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Fun

Walkin’ Among the Wildflowers, Wildlife, and Waterfalls

Posted on May 4, 2018April 30, 2018 by Easin' Along

Easin’ Along is on an assignment in the Cherokee National Forest this week so I hope you will enjoy one of our favorite posts from exactly two years ago. We will return next Friday with reports compiled during our time away.

In an effort to recall what my first vision of an active retirement was, it was probably the dream of having to decide whether to park my oversized yacht off of the coast of St. Barth’s or St. Martin in order to snorkel the clear, blue water. That dream is still out there, but I have yet to get the call that my yacht is ready for delivery. Meanwhile, I’m ecstatic with a retirement that’s active, but still has room for spontaneity.

A few weeks ago we told Easin’ Along readers about a trip we made to an area around TVA’s Norris Dam to follow the wildflower walk along the Clinch River. That was an awesome experience and one that we wanted to repeat, but wildflower season near our home was waning quickly. If we wanted to see more wildflowers we would have to go to a higher elevation.

On Friday of last week we were catching up on the events of the day and looking ahead to the weekend when Helen (adorable wife) said that the children would be the featured choir at Sunday’s church service and she felt like they could get along fine without her as the preeminent alto in the adult choir. To that, I replied, “Let’s go to Bryson City”. Admittedly we’re active people, but not so busy that we can’t be spontaneous…I love that. I immediately got on the phone and secured reservations for two nights and the next morning we packed Freddie (car) and hit the road.

Bryson City, NC is about a two-hour drive for us. It is in Western North Carolina and borders the southern side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The elevation for the town is a little over 1700 feet; about 800 feet higher than Knoxville, but the roads and trails in the National Park can take us much higher. We were sure we would see wildflowers and, in fact, Wildflower Week in the National Park would begin on Monday. This was going to be good.

There are several options for driving and we chose to follow Highway 441 which twists and winds its way from the Park entrance at Gatlinburg through Newfound Gap, a 5000 feet opening in the mountains and down to the Oconaluftee River Valley on the other side of the National Park. From there it is a short distance to Bryson City. As we climbed the mountain we could see wildflowers everywhere including White trillium, Phlox, and blankets of Spring Beauty making their way up the mountainside. We stopped at Webb Overlook to take in the view and while the leaves were not yet on most of the trees, there was just a hint of spring green in front of us.

Gracey Manor - Front — **Gracey Manor – Front**

We arrived in Bryson City and checked in to Gracey Manor, our favorite home away from home. We discovered Gracey Manor on our first trip here about two years ago when we came to float the nearby Nantahala River. The motel is owned by David and Peggy Gracey who operate the motel from April until the end of October, then return to their home in Texas for the winter. Gracey Manor is a classic 1950’s era motel and with no exaggeration whatsoever, is the cleanest place we have ever stayed. The rooms open to a front porch with a view to the mountains and an invitation to relax. David and Peggy are the friendliest people on the planet and go out of their way to make us feel welcome.

That evening we did a little walking around this small but vibrant town. There are a lot of shops and eateries and much to enjoy, and Bryson City is known for its world-class outdoor activities, laid-back vibe, and diversity of activities in its walkable downtown. It is an ideal getaway.

On Sunday morning I got up early and drove a few blocks away to pick up two large cups of coffee and take some pictures of the early morning sun on the mountains at the edge of town. The fresh air was stimulating, but I still needed coffee. I have posted a picture of the morning here.

After breakfast, we put on our hiking gear and drove about ten minutes into the National Park at Deep Creek campground to begin our search for wildflowers. We didn’t have to walk far. Starting on the Deep Creek/Indian Creek Loop and heading toward Tom Branch Falls, we were about 200 feet into the hike when we came upon a bed of bright blue Wild Iris – my favorite wildflower. Here’s a picture.

