To The Far Blue Mountain

You really don't realize just how accustom to the creature comforts you really are until you sling on a backpack loaded with a few meager possessions, water, a little food, minimal clothes and walk away from your vehicle up a rugged trail into the wilderness. Immediately you ask yourself, am I sure about this? Do I really want to do this? Is it going to be worth all the risk and hardship?  Unsure of the day ahead, uncertain if you are capable of the task you have set forth, and feeling a little defenseless in a often formidable environment are a few feelings that hit you quickly after you leave sight of civilization. But, ah, just the sight of the first beautiful view gives you relief and immediately you know this is going to be a good trip. This is a view off the Appalachian Trail looking East, Southeast toward Cherokee, N.C., a little over a mile and a half into the hike.

"Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts."
Rachael Carson (1907-1964): American Nature Writer, Marine Biologist

Dark-thirty At The Trail Head

Why is this picture so dark, you ask? Because it was dark! We arrived at the trail head at Newfound Gap about 30 minutes before 1st light. We wanted to get an early start to be able to take advantage of the coolness of the early morning(July) and also experience the mountain as it comes to life. Newfound Gap is located on the road going through the Smoky Mountain National Park from Gatlinburg, TN to Cherokee, N.C.. The gap is actually on the state line and the high point on the road. The Appalachian Trail(AT) follows the crest of mountains that cross the gap and run from northern Georgia all the way to Mt. Katahdin in Maine. We are going up the AT 2.7 miles to hook up with the Boulevard Trail and then on to Mt. LeConte Lodge. This trail to the lodge is about 8 miles total distance.

"An early morning walk is a blessing for the whole day."
Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862): American Author, Poet, Naturalist, Philosopher

Mt. LeConte, A Walk In The Woods!

The summit of Mt. LeConte at 6593' is the 3rd tallest peak in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This is a shot of the peak as seen from Cliff Top, a favorite place to hike to and watch the sun set from the top of Mt. LeConte. In the coming weeks I will post a series of pictures taken of a hike my brother and I completed up Mt. LeConte for an overnight stay at the lodge. If you have never been up LeConte, and have any interest in hiking, I strongly suggest you give LeConte a try. It is not easy, but not too difficult either. There are several trails leading up different sides of LeConte, each with their own good and bad points. This particular trip, we will go up the Appalachian Trail to the Boulevard trail to the LeConte Lodge and back down the Alum Cave Trail. Hope you enjoy the shots.

"Be master of your petty annoyances and conserve your energies for the big, worthwhile things. It isn't the mountain ahead that wears you out-it's the grain of sand in your shoe."
Robert Service (1874-1958): Scottish Writer and Poet

A Kiss Under The Mistletoe!

According to Scandinavian and Greek customs, if a man and woman should meet under a sprig of Mistletoe they are obliged to kiss each other. Now where was all the mistletoe when I was a teenager? Ha! Ha! Well while this plant lends itself to a romantic legend, it is anything but. Mistletoe is actually a parasitic plant that lives off a host tree. Birds spread the seed from tree to tree through their droppings and also by seed sticking to their beaks and feathers only to be wiped off on a branch or limb. The seed contain a very sticky substance, viscin, which hardens when the seed is left on a new limb attaching the seed firmly to its host. It then taps into the host plant and derives nutrients and minerals from that plant. It can kill the host plant if it gets too developed on a single host and can attach and thrive on a wide variety of trees and shrubs. So by all means hang some Mistletoe around this Christmas but be careful what you do with it when you take it down as the birds may spread the seed to your yard trees.

"What is a weed? A plant whose virtures have not yet been discovered."
Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882): American Poet, Author, Writer

A Simpler Time?

We often like to think of the older days as a better and simpler time. Try to remove yourself from your present everyday lifestyle and picture this meager cabin as your home and the surrounding fields as your grocery store. The only luxuries were what you made from the creativity of your mind. Made by using a few basic tools, your hands and the sweat of your brow! I venture to say while it is nice to think of a time without all the crazy things we all deal with today, it was no picnic back in the day either. Life may not have been as hectic as today but it was hard. Most things were done out of necessity instead of choice. This cabin and farmstead is located on the Cherokee Orchard Motor Nature Trail in Gatlinburg, TN. It begins in Gatlinburg and meanders around the western base of Mt. LeConte. After a while it is only a one way road and it is a great drive that forces you to slow down and take in the mountains from a much closer perspective.

