Destination ELKMONT, Great Smoky Mountains National Park

My "base camp" this go around would again be Elkmont. Elkmont is a developed campground on the Tennessee side of the park right off Little River Road. Elkmont is one of my favorite campgrounds in the park (its neck and neck between Elkmont and Balsam Mountain). Elkmont was and old historic logging town where Knoxville's "rich folk" would come in the summers to escape the oppressive heat of the Deep South.  There is quite an in-tact town that still exists although all of the buildings are closed off to the public    (you can walk up to them but entering them is unlawful).  Some of these historic structures are set to be demolished but a good many are up for preservation. The Park Service has yet to disclose the "short list" of structures that shall be saved.

This year Elkmont almost felt empty despite there still being more folks there than I had expected there to be. I enjoyed the stay here a lot. This year I scored a "prime" walk-in tent site that was situated at the end of a peninsula on which each side had water. Little River on the left, and a creek on the right. Surrounded by folks I knew, this was a great, quiet trip. In case you want to look up the site, I think it was B2.

This year, the weather was also great. Although day one saw some rainfall, day two did not. A crisp morning (upper 50's) was a great wake up and would lead to a day that did not get out the mid 60's, and on top of the mountains at 5000 plus feet, even cooler!  All of this with more than abundant sunshine and little morning fog.

 

Wahoo Ziplines, Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee.

The first big stop on my vacation was Wahoo Ziplines. These guys are located in Sevierville, TN (you can't tell where Sevierville and Pigeon Forge actually become different towns).  Wahoo is owned and operated by Sterling Springs Resort, and after an "off the beaten path" journey to their home, I arrived at their facility. While here, you sort of feel like you are in the middle of nowhere. It's a very quiet and peaceful area with the sounds of nature (and zip lines) all around.  The facility is nice, they have some great cabins (I did not stay here) with good vistas, and the draw of the resort is of course, their seven zip lines.

After checking in, I was off to meet my guides and get geared up.  I was placed in a "full body" harness system which is basically a chest/shoulder harness and a regular seat harness combo (there are several names for this type of system).  The standard equipment includes a harness, helmet, leather gloves,  carabiners and standard pulley system.  Here at Wahoo, you hold onto your tethers instead of one hand on the pulley system. Their pulleys do not have a hand rail to hold on to.  The only problem with this method, is that it takes a bit more time to learn proper control (keeping yourself in a proper direction).

Our guides for the day were Brad, Pablo and Matt. These guys were great and enjoyed cracking a joke every now and then. You can tell they enjoy the lines and their jobs. Brad was mostly the instructor and "sender". His job was to instruct us on what to expect on the lines as we approached them, and then ensure that we were properly hooked up to the line before zipping. Pablo was the primary "catcher" which means that he is there to assist you in slowing down at the receiving platform, and to disconnect you from the line. Matt was in training for this job as well, he assisted in some of the catching and disconnecting of the participants.

Wahoo has seven ziplines including one "dual" line. This is basically two lines parallel to one another and two folks can "race" one another across the line. This is the last line that you will complete. The first line is a great starter line, its fast and just the right length. The second one has a bit of a surprise in that you run and jump a bit, then are greeted by the feeling of a sudden drop that you can feel in your stomach (compare the feeling to the one you get when you go over a short hill in a fast moving vehicle). It was a lot of fun. On another line, you are allowed to go upside down. Yes, you heard me right, upside down! Keep in mind that at Wahoo, you are wearing a full body harness (upper and lower), so doing this maneuver is "safe".  I won't go into too much more detail about the other lines but they are all fun and unique, and fast.

Wahoo Ziplines has partnered with a photography company called MyAdventurePhoto. These guys take about six shots of you as you jump off on the first zip line. On site at the end of your adventure, you can get all the photos on a CD-ROM for around 25.00. I went ahead and purchased mine, but if you are not satisfied, you are not obligated to buy anything.  Also, Wahoo has a snack place as well and they do sell t-shirts inside as well (yes, I got a t-shirt).

Tennessee Aquarium & River Gorge Explorer

This past Saturday I trekked into Chattanooga, TN with my long-time friend Debra to explore both the Tennessee Aquarium and their new River Gorge Explorer high-speed catamaran.  The day started off nice and cool and would later warm into the lower to mid 80's in Chattanooga, sunny as all get out and just the best weather you could ask for.


