! Down around #37 where I first saw Big Creek it looked as big as the Little River and the Swallow Fork was big for a while as I walked along the trail which paralleled this fork for almost all of the 4 mls which this trail extended.
About a mile from #37 it began to rain again and did so for most of the next 3 mls+.
The trail at times would be acting as a channel, or in many cases a pond, for the soaking rainfall.
As I trudged through this portion of my excursion I reviewed my preparedness, paid attention to physical challenges such as hypothermia and exhaustion,(and blisters), and kept a positive attitude about my learning through this experience.
I arrived at campsite #38, w/ the clouds shrouding the 5842' peak of Mt. Sterling, and wondered around the site area trying to determine where I wanted to set up my tent. Once done I set up and got to cooking some dinner, oatmeal and beef jerky, w/ an energy bar for desert. It happens that I grabbed something off my shelves at home that was not necessarily camper friendly so if I wanted something hot I'd have to have half of my breakfast, Ala, oatmeal.
The water for this site is about a half mile from the tent area down Baxter Creek Trail. While here I met up w/ my friends from Maryland again who had arrived already and were relaxing in there tent when I got there, and an avid hiker from Memphis who when he completed his excursion in a few days would have been BP'g in the GSMNP for around 3 weeks. Rock on! He said when he comes over from Memphis he likes to make the best of it.
The next day was a beautiful walk back down approx. 7 mls to the car.
Some notes here. The evergreens atop Mt Sterling and the vicinity were awesome as were the decaying remnants of the Hemlock's. Much of this walk was covered under the canopy of the forest, often open underneath for views in the "mid-day darkness" aided by the clouds. At one point (see picture) there was a bright hole in the flora which caused me to squint my eyes as I appreciated the open vista allowed by the break in the foliage and realized how much of a different world exist in these forest. As vast as my little world was as I walked under the trees this small bright opening put in perspective how small I really am and how important it is for me to take action to protect the wild life. Peace

The Wild Life at Work

Whoa! Work for me the last ten days included flying to NYC. Driving back which was OK when coming through southern VA where the mountains were close and I met some AT through hikers hanging out in the shade of some trees in front of a market we stopped at about 52 miles north of Bristol. They had covered over 500 mls from 'Springer' and were enjoying the break from the rain; which one of them mentioned had been happening pretty consistently since they began, and the increase in daily mileage covered since it had let up over the last few days. The Market at which they had stopped provided computer, printer, and fax access to through hikers! Pretty Cool!
After getting to Nashville, my work took me to Bonnaroo where I spent the next 5 days working and watching, experiencing and learning more about the human species need for food, recognition, and entertainment. Maybe some of y'all were there or have been, it was my first time. Didn't see many animals though saw lots of wild life and some of the unfortunate tolls paid by those who chose to participate at higher levels.

Most folks I'm sure had fun as I did with working and plannning the solitude I'll find this weekend backpacking. Peace

Cloudland Canyon

Since I have not had the opportunity to walk much in the last month and still have four boxes to unpack at the cabin, I decided to take a much needed rest and picked the hardest, longest trail at Cloudland Canyon State Park in Northwest Georgia for my maiden voyage. Those of you who know me will understand the logic, those who don't... just smile.

Sitton's Gulch Trail is a new and very welcome addition to the network. A strenuous 6.5 mile hike that includes several hundred steps it descends from the bluff into the the gorge approximately 1800 feet. Along the way there are numerous waterfalls and benches for letting the knees rest. The lower portion of the trail is a boulevard of sorts and the only fault I found was the gravel bed that made hills somewhat slippery at times.

The highlight of my walk was a conversation with John and Peggy V. from Savannah, GA. Who, along with their dogs, Barkus and Journey, were on the first night of a cross country trip to the Pacific Northwest. A delightful couple whose experiences include living on a sailboat and walking a portion of the Trail of Tears my only regret was not being able to spend more time in their company. It struck me as we talked, as many times as I have complained about lack of privacy on the trail, it is often the people I meet along the way that makes the experience so interesting. I hope to hear from them about their adventure west in the near future.