"I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him."
Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865):  American President

A Patient Fisherman Who Can't Sing

Couldn't help but snap this shot of a Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) near Wheeler Dam just east of Florence, AL on the Tennessee River. A small island located behind the Wheeler Dam acts as a rookery(nesting area) for many Great Blue Herons during the summer months and this is probably a juvenile bird from the summers nesting efforts since it does not have the coloration of a mature breeding bird. The waters flowing through the dam are rich in bait size fish which the herons and other birds love. This is a favorite spot to visit for bird watching as many species can usally be found feeding in the swift waters. Two observations of Great Blues are their patience and their vocalizations. I have watched them stand motionless for long periods of time waiting on a fish or crawfish to swim by for dinner. Secondly, a mocking bird they are not when it comes to their voice. They can make the most awful galking sound when they are disturbed and scared from their perch or fishing hole. It is down right pitiful, something on the order of a Crow with a bad sore throat. Regardless of their voice, they are a lovely bird to watch.

"Use the talents you possess- for the woods would be a very silent place if no birds sang except for the best."
Henry Van Dyke (1852-`933): American Author, Educator, Clergyman 

Majestic Bald Eagle

Well I took this picture on a long shot (literally) and I'm sorry it is not very good but when you see a Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) you just have to take a shot even if it is too far for the camera equipment. I was traveling through south central Tennessee yesterday going from Brunt Church through Lutts to Iron City and when I crossed over Shoal Creek in Iron City I looked up river and saw this Bald Eagle. It was sitting on a tree limb just waiting on a fish or small bird or mammal to show their self and provide lunch for this most impressive National Symbol. Eagles are still rare but are increasing in numbers in the south and can be spotted in several places at certain times of the year. For several years I have been watching a pair of Bald Eagles nest in a location right along side of a major highway near Smithville, MS.  Unfortunately, this past spring, the tree in which the Eagles had their nest was taken down by heavy winds and the Eagles left the area. Hopefully they have rebuilt nearby.

"But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their stength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint."

Isaiah 40:31  New King James Version, The Holy Bible

Falls at Fall Hollow

On a recent trip to Nashville, I decided to take the Natchez Trace Parkway from North Mississippi up to Nashville. Needing to stretch my legs a bit, I stopped at this location called Fall Hollow at mile marker 392 and was pleasantly surprised to find this fine water fall-cascade. There were several other falls all within a short walk along a nice trail maintained by the park service. It is always nice to find a place you have passed by many times before. This adds another beautiful spot to my list of God's beautiful places, and all because I just needed to stretch my legs.

"All my life through, the new sights of Nature made me rejoice like a child"
Marie Curie  (1867-1934): Polish Physicist and Chemist

Cane Creek Falls

This is a shot of Cane Creek Falls as it plummets into the Cane Creek Gorge and then into the Caney Fork River. This beautiful waterfalls is located in Fall Creek Falls State Park, near Pikeville, TN. Notice the rainbow formed from the sunlight reflecting off the mist generated by the waterfalls.

"The richest values of wilderness lie not in the days of Daniel Boone, nor even in the present, but rather in the future"

Aldo Leopold   (1887-1948):  American Ecologist, Forester, Environmentalist

Who's Checking out Who?

On a recent visit to Fall Creek Falls State Park near Pikeville, TN I happened upon this doe deer. While I was checking her out, she turned and began to check me out. Encounters like this are special when they take place. Always be ready to capture a special moment when the opportunity presents itself. Deer are plentiful in the park and it is not uncommon to see them feeding along the roads or golf course early and late in the day.

"My heart's in the Highlands, my heart is not here; My heart's in the Highlands, a-chasing a deer"
Robert Burns (1759-1796):  Scottish Poet:

Piney Creek Falls

Piney Creek Falls is located in Fall Creek Falls State Park near Pikeville, TN. At 75 feet, it is not the tallest falls in the park but it is considered by many to be the most beautiful. The area contains some beautiful trees that have never seen a loggers saw. You will find many fine specimans of Hemlock, Yellow Birch and Yellow Poplar in the gorge below the water falls if you care to hike off the main trails. If you have never been to this state park, you should plan a trip in the future. Fall Creek Falls is nestled on the Cumberland Plateau in east central Tennessee and is a beautifull park with lots of things to do. More photos to come later.

"All streams flow into the sea, yet the sea is never full. To the place the streams come from, there they return again."
        Ecclesiastes 1:7  New International Version, Holy Bible

A Maple Tree

Another beautiful Maple Tree showing its beauty for all to see. Have you noticed a tree today? The colors are changing fast and in a short time they will all be gone again for another year.


Earth's crammed with Heaven, and every common bush afire with God.
E.B. Browning (1806-1861): English Poet

Saturday in the SEC

Now what could be better than football on a saturday night in the SouthEastern Conference. Mississippi State University hosted the Florida Gators this past saturday and although the Bulldogs came up the loser, it was a well fought game against a very worthy opponent. My ears are still ringing from all the cowbells. A new attendance record was set at Scott Field in Davis Wade Stadium with over 57,000 screaming, cowbell ringing fans rocking Starkville, MS.

