tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27427221600845342672012-02-13T11:01:14.096-05:00Established by a group of backpackers and hikers who are Active in Conserving the wild life they enjoy and as a resource for all who are interested in the areas currently visited. Come experience the appreciation!James The Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333272509217861825noreply@blogger.comBlogger2931100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-1784458819432413912012-02-13T10:58:00.002-05:002012-02-13T11:01:14.106-05:00

So Saturday included a few few first for me one of which was the first snow; though minimal, in the lowlands this winter and the other a hike with a family member who I've never hiked with. My concerns about the weather and adequate clothing were noted in the days prior to our walk and her cover was OK for a short day hike. We followed a route which would keep us off the ridge lines because of

James The Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333272509217861825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-83414961571014007982012-01-31T12:38:00.002-05:002012-01-31T12:46:59.591-05:00

Per TDOT (TN Department Of Transportation) Interstate 40 westbound in Cocke County- All west bound lanes closed due to a Rockslide at Mile Marker #450, reported at 1/31/2012 1:00:00 AM and it is not likely to be cleared until 2/14/2012 at 10:00:00 AM (Eastern Time). Westbound traffic is affected with all lanes blocked. I-40 westbound traffic will be turned around at exit 451 back to I-40 east

likityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07229680715118010631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-71073442963635440112012-01-26T08:03:00.003-05:002012-01-26T19:28:52.650-05:00

Dudettes and dudes! Me and some of my friends are staying a few days at Hungry Mother State Park near Marion VA, working on some ways to better carry the message of stopping MTR. This stream is along my walk from the cabin I am sharing and the building we meet in. Peace

likityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07229680715118010631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-77314084659715748632012-01-19T17:26:00.004-05:002012-01-19T17:36:59.969-05:00

The park numbers are in for 2011...and more people continue to visit! Check these numbers and how many just drove around the cove and over the gap? Charge 'em a buck per car!!December 2011 traffic into Great Smoky Mountains National Park jumped by 37.7% over December 2010. This strong visitation drove year-to-date Park visitation over 9 million by a scant 8,831 visitors. Traffic for the year

likityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07229680715118010631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-52117009012061205972012-01-14T13:29:00.003-05:002012-01-15T14:22:38.666-05:00

These walks over the last week included the trail to Spruce Flat Falls from Tremont, Chestnut Top, and some others. Each walk was made in differing weather conditions ranging from 40 degrees and drizzle to sunny with temperatures in the lower 30's. The trails at this time of the year are are used less frequently with the winter weather discouraging those less experienced and unprepared which

likityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07229680715118010631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-42131018124591655132012-01-08T15:40:00.001-05:002012-01-08T15:41:37.054-05:00

This OTG route was quiet today though there were several cars parked at the Middle Prong trailhead parking area. The weather was overcast, little wind, and temperatures maybe in the low 50's. The trails were soft but not muddy and stream crossings were not a problem with the recent light rains the Townsend area received yesterday (Sat.) and overnight. I am hoping to make the ascent up

James The Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333272509217861825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-4208472213170528272012-01-03T12:05:00.009-05:002012-01-03T16:48:05.418-05:00

Dudes and Dudettes! What an awesome day hike the Mysterious One and I took on Sunday the first calendar day of 2012. It was challenging in several ways, including the approximate 13 mls we covered w/ an elevation gain on the Bull Head trail of just about 4000'. The often wet, windy weather and temperatures fluctuating with the variables of altitude, wind, and cloud cover, and the added physical

likityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07229680715118010631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-84278290328045195192011-12-29T18:08:00.000-05:002011-12-29T18:08:11.768-05:00

So you start up the Lumber Ridge trail and about a mile or less on this great trail there's a trail to the right marked with a small sign with the letter 'M' on it. Once you begin this trail, 'M', you quickly realize it's not used often and by foot traffic only, as it is very narrow. This route will bring you down, in what seems like half a mile+-, to the Falls trail right there at the water

James The Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333272509217861825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-68922047989957718592011-12-19T11:52:00.005-05:002011-12-19T12:11:58.103-05:00

Hey dudes and dudettes! Yesterday (Sun.12/18/11), was a beautiful day for hiking and today is looking excellent as well. So after I finish my work I'll get in the woods for a short walk. The hike I enjoyed yesterday; w/ the Mysterious One, was up the Rich mtn trail from Rich mtn road, onto Indian Grave Gap to the intersection with the Rich mtn Loop trail, and then returning the way we came. We

likityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07229680715118010631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-54712818257814500972011-12-19T11:49:00.002-05:002011-12-19T11:49:38.442-05:00

CAMPSITES CLOSED DUE TO BEAR ACTIVITY: Shelters: Icewater Spring BC Sites: USE CAUTION AT THESE CAMPSITES/ LOCATIONS DUE TO BEAR ACTIVITY: Shelters: Mt LeConte BC Sites: BC #38, #61 and #85 Trails: Mt. Sterling, and Laurel Falls Trail Closed Trails and BC sites: Due to recent storms, the following trails are closed: Gunter Fork Trail, Beard Cane Trail including Campsites 3 & 11, Hatcher

James The Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333272509217861825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-77236574912795826372011-12-17T19:27:00.005-05:002011-12-17T20:13:01.944-05:00

Today I was without an excuse for not hiking, other than being lazy. For about a year or more I have been using "shoe goo" to extend the useful life of my boots that had probably 1700 plus miles on them. About a month ago they fell apart one last time and since it has been raining lately the wet trails have kinda discouraged hiking without the proper footwear. So today the fine folks at the

likityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07229680715118010631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-74790866494638397612011-12-16T16:15:00.001-05:002011-12-16T16:17:31.846-05:00

The season has arrived to send out a reminder message to folks about getting road closure updates by Twitter. The public can get the most current information via the Internet by going to: www.twitter.com/smokiesroadsnps to read recent road notification postings. This is a Twitter website maintained by the Park, but anybody can access it at any time, without having to establish a Twitter account.