My First Time....Monday the First

The first time I saw a bear this year, that is. Really cool experience. We, the bear and I, were traveling different directions on the same trail (West Prong), and as I looked up the trail which was curving around the front of a small ridge I saw the bear already turning around and looking over it's shoulder to keep an eye on me.
"Whoa!, we damn near collided there Mr. or Mrs. bear" I said as I stopped in the next step. Dude it was only say like 50' up the trail! When I said my greetings it stopped and perched up on it's hind quarters to have a closer look see at which point I continued to talk calmly and assess the situation (i.e. my physical location, it's position and current direction of travel, and a quick scan for any others).
This done it began to move off the trail into the "median" of the trail. As I noted the trail was bending around the knob on this ridge so either direction I went the bear would be just above me as it had now stopped up in the woods and was keeping me located. Much as I was him/her. After a few minutes of "conversation" w/ the bear and losing the visual I had on it as it moved further up the knob staying in the bush I chose my original route and continued. I finished this short loop paying closer attention as I enjoyed the cooler late afternoon temperatures, the shade provided by the trees and all the little things to appreciate.

Meigs Creek

This walk began at approx. 7am Saturday morning with temps in the low 50's, and quiet misty mountains to appreciate. When parking at the Meigs Creek trail head along the Lil' Rvr. rd. just before the hour their were no others present. I began this 7.5 ml. RT w/ the understanding that I may be turned back at some point due to recent rains and the numerous stream crossings along this route, though with careful rock hopping I made it across all the streams, dry. The quieting moisture was thick in the air and on the ground making for a soft trail and little noise so the birds singing and being heard were rather prominent.
At the junction w/ Lumber Ridge and Meigs Mtn. trails I continued for a short distance in one direction or another locating one of interest which I'll walk soon. Hopefully w/ likity or "the mysterious one".
There were some great colors in bloom and maybe a rare plant or two, or maybe not, along this path.
As I returned I reminded myself of the continued need for care when rock hopping only to bust it on the second stream!! Damn near breaking a my middle finger in the roll and "semi-great save" from the water. Another great day in the woods to among other things, enjoy the colors and shapes while contemplating the need for conservancy and the responsibility I have as a human to do so! Peaace.
The pictures in the last entry and this one are from different trails and days! Aaaah! the ferns!

Past The People

Today after speaking with a Ranger at Sugarlands, where I volunteer 1 day a week, who told me of an old growth forest, I decided to hike the Laurel Falls trail and go beyond the falls, and all the holiday traffic on this trail. The pavement ends at the falls but the trail continues which I followed to the intersection with Little Greenbrier trail(3.1 mls) and just about a quarter mile towards Cove Mtn. Making this a RT hike of approximately 7 mls, with a gain in elevation of about 1300'. Though a thousand of which was gained in less than 2 mls after passing the falls.
After getting a hundred or so yards past the most visited waterfalls in the park I only saw 3 people and was able to enjoy; without distraction, the area of old growth less than a mile beyond the falls. Pretty awesome trees and in a relatively lightly traveled area. Beyond the falls that is.
On October 4th of last year I had come from the Little Greenbrier trail head near the Metcalf Bottoms area up to the intersection with Laurel Falls trail and had wondered if I'd ever see the section of trail between there and the falls. Well I have and enjoyed the walk a bunch! Peace.
(Just to note, to avoid any affiliation between wemaybeback and the GSMNP I have chosen not to post the pictures I took of one of the large trees, w/ me beside it for reference, because I was wearing my park uniform)

Spruce Flats Falls

Just a short excursion to get out in the awesome weather! Today I took a short route behind Tremont and a trail over to Spruce Flats Falls which is maybe 3mls RT. This short trail is rough and difficult at times and would not be recommended for anyone w/ "challenged body parts" (i.e. bad ankles, knees).
I've seen theses falls in the dryer parts of the last two years and posted pictures though nothing w/ the volume of water like I saw today. Awesome thing it was and adding to the experience was that I saw no children after leaving Tremont. Great time for reflection. Peace.

Walking in the rain

The weather was great for the water table and plants which means it was raining most of the morning before I started this short excursion. As it has been more frequently so far this year. This month Townsend is half inch over the average precipitation for May and the area is an inch over for the year. So folks we are not getting all that much rain, we just ain't been exposed to it in the last Several years.
The walk is one we're familiar with West Prong to #18, and returning partially along an un-named loop. This posting is mostly to show the beautiful Mountain laurels, add a new entry and to note again not all the hikes we do are posted.
The rain stayed away mostly as I walked this 4+ ml. route. At about a mile into it a Whitetail deer and I exchanged glances and greetings and decided one of us would have to leave the trail w/ steep choices either way. Luckily, as it approached within about 25' it chose to hop off the trail down the mountain and into some brush. I saw no one as I reached site #18, sat on a rock and enjoyed the noise of the full stream there. Peace.

