Fall in the Smoky Mountains

Fall Colors
The leaf colors peak usually mid October to November but this past year there was still plenty of lavish colors at Thanksgiving. The Smoky Mountain fall colors are more muted than what you will see at higher elevations in Colorado or upper New York state but they are non the less a sight to witness. I had the opportunity to fly over the Mountains by helicopter this past fall.
A rather cold day. It is not often that we get blessed with such a clear one. The Mountain had shed its mantel of smoke. A yellow and black helicopter gently landed 25 feet in front of us and a young pilot motioned us in. The blades were still turning and a blast of cold air bit my face. There was space for three passengers. I was able to take the seat next to the pilot. Who by the, looked like he had just changed from his high school uniform before he came to work. I was a little sceptical. " Where did you learn to fly, the military?" I asked. "No." he went on to say he learned from video games. "Just kidding", he laughed as he lifted off. Any concern of his ability was quickly laid to rest. He was a pro and made working this machine look effortless. We flew over rolling hills with carpets of colorful foliage. Over the city of Pigeon Forge I caught a glimpse of my log cabin and then I saw Dolly Wood Amusement Park to my right. It covered more acreage than I thought. A great place to visit with kids. Wholesome and prickly sweet.
There is a large open mine pit that I did not even know existed not 5 miles from my cabin. As we approached the Mount LeConte the pilot became a little playful. He waited until the very last moment before he pulled up to top the mountain peak. I loved it. I am not certain the couple in the back seat enjoyed it. They did not say a word the entire trip. On the way back we passed over Wears Valley. I looked closely for black bears but never seem to have any luck. Everyone who as ever been to the Smokies sees black bears, bear cubs, bears in the water and bears in the fields. Not me. Not since 1962. The last time I was the closest is when I was on a trail just off the roadway. I heard something large crashing through the under brush. By the time I made it the trail head, 25 cars were stopped. Everyone was running with cameras in one hand towing the kids in the other. As I reached the crowd of onlookers most were already heading back to their cars. I heard one say, "Yea, it was a female with cubs. I've got great pictures. Want to see?". "NO! but I can tell ya where to put 'em". Another near bear miss. I am starting to feel jinxed. The helicopter was back at the heliport before I knew it. A quick 20 minute flight that will last a life time or at least until dementia sets in.
You can check out photos by clinking on the one at the bottom of this page. Go to public albums and you will be able to see a variety of photos.

Mexico's Myan Ruin- Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza



First the guide, proudly of Mayan decent, pointed out that the correct pronunciation is not "Chiken Itsa". So as you board the bus to one of the worlds premier architectural wonders you are given a quick lesson in linguistic acrobatics. For the first twenty minutes on the bus you keep repeating to yourself " Chi...chn it's... a" or "Cha... chin Ets'a" or was it really "Cha...ching"
as they keep rolling more and more tourist toward Chichen Itza.
( map 0f Chichen Itza www. internet-at-work.com/hos_mcgrane/chichen/chichen_index.html)

Our particular bus had a professor of Mayan Culture who gave a very lengthy discourse on not only Mexican and Mayan history but also gave his interpretation of how United States history and politics influenced Mexico. There was a very long history of Mayan civilization he stated. Chichen Itza was populated from around 500 AD until approximately 1300. With a 100 year absents of population around 900AD. No one understands why. The Mayan calender was of prime interest of this professor and he went on in detail of how and why it was developed. By the way, the calender ends in 2012. As we passed through a small village with thatched cover roofs and iguanas sunning on top of stone walls, my ears wondered from our Mayan professor to the sounds of a snoring passenger that had likely had a bit too much tequila the night before. It was a long bus ride and even though it was October it was still very hot and humid. I tried to enjoy the sights of the Yucatan

We finally arrived about mid morning. The sun was already high in the sky. We should have
had hats and sun block. Small children surrounded me wanting to sell their wood carvings and trinkets. Some of these were actually well done. One child approached me, " Senor, only 2 peso, only 25 cents American ", or " I'll trade you this carving for your tennis shoes". What a deal, my Nike Air's for a peso's worth of touristy junk. It was probably made in China. Elderly woman set up tables under the trees trying to obtain a little relief from the sun. Though you can feel the desperation I did my best to ignore the kids with trinkets and the elderly woman selling cloth strips and ribbon. I focused on the wonder of this Wonder of the World. Although we only had time to see a small portion of this ancient city it was still evident that it was huge by any standard of history. The first structure that catches your eye is the great stone pyramid, El Castillo. Steps from the ground to the top of the structure made me wounder how the Mayans, who were of such small stature, were able to manage such high steps. In today's world it would be a law suite waiting to happen. " So Mr. High Priest why did you say there were no hand rails on these steps?". I took photos from every angle. Some with the sun behind the pyramid, some with sun's illumination and some with trees in the foreground. One out of the hundred was so great I use it as wallpaper on my desk top computer.