James The Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333272509217861825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-13311370342112765282011-12-13T18:30:00.000-05:002011-12-13T18:30:06.079-05:00

13 or more NGO's will be meeting in the coalfields of eastern Kentucky this week to discuss their strategies and needs to assist in these communities as they make a transition from often impoverished strip mining communities; primarily strip mining in the form of MTR, to more financially, socially, and environmentally rewarding and sustainable ways of life. Those gathered will gain input from

James The Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333272509217861825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-27998206555648256662011-12-06T11:51:00.007-05:002011-12-06T12:00:55.007-05:00

Dudes and Dudettes! This is the latest on our native friends, though "the song remains the same" if you use basic safety practices. We are looking forward to a short overnight excursion this week and we'll send pictures afterwards. Peace CAMPSITES CLOSED DUE TO BEAR ACTIVITY:Shelters: Icewater SpringBC Sites: BC # 24USE CAUTION AT THESE CAMPSITES/ LOCATIONS DUE TO BEAR ACTIVITY:BC Sites: BC #35

likityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07229680715118010631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-40858518087941649742011-12-01T19:48:00.001-05:002011-12-01T19:50:19.966-05:00

GATLINBURG – Great Smoky Mountains National Park announced the 36th annual Festival of Christmas Past celebration scheduled on Saturday, December 10, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., at the Sugarlands Visitor Center. The event, sponsored in cooperation with Great Smoky Mountains Association, is free to the public. Festival of Christmas Past is an annual celebration of the history and culture of the

James The Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333272509217861825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-70896026474454126612011-11-29T16:42:00.002-05:002011-11-29T16:46:42.035-05:00

Because of snow and ice, Clingmans Dome Road has been closed for the season a couple of days early.Clingmans Dome Road will not reopen to vehicles until April 1, 2012.The route will stay open to hikers, snowshoers, and skiers throughout the winter

likityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07229680715118010631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-15176342699690436432011-11-28T13:36:00.000-05:002011-11-28T13:36:36.403-05:00

GATLINBURG – Managers at Great Smoky Mountains National Park announced plans to close the 11-mile Cades Cove Loop Road to all vehicular traffic on Wednesday, November 30, and to impose a partial closure on Thursday, December 1. During that time, Park forestry technicians will treat hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA)-infested hemlock trees with a horticultural oil sprayed from large truck-mounted units

James The Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333272509217861825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-59411466987596235692011-11-28T11:21:00.005-05:002011-11-28T12:01:21.522-05:00

This was a very pleasant walk up the Middle Prong trail even with a possibility of rain all around the region. However no rain occurred in this immediate area as I walked about 3mls along this often busy route. The possibility of rain must have kept folks away I guess because when I reached the trailhead parking it was empty! Yes!!! I said, and gave thanks for the lack of human noise and

likityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07229680715118010631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-89416321864990425262011-11-27T18:40:00.001-05:002011-11-27T18:42:23.802-05:00

This is a picture of a friends developing compound on his property which is located adjacent to the Cherokee NF and is totally "off the grid"! No indoor plumbing or electricity, he lives comfortably and you may notice the more permanent structures he's building in the trees above the tent. He just climbs up the ridge a little bit for cell service and collects water in large 50+ gallon plastic

James The Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333272509217861825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-51992898602749996522011-11-24T12:16:00.002-05:002011-11-24T22:52:03.782-05:00

GATLINBURG – Managers at Great Smoky Mountains National Park announced plans to close the 11-mile Cades Cove Loop Road to all vehicular traffic on Tuesday, November 29, and to impose a partial closure on Wednesday, November 30. During that time, Park forestry technicians will treat hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA)-infested hemlock trees with a horticultural oil sprayed from large truck-mounted

James The Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333272509217861825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-73280133915488540742011-11-23T14:42:00.004-05:002011-11-24T22:51:30.811-05:00

Hey dudettes and dudes, click the title of this entry for 12 walks in Tennessee state parks, as suggested by folks at the state and passed on to us by our friend David. Thanks, and be alert and safe traveling over the next several weeks. Peace

likityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07229680715118010631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-39339980509434758922011-11-21T10:45:00.003-05:002011-11-24T22:50:32.358-05:00

CAMPSITES CLOSED DUE TO BEAR ACTIVITY: Shelters: Icewater Springs BC Sites: BC #68, BC #24 USE CAUTION AT THESE CAMPSITES/ LOCATIONS DUE TO BEAR ACTIVITY: BC Sites: BC #28, #35, #36, #37, #38, #61 and #85 Shelters: Mt LeConte, Laurel Gap, and Silers Bald Trails: Mt. Sterling, Anthony Creek Trail & Horse Camp, Laurel Falls, Clingmans Dome Tower, Little River, Ramsey Cascades, Forney Ridge (upper

likityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07229680715118010631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-33310199493962043512011-11-13T17:36:00.006-05:002011-11-24T22:49:53.196-05:00

Wow dudes and dudettes!! What an awesome walk I took this morning. I walked into an area OTG that I've hiked into before however I followed a route that took me in another mile or so farther than before and provided plenty of challenges. With much of the seasonal foliage gone it was fairly easy to keep up with where I was and where I wanted to go. This route is not difficult in the sense

likityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07229680715118010631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-10469903031425195012011-11-07T22:33:00.004-05:002011-11-24T22:49:09.989-05:00

