I just found a new site called FreedomeGardens.org where a community of individuals are banding together for the greater good. It's free to register and even though the site is in infancy, it is quite informative, especially the forums!

You can go to my profile page at the link below. http://freedomgardens.org/WhiteBearDog/

What can you do with a tomato?

That question is as loaded as my vines are right now!

City lights...

A couple nights ago, I sat upon the hill, peering down the valley that overlooks Kingsport and watched as day turned into dusk, the beautiful transition to darkness.

Scott County Poor Farm

This is where I grew up in the 70's -90's. It was known as the Scott County Poor Farm in Gate City, Virginia. I am guessing this photo was taken back in the mid to late 1800's. The mountain in the back is the Clinch Mountain.

Six years ago....

We celebrated the birth of our twins Taylor and Dylan....

HAPPY

6TH

BIRTHDAY

BUBS!!!!!

Gray's Lily

While hiking along the A.T., we came upon a beautiful flower which we had never seen before. A few miles later, we met a couple of botanists, Pa and Gweem, who told us that is was the endangered "Gray's Lily. They informed us that they could only be found here, on or near Roan Mountain and no where else in the world.

You can click the photos here to enlarge.

Appalachian Trail awaits...

I just began my journey along the Appalachian Trail. Joining me was April, as we left June 29th and left June 30th. My goal this year is to complete the trail to Damascus Va.

Below is a 10 minute video of the hike beginning at Carvers Gap, Roan Mountain and ending at 19E between Roan Mountain and Elk Park.

Layers of beauty...

When I took a walk on our farm with my niece Kayla, we had to "hike" our way there because fear that the recent rains may have washed the roads so badly that the van wouldn't make it to the top. So we parked and locked up at the bottom of the holler and walked. Recent reports of a mama bear and her cubs kept us alert as we followed the muddy but not washed road. Humidity in the air made it quite muggy until we reached the top where the winds blew from the High Nob. Unfortunately, the wind did little to relieve us from the aggravation and misery of the gnats.

We had earlier tried a natural concoction of bug spray where I added to a spray bottle, two tablespoons of vanilla extract, a few sprigs of catnip (rolled in my hands to release the oils) and filled with warm water (and a later discovered caterpillar... oops, sorry Dad!). It worked wonderfully on repelling mosquitoes but not so much on the gnats. Or perhaps it should have been added more often.

We explored around the top of the holler, in a strange way, hoping to see this mama bear and her cubs, in another way, hoping it wouldn't be just around the next corner, even though we did come up on a ginormous (thanks Taylor) black snake that by my guesstimates, around seven feet long. It's tail was on the outside edge tire rut and it's head somewhere on the other side of the road ON the bank in the grass. It stretched that far! I couldn't get my camera to turn on fast enough (blasted SD card!!) as it slunk through the weeds. That'll get your blood pumping!

This is the farms centerpiece. My Dad's old Dodge truck. This is what I meant when I say "Layers of beauty". Click the picture to enlarge. I just loved the photo, how the years show through.

Later, we stopped at the family cemetery and took a few pics, hoping I was able to shut the gates as well as before I went in.

A bit farther down the dirt road, we jumped several turkeys at the edge of the hayfield. Then we heard it. That sound that makes every fiber of your being freeze, your heart rate skyrockets, you stomach does flips as your mouth goes suddenly dry. Your ears strangely become more sensitive to sounds as you notice that the birds in an area have eerily stopped chirping as the sound of crunching twigs and the swashing of branches as something emerges from the deep depths of brush. Kayla and I both stood together, neither of us about to move, we began to rehearse what to do if we encounter a bear. Just then Lady mare trudges from the brush! She must have been spooked from her cool spot when the turkeys came through, she saw us, gave a welcoming nicker and walked up to us ready for a good head scratching.

So, while walking back down the holler, I spotted a nice plot of peppermint growing in the creek. Kayla by this time had two or three gnats plucked from her eyes and they were attempting to fill my ears. I looked at Kayla, she must have known where I was going as she gave a "light bulb coming on look", as we both made a run for the peppermint. Taking it in our hands, we rolled it to get the oils out and rubbed it all over our heads. By golly! It worked!!! The gnats were still wanting to swarm us but were not about to get near us with the scent of peppermint. Worked like a charm!