I continued along the trail and paused in front of Tom Branch Falls, a beautiful cascading waterfall above Deep Creek when I heard Helen yelling behind me. “Come Heeerrre!” “NOW!” She was standing on the side of the trail at the base of a steep hillside staring intently at something and that something turned out to be a light pink Showy Orchid. Of course, I didn’t know what it was but Helen did and she says that they are rare. On this hike, we were fortunate to come upon several beds containing large numbers of the flower. It was a treat.

We followed the Deep Creek/Indian Falls Loop for about 4.5 miles which included a fairly steep climb of a mile or more to the top of a ridge above Indian Creek then back down. We took our time and I was grateful for the time I spent at the YMCA (see post) over the past few months for giving me the needed energy to make the hike. In addition to the Iris and Orchids, we saw Wild Phlox, Phacelia, Trillium, Foamflower, Spring Beauty, and many others which will have to go unnamed for the moment. I was truly impressed by both the numbers of different species and by the sheer beauty they gave to us.

Blanket of Spring Beauty — **A blanket of Spring Beauty**

We were also treated to some spectacular waterfalls – Toms Branch and Indian Creek Falls among them.

While walking, we met many very nice and friendly hikers out to enjoy the Park. We lost count of the number of states represented by fellow travelers, but remember meeting folks from Connecticut, Oregon, Florida, and Alabama among them. One hiker we met was on his way to do some fly fishing for trout in one of the creeks along the trail, and he was most helpful in sharing some of the highlights of the area. His name is Dr. Spencer Muse, a professor of statistics at North Carolina State University. Dr. Muse is from the Bryson City area and comes back often to fish. We enjoyed our time with him on the trail, and he agreed to let me take his picture.

We met one other “stranger” on our hike when I was near the bottom of the ridge and looked straight into the face of a young deer about six feet away from me. This fella was accompanied by two other deer that seemed not the least bit disturbed by our presence and continued eating while we took their pictures. This was a bonus. Apparently, we missed a bear that was spotted by some others on the trail when he poked his head out of a cave above the road. I’m glad we avoided that opportunity, but he created quite a stir on the trail.

We are genuinely blessed to have the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in our backyard and it is easy to see why it is the most visited and most popular National Park in the country. Having been to many of our Parks, I agree that they are the greatest gifts we Americans have given to ourselves. This year we celebrate the 100th anniversary of this awesome gift.

That night we decided we still had enough energy to drive the short distance to Cherokee, NC and try our luck at the Casino. We’re not big gamblers, but we always hope big and walk through the doors very optimistically about having a big night. On this night I did well, but it wasn’t as good for Helen. Nevertheless, we evened each other out and walked away having a lot of fun for the two hours we spent there.

Adorable wife - Very busy — **Adorable wife – Very busy**

Up early again the next morning and walked about three blocks along Everett Street to our favorite breakfast spot, the Everett Street Diner. On our first trip to Bryson City, we noted that a lot of local policemen and firefighters filled this restaurant for breakfast and decided it must be good. We have never been disappointed. This is a true diner with tablecloths, heavy china plates and cups, and lots and lots of the things I get really excited about…like biscuits and gravy. It didn’t take us long to study the menu. Helen had the breakfast special and I went all in for the Biscuit and Gravy Combo. It arrived quickly and good and hot. We feasted.

Soon it was time to check out so we said our goodbyes to David and Peggy and took a picture to remember them by and hit the road.

We decided to go home by the same route along US 441 in order for a few more glimpses of the wildflowers in the Park and were again rewarded when we passed a large bed of Phlox and rare pink Trillium as well as white Trillium. A Pink one is pictured here and I think readers would have to agree it is stunning.

We stopped to take in the view from Clingmans Dome, the highest peak in the National Park. There were a number of visitors there and, judging from the license plates, they came from far and wide. The hike up the somewhat steep path from the parking lot to the tower takes about 10 minutes, but the view from the path is spectacular and we joined many visitors taking pictures. The tower offers a panoramic view of the horizon and it is breathtaking. I would encourage all to visit…but wear comfortable shoes.