Wow dudes and dudettes! I was able to hike off of Signal Point which is part of the southern end of the Cumberland Trail; the Tennessee River Gorge Segment. There are some great vistas from the beginning of this trail and they continue throughout the first mile or so scattered sporadically looking across the Tennessee river across to Elder Mountain (click the title for a link describing this

likityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07229680715118010631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-39987257859152493472011-11-06T21:26:00.002-05:002011-11-24T22:48:06.771-05:00

CAMPSITES CLOSED DUE TO BEAR ACTIVITY:BC #68 USE CAUTION AT THESE CAMPSITES/ LOCATIONS DUE TO BEAR ACTIVITY:BC Sites: BC #28, #35, #36, #37, #38, #61 and #85 Shelters: Mt LeConte, Spence Field, Mt. Collins, Double Spring Gap,Laurel Gap, and Silers BaldTrails: Mt. Sterling, Anthony Creek Trail & Horse Camp,Laurel Falls, Clingmans Dome Tower, Little River, Ramsey Cascades, ForneyRidge (upper

likityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07229680715118010631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-30712785599356471472011-11-06T20:59:00.002-05:002011-11-24T22:47:14.721-05:00

Hmmmm?!!! 202-225-3121

James The Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333272509217861825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-76650658362249463872011-11-06T09:13:00.002-05:002011-11-24T22:46:36.325-05:00

Click the title of this entry and People Speak up! Reach the members of congress at 202-225-3121, 24/7. Or the Whitehouse at 202-456-1414 (1111).

James The Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333272509217861825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-22603527516738556432011-10-25T20:02:00.006-04:002011-11-24T22:45:55.554-05:00

CAMPSITES CLOSED DUE TO BEAR ACTIVITY: BC Sites: #35 and #38 USE CAUTION AT THESE CAMPSITES/ LOCATIONS DUE TO BEAR ACTIVITY: BC Sites: BC #28, #36, #37, #38, #61 and #85 Shelters: Mt LeConte, Spence Field, Mt. Collins, Double Spring Gap,Laurel Gap, and Silers Bald Trails: Mt. Sterling, Anthony Creek Trail & Horse Camp,Laurel Falls, Clingmans Dome Tower, Little River, Ramsey Cascades, Forney Ridge

likityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07229680715118010631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-42524807633857793592011-10-19T18:02:00.001-04:002011-11-24T22:45:19.278-05:00

CAMPSITES CLOSED DUE TO BEAR ACTIVITY:BC Sites: #35, and #68 USE CAUTION AT THESE CAMPSITES/ LOCATIONS DUE TO BEAR ACTIVITY:BC Sites: BC #18, #21, # 24, #28, #36, #37, #38, #61 and #85Shelters: Mt LeConte, Spence Field, Mt. Collins, Double Spring Gap,Laurel Gap, Cosby Knob, and Silers BaldTrails: Mt. Sterling Trail, Anthony Creek Trail & Horse Camp, Laurel Falls,Clingmans Dome Tower, Little River

likityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07229680715118010631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-8675398306688371832011-10-12T10:49:00.003-04:002011-11-24T22:44:37.762-05:00

CAMPSITES CLOSED DUE TO BEAR ACTIVITY: BC Sites: #35, and #68 USE CAUTION AT THESE CAMPSITES/ LOCATIONS DUE TO BEAR ACTIVITY: BC Sites: BC #18, #21, # 24, #28, #36, #37, #38, #61 and #85 Shelters: Mt LeConte, Spence Field, Mt. Collins, Double Spring Gap, Laurel Gap, Cosby Knob, and Silers Bald Trails: Alum Cave, Anthony Creek Trail and Horse Camp, Laurel Falls, Clingmans Dome Tower, Rainbow

likityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07229680715118010631noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-43145369482486405192011-10-11T10:51:00.007-04:002011-10-11T17:31:29.729-04:00

Wow! You know the data has been in regarding MTR and extremely high rates of birth defects, cancers and assorted ailments for folks near MTR coal mining sites (http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0013935111001484). And it has been pretty clear to those not blinded by party rhetoric, greed and campaign finance that the majority of the residents in these communities want this form of

likityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07229680715118010631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-11607590949477396062011-10-09T14:11:00.007-04:002011-10-09T14:39:23.645-04:00

Hey dudes and dudettes! This day began with a pleasant walk into White Oak Sink, coming in from outside the park and the School House Gap. As I enjoyed the relative quiet I took pictures of some of the many colors along the trail that were in the form of blooms and not the usual suspects yet. Though some trees are beginning to show change the "peak" is still a few weeks out. The enjoyment of

likityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07229680715118010631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-45365662368291443532011-10-06T09:14:00.000-04:002011-10-06T09:14:00.828-04:00

In speaking with an individual last night while in Washington I was clued in on an action beginning today, right now even as I type. This action is, from what I understood in my conversation, an all inclusive, peaceful conglomeration of various actions which are beginning on Liberty Plaza in DC. Are you tired of being lied to, cheated for your hard work and not appreciated for the daily chores

James The Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333272509217861825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-23616909762959949492011-10-05T22:09:00.003-04:002011-11-24T22:41:54.245-05:00

The work we've continued this week in Washington has been completed for now with little discernible movement. Those folks elected to work for the people seem in most cases bought and paid for by corporations and their inhumane self-interest. People are being poisoned, lands wasted, and heritages erased by MTR and the greed which drives it. There is a need for action and more action. Both within

James The Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333272509217861825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-2152536759770943662011-10-04T22:29:00.002-04:002011-11-24T22:43:47.478-05:00

These woman were doing their afternoon prayer on the lawn of our nations capital. It was pleasing to see them carrying out this daily practice in this location where there is talk of freedom and justice yet we let our fears legislate these principles into obscurity. Peace

James The Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333272509217861825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-60183773007725821442011-10-03T23:10:00.003-04:002011-11-24T22:42:46.123-05:00