We started off our journey exploring the Tennessee Aquiarium's new Ocean Journey building. Yes, you heard that right, Ocean Journey. If you have not been to the TN Aquarium in the past several years, the time for a return is NOW! The Ocean Journey building houses an all-new exhibit for Penguins, Saltwater fish, and a pretty cool butterfly exhibit. Here you will get to explore all of these amazing ecosystems and see Sea Turtles, Penguins, and more aquatic life.


The second stop was the main Aquarium building. Once inside, your tour begins with an incredible Seahorse exhibit followed by a ride up an escalator that takes you up over four stories where the rest of your fun begins. Once at the top, you are greeted with commanding views of the Tennessee River and Chattanooga, and the Tennessee Riverboats and River Gorge Explorer.  The journey then begins with a forest setting featuring birds, snakes, and River Otters.  Be sure to walk up the steps to the second level of this exhibit to see some snakes and get a good view looking out over the forest exhibit. Few go up those steps, but it is worth it to do so (I was the only one up there this past Saturday so I had photo taking all to myself).  After this you will travel through several more River exhibits and then an amazing section of Turtles, amphibians and a section that features lakes and rivers from around the world each with fish and other aquatic wildlife representing its respective place in the word's ecosystems.  The tour will narrow down as you move lower past one last saltwater exhibit and several more large freshwater exhibits before ending at the gift shop (you do not need to go inside the shop to exit the building, but they do have some neat stuff and cool t-shirts).   A quick note to say that this tour took us about three hours to get through and we were moving at a good pace. Plan on at least three-four hours to enjoy it all at once, especially if this is your first visit!


Once all of the aquarium action was over, there was more! It was time for our two hour journey on the Tennessee Aquarium River Gorge Explorer. This is a purpose, custom built High-Speed Catamaran designed to take nature lovers on a trip on the Tennessee River to explore the Tennessee River Gorge. Let me tell you, absolutely worth every dime (and its only 20-30.00 a person for adults!).  The boat is very nice, very fast and maneuverable (as demonstrated by the captains). A top speed of 50mph is reached and when you arrive at the River Gorge where the tour actually begins, the boat slows to 8-10mph and you are allowed to move about decks (main cabin to upper deck) to observe. The guide talks about wildlife, the history of the river and the surrounding ecosystem. At the end of the high-speed jaunt back to the Aquarium, you will get to experience another great maneuverer from either below deck seated, or standing (holding onto rails) on the top deck.  I won't describe it in detail, because I want you to visit and check it out for yourself.

A quick note regarding my personal feelings about the Tennessee Aquarium:

I get ask a lot about which Aquarium I prefer, the Tennessee Aquarium or the Georgia Aquarium. I will be honest, I truly believe that the Tennessee Aquarium is the best Aquarium visit anywhere in the United States.  At the Tennessee Aquarium, you experience a great journey in a state-of-the-art building with some of the most highly trained volunteers, interpreters, guides and staff. These guys have done their homework and have gotten just about everything right. When I am at the Tennessee Aquarium, I feel like I am learning something with each visit, I never feel likes its overcrowded or that I am being rushed through the exhibits. I always feel welcomed, and always greeted by the staff and when I have a question, the person in the exhibit area always has an answer, or they will call another interpreter or scientist to get the answer for me.

The Georgia Aquarium is nice in its on way. It is a larger facility by square foot. What makes that a disadvantage is that most of it is foot court and tables and chairs. To move about exhibits one must go through this area. This is a great mall with an Aquarium in it, basically. I was impressed with the exhibits that I saw when I was there, but other things like general layout of the exhibits, the mall like food court, the overcrowding and the lack of knowledgable staff were all put-offs to me. This resulted in only one visit to the GA Aquarium for me.  I have been to the Tennessee Aquarium over 7 times!  Other things that are work to the GA Aquariums disadvantage would be the surrounding. Atlanta is a great city, the Aquarium is next to Centennial Park and the new World of Coca Cola but, its not by nature. The Tennessee Aquarium has the draw of nature around it. It is an atmosphere that makes you want to explore more, to learn more. Anyways, those are my thoughts. I don't like malls and the GA Aquarium feels just like one.

  

Vibram Five Fingers

I wanted to take a quick moment to discuss my love for Vibram Five Fingers.  VFF's are basically multi-sport barefoot shoes. What that means is the feeling of being barefoot, but with a thin protective layer of rubber between your foot and the Earth.