OoopS! OTG Again!

This is what I did on the morning of the 5th of May. An awesome day with the multiple shades of green beginning to fill all areas of vision under the closing canopy. Closing as the leaves continue to sprout and spread growing ever thicker and trapping the moisture and heat. Even w/ temperatures in the 60's & 70's, as I made sometimes strenuous efforts along the route I was opening clothing for ventilation and cool down in the warm moisture soaked environment.

Mound Bottom

This picture is from the Mound Bottom area located along the Harpeth river outside of Nashville. Behind the trees in this picture you can probably make out the largest of the mounds. This was not a burial mound, though with it's size some folks were probably buried on it at some point, rather this is a structural mound where a home and other buildings for the settlement leader would have been. This preserved site was likely home to several hundred Native Americans about 800+ years ago and is protected on three sides by the river. Smaller mounds were built along the edges of the this area along the shores overlooking the river. This site can only be visited with an appointment in order to better maintain and preserve the area. I was here on May 2nd, to recognize some of those that have made the preservation possible. Peace

Standing Stone

Well it had been a long time since I visited this beautiful Tennessee State Park located north of I-40 in between Cookeville and Crossville. I attended a workshop here this weekend(4/25). This park is situated on 11,000 acres in Overton county within a "hilly" section of the Cumberland Plateau and was full of wild flowers many of which I'd also seen a few weeks ago in the GSMNP.
There are 8 miles of day use trails w/ no backcountry camping sites, a small lake to fish in. A Nice place to visit with cabins for rent, small boats to rent for the lake, facilities for meetings, playgrounds and other recreational opportunities w/ Dale Hollow Lake at the northern edge of the park.

The Ranger Will on Earth Day April 22nd

The former ranger Will W., and I took a walk up Rich Mtn. trail to the intersection w/ the Loop trail and then back along the ridge to Cerulean Knob and the old tower site, 3686'. Here we had lunch and shared views and ideas on several topics related to wild life sustainability. This deer was just looking for it's lunch and apparently had no noticeable concerns about it's wild life.

What A Day!

Saturday April 18th, 2009, in this region, was a gift to all those who were able to get outside, or in some cases at least be able to look out a window and wonder.
Today the route began from the Cosby picnic/camping area at Low Gap trail head which we followed up to the Appalachian Trail (AT). From there we went east along the AT and to the Mt. Cammerer spur, meeting and talking w/"BamBam", an AT distance hiker from Sevierville, TN, along the way. From the Cosby trailhead to the overlook is an overall elevation gain of approx. 2800'. As we approached the overlook on Cammerer we also began to pass other folks making their final ascent along the.6 mile spur.

We completed a 16 mile loop(+-) loop via the AT to Lower Mount Cammerer trail and back out to the Cosby complex. We found it interesting in how the second part of this route; from Cammerer back to the trailhead, descended at a much more mellow pace than the first part in which the elevation was gained.
The weather, along this loop, was excellent! Mostly sunny skies, w/ a light wind; even atop the AT and Cammerer, the temperature varied from the 60's-70's, w/ elevation, amount of forest cover, and what direction we were facing on a particular portion of trail. Water was plentiful, and the Trillium, Bluets, Dwarf Iris, et.al., were magnificent in their beauty!

Deviations OTG

Today's route was much like yesterdays only that after several Stream crossings I went right instead of left and followed this another mile plus along an old logging road/railway.
Dude! the weather was great w/ temps in the mid 60's, mostly sunny skies, and not a lot of wind where I was walking. I only saw birds and bee's w/ an occasional squirrel scampering up a tree. The undergrowth is still light so the views into the greening plant world is good and the colors grow in intensity and distinction.
Several long stretches along the route were full of various blooms as far as I could see in any direction and I smiled and gave thanks to the powers that be. Peace.