Several of the groups which make up the Alliance for Appalachia have returned to Washington to meet with some of our elected officials and attend some hearings in an effort to speed the end of Mountaintop Removal as a form of coal mining. If you are not familiar with MTR please click on the title of this entry and see for yourself the crimes against humanity and our natural world which are being

James The Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333272509217861825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-27310980481142104572011-09-30T19:05:00.003-04:002011-09-30T19:18:06.064-04:00

The leaves were crackling under my feet today as I took a short walk in the forest and enjoyed the wind with cooler temperatures. Tonight it'll be in the 30's in the mountains and no telling what the folks along the AT will feel. Cold weather, I love it! Bye to all the fair weather folks! Of course the traffic is increasing as the folks from all over the world come to see "the colors".

likityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07229680715118010631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-20530366338008830372011-09-17T14:02:00.001-04:002011-11-24T22:53:52.326-05:00

Weekends like this allow even the most novice hiker to enjoy a easy walk in the woods. I began my hike around 7:30am, with temperatures in the upper 60's, a layer of high thin clouds, and little wind. The route I took from the Inn to the falls was mostly paved and had little elevation gain or loss for most of the 2.5 mls, oneway. Now the descent to the base of the falls was steep and rocky

James The Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333272509217861825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-42837285375770124072011-09-11T15:11:00.005-04:002011-11-24T22:40:27.122-05:00

Dudes! and dudettes! What a relaxing walk today for about 4 mls, in and out, otg, near the Middle Prong. It was very pleasant with a cool morning temp, sunshine, and only animals to be heard. There were yellow and white flowers blooming, with the many shades of green still going on. My thoughts were more positive and open to the changes which must be considered. The changes in the trails I

likityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07229680715118010631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-17088389839157449152011-09-04T16:04:00.008-04:002011-09-05T01:57:28.219-04:00

This Tennessee state park is located really close to Crossville, on TN #127, and not too awful far from I-40. I took the Pioneer Loop trail for about 4 miles+, completing the somewhat abbreviated loop. One of the bridges which crossed the main stream feeding Byrd Lake was out so modifications in the route were made. Though these changes still allowed for a complete appreciation of the

likityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07229680715118010631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-12060172683721421762011-08-20T12:25:00.003-04:002011-09-05T02:08:12.610-04:00

Lots to look at! CLOSED CAMPSITES DUE TO BEAR ACTIVITY: BC Sites: #21, # 24, #28, #35, and #68 Shelters: Spence Field, Cosby Knob, and LeConte USE CAUTION AT THESE CAMPSITES/ LOCATIONS DUE TO BEAR ACTIVITY: BC Sites: BC #18, #36, #37, #38, #61 and #85 Shelters: Mt. Collins, Double Spring Gap, Silers Bald, and Laurel Gap Trails: Laurel Falls Trail, Clingmans Dome Tower Trail, Rainbow Falls Trail,

James The Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333272509217861825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-51515290859209328902011-08-11T20:04:00.011-04:002011-09-08T20:28:26.394-04:00

Dudes and Dudettes! What a great hike I went on this last week. The "Mysterious One" and I spent the last five days in the GSMNP backpacking covering a bunch of miles, new trails for both of us, and encountering few people throughout the time out. The highlight was the fourth day out which included a very appreciative walk up Eagle Creek trail from our previous nights stay on Fontana lake at

likityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07229680715118010631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-80844392730190876712011-08-11T19:51:00.000-04:002011-08-11T19:51:01.446-04:00

The management folks at the Great Smokey Mountains National Park have Set some dates for Open Houses to Discuss Proposed Backcountry Management Changes Great Smoky Mountains National Park Superintendent Dale Ditmanson is inviting the public to two open houses to discuss changes the Park is considering in the way it manages its backcountry campsite reservation. The open houses are set for Tuesday

James The Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333272509217861825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-49531101000209233512011-08-02T16:56:00.008-04:002011-09-05T02:01:07.550-04:00

Dudes! and Dudettes!! I went for walk hoping I'd see a bear and planned a route on which I often see them. Yesterday was no exception. I was barely a mile into my walk when I heard some shuffling in the forest below and beside me, I saw a mo mma bear busting it down the side of the mountain while her two cubs were quickly scooting up separate trees. The pictures are of the first family I saw

likityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07229680715118010631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-58976992187760294752011-07-31T11:20:00.006-04:002011-09-05T02:02:02.135-04:00

Today dudes and dudettes, well yesterday, I walked along the West Prong trail to campsite #18. There were some folks setting up camp and we talked briefly about fishing and the VIP program. This after he asked if he could help me, maybe thinking I was lost, and rightfully so, as I wandered around the campsite checking on its condition. I was acting as a recruiter after I explained briefly

likityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07229680715118010631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-69966558965188798202011-07-30T11:01:00.002-04:002011-07-30T11:05:01.465-04:00

As of 2/28/2011 CLOSED CAMPSITES DUE TO BEAR ACTIVITY: BC Sites: # 24, #35, #68 USE CAUTION AT THESE CAMPSITES/ LOCATIONS DUE TO BEAR ACTIVITY: BC Sites: BC #18, #21, #36, #37,#38, #61 and #85 Shelters: Cosby Knob, Mt. Collins, Double Spring Gap Trails: Laurel Falls Trail, Clingmans Dome Tower Trail, Rainbow Falls Trail, Little River Trail. BC Sites closed due to storm damage: #3, #11, #15

James The Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333272509217861825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-71053924715791485152011-07-26T20:21:00.004-04:002011-09-05T02:08:59.694-04:00

Hello folks! Several of the groups which make up the Alliance For Appalachia, are in the District of Columbia this week keeping the Clean Water Protection Act, (CWPA) fresh on the minds of those in congress. The CWPA is a bill which would restore the original intent of the Clean Water Act (1972), will cost nothing to implement, will end the destruction of mountains and the valley fills which