Fresh surprise...

The Fawn

There it was I saw what I shall never forget

And never retrieve.

Monstrous and beautiful to human eyes, hard to believe,

He lay, yet there he lay,

Asleep on the moss, his head on his polished cleftsmall ebony hoves,

The child of the doe, the dappled child of the deer.

Surely his mother had never said, "Lie hereTill I return," so spotty and plain to see

On the green moss lay he. His eyes had opened; he considered me.

I would have given more than I care to say

To thrifty ears, might I have had him for my friend

One moment only of that forest day:

Might I have had the acceptance, not the love

Of those clear eyes;

Might I have been for him in the bough above

Or the root beneath his forest bed,

A part of the forest, seen without surprise.

Was it alarm, or was it the wind of my fear lest hedepart

That jerked him to his jointy knees,

And sent him crashing off, leaping and stumbling

On his new legs, between the stems of the whitetrees?

by Edna St. Vincent Millay

We spotted this fresh little fellow along side Sinking Waters Trail today. The green flys were pretty heavy on him... or her, but it lay stock still, movements of breathing barely visible. A sweet surprise as Spring continues to birth.

How my garden grows ...

"The beautiful spring came;

and when Nature resumes her loveliness,

the human soul is apt to revive also.

- Harriet Ann Jacobs

It may not be a huge garden like the gardens I grew up with but I could not be more proud. Rows of sunflowers, potatoes, pole beans, red and green romane and mesclun lettuce, carrots, onions, radishs, and several types of tomatoes make up my little garden.

And last but not least... our little Toad Prince, who we found and placed in our garden to protect it against the onslaught of tater bugs, snails and slugs. May he prosper with an everlasting full belly.

Such the nerd...

I must admit... I'm part nerd. I'm sorry if that disappoints anyone. But it's true. Cool scary movie or nature documentry? Nature documentry of course. Same goes with weather.

So check out my new weather tab on the right! SO COOL! "Grab" it with your left click and check out other cities... even zoom in! ;o)

Sunkissed....

This year, the raspberry bushes are loaded

so it won't be long before

berry picking time!

Trail Days...

While hiking today, a fellow hiker told me of "Trail Days", a three day event that takes place in Damascus, Virginia. You can read more about it here.... http://www.traildays.us/

The day after...

We took a muggy stroll along a portion of the Laurel Run Trail this morning, the fog laden sky slowly succumbed to the heat of the sun, began to break open which allowed gorgeous views of misty sunbeams to shine through the deep greens and browns of the forest floor.

Along the trail we came upon a beautifully colored garter snake who had no interest in having its photo taken and quickly slithered off for the protection of the log cabin nearby...

These sweet little violet like flowers seemed to be in full bloom as well and dotted the edges of the trail... You can click the pictures to enlarge.



The day before, moderately heavy rains swept through the area giving us a chance to enjoy the waterfalls in full flow.

We ended the short hike back at Laurel Run Park which sits right on the banks of the Holston River. This is a beautiful area

for those of you who have yet to venture this way. A picture perfect setting with plenty of shade, shelters, a playground, picnic tables and trails to explore.

Happy Mothers Day!

Happy Mothers Day to all the Moms today!

If you have a child who loves the outdoors whether hiking, camping, fishing or photography and would love to get more exposure, please call or email now. Due to the safetly of your child, limited spots are available.

Beginning in June, we will offer guided hikes according to your childs ability on local trails.
Hikes available are...
Half Day hikes (up to five miles) perfect for ages 9-11. $15 a day (ask about sibliings)

Full Day hikes (six to ten miles) perfect for ages 12 and up. $30 a day

Each hike will give your child a chance to explore the area, get in touch with nature, wonderful photography experiences and join in with other children with the same passion.

I have been an outdoors freak my entire life and would love to share these experiences with others. Some things I will help teach your child are safety, map and compass, wildlife, wild edible plants etc.