Church in the Valley

This picture was taken from the Rich Mountain Loop Road that runs from Cades Cove to Townsend. The little white church was the Cades Cove Methodist Church. It was established around 1824 or about 3-4 years after the first settlers moved into Cades Cove. It was located on the same site throughout its history. Faith was a large part of the lives of the first settlers to the cove. Their faith helped them forge a new life in an often wild and unforgiving land. Looking down on the church with the mountains in the background, one can almost hear the sunday morning hymms resonating across the valley.

"For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them"

Mathew 18:20 King James Version, Holy Bible

A Celebration of Fall

Don't you just love the fall time of the year! The leaves are turning, the air is getting cool and the harvest season is in high gear. Next time your are out and about, don't miss all the beautiful decorations on display across the land. This beautiful old wagon garnished with hay and pumpkins and flowers is on display in front of a local bank in Franklin County Al in the town of Red Bay. The fall celebration gives thanks for all the work throughout the year and the bounty we enjoy as the fruits of our labor. Whether you are a farmer, a banker, a house wife or just a student, we should all give thanks for what we have been blessed with this year.


"Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or we find it not"
Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882): American Poet, Philosopher, Writer

Fall Brings the Harvest

Well the farmers are in full swing now trying to get the harvest done. These shots

were taken of Bostick Farms in Tishomingo County, Mississippi. Joe and two sons

Ryan and Nathan are trying to get a little work done between rains. The very rains

that brought much needed moisture through the summer, now hinder the fall

harvest with one of the wettest September's that can be remembered for this area.

Farmers are the bread and butter of this great land and we too often take all their

hardwork and risk for granted. Good luck guys as you go about your harvest.

What Makes a Farmer's Gold

From beneath the plow

Came a story that need be told

Of seed, soil and water

That makes a farmer's gold

Would any give a forethought

To the muscle, pain and sweat

That opened up the furrow

For seed he placed to bet 

And one by one

The seed he laid

And placed them in

The row just made

To pray for rain

But not too much

To pray to God

To grant His touch

Lord bless this land

That I must till

With grace and mercy

If it be Your will

From late winter rains

And early spring frost

From summertime heat

Save all be lost

And as days stroll by

And the seasons pass

Summer turns to fall

It's harvest time at last

From sun and moon

Come harvest light

To reap the bounty

Through day and night

With cribs laid full

And hay stacked high

Praise be given

For year gone by

Thank you Lord above

Whose creation we behold

For Your seed, soil and water

Makes a farmer's gold

Randy J. Schultz Oct. 12, 2009

Coon Dog Cemetary

Just a few miles outside of Red Bay, Alabama in Franklin County in the northwest corner of the state lies a little know cemetary. It's not your run of the mill cemetary for the only patrons buried there are Coon Dogs.
It dates back to September 4th, 1937 when a coon dog named "Troop" was put to rest in the hallowed ground. Since that time many faithful partners of the hound dog variety have made this their last resting place on this earth. A fitting memorial of two hounds clawing to get up a tree that they have just run a coon up, stands to commerate all the coon dogs buried here. It is still active today as the last service held was for a dog named "Flop" buried on August 8th, 2009. Now at first thought, one might think this is just a little strange, but I would beg you to hold all notions of wierd, looney, insane or any other adjective that might come to mind until you think about it for a while. Better yet, visit there and spend a little quite time just pondering all the tales and stories and memories that go along with the lives of these animals we call man's best friend. I have to say it is a little emotional to walk through the cemetary and just imagine if they could all tell their story. I couldn't help feel a part of their lives as I strolled from grave to grave and saw the names and dates of these faithful ole hunting partners. This poem came to mind as I began to leave the cemetary.

The Ballad Of "Ole Number Seven "

I'm just an ole hound dog

I ain't good for much

Laying around all day

Eating and sleeping and such

Resting my ole bones

And healing up my paws

Waiting til the sun goes down

For to exercise my jaws

Cause when the sun does drop

Down behind the hills

And the moon slowly rises

And gives the air a chill

My ole nose goes to twitching

And sniffing out the air

My heart begins to quicken

Sending ripples through my hair

Ears that drooped all day

Now turn and face the breeze

Trying to catch the sound

Of coon talk in the trees

From across the way it comes

Old Red lets out a sound

A verse of hound dog music

"Boys the coons have hit the ground"

The time it is upon us

A hunting we must go

We'll gather at the river

Where the mountain waters flow

Who'll cross the trail

Where ole Cooney has left a scent

And be the first to tell'm all

I'm the best there's ever bent

But on this night I fear that I

Must stay here on this porch

Mine eye does hold a flicker

Where once they held a torch

And as the race heats up

They make their music loud

Old Red and Bear and Preacher

They lead this coon dog crowd

And Sam and Doc and Troop

What quite a six they make

To lay here just a listening

Is more than I can take

For when I was a younger dog

I was a cooning all the time

No better nose for trailing

Had any dog than mine

Ole Cooney would often lead us

Far and wide we'd go

Through valley and over mountain

Through rain and wind and snow

But before the night was over

We'd put ole Coon to tree

There was none any better than

The other six and me

But tonight would be the last time

I would hear them sweet and loud

To run but one more race with them

Would make me oh so proud

But I must race alone tonight

For I was "Ole Number Seven"