James The Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333272509217861825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-73860568900837708992011-07-23T12:50:00.002-04:002011-09-05T02:09:26.535-04:00

This post is to inform those concerned about the fate of Spice; see previous entry, the Mysterious One drove back to the campground the other day and retrieved her. Spice is now at a foster parent's place and up for adoption. The Mysterious One said that when she went looking for Spice she could not be found and after several walks through the camping area was preparing to leave when she heard

James The Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333272509217861825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-66083799595369496322011-07-20T10:44:00.002-04:002011-09-05T02:11:17.118-04:00

This campground is located just off Hwy 411, north of Cleveland TN, and is just down the road from the Hiwassee State Scenic River State Park. If Spice, the kitten in the picture, is around you'll have a loyal, if somewhat tentative, campsite companion. The Mysterious One made quick friends with Spice, feeding it beans and oats. The other picture is a beetle rolling a "ball", of what may have

James The Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333272509217861825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-15926598819738591862011-07-14T18:30:00.001-04:002011-07-14T18:32:35.014-04:00

update to the trail closures in Cades Cove due to storm damage. The Rabbit Creek Trail is now open from the Abrams Creek RS to the junction with Hannah Mountain Trail. Hannah Mtn Trail is now open from Rabbit Creek Trail to junction with Wet Bottom Trail and Abrams Falls Trail.

likityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07229680715118010631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-82247673488297121062011-07-11T09:44:00.003-04:002011-07-11T09:48:45.458-04:00

The National Weather Service issued a Special Weather Statement for Monday...Hot and humid conditions will increase Monday...Hot temperatures in the mid and upper 90s, along with high humidity, will produce heat index values between 100 and 105 for several hours Monday afternoon across the southern and central portions of the Tennessee Valley including Chattanooga and Knoxville. People

likityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07229680715118010631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-13987487507254549792011-07-05T12:08:00.006-04:002011-09-05T02:03:02.975-04:00

This primitive area contains 16,000 acres, with no developed facilities, and over 40 miles of trails. Most of which are shared by hikers, mountain bikes, and horseback riders. The trail which the Mysterious One and I walked on the 4th, was the Estelle Mine Trail, and consisted of a total of just under 6mls., in and out. The route we chose took us through several mines or tunnels, some longer

likityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07229680715118010631noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-17429071535602243812011-06-21T10:55:00.012-04:002011-09-05T02:05:03.566-04:00

This walk involved about 9mls, of sunny skies, lots of rhododendron's blooming, waterfalls, and a wedding party. The moderate climb, consistent for approx. 3.5 mls, from Tremont, where Lumber Ridge Trail begins, should be considered difficult for those who don't get out as often. At one point in the walk we turned to the right down an old unmarked route and walked along the path of a former

likityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07229680715118010631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-16050075486658313262011-06-13T12:06:00.012-04:002011-09-05T02:06:29.034-04:00

The March on Blair Mountain was a large victory for all those who want fair pay, safe working conditions, an important part of America's history told and preserved, and an end to the most destructive form of mining (Mountaintop Removal) stopped. The first march up Blair Mtn., in 1921, was about organizing workers for fair pay and safer workplace conditions. This was one of the major points

likityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07229680715118010631noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-74977618681934130312011-06-08T19:07:00.000-04:002011-06-08T19:07:10.863-04:00

Hello from Marmet WV, feeling resistance from police and counties over the first two days with most of the local folks being very polite. The marchers have encountered problems but they are being overcome with hard work on behalf of the organizers and patience from the walkers. I will post pictures asap as this is not my computer and others are waiting to use it. Please call your local media

James The Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333272509217861825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-28377066643417006002011-05-29T08:52:00.001-04:002011-05-29T08:54:18.133-04:00

Come join the march and/or rally with folks from the mountains of Appalachia and other parts of this country as we honor those miners and their families who payed with their lives struggling for a fair wage and worker safety. The march and rally will commemorate the 90th anniversary of the Battle of Blair Mountain in 1921, when 10,000 coal miners rose against the rule of the coal operators and

James The Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333272509217861825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-48388193647299494562011-05-29T08:25:00.000-04:002011-05-29T08:25:03.165-04:00

Nina Leopold Bradley Passes Away at 93 It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of Nina's passing on the morning of May 25, 2011. After 93 years of exceptional health things deteriorated rapidly for Nina beginning on Monday of this week. She was with her family, surrounded by the wildness she loved to the very end. The Aldo Leopold Foundation and the Leopold family thank you for all of the

James The Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333272509217861825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-59543928739180260362011-05-28T12:28:00.001-04:002011-05-29T08:26:43.703-04:00

A SECTION OF ABRAMS FALLS TRAIL REOPENS FOR MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND A popular portion of the Abrams Falls Trail from Cades Cove to the waterfalls has been repaired and reopened today after an EF4 tornado extensively damaged it and 8 other trails in the northwestern portion of Great Smoky Mountains National Park in late April. Visitors are now able to access the trail from the Cades Cove trailhead

James The Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333272509217861825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-71301852247489207072011-05-27T13:57:00.002-04:002011-05-27T13:57:55.802-04:00

The Abrams Falls Trail is now open from the Loop Rd to the Falls. It is still closed past the falls to the junction of Hannah Mtn. and Hatcher Mtn. Trail.

James The Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333272509217861825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-43543930798521968662011-05-27T13:51:00.002-04:002011-09-05T02:12:41.279-04:00

This state park sits on the line with Virginia and Kentucky and is 4000+ acres of awesome beauty. The terrain is of one I am not familiar with and was pretty rugged as you may be able to tell from the pictures. That is the trail going between the rock.