Today OTG

Today I walked a short distance (3mls RT), along a beautiful stream, with temperatures in the 40's and cloudy skies. Driving in on Hwy.#321, cloud were still resting over the main body of mountains here in the park. Maybe Steve, who just spent two days up on LeConte, visiting Doug will tell us of the weather up there? Like did it snow while yuin's was up there?
I spoke with a very pleasant couple, Ron and Norma(?), who had been back here on one of their "family visits". They told me that some of the family says they only visit so they can spend time in the Smokies. She had started "playing" in the park in 1953, and her husband in 1955. They told me lots of neat things and and shared their unspoken love of this region. Wow! Another great day in the woods, thanks folks for being a part of it!

Walking in The Clouds on Tues. 4/14/09

Tuesday I left the house after checking the weather radar and it looked like the rain was through. Though becoming somewhat more aware of the micro-climate(s) here in these mountains I wore my rain suit over my poly's and it turned out to be a good decision.
After dropping some paperwork off at a friends on Rich Mtn. road I continued up to the trail head and walked the familiar trail in rain and cloud cover. At times my visibility was probably less than 30 yards. All these elements made for an interesting hike by making the familiar walk a new experience.
At and around site #5 I saw what appears to be damage from boars unlike I've seen before, which doesn't mean much as I've only been a "regular" here for the last 18 months, but whatever it was had torn up some soil. All indications of the damage indicated boar.
The visual field dimmed by the clouds sitting on the mountain and the noise level muted by the soft ground cover from the rain made it an almost suspenseful hike. As I walked the "flat affect" was broken by beautiful blooms and a ground hog which I startled going up and coming back down the trail. Great day for walk. Peace

The 'P' Is Back In The EPA, ...It Appears

The following qoute is from the ilovemountians site, dated Wednesday April 8th.

Appalachia, Virginia — In a victory for community members and for clean water, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) this week directed the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to revoke the “nationwide 21” mining permit for A&G Coal’s massive Ison Rock Ridge mountaintop removal coal mine in Southwest Virginia. The news comes only weeks after a delegation of Appalachian coalfield residents met with the EPA in Washington, D.C. urging the Agency to take quick action to protect their communities from the ravages of mountaintop removal coal mining. The bold move is the latest clear signal that the Obama Administration is taking action on mountaintop removal coal mining and supports clean energy solutions and green jobs.

For more information about this and much more about Mountaintop Removal, MTR, simply click the ilovemountains link to the right.

And The Next Day....Wednesday April 8th

Tuesday I hike into 10 inches of snow and today I chose a lower trail, Chestnut Top, and hiked in shorts and took some pictures of awesome spring flowers in the Smokies. The trail was in good condition though somewhat busy. Weather was really nice w/ a Temperature in the 50's and partly cloudy skies. Once over the top of Chestnut Top and on the park side of it the views of Thunderhead et.al., across the ridges shown brightly w/ the snow cover in the sun. Great day for a walk!

Spring Snow

Dudes! and Dudettes! What a cool walk I got to take today up Anthony Creek trail to Russell field trail and up along Leadbetter ridge. The snow was with me from the picnic area where I parked, just inside Cades Cove, and only deepened as I gained elevation. When I started my return approximately a half a mile+ from the Russell Field shelter it was like 8 inches deep. The only wildlife I saw were birds of various types, none of which I could identify but click this picture and you'll get a better view of the one in this tree.
When I started I had my hopes up that I'd have the trail to myself, as there were no other cars parked in the picnic area lot where I started from. Well that's because the groups of "overnighters" I passed (7 persons total) as I was going in could not park in that lot overnight.
I was on the trail about 4.5 hours and it snowed probably half that time. The streams are of course busting loose and the temperatures are supposed to reach the 60's Tomorrow. The blooms will return soon I'm sure and The Walker and others will provide more pic's though you ought to come see them for yourself. Things are just getting started and the park has stuff going on all year celebrating the 75Th anniversary of it's "grand opening".

April Flowers

The blooms have begun in the Smokies! I only know the names of a few though the pictures here will give you a very small glimpse of the already awesome beauty that's being enhanced by the spring flowers. These were taken along my walk today OTG. I went back in almost as far as I did the first time; which I did without a clue as to where I was headed (end of July, '07), and I was grateful I made it out of here then, after seeing the route again today. There is still relatively little undergrowth at this time and It was rockin' w/ full streams, blooms everywhere in multitudes, and the only folks I encountered were walking out about a mile into the walk. There were five stream crossings and I turned around at the sixth. Three of these require some agility and balance. This route follows an old railroad path from the logging that took place here before the park was established.
To do my part in protecting an area from too much traffic I will not give the location of this hike on this site. Though I will type this....Join me next time and experience the appreciation. Peace.

