Saturday, September 20, 2008
Thursday, September 18, 2008
THE TENNESSEE RIVER AND THOUGHTS
Click on pics to enlarge
Today finds me floating down the Tennessee River on quiet, smooth water. I left all the dogs at home and set aside this morning for just me. I'm experiencing some varied emotions sitting out here. When I pulled into the boat ramp area I noticed a dog laying in the middle of the parking area. Yes, another unwanted "family member" that someone decided ate too much food or cost too much money to have around so they probably just opened the car door and pushed him out here in this isolated place where no one could see. He watched my truck intensely as I drove in. All my attempts to approach him were in vein as he was aloof and very nervous at my approaches. Oh yes, I would certainly have brought him home with me if I could have caught him.
I have been half heartedly attempting to do some fishing. I caught a couple large mouth bass that were of respectable size and a catfish. I did get a photo of them. Of course I gently released them back into the water after the photo's were taken. While all this intense fishing activity was taking place; I kept hearing the strangest bird call. It wasn't the KaRee, KaRee, Chirp, Chirp, Chirp of an Osprey. But sort of a chirp, chirrrrrp, chirrrrp. The sounds were not an excited communication, but more of a contented, easy, soft series of sounds. Then a return churrrrp, churrrrp came from a tall stand of trees with snaggley, bare limbs. There perched a Bald Eagle and I soon saw the second one thirty yards lower on the stone cliff.
78" />
I think I captured some favorable photos of this magnificent bird. I waited for one to prepare to fly so I could catch his out streatched wings.
Just as I suspected. The photo is blurry. A new, great camera is on my list of purchases in the future. Digital zoom leaves a lot to be desired. The photo above would have been a life time greatest shot had it been crisp and clear. There will be another time.
Most of these shots were on 1/50th of a second. This is far too slow of a shutter speed. But what could I do?
And then I saw an eagle fishing at a distance.
And then It struck me. "Why don't you take movies of them?" I could have captured the chirping they were making also. I just didn't think of it. Next time.
I am floating past a cave I have been interested in for a couple years. I would enter and explore it if there were another person with me.
Cave exploring is something I have never done and this area is wilderness and I doubt help is nearby if needed. One day though-------one day.
Early morning on the river is best. Critters are about and fish are jumping.
The air is cool as I notice a movement on the shoreline.
A deer is walking along the waters edge. I have freightened it by my presence.
But lots of time for pictures. Wow, she's a fast one.
She's making me work here. The light is terrible. She is in heavy shade and the lense opening is not correct. What a situation!
I can always think when I'm floating on the boat. It is so peaceful! I have relived story's I've read in books in my mind. I see the story as a movie. I've envisioned episodes of the French and Indian war in my mind more times than can be counted.
The Wildeernes Empire by Allen Eckard is a fascinating book of history written as a novel. I almost know each chapter by heart.
But today it is not the French and Indian War I am thinking about, nor the political climate of our great nation. I'm thinking about a friend who is gravely ill. We have ridden motorcycles together and we work together.
Constant back pain agrivated by standing long hours drove him finally to the doctor. It took awhile to diagnose the ailment. But the information was not what anyone expected. Lung cancer was the diagnosis. The prognosis is yet to be determined. My thoughts are constantly revolving around this good friend as we laughed and talked about how things were in the military and compare them to the work place. I am still in denial. It is difficult for me to accept that this good man is in a struggle for his life, and there is not one damn thing I can do to help him. I feel so helpless. Encouragement is all I can do for him. I want to kick some cancer ass but the enemy is a master at guerrilla warfare. Even better than the Viet Cong. One thing in his favor though; he knows the battle field better than the enemy. That should give him an edge. My heart and thoughts are with him. Get well, my good friend!
I looked for the stray dog back at the dock. He was nowhere to be found. A melencoly feeling has overtaken me today and I need some time with my guys at home. Douglas, Shade and Happy should be good medicine. Oh, and the two beagles I am caring for. Well, I like dog's. What can I say???
