Finally After Three Weeks I'm Negative!

Just an update on my blog from Friday...I finally tested negative for COVID! While I have been feeling better it is great to get the negative test...

After Three Years The RONA Finally Caught Me

It's March and I was hoping to blog about reaching the three-year mark COVID-free. Well, the "RONA" had other ideas as somehow I became infected in late February. I took paxlovid so I wasn't surprised when I got COVID rebound. The last few days have I felt I'm past the worst (as of writing I'm still positive). I had all the COVID shots and boosters, and I still masked, used hand sanitizer, and avoided crowds for extended periods. That is why I think I must have picked it up at a car dealership in Kingsport. Dad and Terry went to pick-up a new vehicle and I sat in the lobby of the dealership, except for an Asian couple, it was a room full of mouthbreathers. Anyway, how I got it was immaterial because I got it.

It was a long three years as this week was when the world was turned topsy-turvy by the coronavirus. I'm thankful it was three years late with vaccines and treatments, unlike those dark days of March 2020. But I'm going to add that even taking paxlovid I was still pretty sick and I don't want the RONA again! Oh, and Pete has been impossible...

Time For COVID Shot Number Two...Just Remember Get Vaccinated Too!

I am interrupting Day 2 of the hiking blog in the Cherokee National Forest from last week for a post on getting my second COVID-19 Vaccine shot in Greeneville today.

I am using my 15-minute wait to write this blog. It is hard to believe but it has been three weeks since my Pfizer Vaccine. Not much has changed except I realized even more so it is of the greatest imperative that everyone gets vaccinated. This is just the hard truth, but this pandemic isn't going to be brought under control unless we do. The new variants are causing a surge in cases not just here but all over the world. People are still dying in far too great of numbers and this crisis is far from over. When cases get out of control we get new variants, which means this can make the vaccines less effective. It's science people!

So, let me just finish by saying there are no trackers in the vaccines and it's not the "Mark of the Beast." Once vaccinated you still need to social distance and wear a mask. The vaccine can save your life, but your mask can save someone else's!

Yes, There Is Light At The End Of The Tunnel...It's Not A Train...So Get Vaccinated!

Since the dark days of the COVID-19 Pandemic descended over one-year-ago a light at its end was a goal we all hoped to see. Today was my day to finally come somewhat in the light as I got my COVID-19 vaccine today.

Back in December when the first vaccine, the Pfizer one, became available it was a sign of hope, but the rollout of doses of it made it still seem a ways off. But then at the first of the year (while I was on the Camp Creek Bald Fire Tower), my Dad got his first dose of the Moderna vaccine. That was the day I had waited for since this began. He was in the high-risk category and I was just relieved he got his. 

Camp Creek Bald in January

However, when did I think I would get mine. I first thought late Summer. Then I moved that up to June when President Joe Biden said 100 million vaccines in 100 days. Then a couple of weeks ago President Biden announced all Americans over 18 years old would be able to start getting shots by May Day. Then this weekend I heard a report that for the first time Tennessee had more vaccine than demand. Just today the age fell to 55+, but while old I wasn't old enough.

The line early on...

Anyone who knows this Wood Booger will confirm I didn't care which vaccine I would get. Whether Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson and Johnson...hell, I would take the Sputnik V if I could! With that, I thought the first of April might be when I roll up my sleeve.

...no, you never had to leave your car...

...there was beautiful scenery while I waited...

Then today I got a tip from a member of my family that they were giving Pfizer shots at old Greene Valley Center until 2 pm. So in a flash, I was out the door and on my way...this was my chance. I didn't know what to expect, but when Greene Valley came into view there was a line of cars visible. I will admit my heart sank a bit, but luckily cars weren't back up onto 11E. 

...getting close...

So when I pulled the line actually wasn't that bad. The process had gotten pretty streamlined. I have to admit when the guy gave me the paperwork I got really excited! It wasn't too much longer I got my second shot appointment card and then rolled up my sleeve and it was done. I know I have another shot in three weeks, but that light felt good! 

...my paperwork...

...the moment of truth!

Anyway, I just want to say I was thankful to get my vaccine, but like most things, it was a group effort. So, if you have gotten a vaccine, help someone else, and when it is your time and you are eligible get the shot! It isn't a matter of faith, there is no conspiracy, no train at the end of the tunnel and it is much better than being on a respirator or worse. Remember we have lost over 550,000 fellow Americans (probably someone you know) and closing on 3 million worldwide. If we all want to reach the light...get the shot!

One Year Ago It Became A COVID World

Wow! It has been a year this week when the world went upside down with the COVID-19 Pandemic. So, I am doing a short blog about this year that changed our lives. 