Large serpent carvings adorn the entryway to the jaw dropping panoramic ball court, Chaac-Mool. Here Mayan men played for life or death. This ball game was played with the spectators perched on top of the 30 foot ( my guesstimate) high stone walls of the playing field. The looser literally lost his head. Carvings of the event are still well preserved on the outer walls, as are many more carvings depicting the Mayan way of life. At the end of the ball court is a smaller temple. Now most of the stone structures and walls are bare. Our guide pointed out a small section that still gave a glimpse into the vibrant colors that once were. A short walk and you are witness to a large alter sitting high on its temple with 1000 columns standing watch. I didn't actually count them but I'll take the guide's word. The alter is craved stone of such beauty that it is difficult to believe that it was used for human sacrifice. I over heard a tourist explaining to a friend that the people sacrificed were treated well because these were family and friends. "What? So if you gon'a kill me , being nice about it makes okay? Really?". While there the guides try to play down the sacrifice stuff but then they let it slip, if you walk down this jungle trail about a 1/4 mile you will come to a large hole in the ground the scared Cenote. Here young virgins, bad kids, the sick and others were "lovingly" dropped to their deaths 70 feet below. As the Spanish invaded the territory they killed many of the Mayan priest and burned most of their books so much of the culture was lost.

Much of the site is still under restoration. I look forward to my next visit when I expect great improvements of this historical site.

The bus ride back to Progresso was much quicker. I slept the entire way. Before you visit Chichen Itza remember go early morning. You will beat the crowds and the heat. Also, remember to bring sun block, hats and an extra $5.00 dollars if you bring in a video camera. Don't let the long bus trip stop you from seeing this magnificent place and if you can, stay over night at one of the near by hotels.
( you can access more photos by clicking on the photo at the bottom of the page)

Smoky Mountains

Pigeon Forge, TN
Winter in the Smoky Mountains is a mix of snow and rain. This year has been more snow in the higher elevations and has beckoned many tourist to the area. Pigeon Forge and Sevierville area, unlike Gatlinburg, have continued to promote a Branson style entertainment center. I have been coming to the Smokies since childhood and have many fond memories. Though things have changed over the years there is always one constant, The Smokies.
First I have to state I own a log cabin, Hibernation Hideaway, just across from Dolly Wood and I am not above self promotion to tell you it is on a rental program with Patriot Get Aways (http://www.patriotgetaways.com/). We have continued to enjoy this luxury log cabin for years. Each bedroom has a Jacuzzi, there is a hot tub, two fire places, gas BBQ grill and game area with Foosball table. On the resort grounds is an indoor pool, outdoor pool, hot tub, exercise room, picnic area and a meeting room. You can check out the photos at the above web site.
The Smoky Mountains may not be as impressive as the Rockies but they are a beautiful wooded temptress. One of our favorite things to do while there is to hike the many trails maintained by the National Parks Service ( www.gsmnp.com/pages/hiking.html ). Anyone who knows me knows I hate to pay taxes since so much of our tax dollars are wasted. But, when it comes to our National Parks I believe it is money well spent. If you are lucky enough there will be snow at the higher elevations and little ice on the trails. I am usually not that fortunate. The ice can be a bit tricky.
Chimney Tops Trail is a favorite of mine. Some of the trail is very steep and the last section requires a good deal of caution when there is ice. On more than one occasion my bottom made friends with the frozen ground. With wet pats and deflated ego I would stumble on. The trail rises approximately 1300 feet from start to finish with the peak of the Chimney's being at 4,840 feet. This trail is very popular so be prepared to hunt for parking at the trail head.
Many more tourist from Knoxville and surrounding area come for the weekend, so if you can, hike this trail during the week. The trail is only two miles but I swear it feels like ten due to the steepness. Dress with layers because you will likely be pealing down to your long johns before you reach the summit. Winter gives the wooded trials a magical air and as you cross over the picturesque Little Pigeon River the wooden bridge sways just enough to make your heart skip a beat. This trail is still worth the effort even if you don't make the summit. Go as far as you can and just enjoy the views.
Hunger strikes! Usually by the time I finish a morning hike I build a pretty good appetite. One of our favorite restaurants is the Old Mill Restaurant in Pigeon Forge. This tourist destination sits along the Pigeon River. The food is served family style with usually more food then you can eat. More often than not I have to be rolled out of the restaurant usually swearing I won't eat that much ever again or at least not until my next visit. If it is peak season and a weekend be prepared to wait at least an hour to be seated. The time will go by fast as you watch the ducks along the river and dare I say it, an occasional river rat can also be seen.
Pigeon Forge is a great family destination. See more info under "Summer in Pigeon Forge" and "Pigeon Forge Fall Colors"