Today finds me floating down the Tennessee River on quiet, smooth water. I left all the dogs at home and set aside this morning for just me. I'm experiencing some varied emotions sitting out here. When I pulled into the boat ramp area I noticed a dog laying in the middle of the parking area. Yes, another unwanted "family member" that someone decided ate too much food or cost too much money to have around so they probably just opened the car door and pushed him out here in this isolated place where no one could see. He watched my truck intensely as I drove in. All my attempts to approach him were in vein as he was aloof and very nervous at my approaches. Oh yes, I would certainly have brought him home with me if I could have caught him.
I have been half heartedly attempting to do some fishing. I caught a couple large mouth bass that were of respectable size and a catfish. I did get a photo of them. Of course I gently released them back into the water after the photo's were taken. While all this intense fishing activity was taking place; I kept hearing the strangest bird call. It wasn't the KaRee, KaRee, Chirp, Chirp, Chirp of an Osprey. But sort of a chirp, chirrrrrp, chirrrrp. The sounds were not an excited communication, but more of a contented, easy, soft series of sounds. Then a return churrrrp, churrrrp came from a tall stand of trees with snaggley, bare limbs. There perched a Bald Eagle and I soon saw the second one thirty yards lower on the stone cliff.
78" />
I think I captured some favorable photos of this magnificent bird. I waited for one to prepare to fly so I could catch his out streatched wings.
Just as I suspected. The photo is blurry. A new, great camera is on my list of purchases in the future. Digital zoom leaves a lot to be desired. The photo above would have been a life time greatest shot had it been crisp and clear. There will be another time.
Most of these shots were on 1/50th of a second. This is far too slow of a shutter speed. But what could I do?
And then I saw an eagle fishing at a distance.
And then It struck me. "Why don't you take movies of them?" I could have captured the chirping they were making also. I just didn't think of it. Next time.
I am floating past a cave I have been interested in for a couple years. I would enter and explore it if there were another person with me.
Cave exploring is something I have never done and this area is wilderness and I doubt help is nearby if needed. One day though-------one day.
Early morning on the river is best. Critters are about and fish are jumping.
The air is cool as I notice a movement on the shoreline.
A deer is walking along the waters edge. I have freightened it by my presence.
But lots of time for pictures. Wow, she's a fast one.
She's making me work here. The light is terrible. She is in heavy shade and the lense opening is not correct. What a situation!
I can always think when I'm floating on the boat. It is so peaceful! I have relived story's I've read in books in my mind. I see the story as a movie. I've envisioned episodes of the French and Indian war in my mind more times than can be counted.
The Wildeernes Empire by Allen Eckard is a fascinating book of history written as a novel. I almost know each chapter by heart.
But today it is not the French and Indian War I am thinking about, nor the political climate of our great nation. I'm thinking about a friend who is gravely ill. We have ridden motorcycles together and we work together.
Constant back pain agrivated by standing long hours drove him finally to the doctor. It took awhile to diagnose the ailment. But the information was not what anyone expected. Lung cancer was the diagnosis. The prognosis is yet to be determined. My thoughts are constantly revolving around this good friend as we laughed and talked about how things were in the military and compare them to the work place. I am still in denial. It is difficult for me to accept that this good man is in a struggle for his life, and there is not one damn thing I can do to help him. I feel so helpless. Encouragement is all I can do for him. I want to kick some cancer ass but the enemy is a master at guerrilla warfare. Even better than the Viet Cong. One thing in his favor though; he knows the battle field better than the enemy. That should give him an edge. My heart and thoughts are with him. Get well, my good friend!
I looked for the stray dog back at the dock. He was nowhere to be found. A melencoly feeling has overtaken me today and I need some time with my guys at home. Douglas, Shade and Happy should be good medicine. Oh, and the two beagles I am caring for. Well, I like dog's. What can I say???