On day of the hikes, you may either arrive at the site or meet for carpool. Waivers must be signed prior to departure and lunches are not provided. A short supply list will also be provided to make the trip for your child as comfortable as possible.

You can email me at sandrabgray@aol.com for more information.

Planning Mommys next hike..

After I returned home last night, Evan pulled out a map and began, in detail, planning my next hike until the many miles exhausted him, he drifted off into a blissful slumber. It reminded me of a poem I had to memorize for Mrs. Jacksons English class many many years ago...

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening

Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village, though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.

My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.

He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sound's the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.

The woods are lovely, dark, and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.

Robert Frost

Bays Mountain Park Thru hike to Laurel Run Park...

The morning came, looking a bit wet. There was no other way to put it. W E T. Checking the radar, a massive blob of dark green, yellow and orange was bearing down upon us. Would our scheduled hike be called off after so much anticipation? HECK NO! That'd take the fun out of it! PICTURE LINKS ARE AT THE BOTTOM.... YOU CAN ALSO CLICK PHOTOS HERE TO ENLARGE...

We met at 9:30 at Bays Mountain Park where we set off on our first grand adventure, the longest hike thus far this year 8.5 miles. Our goal, hike from Bays Mountain Park through to Laurel Run Park in Church Hill, have fun, take pictures and new discoveries. On the hike was myself, my best friend April and my niece Kayla. This was Kayla's first BIG hike and we would soon see her take it like a pro.

We started off across the dam (at BMP) where old and young fishermen alike threw out their lines in hopes of an evening fish fry. Out of the four, only one had caught a single bluegill. Maybe Long John's was in order.

We took Lake Road along the ecology pond where we saw beautiful blooming mountain azaleas and checked the radar which was really looking threatening. Upon reaching Ledbetter Gap, we decided to adorn ourselves in the new plastic smell of ponchos. Better to stay dry than start off soaked. Cresting the top of Lake Road at the by-junctions of Cherry Knobs, we could see the rain coming toward us on the next knob. Still no rain as we reached Feagins Gap, but we are now soaked through because of the condensation from sweating in the ponchos. It wasn't until we were near the Cabin at the Primitive Campground that it began a very light shower which was fine because we sat on the front porch and ate lunch, talked about what we may run into, what the guys would be going through at that time, and checking in so Dad would know just where we were at that moment.

After a full stomach and an equal amount of laughs, we set off for Back Hollow Road where the word Marsh was an understatement. I renamed this part of the trail, the "stinky-sewer-knee-deep-boot-sucking-funky-nasty-bio-gunk trail". We made it but next time will opt for bushwhacking to get around that mess. But Back Hollow Road was not through with us yet. After crawling out of the bio gunk, we were smooth sailing. That is until we come upon a barbed-wire fence. Hmm... that's not on the map. We each look at the other as if to say... alright, did we take a wrong turn? We stood on that fence, puzzled, because I knew that some of the trails did border private property but could not figure out where we had gone wrong. By my map and compass readings I felt we were right... but that fence was telling us otherwise. After several minutes went by I decided to go on ahead and see what was further through this wet pastureland. I came upon an old barn and busted up old house... just like the map said. Then I spotted a fella working on the fence. After consulting him, he agreed we were on the trail. Turning around and heading back to April and Kayla, I spotted our familiar white blaze. Soon they joined me and another dead end. Still in eyesight of the farmer, who problaby thought we were nuts and laughing under his breath, we searched and searched and searched for the next white blaze to guide us. Pretty Ridge Trail should be nearby but we couldn't find its entrance anywhere. Then Kayla bent down to tie her shoes and when she came up, let out a "I found it!" Now, take a look at this picture and tell me where it is. Good grief!

So we headed up an incline of 400 feet in .4 of a mile, but at halfway we came to yet another confusing junction. Trees were down everywhere, blueberry bushes thick with blackberry briar's and the brush... this was a job for the Boys Scouts if I ever saw one! The infamous double blaze. Thinking to myself, double blaze was a cautious area, confusing area or trail split. Eenie, meanie, miney, moe... After 30 minutes of calculating time, distance and compass, we agreed that we must not be at the Pretty Ridge junction yet. We continued up the incline and sighed a breath of relief when we discovered we once again trusted our instincts and made it.