We arrived back home in about three hours exhausted and exhilarated, thrilled by what we had seen and proud of ourselves for making the effort. Spontaneity can definitely produce a big reward.

Until next time, we’ll be Easin’ Along.

Fun

Blues on a Sunday Afternoon

Posted on April 8, 2016May 5, 2020 by Easin' Along

One of the unexpected surprises of retirement has been my decision to fill some of the available time with music. It’s surprising because music, like math, is not something that comes easily to me. I can’t write music, I don’t read music and I definitely can’t sing music, but, in the past, I have derived great pleasure from listening to music. Upon entering retirement however, I soon realized that music has value beyond being just sound projected from a car radio.

While sitting at my computer in the man cave and crafting eloquent blog posts for Easin’ Along, I discovered early on that it’s a lot easier to concentrate if easy listening, or light classical music is playing in the background instead of Sports Center or cable news. Soon I was digging out a number of CD’s from a large box that had been stored in the attic and playing them on a decade-old CD player that I connected to a Bose Radio. Being cursed with a somewhat obsessive personality, I next found myself pouring through the racks of a used CD store searching for more melodies to marinate the man cave. A new retirement activity had suddenly, and surprisingly, been born.

Equally surprising was that I discovered that my preferences for different types of music was wider in range than I had thought previously. I have a very large collection of 60’s and 70’s music on my MP3 player that I listen to when I work out at the YMCA. This has been my usual “go to” form in the past. Now however, good Mozart piece stirs me on occasion. I am fond of classic country music, and I LOVE Bluegrass.

Thanks to the satellite radio in Freddie (my car) I have recently tuned in to 70’s folk music, bluegrass gospel, and even some disco. It’s been fun and I’m certain that I will explore some more forms as I dig a little deeper into the CD stack and move further down the radio dial.

I know what I don’t like too. That list includes the music I don’t understand like hip-hop, new age, or rap. I’ve never been a fan of hard rock or heavy metal.

About a week ago I received an email from a friend who was promoting a concert of Blues music being given by the Smoky Mountain Blues Society on the following Sunday afternoon. My only other exposure to the Blues had been a trip with some friends last year to the Juke Joint Festival in Clarksdale, Mississippi which I enjoyed very much. In trying to decide if I really wanted to go, I thought, “why not”, for once a concert was being held before my bedtime…I bought a ticket.

*Blues singer – Juke Joint Festival, Clarksdale, MS*

The concert was held in an old building that had been converted into an entertainment venue in a revitalized part of town. There were about 125 people in attendance of all ages including a 30-something young lady who danced throughout the entire concert. She obviously had some professional experience and paused just long enough to take the picture shared below.

The Golden State Lone Star Blues Revue is composed of five gentlemen, several of whom are award winning blues musicians. Mark Hummel is the lead singer and blues harpist (harmonica). He is joined in the group by guitarists “Little Charlie” Baty and Anson Funderburgh. R.W. Grigsby plays bass, and Wes Starr plays the drums (a note of interest is that he holds the drumstick in his left hand between his index and middle finger).

Wes Star, Drum

Together they are sensational and Mark has to be one of the most accomplished blues harpists in the world. He can flat out play. Little Charley’s guitar rips were amazing and brought out thunderous applause from the crowd. Anson’s play was equally as good. Mark Hummel describes the group’s trademark sound as “Texas meets California meets Chicago”.

The afternoon was truly delightful and the Smoky Mountain Blues Society is to be commended for getting them to make a stop as they were on their way north from Atlanta. During a break I was able to speak to Mark for a minute and he told me that he makes his home in Castro Valley, California, but spends a lot of time on tour. He was gracious enough to sign a couple of CD’s for me and let me take his picture. R.W. Grigsby signed them as well.