Yes, I could have done this blog last week as rightfully there is a push to make March 1 National COVID-19 Remberence Day. I remember when I did a COVID Blog back in April the case and death numbers were high, but we had seen the worst, nowhere close (as of today in the US has almost 30M cases & 528K deaths)! It was also the week that the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the coronavirus a global pandemic. But I decided to write this one now because this was when everything went off the rails. On Monday, of this week, last year I did my last Appalachian Trail (AT) Section (Spivey Gap to Chesota) because I knew things might get bad soon, so I wanted to get it done because I needed a shuttle. I even talked with my shuttle driver about it. Then on Wednesday, everything went crazy as Rudy Gobert became his positive test, for coronavirus, shutdown the NBA and professional sports as a whole. It coincided with the first confirmed case in East Tennessee. I remember the following day I went hiking at Laurel Run Park, which would be my last outing anywhere (besides the Cabin) until May. It was also the first day I wore a mask in a store what I didn't know at the time I would be wearing one up until the present.

Last 'COVID free' AT hike, Spivey Gap to Chesota...

Laurel Run Park the last place until May...

I remember not knowing what this virus was totally about. So, I was wiping down mail and stayed home, like I said until May. Eventually, we learned that with masks, social distancing, and other mitigation practices it was okay to get back on the trail. However, it was a lonely year out. Not counting Bax, who hiked with me at the Cabin (after recovering from ACL surgery), I only did two hikes with people. One was an overnight backpack at Mount Rogers National Recreation Area (NRA) and at the Channels in Virginia. While I don't mind soloing I do sometimes miss outings with people. Still, I did plenty of camping and saw some great sunrises and sunset

Mt. Rogers NRA (Top & Left Middle) & The Channels (Right Middle & Bottom) 

Bax & I

Eight of my campsites...

Sunrises: Grassy Ridge Bald (T), Cold Springs Mtn. (L) & White Rock Cliffs (R)

Sunsets: Max Patch (T), Beauty Spot (L), Brier Ridge (R) & Camp Creek Bald (B)

As I pointed out in a few blogs I also started a new hobby, collecting old trail guides. I was also successful with an old one, making Maple Syrup. Hiking in the snow got me through the Dark Days of the Pandemic this Winter. The saving grace was that competent adults are back in Washington following the since when it comes to COVID. Now the vaccines are getting out (my Dad has gotten both of his shots) with the third vaccine being approved and the announcement that there will be enough to go around by Summer an end...a finish line is in sight.

Guides: GA & TN (UL), Sierra Club Smokies (UM), TN Guides Box (R), Guide Box (BL) & Southern Appalachians (BM)

Maple Syrup Making

Snow on Roan Highlands (UL), Roan High Knob (UR), 

There are a lot of things I haven't done in over a year. I haven't been to an REI (there is a new one in Sevierville), been to the Smokies (that one is hard to believe, slept in a trail shelter (the ones on the AT are mostly closed), a Coffee Donut, eaten in a restaurant and many others. After I get vaccinated, which I hope is soon, I might eventual get to do some of these sooner, but all sometime later. However, mask-wearing maybe something I don't give up. The flu all but disappeared and one big reason was mask use, so these will be a part of my attire going forward. 

REI (UL), Jerry's Cabin Shelter (UR), Foothills Pkwy (M), Status Dough (UB) & Korean Taco House (BR)

One of the last times before mask (UL) & some of the places where I had a mask...

In closing, I just want to say add this is not the time to let our guard down. Keep your distance and that mask on! Oh, when it is your time for the vaccine...JUST GET IT!

Pete's message & mine...

Wake Up People! We Have To Take Care of Places Like Max Patch...

I hate having to write a blog about this subject. However, what I hate more is people trashing the places, in the outdoors, I love, so let's begin. See the reason I am writing this blog is because of the story I read in the Asheville Citizen-Times (it is a must read) about the ridiculous amount of people camping and trashing the summit of Max Patch.

This picture left me speechless. Photo by Mike Wurman

I know with the COVID-19 Pandemic that since people haven't been traveling that camping has become a popular alternative to many. I have seen it first hand on my visit to Max Patch on the first of June and more so on a visit later in the month to Carvers Gap and the Roans. It was this visit to Roan Mountain that convinced me to avoid camping at extremely popular spots. 

My visit to Max Patch...

...& the Roan Highlands both in June.

I kind of suspended that rule Labor Day Weekend at Mt. Rogers National Recreation Area and I saw a ton of people there, but nothing like what was at Max Patch. One reason for that is the area of Max Patch is much smaller than the Roans or Mt. Rogers so people can't spread out. But that excuse what I saw in that story about the numbers there.