Monday, September 8, 2008
TRICKY WATER
Woke up this morning with the urge to take the Gheenoe out. Douglas was all for it so off we went. I wanted to put in at Chilhowee Lake but forgot that Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) was draining it to repair the dam. We back tracked to Talasi which is back the way we came about five miles. Talasi is the original name of a principal Cherokee town dating back to the sixteen hundreds. Yep; the settlers burned it as they did to all the rest of the Cherokee towns. What the settlers didn't burn, Andrew Jackson did. I never went among the stump infested water that courses around islands in that end of Tellico. Guess I never had a boat that would run in that shallow water. Many of the stumps were just inches below the surface. They could spell disaster to a deep running boat. It was fun. Note the calmness Douglas shows on the nose of the Gheenoe. Nothing excites him. Not the slightest bit concerned. Here's the movie. Hope you don't find it boring.
Friday, September 5, 2008
THE ROAD TO THE BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY
The Blue Ridge Parkway photos are below this blog entry. But the drive to get to Waynsboro, Virginia had a lot of interesting turns. The following are some of the high lites of the trip through West Virginia and Maryland on the way to the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Located near Deep Creek in Maryland is the smallest church I have ever seen. I was amazed at it's size. See for yourself.
After leaving the little church we rode down 219 South to Seneca Rocks, West Virginia. People come from all over the world to climb these challenging rock faces.
West Virginia is truly almost heaven. But the Blue Ridge Parkway runs through heaven.
I love old buildings. The South is full of them. They don't tear things apart down South. They seem to hold on to the past as long as possible. Old buildings have character. If only they could talk.
Anytime a motorcycle is running on mountain roads; it is probable that deer will be in the vicinity. Extreme caution must be exercised near deer. Their ancient brains can not judge modern speed and they can become a hazard.
The scenery through West Virginia is country in flavor and spectacular to the eye.
The rest of the story is in the following blog entry. I hope you enjoy it...
After leaving the little church we rode down 219 South to Seneca Rocks, West Virginia. People come from all over the world to climb these challenging rock faces.
West Virginia is truly almost heaven. But the Blue Ridge Parkway runs through heaven.
I love old buildings. The South is full of them. They don't tear things apart down South. They seem to hold on to the past as long as possible. Old buildings have character. If only they could talk.
Anytime a motorcycle is running on mountain roads; it is probable that deer will be in the vicinity. Extreme caution must be exercised near deer. Their ancient brains can not judge modern speed and they can become a hazard.
The scenery through West Virginia is country in flavor and spectacular to the eye.
The rest of the story is in the following blog entry. I hope you enjoy it...
SCENES FROM THE BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY
Dance as if no one were watching;
Sing as if no one were listening;
Live every day as if it were your last;
And pass on graciously with a smile on your face.
The Blue Ridge Parkway. A two lane motor Road that follows the very spine of the Blue Ridge Mountain range from Waynsboro, Virginia to the end in Cherokee, North Carolina.
It is a splendid motor road offering natures best in the forms of wildlife, scenic wonder and is test for the skills of any two wheeled adventurer. Even more, it wakes a wonderment about the first peoples who traversed these impenetrable, hostile mountains. The asphalt ribbon cuts through peaks and valleys, hill and dale, but those three centuries ago had no trace to follow; no destination point to steer for. They simply hacked out their fortune on the frontier bearing their children along the way.
Sometimes, early in the morning, it is possible to actually be above the clouds and the fog. I love the quiet, somber moments the parkway offers. There are no eighteen wheelers or heavy traffic. The tourists won't get out of bed. This is when I can think.
This year another Blue Ridge Parkway ride was scheduled for September. I left Maryville, Tennessee after work last Saturday night. I left work at 7:15PM, drove home and mowed grass until dark. A quick shower, a one hour rest, kiss all my kids, and off I went on the big Blue Bike at 11:00PM. The Suzuki is a 1000cc two cylinder motorcycle that much resembles the BMW GS series of bikes. The suspension and comfort are superb and the power plant is, shall we say, more than adequate. Fuel economy is 50 to 53 miles per gallon.
No motorcycle, however, will ever take the place of Big Red. She was my 2001 Harley. She had class, character and elegance. It truly is one of my favorite traveling companions over the years. But time moves on. 70,000 miles on the odometer indicated time to let go. Total reliability is the name of the game on two wheels.