I first discovered Vibram Five Fingers back in early 2007 when I saw a guy wearing a pair in this specialty shoe store in Kennesaw, GA.  My first reaction was to say to him "what the hell do you have on your feet, guy?" He responded with "There called Five Fingers and they are made by Vibram, the same guys that make all that great rock climbing rubber, and before you knock them too much, I'm gonna make you try them on".  My reaction was to decline trying these things on, but a short while later, after he knew my shoe size by my asking for another shoe, he had brought out a pair of Sprints for me to try on.  I realized this as he handed them to me instead of the ones I had wanted to try.  After a short "argument", I put them on. He had me go outside and jog across a median and over some rock, on the grass and back into the store. Once back inside, I knew I was leaving with a pair on my feet.  He had me sold right then and there, no matter that they were 75.00 and were basically a glove for my foot.  I ask "do you have any other colors"? and he said "Ha, I knew you would want them".

OK, Changed my life. I have since owned 5 pair of VFF's. I currently own a pair of VFF KSO's, KSO Treks, KSO Flows (in black with the super sticky rubber), and a new pair of Bikilas.  I am also waiting for City Sports to get the new KSO Trek Sports in stock (in black) in my size so I can grab yet another pair!  I wear them almost exclusively now, inside the house, out hiking, to the office, to the store, when I am kayaking or rafting (KSO Flows are great for water activities).  If you have not tried a pair, go and get them. I have already had six friends go out and get them some and so far all that have converted LOVE them. No complaints from them at all.  Seriously, they look a little funny at first, but looks ARE deceiving. These feel like they are a part of you in fact, I think they will become part of you.  You won't own just one pair!  Join Us! Free your feet in Five Fingers!

Here are some pics of my Vibram Five Fingers.  www.vibramfivefingers.com
www.citysports.com  www.birthdayshoes.com

A morning hike on the Pine Log Creek Trail System.

This morning I took a hike on the Pine Log Creek Trail System.  I decided that since it was such a great morning, a bit cooler and a nice breeze, the entire 4.2 miles were in order!  The trail conditions were good. The pathway had one obstruction, a fallen tree that was an easy hop over. The trail was wet in places from the recent, flash flooding rainfall.  The lake was nice, saw some neat reptiles, and got some video.

Overall, this trail is one that I have hiked many times before and I would rate it "family friendly". There are a few moderate sections and one on the West Loop that climbs 420 feet to its summit before descending.

At the beginning of the trail, just before the bridge that crosses Pine Log Creek, there are some fruit trees. These trees are PawPaw Fruit trees (more info here: http://www.crfg.org/pubs/ff/pawpaw.html). These trees have fruit repining now and falling to the ground now, be sure to check them out.

I am attaching some video below that I took with my Venom Xtreme Sports Cam.

Kayaking the Chattahoochee River

This past Friday (8.20) me and buddy, TJ, decided to head over to Up The River Outfitters to do some Kayaking on the good old Hooch.  Let me tell you I needed this break, badly. The weather was nice, pretty warm, but did stay partly cloudy at times. The water was cold, but refreshing. We put in right below the Buford Dam and took out at Settles Bridge.  On the way there is a class II rapid and as we approached, I noticed that the local Swift Water Rescue Team was out training, so we took out of the river for a second to observe and to check out the rapid. My goal was to show my friend who has never kayaked before, the possible routes to take so safely make it through.  After a few minutes, it was time to run the rapid!

After getting back in the river, I awaited the Rescuers signal that it was OK to proceed, and off I went. I entered, ran the rapid, then exited wet but excited. I look back just in time to see my buddy get toppled by the rapid and the Swift Water Rescue Team spring into immediate action! Within seconds, they had him and was surfing the rapid down to the River Right. One had my friend, another his boat and paddle. After making sure he was OK, they got him back in his Kayak and sent him on his way. He was a bit shaken, more cold than anything (the water temp is 52F here).  Although I was felt bad he got toppled, it was good for the rescue team. They had a real-life situation on their hands and were able to react and respond instantly.  So even though TJ was cold, his topple was for the greater good.  In the end, he had the best river story!

Be safe on the river!

Adam

Vineyard Mountain Trail Hike

This past Saturday (8.22.10) morning I decided to tackle the Vineyard Mountain Trail. This trail is located just south of Cartersville, GA. and can be accessed from two different trailheads. The first access point is at the Riverside Day Use Area located below Allatoona Dam along the shores of the Etowah River. The second trailhead is located on the right just before crossing Bethany Bridge into Red Top Mountain State Park. Today, I choose the Riverside Day Use (no fees) as my access point.

