Smoky Mountains to Nuclear Testing as Art

Huskey Gap Trail

Just back from Tennessee. What a fast eight days of rain, sleet, snow and cold wind. While in Pigeon Forge I had time, between repairing the hot tub covering at the cabin and waiting on the phone company to install our new lines, to check out a trail in Smoky Mountains National Park. Huskey Gap Trail is a 3.1 mile trail that begins across from the popular Laurel Falls Trail at Sugerland Mountain Trail Head ( www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/hiking.htm). Huskey Gap unfolds with a long steep assent on a smooth surface of leaves and rock. Fortunately most of the snow and ice from the day before had evaporated. I have to admit the strain of the climb, cold air and my age required I stop about every hundred feet or so to allow oxygen to reach my brain. Be certain to take a camera. I have learned that you can save face by stopping to take a photo while in actuality you are catching your breath.
This is a great time of the year to check out this particular trail since the leaves of the sugar maple, sweet gum and hickory trees have fallen, giving way to panoramic views of the mountains. It was about 20 degrees but once I was over the first peak of my assent the wind died down and I actually removed my gloves and unzipped my coat just a bit. I usually do not see much wildlife on these trails but since I was the only one foolish enough to be out in this cold weather I was hoping that I might catch a glimpse of something. With 1500 black bear, thousands of deer and a few elk in this park you would think I would stumble on to at least one animal. Just about the time I had forgotten about the wildlife I almost left some "rick scat"on the trail as a female cardinal flew from the bushes a few feet away. I don't know who was more startled , the bird or me. As I pushed further into the woods the trail leveled off for a short while. There were fallen trees piled high, having been pulled down the surrounding slopes by rushing water. An opening free of branches and underbrush happened ever so often and allowed for some great photos and deep thought.
An easy trail to manage, Huskey Gap Trail is one not to miss, especially during the winter months.

Knoxville/ Nuclear Testing as Art

The drive from Pigeon Forge to Knoxville was clogged with eighteen wheelers and holiday travelers. It made me wish I had a new navigation system in my SUV, one that would actually maneuver on it's own once you would punch in the destination and set the automatic pilot. It would also be nice to have a system that would stroke your ego. Turn on the engine and an airy feminine voice would say, " Oh! Rick you turn me on,". Or sit back on the leather seat and you would hear," Why, you must be working out, you feel so muscular against my seat back". Or even, " You don't have to ask for directions, you never get lost." But alas, what I really hear is ," Make a u-turn. You passed it up you stupid idiot". So even though I drove around in circles for a while we arrived at the Knoxville Museum of Art which is located at the site of the 1982 World's Fair (http://www.knoxart.org/ ). Parking is free and only a short walk to the front door. The cost of admission is a very low $5.00 per person with anyone under 17 getting in free. As we arrived a jovial attendant described the Michael Light exhibit 100Suns. He told us in a discernibly New York accent that the exhibit consisted of photographs of nuclear testing after the end of World War II. Did we just waste 10 bucks! I have to admit we were a bit sceptical and saved this exhibit for last. The museum is surprisingly small for a city the size of Knoxville and I was a bit let down by the quality of what I had seen. There are the Throne Rooms with miniature dioramas. Basically upscale doll houses. By the time we arrived at the 100 Suns exhibit I was feeling disappointed. However the Michael Light Exhibit 100 Suns was shockingly beautiful and thought provoking. He salvaged a part of our national history by using digital software and photography to enhance the photos of nuclear testing in Nevada , Christmas Islands and Bikini Atoll. It is hard to imagine that such a destructive force can also be so beautiful. The most haunting image was the dozen or so men that sat in lawn chairs, goggles on and within deadly grasp of the radioactive fallout. This exhibit will be at the museum until June 1, 2008.

Back in the car I hope to hear, " Why Rick, the seat belt is tight on you bulging muscles." Ain't technology grand.

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.

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"