I arrived at Scottdale, Pennsylvania at 11:00 AM on Sunday morning, 12 hours later. I travelled home on a different route than usual. I doubt I'll use that road again. It was nice to stay and visit with my 84 year old cousin in Scottdale. She is the last remaining family member and treats me like a brother. A wonderful woman.!! The afternoon found me at a best friends home for lunch and a long visit. Jill and Tom are two of my very best friends in this world. Tom's lovely, beautiful wife Jill, cooked a dinner that was unbelievable! I'll never forget it. In case I didn't mention it; Tom would be my travel companion on the trip back to Tennessee via the Blue Ridge Parkway.. He will ride with me to Stations Inn located in North Carolina, where he will then return to Peaks of Otter to meet Jill who is driving down in the car.
And so it was on the morning of the 2nd, after meeting at Ohio Pyle State Park in Pennsylvania, and an enormous breakfast; Tom and I started our annual September Blue Ridge Parkway journey South. We drove South on route 219 through Maryland and on to route 33 East which eventually would end up at Front Royal, Virginia where Skyline Drive begins. We, however, turned onto route 220 South in West Virginia and again onto route 250 East, which took us to Waynesboro, Virginia and the beginning of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Limited hotel accommodations and a desire to get away from people prompted us to get on the Blue Ridge Parkway and drive on to The Peaks of Otter lodge for peace, quiet and bliss. And it is all that. The lodge meant another sixty miles in the saddle but was well worth it. No cars, no horns, no trucks, no emergency vehicles and sirens and not even an air plane engine.
The words you are reading were written while sitting on the rear porch of the lodge at the rear of my room. Deer were wandering on the lawn. It was too dark for a picture but the scene was precious I assure you. The next morning came too quickly as I watched the sun slowly rise above the forest and mountains that surround this pristine area. I enjoyed observing the small mountain lake come into view as the land was brightened by the rising sun. Deer stood up from their beds in the field by the lake and slowly stretched and walked about and finally found their way into the shaded woods.
I enjoyed a great breakfast with Tom and packed away the final tid bits of gear. The horses were ready to meet the day. And off we went South.
Who knows what the day may bring? It will be an awesome day. I have a reliable horse and a best friend riding with me. It doesn't get any better than this.
The sun is rising quickly and it is already starting to make itself felt. Off we went onto the parkway. We rode gently; safely; enjoying the early morning. There were no cars. Only open twisty road. Endless forests on both sides of us and the occasional deer was the norm. We danced on the asphalt to a tune played by natures orchestra. Life is good. Everything is right. The ride wouldn't be complete without a stop at Tuggles Gap and a coffee at the famous Tuggles Gap Restaurant.
It was here that another good friend and I were trounced from our motel room by the famed Pumpkin Head. Al and I knew instantly something was wrong when we noted that the hotel windows locked from the outside. This is an old Pumpkin Head trick to snare unwary guests. Al and I barely made it out alive. After two hours of hearing Pumpkin Head breathing outside our door; we jumped on Red and Whitey and blasted out of there at a crisp 45 miles per hour. Close one!! I snapped a couple pictures before we moved on. The hotel was renovated a few years ago so maybe Pumpkin Head is gone. I didn't see his tracks anywhere out back of the motel.
We flowed with the curves in the road and stopped frequently to take a picture or two. I even tried taking a movie while on the bike. The results of that are below if you're interested. It's amazing the total freedom one can feel while touring on the seat of a trusted motorcycle. The view is unencumbered. There is a mental rush associated with negotiating a corner or curve. Motorcycling is sort of like playing pool. The cue ball is the motorcycle and the road is the table. It is a game of alignment between the bike and the corner. In short; its exhilarating!
Evening finds us at Station's Inn just over the line in North Carolina. This is a motorcycle only motel. We both have been meeting here or ending the rides here at this super motel.
Tomorrow we shall part ways. Tom will drift North and I South to my little family. I miss them a lot. I owe them a splendid afternoon in the woods for their patience.