The concert flew by, but I have posted several pictures here as well as a short video of their performance in the side margin of the home page. Please take the time to view it, the guitar solos are well worth the effort. I have also posted a five minute video of the concert on the Easin’ Along YouTube channel which features solo rips of several of the band members as well as Mark’s excellent harmonica solos. Be sure to increase the video to full screen size.

I’ll be Easin’ Along now, but a musical afternoon like this proved to me once again that when music and retirement come together, the outcome quite often produces great harmony.

Fun

Easin’ Along Enjoys Some Music for the Eyes

Posted on April 1, 2016October 29, 2016 by Easin' Along

As noted in an earlier post of Easin’ Along, I have a new camera. I purchased it for two reasons. The first was that I wanted a new learning activity as I entered retirement, and second, I wanted to capture the beauty of the mountains, lakes, foliage, and flowers that surround us in this blessed valley. I still have a LOT to learn but, with spring busting out all over the place, I grabbed my new camera to photograph this colorful bounty…and brag a little. Here’s what I mean by that.

I’m always bragging about the East Tennessee springtime to friends and family who are not fortunate to live where I do. Tennessee in the early spring is lush, it’s green, it’s colorful, and it’s that abundance of colorful flowers, trees, and shrubs that I brag about. Nevertheless, as the late Hall of Fame pitcher, Dizzy Dean, once said, “If you can do it, it ain’t braggin’”. Tennessee does spring very well.

Even the hardest of souls have to admit to casting a prolonged and admiring glance at the beauty that surrounds us this time of year. Admittedly, spring is short here compared to the fall where cooler temperatures and colorful foliage can linger long but, sadly, spring seems to arrive suddenly, and depart almost as quickly. For that reason, I wanted to Ease Along some of the roads through this abundance of color because it appears to be “peak week” in East Tennessee.

Please know that this is not going to be a lesson in botany. In fact, I had to get Helen (adorable wife) and a couple of friends to help me identify several of the flowering trees, shrubs, and wildflowers in these pictures, and even with help, I’m not certain that I’m 100% correct on some of them. Nevertheless, this has been another learning experience, and, one of the guiding principles of Easin’ Along is that we’re NEVER too old to learn.

It should also be noted that, with the exception of one shrub and one wildflower, all of the pictures shown here and in the Picture Gallery that follows this post were taken in a two day period. I should point out that this is just a small sampling of the incredible display we have witnessed so far. Yeah, I’m bragging again, but hopefully the pictures that follow will prove that I can back it up.

Please come with me and let’s enjoy this delightful spring symphony together.

The first things that anyone driving into Tennessee sees this time of year are the flowering trees and, in this annual concert, I always think of the trees as the trumpets blaring away loudly to herald the arrival of the season.

The redbuds that line our interstate highways are among the first welcome signs that greet visitors to our state. Fortunately they thrive here and are plentiful. I needed no help to identify them; they’re like a string of purple neon lights, and are especially bright this year.

The dogwoods seem to be equally beautiful this year as well. Our dogwoods were hit by blight in years past, and the blight is still with us, but it seems that we have turned the corner on the disease, and have also planted some resistant trees to help in that effort. The effort has paid off handsomely.

There are a number of flowering trees that bloom in marvelous harmony with the redbuds and the dogwoods which is what makes this concert so divine. Within just a few miles of my home are weeping cherries, tulip poplars, crabapple, Bradford pears, and all are equally resplendent in dazzling color. A few are shown here and a few more in the picture gallery.

Flowering shrubs are another instrument in our orchestra. I liken them to the woodwinds, playing along in harmony, but strong enough to hold their own.

At this point in the season, we are nearing the end of the Camellia blooms, but they still are doing their best to remain a vibrant part of the ensemble. Camellias are always in danger of frost damage, and we had a few to suffer in early March

Those that have survived, or were covered during cold snaps, are as special as always. I was able to capture some in full bloom.

