alone

None of us will ever accomplish anything excellent or commanding except when he listens to this whisper which is heard by him alone.
--Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) American Poet, Lecturer and Essayist. 

warm and cool

It may be that you are not yourself luminous, but you are a conductor of light. Some people without possessing genius have a remarkable power of stimulating it.
--Arthur Conan Doyle, Sr. (1859-1930) Scottish writer.

Above: I like the complementary colors of blue and orange in this scene found along the Linear Trail in Erwin, TN at sunset.

that man is a success

The mark of a successful man is one that has spent an entire day on the bank of a river without feeling guilty about it.
--Author Unknown 

A scene from along the Erwin Linear Trail...

character

People do not seem to realize that their opinion of the world is also a confession of character.
--Ralph Waldo Emerson

the path of life

Every experience God gives us, every person He puts in our path, is the perfect preparation for a future only He can see.
--Corrie ten Boom (1892-1983) Holocaust survivor and author 

Above: Erwin (TN) linear trail

awaiting spring

A hush is over everything; The world is waiting for the spring.
--Sara Teasdale (1884-1933) American lyrical poet

Erwin Linear Trail awaiting spring.

leaning in

It's not a good sign when photos taken earlier this week were not even downloaded until tonight. Wish I had a warmer scene to share with you, but this view of Martin's Creek in Erwin will have to do.

Dark spruce forest frowned on either side the frozen waterway. The trees had been stripped by a recent wind of their white covering of frost, and they seemed to lean towards each other, black and ominous, in the fading light. A vast silence reigned over the land.
--Jack London (1876-1916) American short-story Writer and Novelist

Along the Erwin Linear Trail

Linear paths and trails are popping up all over in this area - seems most every city either has one or is well into the preparation (or debate!) for their own trail system. The Erwin Linear Trail runs for more than three miles along the western edge of the city, passing creeks, ponds and the Nolichucky River. Although not particularly well-marked from the road, hopefully the map below will show that it can be accessed from any of the three Interstate 26 exits in Erwin (click map to enlarge). A few stretches pass through residential and industrial areas, but there many beautiful areas which make this trail perfect for a walk or a bike ride. If you're new to Erwin and their trail, I recommend taking the Erwin/Jonesborough Exit at Mile 37 (Route 81/107) and parking behind McDonald's. To the north of McDonald's a short walk on the trail will take you past two beautiful ponds. The area south of McDonald's also becomes very nice once you head into the woods and along the creek - this section of the path is well lit at night, while the newer section (north of McDonald's to Fishery Park, is not).

Top photo: The glowing light of late afternoon was great for capturing these ducks swimming across this Erwin Linear Trail pond.

influence

The life I touch for good or ill will touch another life, and that in turn another, until who knows where the trembling stops or in what far place my touch will be felt.
--Frederick Buechner (1926-2022) Presbyterian minister and author 

 Above: Reflections along the Erwin Linear Trail, Erwin, TN

Peaceful pond

A scene taken along the beautiful Linear Trail in Erwin, TN. The trail has recently been expanded to stretch from Fishery Park all the way to the Jackson/Love Highway. Click here to read more.

Quiet Reflection

I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order.--John Burroughs (1837-1921), American naturalist and essayist

Erwin Linear Trail

A scene from the Erwin Linear Trail. It was great to see lots of folks out jogging, walking, and biking tonight on the trail. I'm looking forward to the opening of the trail extension to Fishery Park near I-26 exit 36.

There are numerous parking points along the trail (here are the ones I know of):
At I-26 exit 37 (Erwin/Jonesborough), turn towards Erwin. You will immediately see McDonald's on your left and you can park in the back of their parking lot to reach the trail (and pond). Or, turn across from McDonald's onto Willow Park Road -- you'll find two separate gravel parking areas on your right giving access to the trail.

At I-26 exit 40 (Jackson/Love) - turn towards Erwin on Jackson/Love Highway, take the first left after crossing a bridge onto Industrial Drive. There are two parking areas: The first is 0.2 miles after you turn on Industry Drive; the second is 1.2 miles in (basically at the dead end of Industry Drive). I like this second spot best - park here by the gazebo and then backtrack 0.7 miles on the trail to a pond where there's almost always ducks and turtles.

Erwin Linear Trail

The Linear Trail in Erwin is a terrific place to go for a stroll, jog or bike ride. Greenbelts or linear trails are popular with city planners today, and Erwin has built a model linear park. You ought to check it out. It starts at the Erwin/Jonesborough exit (#37) of I-26 (behind McDonalds) and runs to the Jackson-Love Exit (# 40). Ambitious plans are in the works to extend the trail south to Chestoa and north to Fishery Park in Erwin (near Exit 36) and eventually to the town of Unicoi and Limestone Cove.

The photos here show the path at different times of the year. The top photo was taken in early November, the middle one in July and the bottom one in early March.