Cruising along Pretty Ridge Road was simply beautiful, rightfully named. Its trail was smooth through beautiful large growth of trees, with deep views of the forest floor. Pictures did not do it justice. I have decided that Pretty Ridge is indeed my favorite trail on this mountain. And it has phone signals! Whoohoo!

So we are moving pretty good, when out of the blue, we spot a strange little flower. In my many years of hiking, I had never seen one. I would later discover it was a "Lady Slipper". So sweet!

We reach Kiner Hollow Trail where we run into the first people since the Dam. A husband and wife, the hubby was training for his week long hike in May on the A.T. We chatted for a few minutes, discovering in his pack was 25 pounds, myself carrying about 12 pounds with ease. Not long after, we reached another couple who after a brief chat over where on the map they were, where they thought they would go, and realistically realizing they would not make it to that point by dark, much less back to the park, we decided we just saved a marriage, for they turned around and headed back to the park with dogs in tow.

Then there was the sound... a sound that stops you in your tracks, even though your heart begins to race, your ears suddenly tune into every sound surrounding you within half a mile. A growl, a low deep long growl from behind the old Roller Simpson place, a broken down home located along the trail. We all three froze mid-step, arms frozen in mid-sway, Ron Howard could not have directed that stop better. We stood stock still, another growl followed equally by the click, clank, click, clank sound of footsteps and another eerie growl. Eyes now as big as saucers, we looked at each other to see who knew. No answer, then as the sound got louder, a B U Z Z A R D perches at the top of the house and looks down on us! A FRIGGIN BUZZARD! All visions of bear suddenly shot out the window, thankfully, and we forced all our food back down, lowered our heart rates somewhat, and investigated the house. I'm quite certain the buzzard must have had a nest nearby.

We finished up Kiner Hollow and made it to Laurel Run Trail. Another beautiful scenic forest embedded with great pines, hemlocks and Rhododendrons. Springs pushed through many areas throughout this trail and ferns nearly hip high adorned the forest floor as well as beautiful Spring flowers. This is also where the waterfalls began. One in particular, the highest of them all, I was determined to reach the bottom, something I wasn't able to do last year. Problem was, the "path" down to the bottom was a wet, muddy drop off of about twenty feet. Footing was next to impossible. I knew we could get down... eventually, gracefully or not. The question would be "How the heck do we get back up!?" We'd figure that out later. Leaving our packs at the top, we slid, scooted, and crawled down to the bottom where the falls were stunning. After taking many photos, we were ready to head on up. Kayla took to it like a seasoned mountain goat, standing at the top in just a few minutes. April and I were next, carefully checking our footholds, digging roots to create handholds, we scaled up the mucky wall AND MADE IT TO THE TOP! The sense of accomplishment was unbelievable! I tried and tried to take a photo to show just how steep the incline was, but no matter, unless one of us was to climb back down and climb back up, the photos appear to be level. UGH! We were so excited... and still are because we knew that many people who knew us would have said there was no way we could get down much less back up AND WE DID IT!

We continued down the trail to see more waterfalls where we were surprised by our ride... Mike and Hunter, sneaking up on us as we cooled our feet in the icy cold mountain water. It was a pleasant surprise as we told of how we had just accomplished something amazing.

We started out with a goal yesterday and I am sure we succeeded 100%. We dug deep (literally), discovered something we always felt, that as a team we can do anything.

Thank you April and Kayla for making that day so special! Stinky hugs and more hiking!

Sandra

http://app3.sellersourcebook.com/users/9001/girls.jpg

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http://app3.sellersourcebook.com/users/9001/waterfalls.jpg

Cheddar Pinks...

Signs of a bountiful Spring...

I took a walk around the garden today and thought I'd share my findings with

you...

Lettuce from the garden...

Fuzzy Caterpillar...

Remember...

Buttercup Meadows...

To A Buttercup

You came up through the earth so deep and dark

To listen to the sweet song of the lark

And like the lark's song buttercup you bring

The beauty we have grown to love in Spring.