Sunday in The Park

This approx. 3 mile, excursion (RT), was taken w/ some friends. One who had walked the Middle Prong Trail, though not recently and another friend who had never been on it. They were both eager to get out on this wonderful spring day in Southern Appalachia so walk we did! And we covered much more trail than originally discussed. It was a fun walk w/ lots of sharing of views and experiences and despite the full parking area at the trail head we spent relatively little in time the presence of others.
We did speak w/ two folks who had planned on a nice night at #28, but did not plan on the cold temperatures and had brought hammocks to sleep in instead of a tent (This reminds me of Forest' walk in Chickamauga Battlefield a few months ago, Lost, 12/29/08). They said they did not sleep at all because they were so cold and had actually just gotten their stuff packed up after bivouacking along the trail and sleeping some. I hope these folks will try again!

Spring into Wild Life!

The weather is taking a step towards the warmer seasons, at least during the day. Small blooms are starting to emerge at different elevations so enjoy the vistas while you got 'em and prepare for the equally wondrous spectrum of colors just beginning. This walk along Rich Mtn. trail (Saturday 3/21), and a short part of Indian Grave Gap trail, over to the site of the former fire tower, was done so in partly cloudy skies and temperatures in the mid 60's. The trail was in good shape and I encountered no one over the 5ml+ route I chose.
On the return trip, after carefully reviewing my maps, I dropped OTG about a quarter mile down from campsite #5, and into a Steep ravine which brought me to the stream shown on the map. I bushwacked fairly easily, keeping the stream close by for reference, out to the Rich mtn. rd, coming out of Cades Cove, where the stream crosses over the road. I went right at the road crossing about a 1/2 ml. to the parking area picking up empty cans and bottles along the way.

Sunday the 15th

I was out on this cool afternoon for a break from "myself" and things I have no control over and was rewarded from the "git-go" w/ appreciation of those things which need our respect. Thanks.

A Loop Completed

Hello avid hikers, outdoors enthusiast, and lost idealist! This Long day hike (14.6 mls) was the completion of a route I've begun two times before (See 11/16/08, 12/03/08), from different directions w/ the thought of, or intention of completing the loop in full both times. The trails included in today's effort, in this order, were Middle Prong, Panther Creek, Miry Ridge, and Lynn Camp Prong. I was the only car/person at the trail head when I arrived a few minutes after 11am.
Today's weather was overcast in the 40's, w/ only a few sprinkles of rain along this route and all the stream crossings were fairly easy. The numerous crossings on the Panther Creek portion all had water and the several large seeps along this route were very wet as well. There was no snow or ice even at the highest points along Miry Ridge and Dripping Springs Mountain (4801').
About a half mile from Jake's Gap coming up Panther Creek trail I had the privilege of seeing two foxes on the trail about 30 yards ahead of me. They both quickly and quietly stepped into the forest and blended away leaving me wondering if I'd actually seen them.
The first half of this route was an incline, sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly, and though not as steep as other trails like parts of Alum Cave, or Bull head, w/ the consistent incline it would be difficult for the novice hiker. Add the distance and this hike would be considered difficult for most though this route could be done w/ an overnight stay at #28 on Lynn Camp Prong trail.
Water was available for the most part except for the Miry Ridge section though during which I noted several seeps. Campsite #26 is now closed at the Miry Ridge location and preliminary plans to relocate it are being revised. We'll keep you posted on where it's going to be re-established.
The only folks I saw were in the last few miles as I returned along the Middle Prong trail. Two folks bushwhacking w/ there horses, is that legal?, and a couple at the beginning of an evening walk about a mile from the parking at Tremont Rd.
Overall this was a very enjoyable hike especially the parts alone! Peace.