James The Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333272509217861825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-76942388146232389562011-05-16T11:47:00.006-04:002011-05-16T13:12:10.223-04:00

The sky was pretty much overcast, temps in the low 70's maybe, with the walk quiet except for the birds and sounds of water sliding through the rocks of the several streams we crossed and traveled beside. This path OTG continues to receive more traffic, to a point, from folks fishing and some of the lucky ones who just know of the route. We were among the lucky ones today who enjoyed the

likityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07229680715118010631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-15014323774922744412011-05-13T14:27:00.002-04:002011-05-16T13:13:21.508-04:00

The picture of the Falls is from an overnight excursion the Mysterious One and I took a few weeks ago in north Georgia, Crockford-Pigeon Mtn, I believe. The others are from here and there and in between.

James The Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333272509217861825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-26256765687833009762011-05-08T15:42:00.001-04:002011-05-08T15:44:14.409-04:00

Officials at Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the National Weather Service have determined that a severe EF 4 tornado swept across the northwestern corner of the Park last Wednesday causing extensive damage to seven park trails. The popular Abrams Falls Trail remains impassable due to numerous blow downs and over 40 areas where root balls were ripped out of the trail surface leaving

James The Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333272509217861825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-88647386931354141642011-04-24T22:55:00.009-04:002011-05-13T13:56:22.543-04:00

Some park staff and volunteers spent Tuesday the 19th cleaning up and repairing the Laurel Falls Trail. About half a dumpster of trash, a large portion of which was plastic and aluminum beverage containers, was picked up this day by volunteers, while trail maintenance staff repaired portions of the trail worn from time, use, and misuse. This annual effort gathers lots of garbage, much of

likityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07229680715118010631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-45144327714647845212011-04-18T23:50:00.001-04:002011-05-13T13:57:12.329-04:00

This is a route which I tried last year about this time I think and today was as challenging as I recalled, and more. I started at the Rich Mtn. trailhead and climbed this strenuous route at healthy clip stopping once to lose a layer early into the climb and another short pause to take some pictures. The OTG section takes one down into a deep and steep drainage off of Rich Mtn trail about a 1/2

James The Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333272509217861825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-66016244629683336032011-04-13T17:19:00.001-04:002011-04-13T17:23:18.014-04:00

Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials have announced the one-day closure of the Laurel Falls Trail on Tuesday, April 19 for litter clean-up and graffiti removal. Mangers say that the closure will both improve the experience of hikers and reduce the likelihood of bears being attracted to the litter and food waste along the trail. The Trail closure will only affect the 1.7-mile paved

James The Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333272509217861825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-56695423319825558972011-04-12T20:52:00.004-04:002011-04-12T21:06:20.440-04:00

Great Smoky Mountain National Park officials are inviting the public to the Grand Opening and Ribbon-cutting at the Park’s new 100% Partner-funded Oconaluftee Visitor Center just inside the Cherokee, N.C.entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The event will take place at 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 15 about 1.5 miles north of Cherokee, NC along Newfound Gap Road. The new Oconaluftee

likityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07229680715118010631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-37924511624336703022011-04-07T23:59:00.003-04:002011-05-13T13:58:09.897-04:00

We were in the District of Columbia, the capitol of this country, for the last five days showing legislators why they should support the Clean Water Protection Act(CWPA). And tossing a Frisbee in the halls of congress. This is one of those bills that is a "no-brainer" except for those who have a financial or political interest in allowing the permanent destruction of mountains, the

James The Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333272509217861825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-89695684023258695612011-04-01T00:48:00.003-04:002011-05-13T13:58:46.319-04:00

James The Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333272509217861825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-60834713950596882502011-03-23T22:39:00.002-04:002011-05-13T13:59:10.151-04:00

These pictures were taken along various trails in the western half of the park ad each day has brought more blooms. It'll be interesting to see when and what will be the final cold spot for this winter. As in below freezing. We are getting hammered by a severe thunderstorm at this time with a tornado warning as well. Come on paddlers! The creeks will be large tomorrow.

James The Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333272509217861825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-17278689092281761992011-03-17T14:24:00.000-04:002011-03-17T14:24:15.964-04:00

Dear Caretakers of Creation: LEAF has been working to end mountain top removal coal mining in Tennessee for four years now. We've made a bit of progress here and there but the real goal, ending mountain top coal mining in Tennessee has remained out of reach. Last week the opponents put forward a bill that appeared to be designed to provide cover for more inaction on the issue, so we ask you to

James The Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333272509217861825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-839849394319488782011-03-16T21:44:00.007-04:002011-05-13T14:00:50.695-04:00

This was a pleasant probably 8-9 ml. day hike which started from the Tremont parking lot and Lumber Ridge trail. The sky was overcast with high gray clouds and temperatures probably in the lower 50's. The "Mysterious One" led the way for most of the first 3 miles which is a consistent incline and then levels off for about a mile before connecting with the Meigs Creek and Meigs Mountain trails.

likityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07229680715118010631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-7864935585628524942011-03-10T03:06:00.001-05:002011-05-13T14:01:53.966-04:00

Bring your gear! Some of the folks who like to paddle whitewater are getting a bunch of opportunities to do so wherever they look in the Southern Appalachians. This due to large amounts of rain which have fallen recently coupled in some areas with the snow melt. These photos were taken yesterday (3/9/11) as I walked along some streams in the GSMNP during a break in the rain.

