Quinn Springs Campground in the Cherokeee NF

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 been a nut or some other food source.

From the campground you have access to several trails including the Oswald Bald trail which is what the "Mysterious One and I chose. This route of 3.8 mls, one-way, gains 2000' in elevation and should be considered difficult by most folks. As we climbed towards the upper reaches of the trail the forest cleared some and felt less cluttered with some open spaces. The bottom portion consisted of smaller trees and undergrowth, though it should be noted that this is a national forest and not a park, so trail traffic is less and maintenance is not as frequent giving it a more rustic feel. The Hiwassee Hiking Club does a fine job in maintaining this trail given the steep nature of the route. Atop the trail the mountain is crowded with radio antennas and other relays and transmitter. There is camping allowed at this point however we did easily spot any previously developed or used sites.

This Just in......to me anyway.

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.

...Oh! and, by the way....

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 participating in outdoor activities should take frequent breaks and drink plenty of water. Heat exhaustion, cramps, and heat stroke can result from prolonged exposure to these conditions. Friends and co-workers should check on people who may be at risk.

Pigeon Mountain/Pocket Wilderness

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 and darker than others, and all much cooler than the 90+ degree temperatures outside. These tunnel were spurs off the marked trail and went through small ridges that would shorten the walk somewhat, teasing us with much cooler air for a while.
This wildlife area is popular during the fall for usually two short hunts for deer season and less so during the spring for Turkey hunting.
The Mysterious One and I saw some beautiful blooms and interesting rock formations, plus got some time outside in these beautiful north Georgia forest. Peace

Lumber Ridge Trail, rodo's, waterfalls, and a wedding

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 railway used for removing timber. This trail leads through bunches of rodo's, numerous stream crossings, and metal remnants of the old railway. The 'Mysterious One' and I stopped for lunch along this portion of the walk and made sure to keep hydrated along the way.
As we made our way back from Spruce Flat Falls, we stepped aside for a group of folks in rather odd attire. Turns out they were hiking to the falls for a wedding ceremony which caused the 'Mysterious One' to chuckle and share with them that she had noted in her thoughts that the scene at the falls was set for some type of ceremony. Seeing the picture you may agree. Peace

The March to Blair Mountain

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 addressed in the most recent march, as well as preserving the mountain as an historic landmark by protecting it from MTR.
Estimates on the number of those attending the rally in Blair were as high as 2000+, and more than 850 folks were counted on the march up the last 2 miles of roadway which crisscrossed through the battlefield. The picture of the three women standing beside each other wearing the signs is important in several ways especially in that the folks way in the background, above them to the right, were counter protester telling us to go home and leave their state alone. Read their signs! There were several dozen West Virginians walking with us as we covered the fifty mile route and we often received friendly greetings from locals, stating their support for the march, with relatively infrequent, misinformed, verbal attacks from counter protesters.
As was pointed out by several speakers at the rally we must reach out to those who oppose us and open a dialogue so that we can better understand the fears they face and for them to understand ours. Peace

The March On Blair Mountain

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 outlets and ask them if they know about this march and if so, have they heard of the "institutional resistance" coming from county governments and police. Also if you or someone you know can support the March on Blair Mountain, please do so. Or better yet come join us in Logan WV, and Blair Mtn. on Saturday!!! Musicians, speakers!! See the web site for current information at marchonblairmountain.org Peace