Walking The Schoolhouse Gap

This 3 ml. midday stroll began down on Schoolhouse Gap rd., a few hundred yards before the gate where I usually park. Someone was in the one spot where you can pull off the road at the gate, which added a little more incline to the walk. There was lots of noise initially from some construction happening nearby. It appears to be from building the newest "retreat" in the area. A development of which Bill, a native resident of this cove, had spoken of as I passed him sometime ago. Leaning against his truck he spoke of appreciating what this land once was to his family and what it's becoming now to developers and those who find no value in the natural beauty and history found here. Driven by short sighted arrogance and selfishness these folks remove the very things that make the region rich in wondrous diversity.
My walk today was for exercise, relaxation and meditation so I followed the trail to the White Oak spur and continued into the sinks. Rainbow falls was flowing well as one of the pictures shows, w/ small spots of snow hidden in the shade of rocks and logs.

While in the sinks I waved to a couple whom I saw from afar. They were leaving w/ their day packs, cameras and folding chairs. These were the only folks I saw in the sinks which made for a very enjoyable excursion. Peace

Bote Mountain with Views

Now I've hiked all or portions of this trail several times but never w/ the leaves completely gone. Dude! at a couple of points I could see into Cades Cove from the Bote Mtn. trail!(top picture).
There were great views on the other side of the trail across the valley to Defeat Ridge and New World.
The trail was muddy in places and as I gained elevation; which is all this trail does from Laurel Creek rd. to the AT, the snow cover became more full and in places was still 6 or more inches deep. I made my turn around at the Lead Cove trail intersection. This made for a 9 mile RT hike from the parking area at the trailhead on Laurel Creek road. I would rate this trail as moderate to difficult depending on your health and experience because of the consistent incline for the entire length (7.9mls) and often rough, dual us trail. The stream running down below along side Defeat Ridge was noisy with water and kept enticing me to do an impromptu bushwack but my wiser side ruled and I chose to save that for another day w/ a partner. Peace.

Baby Bear's Pictures From Oregon

OK, so these pictures ain't from around here yet the little bear is a contributor to the information here on wemaybeback and an important friend. That would be "Baby Bear", AKA Mama Bear, a contributor to this "information blog". The little bear lives in NYC, and was given the trail name "Baby Bear" on what she described as her "best backpacking trip ever", lol, (July '08, GSMNP with The Mysterious One).



She sent these pictures a short while ago and I've figured out how to get them from there to here. These Pictures were taken by "Baby Bear" in her travels to Oregon last month.

Big Frog

This really peaceful hike covered 8.5+, RT, miles in the Cherokee National Forest and the Big Frog Wilderness area. The hike began at Thunder Rock campground where we picked up a trail that may have been West Fork, Benton MacKaye, which hooked us up w/ Rough Creek, Big Creek, but maybe Wolf Ridge trail. Though that excludes Licklog Ridge and Grassy Gap. Along this walk we may have been on, or crossed the Chestnut Top trail and were often on trails which paralleled the Benton MacKaye trail.
The walk began w/ some short, steep switch backs on a hiker only trail and mellowed some as it merged w/ an old Forest Service road. At what appeared to be 2.6 miles in we came to a road crossing and trail intersection at which the only clear reading I could make confirmed what the fella' had told us in the parking lot as we prepared to start. That was to cross the road and follow the West Fork route.
I'll say this it was a beautiful walk in in the woods where we encountered few folks, w/ birds and small animals frequent. More on this hike later.
Ok, to continue. This was a very pretty and enjoyable walk. The route brought us to, and across several streams and through beautiful forest. We stopped and enjoyed some veggies wrapped in "Tore tea ya's", (Practicing my pronunciation). We continued on for another 15 minutes before turning and finding our way back as we had covered some ground and did not want to lose the light. Another great hike in Southern Appalachia. Thanks mysterious one.

Calvin's Gold (Tuesday the 17th)

Hello, this was a very informative walk on and around the Rich Mountain Trail and road. Myself and two "noted Historians", and authors began this hike around the Rich Mtn./Ace Gap trailheads. It was mostly OTG, and brought us to one of Dr Calvin Post', gold mines, the remains of a former residence of his, and a strenuous search through "rodo hell's" for another mine, which we were unable to locate at this time. On the way out my friends showed me Bull Cave and it's impressive entrance. One of the men I was w/ described the way the caves in this area are formed in limestone, the way sinkholes are formed, and other bits of geological information. While my other hiking companion was a wealth of history on the early settlements in and around the park. I was privileged to share this walk w/ them and hope to do so again soon! Peace