James The Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333272509217861825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-9513892301355036792011-03-07T22:15:00.001-05:002011-03-07T22:18:39.918-05:00

LEAF Action Alert - March 7, 2011 I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. John 12:46 Forward this message to a friend and post on blogs. If this alert was forwarded to you by a friend and you want to follow Tennessee’s Mountain Top Removal legislation yourself, sign up for LEAF’s weekly updates at www.tnleaf.org. Also “Like” LEAF on

James The Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333272509217861825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-34879214448690078632011-02-28T23:03:00.001-05:002011-05-13T14:02:31.757-04:00

The threat of rain apparently kept many folks inside this otherwise awesome day outside! So along the 4 miles I walked with "long mark" on the Middle Prong trail we saw only four folks. It sprinkled a few times with temperatures in the 60's and was a really relaxing atmosphere for an afternoon hike.

James The Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333272509217861825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-67018149646190745992011-02-20T23:46:00.002-05:002011-05-13T14:03:06.185-04:00

This young bear emerged from its winter resting a couple of weeks ago. That statement is based on reports from visitors and fellow Volunteer Interpretive Rangers who patrol the Laurel Falls trail in order to keep the bears safe from the visitors. No, really. S/he appears healthy and new to these long periods of sleep, and waking up from them, and all those "two legged animals" standing around

James The Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333272509217861825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-65243465934658648702011-02-20T23:20:00.002-05:002011-02-20T23:23:57.857-05:00

So yesterday I'm rocking down Rich Mountain trail about to complete 6 mile hike and I come around a bend surprising a backpacker who's going up. We exchange greetings and he says he's surprised to see anyone so I smile and tell him there are about 8 or 10 guys who are probably heading down about now from the Indian Grave Gap/Rich Mtn. trail intersection. While speaking with him I notice his

James The Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333272509217861825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-81879267593881886292011-02-16T21:51:00.007-05:002011-09-05T02:13:43.277-04:00

This log and fern has been the interest of my lens before, I believe. And not by planning it's just in front of a rock I've stopped at a few times and sat down on. It's found on the loop off of the West Prong.

likityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07229680715118010631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-66646678315730991432011-02-15T09:12:00.004-05:002011-02-16T09:43:57.134-05:00

Feb 14, 2011- Action Alert-Take heart Dear LEAF Supporters, For Valentine's Day LEAF's message is Take Heart. Jesus and Paul often told early Christians exactly that. People ask me, is LEAF even going to pursue a ban on mountain top mining this year? Of course we are! God is mighty enough to move the hearts of man in any political climate. This is the God who parted the Red Sea, after all. So

James The Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333272509217861825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-29081823907625341912011-02-13T22:58:00.008-05:002011-05-13T14:03:48.763-04:00

Dudes! and Dudettes! what a cool walk with friends today on some unmarked trails away from the masses. Long Mark, Dr J, Country, and myself enjoyed blue skies, the moderating temperatures and being outside. Country also noted some of the geological formations and shapes (rocks and boulders) and the delicate tectonic forces which helped create them. It was a very enjoyable day and a good

likityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07229680715118010631noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-12127294415508688202011-02-13T18:55:00.000-05:002011-02-13T18:55:33.404-05:00

After reading the following I called my senators again and left a message calling for end to MTR Please the bottom of this page for the congressional switchboard and call your senator too, pleeeaase. FRANKFORT – At least fourteen Kentuckians have decided to remain in Gov. Steve Beshear’s office over the weekend at the invitation of the governor himself. Among those remaining in the governor’s

James The Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333272509217861825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-1017515311185899672011-02-10T19:25:00.001-05:002011-05-13T14:05:19.300-04:00

There was a light snow last night and it made for a beautiful walk OTG today! I sat on a rock after hiking in about 1.5 mls and enjoyed the quiet noise provided by the full stream slipping by beside me.

James The Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333272509217861825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-16603553580953878612011-01-31T22:26:00.001-05:002011-05-13T14:04:47.165-04:00

I saw these small parts of the larger view today bushwhacking off the West Prong trail. An area which someone had told me about a few months ago and today I checked out a part of the route. Time and weather permitting I will try and see more of this area soon.

James The Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333272509217861825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-85736033012298051792011-01-29T18:04:00.001-05:002011-09-05T02:14:39.769-04:00

These two words have been spoken to me as a complete sentence at times and at others with various adverbs and pronouns for a particular emphasis. Today I did that as I took a short walk on a familiar route, sat on a log and paid attention to the small things of which contribute to the big experience.

James The Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333272509217861825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-18208397732939361702011-01-13T07:28:00.015-05:002011-05-13T14:06:18.783-04:00

Dudes and Dudettes ! The snow showers continued today (1/12/11) in and close to the mountains leaving another inch or more accumulation in some spots. This after the inch or two added overnight Tuesday. Anyway, today I hiked up Rich Mtn. trail for about a mile and got some more schooling in hiking in a relatively deep snow, probably 8-10 inches, while ascending a sometimes steep path. I

likityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07229680715118010631noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-58587480478941687162011-01-11T17:09:00.012-05:002011-05-13T14:07:09.910-04:00

Well the Little River rd. was opened today with occasional patches of slush however, apparently safe enough for driving. And it was as I drove to the West Prong trailhead anyway, though the road was closed after the pavement ended. So my walk of approx. 3.5mls along the West Prong and back to the loop to complete the afternoon was done without seeing sign of anyone except for prints in the

likityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07229680715118010631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-61805253012236996092011-01-10T13:12:00.008-05:002011-05-16T13:14:32.775-04:00

The GSMNP is closed today. And this closure is at the gates coming in from Townsend so there will be no turning around in the parking lots at the 'Y'. This is great for the hardcore hiker! When I walked east a few miles in the untouched snow on Little River rd. the audible reflection of the river could be heard as it arose from the rock cliffs which line the road in places. One could close

likityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07229680715118010631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-64511338108859988092011-01-02T23:00:00.012-05:002011-01-08T17:34:26.511-05:00

