reflections

Life is like a mirror, we get the best results when we smile at it.
--Anonymous

Reflections on Laurel Fork in the Dennis Cove area of Carter County, TN.

November

No warmth, no cheerfulness, no healthful ease,
No comfortable feel in any member -
No shade, no shine, no butterflies, no bees,
No fruits, no flowers, no leaves, no birds -
November! 
--Thomas Hood (1799-1845) British humorist and poet

After an absolutely beautiful sunny and warm Thanksgiving day, today was all November: falling temps, gray skies and misty rain. Even so, it was a great day to take "Blue" for his first hike. We went out to one of my favorite destinations, Sill Branch Falls.  Blue did great!

Introducing "Blue"

You cant keep a good man down -- or an over affectionate dog.
--Anonymous

It's been a year since I lost my dog "Duke" -- and not a day has gone by that I haven't missed him. I know some people get another dog right away, but I didn't really feel ready until now. I found Blue at the Johnson City Animal Shelter...and like Duke, he's an Australian Shepherd mix. I really like Aussies, they're a good size, intelligent, and athletic, with fun (often silly) personalities. I'm not exactly sure what he's mixed with, but he's got short legs and big meaty paws (I'm guessing he's got some Lab in him).  I'm hoping he won't get too big! He gets his name from his bright blue eyes (and the fact that I'm a Duke fan, go Blue Devils!). It's been awhile since I've had a puppy (he's 4 1/2 months), so I'm rediscovering what it's like to have a shadow following me everywhere I go around the house and relearning the habit of putting my shoes and remotes out of the danger zone.  So far so good...Blue is very affectionate without being excessively clingy -- he seems to be a pretty laid back dog.  We've already played fetch a bunch today -- I'm looking forward to taking him out on the trails on Friday!  It was sad separating Blue from his 'littler' brother at the pound -- he is mostly white (with lots of black and gray speckles), and shares a lot of the same characteristics as his brother. I hope he'll find a loving home - let me know if you want more info about him.

Click here for my "Tips for Dog Training" (I need to re-read that myself!)

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy moments, praise God.
Difficult moments, seek God.
Quiet moments, worship God.
Painful moments, trust God.
Every moment, thank God.
--Anonymous

One of the larger waterfalls found along Lower Higgins Creek (this is the fourth waterfall you come to, sometimes). It's larger than it looks here (50'), Click here for another photo, which gives a wider perspective, and for directions.

stewardship

When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, ‘I used everything you gave me.’
--Erma Bombeck (1927-1996) American author

Watauga Lake in Carter County, TN

"You're All The World To Me"

To the world you might be one person, but to one person you might be the world.
--Anonymous

Here's my friend Tim's daughter, Hannah, playing on the swings at Steele Creek Park.  To see Hannah's previous appearances on Appalachian Treks click here and here.  And to hear Tony Bennett singing "You're All the World to Me" click below...

BTW...there was a nice article about Spruce Pine, NC in the Washington Examiner.

our finest moments

The truth is that our finest moments are most likely to occur when we are feeling deeply uncomfortable, unhappy, or unfulfilled. For it is only in such moments, propelled by our discomfort, that we are likely to step out of our ruts and start searching for different ways of truer answers.
--M. Scott Peck (1936-2005) American psychiatrist and author 

Above: The path at Rocky Forky in Unicoi County, TN.  Click here a map of this spectacular area, recently protected from development. Click here for an excellent description of the hike to Buzzard Rock.

Directions: Take the Flag Pond exit off of I-26 (exit #50), at the stop sign turn left onto Higgins Creek Road. Drive ½ mile, til you reach Rt. 23, turn right and travel 2 ¼ mi. through Flag Pond, then turn left on Rocky Fork Road. Take your time driving up this road, the creek offers amazing cascades and waterfalls. After ¾ mi. you will see a gravel pull-off to the left with space for about three cars. Park here (out of the way of the gate) and follow the gravel lane into Rocky Fork on foot. A trio of falls is about a quarter mile in on your left. 

autumn silence

But I remember more dearly autumn afternoons in bottoms that lay intensely silent under old great trees.
--C.S. Lewis (1898-1963) British Scholar and Novelist

The ol' swimmin' hole at Rock Creek Park outside of Erwin, TN.

take it all in

Live each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influences of each. 
--Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862) American Essayist, Poet and Philosopher

Margarette Falls in Greene County, TN. For information and directions, click here.

slow growing

Be not afraid of growing slowly, be afraid only of standing still.
– Chinese Proverb 

Steele Creek Park in Bristol, TN.

inspire me

Flatter me, and I may not believe you. 

Criticize me, and I may not like you. 

Ignore me, and I may not forgive you. 

Encourage me, and I will not forget you. 

Love me and I may be forced to love you.

--William Arthur Ward (1921–1994) author--

Warriors Path State Park, Kingsport, TN

excellence

We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit. 
--Aristotle (384-322 BC) Greek philosopher

Milligan College junior Cordero Seymour (Matthew Town, Bahamas) takes it to the hoop in the Buffaloes home opener again Cincinnati Christian University.

start today

Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.
--Maria Robinson, author 

Rocky Fork in Unicoi Co., TN

strength

Anyone can give up, it's the easiest thing in the world to do. But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that's true strength.
--unknown

The Covered Bridge in Elizabethton, TN, built in 1882.

it's all good

All weather is good weather because it is God's weather.
--Saint Teresa of Avila (1515-1582) Carmelite nun, Doctor of the Church 

The road to Roan Mountain following Saturday's snow.

a preview of winter

The future lies before you, like paths of pure white snow.
Be careful how you tread it, for every step will show.
–Unknown

A preview of winter on Roan Mountain.

Pinnacle Mountain Fire Tower

Finally made it up to the Pinnacle Mountain Fire Tower which sets above the town of Unicoi, Tn. Efforts are now underway to restore the old fire tower for "its historical significance and the opportunity it brings for area tourism and outdoor recreation users." Part of the project includes the development a 4.5-mile trail connecting the tower to the trailhead to the future site of the Tanasi Arts & Heritage Center near Interstate 26 at Exit 32.  The tower is in pretty rough shape right now -- with the first flight of stairs having been removed -- keeping visitors from climbing the tower. Even so, there's a great view of the Unaka and Roan Mountains. Once completed, this will be a terrific hiking destination and a symbol for Unicoi County (even though the tower actually sits just within the Washington County border!)  Click here for more photos and directions from Hiking Bill. More photos here. Click here for a news release (pdf) regarding the groups working with the Forest Service to rehabilitate the fire tower.

solitude

Language... has created the word "loneliness" to express the pain of being alone. And it has created the word "solitude" to express the glory of being alone.
--Paul Johannes Tillich (1866-1965) American theologian and philosopher

Taking in the magnificent view from Grandfather Mountain.

Update: Light snowfall fell on Grandfather Thursday night...video here.

autumn whispers

The fall of a leaf is a whisper to the living.
--Russian Proverb