And so another wonderful adventure will end. An adventure shared with a best friend. A good solid friend on a spectacular ride on the finest road in the United States. The Blue Ridge Parkway. It doesn't get better than that. Life is good.
9:30 AM finds us talking over breakfast at the little hotel/restaurant at Bengi Gap, just down the road thirty miles South of Station's Inn. High lites of the ride so far and routes home were discussed.. He would go back North from here and I would amble South. We drove to the stop sign at the parkway where we would go our ways. Parting is difficult as I would not see this good friend for another year. A lump started in my throat as I told him to give my love to his beautiful wife Jill, whom I really just got to know on this trip. It's amazing how the mind works for us humans. I envisioned as we drove away from that stop sign; I turning right and he to the left, that our backs were to each other and the distance growing greater with each rotation of the wheels. A sorrow entered my thoughts and I pushed it out----------with another thought. My dogs; I miss them. Douglas, Shade and Happy; they impatiently await me. Can't wait to see them. Thanks for your friendship Tom and thanks for spending your valuable time with me. Until the next time, good friend; ride safe........
Below are the results of my meager attempt to take a video from the saddle of my bike. A small slide show follows. I hope you enjoy it. Just click the links.
The Blue Ridge Parkway. A two lane motor Road that follows the very spine of the Blue Ridge Mountain range from Waynsboro, Virginia to the end in Cherokee, North Carolina.
It is a splendid motor road offering natures best in the forms of wildlife, scenic wonder and is test for the skills of any two wheeled adventurer. Even more, it wakes a wonderment about the first peoples who traversed these impenetrable, hostile mountains. The asphalt ribbon cuts through peaks and valleys, hill and dale, but those three centuries ago had no trace to follow; no destination point to steer for. They simply hacked out their fortune on the frontier bearing their children along the way.
Sometimes, early in the morning, it is possible to actually be above the clouds and the fog. I love the quiet, somber moments the parkway offers. There are no eighteen wheelers or heavy traffic. The tourists won't get out of bed. This is when I can think.
This year another Blue Ridge Parkway ride was scheduled for September. I left Maryville, Tennessee after work last Saturday night. I left work at 7:15PM, drove home and mowed grass until dark. A quick shower, a one hour rest, kiss all my kids, and off I went on the big Blue Bike at 11:00PM. The Suzuki is a 1000cc two cylinder motorcycle that much resembles the BMW GS series of bikes. The suspension and comfort are superb and the power plant is, shall we say, more than adequate. Fuel economy is 50 to 53 miles per gallon.
No motorcycle, however, will ever take the place of Big Red. She was my 2001 Harley. She had class, character and elegance. It truly is one of my favorite traveling companions over the years. But time moves on. 70,000 miles on the odometer indicated time to let go. Total reliability is the name of the game on two wheels.
I arrived at Scottdale, Pennsylvania at 11:00 AM on Sunday morning, 12 hours later. I travelled home on a different route than usual. I doubt I'll use that road again. It was nice to stay and visit with my 84 year old cousin in Scottdale. She is the last remaining family member and treats me like a brother. A wonderful woman.!! The afternoon found me at a best friends home for lunch and a long visit. Jill and Tom are two of my very best friends in this world. Tom's lovely, beautiful wife Jill, cooked a dinner that was unbelievable! I'll never forget it. In case I didn't mention it; Tom would be my travel companion on the trip back to Tennessee via the Blue Ridge Parkway.. He will ride with me to Stations Inn located in North Carolina, where he will then return to Peaks of Otter to meet Jill who is driving down in the car.
And so it was on the morning of the 2nd, after meeting at Ohio Pyle State Park in Pennsylvania, and an enormous breakfast; Tom and I started our annual September Blue Ridge Parkway journey South. We drove South on route 219 through Maryland and on to route 33 East which eventually would end up at Front Royal, Virginia where Skyline Drive begins. We, however, turned onto route 220 South in West Virginia and again onto route 250 East, which took us to Waynesboro, Virginia and the beginning of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Limited hotel accommodations and a desire to get away from people prompted us to get on the Blue Ridge Parkway and drive on to The Peaks of Otter lodge for peace, quiet and bliss. And it is all that. The lodge meant another sixty miles in the saddle but was well worth it. No cars, no horns, no trucks, no emergency vehicles and sirens and not even an air plane engine.
