Elkmont, June 20-25, 2011

The cultural history of the mountains can be found just about anywhere in the park.  Usually the sign is subtle — a pile of stones, pieces of metal rusting half-hidden in leaf litter, clumps of daffodils or daylilies, a worn path to a small cemetery.  There is nothing subtle about Elkmont, however.  Few places have [...]

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Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage

On the Sunday following my hikes, helping Ken McFarland prepare for the 60th Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage consumes my days and evenings.  All thoughts of the trails disappear as Ken’s friends Carol and Dave Mongold and I work on registration boards, leader packets, and history posters.  Native plants are groomed and their pots washed for the [...]

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Spring Hikes Ahead

More hikes are just around the corner!  Next week I’ll be in the Greenbrier area with plans to get a few more trails under my belt before the Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage.  Possibilities include Ramsay Cascades, Brushy Mountain, Rainbow Falls/Bull Head and Porters Creek.  This time I’ll be able to “report” the trail experience in a [...]

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Time, as in Not Enough

Family duties have been calling, and I’m way behind in posting blogs & photos on these latest hikes – got one more to go.  I’m also revamping my photo software and the learning curve on things like this is steep for me.  Patience, please.  There will be lots of neat photos ready to add soon.

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