You seem so glad to show your yellow face

In such a lonely and deserted place
The splendid beauty of your presence grace
The bank by where the free flowing streamlet race.

In the cool breeze of Spring you nod and sway
And with your kin flowers seem to dance and play
And at the Spring sun smile as if to say
We may as well be happy whilst we stay.

The lark which sings that sweet song it must die

And buttercup so too must you and I

But new born buttercups will come each Spring

And listen to another skylark sing.

Francis Duggan

Are you ready to take a hike?

Have you wanted to hike but have been afraid of getting lost or have a fear of hiking alone? Take off and enjoy a day to yourself and leave home life for a day? Wanted to join a hiking group but afraid of not fitting in? JUST NEED SOME GIRL TIME??? Being a 35 yr old mother of three boys, I KNOW!

We are looking for a few great women who would love to explore the local trails and at times, the Appalachian Trail. Day hikes, overnight hike trips and even fishing and camping with the girls!

You can email me at SandraBGray@aol.com for more information!

Photo's shown are of a trek in the woods I took with my Dad this week. Nothin' in the world like eat'n a mess of dry land fish... aka morel mushrooms. Soak the bugs out and fry with cornmeal and a pat of butter for a wonderful treat!

Another win!

The boys played tonight and had another awesome game... this one was a nail biter though. The score was Mets 8 - Cardinals 5 in the bottom of the last inning. We pulled our Cardinals in and asked them for a rally and they delivered, bringing in four runs giving us the win!

Also, I took this picture Sunday of the first trillium blooming along Fall Creek Loop trail at Warriors Path State Park. Hope you enjoy!

Another action packed Saturday...

The boys had a game Saturday morning and once again played a good game. The Cardinals won against the Cubs 16-5 and last night (Tuesday) we won against the MudCats 11-5, currently making us undefeated. You can click this link to view more photos of the bubs in action! http://app3.sellersourcebook.com/users/9001/baseball.jpg

After going home and taking a brief afternoon nap, we took off once again to the golf course at Warriors and let the bubs rip more balls. http://app3.sellersourcebook.com/users/9001/golf.jpg

And so you would think that after this active day they'd be worn out, ready to crash but NO... here is Taylor showing us just how fast he really is...

Take me out to the ball--- game....

We started this season off right! Evan, Taylor and Dylan are playing CHAC this year with the St. Louis Cardinals and had their first game Friday night!

Click to enlarge photos!

This is Evan's second year of pitching machine (38 mph) and the twins first year starting as five year old, the youngest in the league. Evan, who plays second base, threw 4 outs to first in his first game. Dylan, up to the plate, hit the ball, I believe every time he was up. Here his is pictured at first base ready to run!
Meanwhile, Taylor started his first game with a spectacular hit that brought in his first 3 RBI's giving him the first game ball of the season!

I forgot the score, but they did win by a large margin!

WHAT A WEEK!

My posts are backing up on me! After another action packed weekend, I'm finally making time to post the latest happenings.

Friday morning we left Bays Mountain and meandered around Lakeside Trail where we passed by inspection of a very curious doe, then stopping along the way at a few cool sites. The beavers are working overtime now and these pictures do not do justice! We took Food Plot down to the lake, where we came upon what I think was a Maple tree, chewed through on both sides, sap having streamed from its scarrs turned into a very nasty jelly which is probably why the beavers didn't finish this one up. A few yards away lay another downed tree and we believe that the beavers must have gotten hold of a measuring stick for all the sections were close to the same length!

Later we continued along LakeSide trail and took a short cut off trail to an old grave yard. It was a very odd feeling, standing there, a place that very few people knew of. We saw several stones placed in the area, two of which were inscribed, however, only one was ledgable. It was the marker of a three year old child (JWH?) who was born in 1908 yet died in 1911.

April and I broke from the pack on the way back to the dam and headed for a moment of quiet reflection at the ecology ponds before heading back to the parking lot and a quick detour to the lower waterfall from the dam where we took one quick shot. Total hike was 4.4 miles.