The words you are reading were written while sitting on the rear porch of the lodge at the rear of my room. Deer were wandering on the lawn. It was too dark for a picture but the scene was precious I assure you. The next morning came too quickly as I watched the sun slowly rise above the forest and mountains that surround this pristine area. I enjoyed observing the small mountain lake come into view as the land was brightened by the rising sun. Deer stood up from their beds in the field by the lake and slowly stretched and walked about and finally found their way into the shaded woods.
I enjoyed a great breakfast with Tom and packed away the final tid bits of gear. The horses were ready to meet the day. And off we went South.
Who knows what the day may bring? It will be an awesome day. I have a reliable horse and a best friend riding with me. It doesn't get any better than this.
The sun is rising quickly and it is already starting to make itself felt. Off we went onto the parkway. We rode gently; safely; enjoying the early morning. There were no cars. Only open twisty road. Endless forests on both sides of us and the occasional deer was the norm. We danced on the asphalt to a tune played by natures orchestra. Life is good. Everything is right. The ride wouldn't be complete without a stop at Tuggles Gap and a coffee at the famous Tuggles Gap Restaurant.
It was here that another good friend and I were trounced from our motel room by the famed Pumpkin Head. Al and I knew instantly something was wrong when we noted that the hotel windows locked from the outside. This is an old Pumpkin Head trick to snare unwary guests. Al and I barely made it out alive. After two hours of hearing Pumpkin Head breathing outside our door; we jumped on Red and Whitey and blasted out of there at a crisp 45 miles per hour. Close one!! I snapped a couple pictures before we moved on. The hotel was renovated a few years ago so maybe Pumpkin Head is gone. I didn't see his tracks anywhere out back of the motel.
We flowed with the curves in the road and stopped frequently to take a picture or two. I even tried taking a movie while on the bike. The results of that are below if you're interested. It's amazing the total freedom one can feel while touring on the seat of a trusted motorcycle. The view is unencumbered. There is a mental rush associated with negotiating a corner or curve. Motorcycling is sort of like playing pool. The cue ball is the motorcycle and the road is the table. It is a game of alignment between the bike and the corner. In short; its exhilarating!
Evening finds us at Station's Inn just over the line in North Carolina. This is a motorcycle only motel. We both have been meeting here or ending the rides here at this super motel.
Tomorrow we shall part ways. Tom will drift North and I South to my little family. I miss them a lot. I owe them a splendid afternoon in the woods for their patience.
And so another wonderful adventure will end. An adventure shared with a best friend. A good solid friend on a spectacular ride on the finest road in the United States. The Blue Ridge Parkway. It doesn't get better than that. Life is good.
9:30 AM finds us talking over breakfast at the little hotel/restaurant at Bengi Gap, just down the road thirty miles South of Station's Inn. High lites of the ride so far and routes home were discussed.. He would go back North from here and I would amble South. We drove to the stop sign at the parkway where we would go our ways. Parting is difficult as I would not see this good friend for another year. A lump started in my throat as I told him to give my love to his beautiful wife Jill, whom I really just got to know on this trip. It's amazing how the mind works for us humans. I envisioned as we drove away from that stop sign; I turning right and he to the left, that our backs were to each other and the distance growing greater with each rotation of the wheels. A sorrow entered my thoughts and I pushed it out----------with another thought. My dogs; I miss them. Douglas, Shade and Happy; they impatiently await me. Can't wait to see them. Thanks for your friendship Tom and thanks for spending your valuable time with me. Until the next time, good friend; ride safe........
Below are the results of my meager attempt to take a video from the saddle of my bike. A small slide show follows. I hope you enjoy it. Just click the links.
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