Forsythia is in full flower. I found a location where some of the double-blooming varieties were planted and, as I was driving to them, I could see them from a half mile away. These bright yellow beauties had been planted under a large, bloomed-out, Bradford pear and together they made quite the couple.

The azaleas are just getting warmed up for the big show in a next few weeks, but I spotted several that are receiving plenty of morning sun and seemed eager to play a few notes for me. The weather forecast calls for both rain and warmer temperatures over the next week and that should serve them well.

The flowering shrubs are shown here and in the Gallery. Included among the shrubs is a stunning purplish-red Lorapetalum…my treat.

In this orchestra flowers are the strings adding richness and depth to the music.

In early spring we get the blooms of the bulbs. Some of the early daffodils have bloomed and returned to the soil as have the crocus, but we have a great many varieties of daffodils here and the blooming season for many them is still underway or yet to begin. I photographed a few of them that I consider unique.

We have tulips galore. I had to refrain from taking pictures of them or else I would have exhausted the capacity of my hard drive. Tulips are my favorite bulb. I still have an endless number of slides of tulips from a trip Helen and I made to Holland many years ago. The fascinating thing to me about tulips is that once you think you have seen every color, here comes another. I even saw some black tulips once.

In addition to the bulbs, we have pansies everywhere – radiant as always. With warmer weather in the offing, I’m not sure how much longer we will have them, but they’re fun.

Phlox are flowers too, and we can’t forget to mention them. I found several colors and had to make sure everyone gets a peek at them.

You gotta love string music.

Let’s carry our musical metaphor a little further. We know we still have a few more days to enjoy the concert but we’re ready to let the power of this performance marinate in our bones for a while. We’re still in the mood for music, but it’s late, so we venture over to a cozy piano bar that fits our mood and offers a few softer pieces.

For us, that cozy piano bar is a walk among the wildflowers.

While working on this post for Easin’ Along my adorable wife suggested that we drive up to Norris Dam, site of a recent trip shared here, and enjoy the wildflower walk that takes place there every spring. It was a splendid suggestion.

Wildflower walkin' — **Wildflower walkin’**

Norris Dam is about a thirty minute drive from our home. We crossed the Dam and turned down a side road as directed by a small sign. There were a few cars in the small parking lot and a larger sign bearing a map that depicted the route. We walked around a barricade and followed an old paved road down toward the Clinch River, then turned left and walked through a picnic area no longer in use. We heard the first note from the piano.

To our left along the trail were bright yellow Trout lilies…then a few more…and a few more. Trout lilies were everywhere, both low along the trail, and high on the hillside and rocky bluff that hung over the road.

We walked slowly, not wanting to miss a thing. That piano kept playing as it cranked out a few old favorites like Yellow Trillium, Pink Columbine, and Spring Beauty. There were a number of big hits too including Twin Leaf, Foam Flower, and Wild Phlox. We even saw some Squaw Root.

We walked for over two hours and decided it was about time to leave our charming little piano bar when we spotted some Red Wake-robin’s, a trillium, in the same area as several patches of Purple Phacelia. There were Bloodroot there too which I really love and consider a sighting a rare treat.

Walking back to the car, the tunes kept coming, but there were a few we couldn’t identify. Helen took a picture of one flower and sent it to a friend who is a wildflower encyclopedia for her to take a stab at its identity. The answer came back pretty quickly and the flower was identified as Dentara or “tooth wort”. The mystery was solved.

One other tune remains unidentified and is pictured here. I’m asking Easin’ along readers for help to “Name That Tune (or wildflower)”. This wildflower is only about three inches tall with blooms and leaves protruding from a central stalk. Our friend suggested that it might be a member orchid family. There are other indentified shrubs and flowers in the Picture Gallery so help me if you can. Good luck with it. If someone can identify any of them, I’ll post the names on the Easin’ Along Facebook page.

One additional thing…our Dandelions even look good this time of the year.

For now I’ll be Easin’ Along myself. All of this music has put a little “Spring” in my step.