Dudes and Dudettes! What an interesting excursion "the mysterious one", and I went on the other day! We were up on the northern areas of the Cumberland Plateau in eastern Tennessee. The heavy rains stopped just before we arrived and began our walk into this area of natural beauty and native human history. The property we walked is for sale and has about a mile of river and creek frontage

likityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07229680715118010631noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-62995421424620440602010-12-15T10:04:00.000-05:002010-12-15T10:04:40.544-05:00

I don’t curse much anymore. Using them words ain’t near as much fun as it was when I was younger. Maybe I’m older and wiser, maybe not. Probably much more it’s just because I don’t like people judging me by the way I talk. About the only thing that can make me use them words these days is a mule. Even thinking about a mule can get my dander up. They are ornery, stubborn, smelly creatures that

Forest Casenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-11955109316843729842010-12-13T22:33:00.006-05:002010-12-14T22:17:03.270-05:00

Dude, today it was Cold! Though we were pleasantly surprised at the lack of wind that was forecast with air temperatures in the 20's. Well at least along the 2 mls. or more we walked up and in from the Townsend 'Y', along Chestnut Top trail there was little wind and we had past some folks coming out who warned of us a cold wind ahead so we noticed it not happening. With roads in the park

likityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07229680715118010631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-24688982037341895192010-12-06T18:20:00.006-05:002010-12-14T22:15:38.453-05:00

Hello! This awesome walk OTG took me and a new friend into the recent snow that has been falling for several days. Depending on what elevation you may have been at or seeing. Ha, "seeing", much of the GSMNP and surrounding areas has been covered in a thick, low, bundle of grey clouds for several days through this morning! Our short walk was into quiet white snow where no one had been for

likityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07229680715118010631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-7060516282434234512010-12-02T20:45:00.008-05:002010-12-14T22:14:49.803-05:00

Today I walked into White Oak Sinks from an unmarked route and found the area quiet except for conversations with a hiking partner who spotted this psychedelic fungus growing on a log beside the trail. The temperature was in the 30's with PC skies and a cool breeze. Lots of fresh skat from boar was seen throughout the area we walked in the sink.

likityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07229680715118010631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-20162113703224068612010-11-21T16:07:00.013-05:002010-12-14T22:13:40.248-05:00

On a great autumn afternoon this walk covered 5+ miles along several trails on Lookout Mountain. We began our walk out the parking area at the Kiddie Trail just before the Nature Center at the base of Lookout in Chattanooga. As the trails along this side of the mountain are not well marked at intersections I'm not sure how much was on the Skyuka trail, the Lower Truck trail or was it Upper

likityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07229680715118010631noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-22872179627703081482010-11-13T23:59:00.001-05:002010-12-14T22:10:21.472-05:00

Today it was 71 degrees in Tuckaleechee Cove with clear skies and lot's of people in cars driving through the GSMNP. The short walk I took was exceptional and I was able to take a route that kept me out of visual contact with anyone else. Though at times I could hear folks up on the marked trail as I stopped to listen to the sounds of the forest.

James The Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333272509217861825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-56154203061237922222010-11-08T18:37:00.004-05:002010-12-14T22:09:16.761-05:00

Fire managers at Great Smoky Mountains National Park plan to conduct a series of prescribed burns of fields in Cades Cove on Tuesday through Friday, November 9-12, if weather conditions permit. Park managers plan to burn several tracts totaling about 700 acres. The selected fields are being burned as part of a cost-effective strategy to prevent the open fields from being reclaimed by forest.

James The Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333272509217861825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-13534991665831136942010-11-03T14:40:00.013-04:002010-11-04T07:57:19.576-04:00

Hello to all! This excursion began on Sunday the 31st of October from Cades Cove and the Anthony Creek Trail early in the afternoon. The weather was fabulous with temperatures around 70 degrees, sunny skies and a nice breeze. Of course this meant lots of folks "auto-touring" and even some walking on the initial few miles of the trail. Most coming out from day hikes though I spoke with some BP's

James The Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333272509217861825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-57736911808255564522010-10-29T22:16:00.004-04:002010-10-29T22:27:17.651-04:00

Great Smoky Mountains National Park has announced its winter season facility closings schedule. As cooler weather approaches and visitation decreases, various facilities will close, including 7 of the 10 campgrounds, and operational hours for some visitor services will be reduced. VISITOR CENTERS Through the month of November, the Sugarlands Visitor Center, 2 miles south of Gatlinburg, TN, will

likityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07229680715118010631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-47228213821124544622010-10-26T23:50:00.004-04:002010-10-27T00:02:02.792-04:00

Great Smoky Mountains Superintendent Dale A. Ditmanson has announced that when the Park’s Cataloochee Campground reopens for the season next March 11 campers will be required to have made advance reservations either online at: www.recreation.gov or toll-free at 1-877-444-6777. Historically, the popular, but remote, 27-site campground has operated on a first-come-first-served basis, which did not

likityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07229680715118010631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-57015898751501907142010-10-26T23:13:00.006-04:002010-11-03T16:30:32.617-04:00

These oval shaped formations were spotted OTG on the side of the rock and were obviously left by alien life forms. Today was great day for a walk OTG and avoiding all the folks along the park roads and easy trails taking pictures of the fall colors. Much of the foliage may be cut in it's peak as these heavy rains and strong winds blow through tonight. There was a tornado warning for the GSMNP/

likityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07229680715118010631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742722160084534267.post-49970243035503865262010-10-03T16:23:00.007-04:002010-11-03T16:29:44.454-04:00

Dudes and Dudettes! today I walked the Rich Mtn. trail up to the #5 campsite and it was not a day for the lightweight! Now I'm sure you have walked in tougher weather conditions as most regular backpackers and hikers have yet this was the first of the season for me and included temps in the upper 40's with rain. Check out the bee in the bloom. What?!, is it like trying to stay dry or was it slow

likityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07229680715118010631noreply@blogger.com0