My final race will lead me

Straight up to Coon Dog Heaven

And as the flicker in my eye

Turned to embers in the dark

I knew they had treed ole Cooney

I could tell the way they barked

Don't worry none ole partner

Was the last thing they said

Ole Cooney done his best

But we've sent him on ahead

We didn't want you lonely

When you get to Coon Dog Heaven

So strike his trail and keep it hot

Our friend "Ole Number Seven"

          

         Randy J. Schultz   October 6th, 2009

The Blowing Rock

The "Blowing Rock" is a 4000 foot cliff overlooking the John's River Gorge 3000 feet below. It gets is name because of the strong winds that are funneled up the gorge by the rock walls. It is said that this is the only place in the world that snow falls upside down. This is caused by the snow falling into the valley and being picked up by the wind and blown back up the gorge. When it gets to the "Blowing Rock" it has the appearance of falling upward. There is also an Indian tale of how the rock got it's name but you will have to visit the area to read this interesting story. This unique and beautiful area is located in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. Looking southwest from the rock you can see Hawkbill Mountain and Table Rock. Located to the west are Grandfather Mountain (highest peak in the Blue Ridge) and Mount Mitchell (the highest peak east of the Mississippi).

Listen to the Rock

A lowly rock are you

Upon this mountain lay

What purpose do you serve
But sit here every day

What story could you tell

If any would lend an ear

Of things that you've witnessed

From only sitting here

The sunrise every morning
Sparkling off the dew
Each drop a pearl from heaven
A gift to me and you

Rain like a bridal vail

Hanging from the cloud
Lightening bolt and thunder clap
Across the mountain loud

Changes in the seasons

Spring, summer and fall

Poetry set in motion

By the Greatest One of all

Frost upon the mountain top
Wind across it's face
Snow lain down on valley wide
White as Angel's Lace

Sunsets in the evening

God's gift to end the day

A reminder of "His" majesty

The blessings "He" sends our way

Plenty are the things you've seen

While only sitting here

Many are the stories

If any would lend an ear

            Randy J. Schultz October 3rd, 2009

                           

Narrow Leaf Sunflower

Narrowleaf Sunflower ( Helianthus angustifolius ) is a common wild flower to North Mississippi, often found along road sides and uncultivated fields. It adds a brilliant yellow to an often boring roadside on most rural country roads. Usually blooms from August to October.                                                              

To Cast My Eye Your Way

How oft have I passed your way

And never a glance gave you

Off to more important things

The things I must daily do

If only I had cast an eye

From down the path I followed

To gaze upon the beauty there

Along meadow, brook and hollow

All shapes, sizes and colors

Yellow, Gold, Red and Blue

Asters, Iris, Lily and Violets

To name but just a few

All made by God and placed for me

To brighten up my day

If only I had took the time

And cast my eyes your way

                       Randy J. Schultz  Oct 1st, 2009

Footnote: I took this picture and wrote this poem on Oct 1st, and a few days later I came by this spot again. I actually thought the flowers would still be there but the county had came along with their road crews and bush hogged the road sides. My flowers were gone. Never miss an opportunity to observe something or spend a minute or two with someone. You never know if they will be there the next time you pass by.

Mast General Store

Mast General Store is located in Valle Crucis, North Carolina. It is off the beaten path but well worth the drive to get there. It has a mix of the things you would find in an old timey country store along with plenty of modern things you won't find at Walmart. They have just about everthing to meet everyday needs living in a quaint mountain community. Even if you don't buy anything, it is worth the drive thru the mountains to get here, plus, you will see some beautiful scenery along the way.

Sugar Maple

             Trees
I think that I shall never see
A poem as lovely as a tree.
A tree whose hungry mouth is prest
Against the earth's sweet flowing breast;
A tree that looks at God all day,
And lifts her leafy arms to pray;
A tree that may in Summer wear
A nest of robins in her hair;
Upon whose bosom snow has lain
Who intimately lives with rain.
Poems are made by fools like me,
But only God can make a tree.
Joyce Kilmer (1886-1918) American Journalist, Poet

A sugar maple has to be one of the most beautiful trees in the fall. It often turns multiple colors with parts of the tree showing various shades of green, gold, orange and red all at the same time. This shot was taken at the farmstead in the back of the Cades Cove Loop Road, one of my favorite places in the Smoky Mountain National Park.

Shinning Rock Wilderness