This trail was built and is maintained by the Eagle Scouts. There are two routes to take, a yellow blaze that is a moderate hike, and a red blaze that is just about straight up and over the mountain and as a result, is the most strenuous portion of the trail. The yellow blaze will take you to a great spot overlooking the Allatoona Dam and then onto a section through the forest and along side a great rock cliff. This trail will take you along side lake Allatoona and there are some great views. This trail is 2.8 miles one way. If you opt for the yellow blaze (the longest route) expect 2.5 hours of hiking time. This trail is a great trail for fitness and the red blaze trail is even better. I would recommend trekking poles and at least 1.5L of water for this hike. I use a Hydration pack.

Overall, this is a really good trail and is hardly used (I saw two teenage kids on the trail as I was hiking on a Saturday morning). The views are good, but don't expect amazing! This is more of a "forest hike" I would say. This trail will connect the Riverside Day Use Area and the parking lot just before Bethany Bridge at Red Top Mountain State Park.

Laurel Ridge & Cooper's Furnace Trails | Hike through

Back on August 13, 2010 I had some down time so I set out to hike up two adjacent trails located along the Allatoona lakeshore, and the Etowah River. The trails are Laurel Ridge & Cooper's Furnace Trails.

I started my journey at the Cooper's Furnace Trailhead right off H

wy 20 Spur. This is the easiest part of the trail and runs through the forest intersecting Laurel Ridge Trai

l just after the hike begins. On this journey, I continue on Cooper's Furnace Trail for 1 mile until I arrive at the Cooper's Furnace Day Use Area. This trail is a great beginner trail for all ages. Small children will need to be closely monitored along the railing and the incline down to the lower part of the trail. There is quite a drop-off overlooking a deep gully and rock wall. Along this railing, the trail gradually slopes downward and will switchback sharply to the left. Monitor small children here as well, and be sure to keep your footing. At the bottom of this switchback, there is some trail signage and a small bridge that goes over a stream. From here on out, the trail is very gently and runs for .5 miles to Cooper's Furnace. This trail will follow along side the stream and even crosses over another. As you continue to hike, the trail will pass a pond to the right. Take advantage of the bench and enjoy the ducks, fish and turtles that inhabit this wetland. You will also note that the trail is intersecting a gravel road. This road is used to by the US Army Corps. of Engineers to access the bottom and tops of Allatoona Dam. As you begin your hike again, stay straight as the road is the trail. The trail will continue to follow alongside the stream and goes straight to the Cooper's Furnace Day Use Area.

Once at the Cooper's Furnace Day Use Area, take a look to the right to observe the old Cooper's Furnace. If you need a break, there is a restroom and water fountain on the Right at the end of the grassy field. If you walk across the day use area, there are access steps and trails to the Etowah River. Please pay attention to the signage about Water Releases. Just about every weekday, the Corps. will release water from Allatoona Dam. When they do this, the water below the dam is subject to rapid rise, turbulent flows and it is dangerous. In this particular area, the water can rise over six feet in a short time.

After exploring Cooper's Furnace, hop back on the trail but this time, take the road all the way up. Just before the top you will intersect the Laurel Ridge Trailhead on the left, take this route. This trail will take you back into the forest but is very close to the Visitor Center and to the 20 Spur roadway. As the trail travels along the side of the mountain, you will see several vistas of the Etowah River Valley. The trail will cross a high bridge where small children should be monitored closely. After the bridge its back uphill a bit to an observation platform on the right. Take a moment to relax! After the break, its back on the trail and onto the next observation platform. As the trail begins to decline again, look to the right for an observation platform. This one is a bit tricky as the steps are steep and rock. This observation deck is very high and right on the side of the deep gully you passed on the first trail, only higher up. Be sure to monitor small children closely. Enjoy this view and take some pics! As you jump back on the trail its a short hike back to the Cooper's Furnace trail, and then right back up to the trailhead.

Trail Specs:

Time to complete both trails: 2.0Hours (beginner)

How to access the trails:

The trailheads can be accessed from three locations. Two of these locations are right off the Highway 20 Spur (take Interstate 75 North to the Hwy 20 Exit and make a Right, followed by another immediate right onto Hwy 20 Spur). Follow Hwy 20 Spur to the second trailhead on the Right, this is the Cooper's Furnace trailhead. The second trailhead is located at the Cooper's Furnace Day Use Area.