Labor Day crowds at Mt. Rogers.

Still, that isn't the worst part it is the trashing of the place, that is even more egregious! I can't say I am surprised, I have hauled out my share of other peoples trash and have ranted on many occasions about that. But this is on a whole number level. Let me just say this and I am quite clear on the subject of Leave No Trace. If you can't haul out your trash properly dispose of your shit or carry out your gear then DON'T COME THE F**K OUT...PERIOD!

Some of the trash I have crossed this year.

Oh, and for that nutter in the article saying she saw no trash and the photo was doctored...just shut the f**k up. Whether it's climate change or the COVID crisis I have had it with material reality-denying cultists and nutters! So, what can be done? I think for Max Patch it might be time to close the summit to camping. We also need to fund the US Forest Service better so someone can enforce the laws that are there because taking money out of people's pockets might be the only way to get their attention. Because I love Max Patch and we need to take care of this and all of the other special places.

Next Time When Grilling Think...Watermelon

During the Coronovirus Pandameic people have done a lot of stuff cooking. I guess it's because most people aren't eating out that much (I haven't eaten in a restaurant in almost six months). I really haven't posted any blogs on food in a while, so I will speak of something I tried recently...Grilled Watermelon

I know it sounds weird and you have my friend Marty to blame. He sent me an email about grilled watermelon burger it sounded interesting. However, before trying a burger with a watermelon I decided to try it plain first. So, I heated up the grill, got some watermelon and grilled. I did pieces at different amounts of doneness to test the results. I will say, when cooking, it reminded me of grilled salmon but tasted similar to grilled pineapple.

It was good but not as good as the aforementioned pineapple. So, if I was going to do a burger I would be more likely to use pineapple. I will finish by saying that I am glad I tried it plain first, but it is worth a go if you are adventures!

Because I Need To Be In Better Shape...

This morning I decided to try again to stay in shape by walking a new path in St. Clair. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 Pandemic, I have tried to keep in shape, but I have mixed results. But I was going to give it another shot, I even mowed a special section just for my path. So, today I did get out and start my new walking program.

They Ain't No Lower Class Than Mouth Breathers & Tennessee Trash!

Yes, this is Pete here and the Lummox has given me the floor of this special edition of Down the Rabbit Hole...think of this as a Public Service Announcement. I am going to address two subjects and there might be some overlap of the ass clowns this covers.
The first will cover you "Tennessee Trash" out there...yes you know who you are. One of the reasons the Lummox turned this blog over to me is because he knows I hate HATE Littering a-holes as much as the Lummox. When we got to Horse Creek the bear trash cans were closed, but that didn't stop some mouth breather from dropping their trash on the ground under the trash cans. Not only are they "Tennessee Trash," but they must be barefoot and illiterate because they couldn't read a sign right in front of them saying "NOTICE: Please Pack Out Your Trash! Hey, numbnuts that means take it with you and not lying by the trash can! No one wants to pick up your germ-ridden trash in a BLOODY PANDEMIC!

Trash people left...

...because I guess they can't read!

Speaking of the pandemic the other subject I want to touch on is not wearing a mask shit! I know the Grand Po-Ba won't wear one, but that doesn't mean you have to be stupid too. You would think this is like a cult or something. As you probably have read I have come to refer to these people as mouth breathers...well that is what they are. When out hiking you don't have to wear one but when you encounter someone or with a large group of people, put one on and practice some kind of social distancing...better safe than f******. Remember it is Memorial Day Weekend, which means double the mouth breathers.

Look the Lummox wears one, you can too!

I don't have to worry about COVID-19, I am a rabbit and a f***ing HIKING MACHINE! However, I am going to practice what I preach and start wearing one because I am a role model. Honestly, I don't care if your mouth breathers get coronavirus or not. I mean there will be more room on the trail for me, but the Lummox is a soft-hearted pansy...so wear the mask. I am out...BITCHES!

Finally, The Wood Booger Is Back On The Trail....At Buffalo Mountain!

Thursday was a big day. While I have been hiking at the Cabin during the Coronavirus Pandameic today was my first outing out of a very controlled environment. Since I have come to the conclusion that this is the new normal for now and I know those in power have really thrown in the towel. So, I know I will have to take care of me and that means I need to go out (& Pete too as he wrote)!

Where to go? Well, about this time every year I head to Buffalo Mountain Park to look for wildflowers, specifically, Pink Lady Slippers and Mountain Laurel. I also wanted a hike, but I will admit I am not in top hiking shape. The one downside is that it can be popular and being around people is something I wanted to try and avoid. Anyway, I decided to go, because it is a big mountain.

As always I parked at the Hartsell Hollow Trailhead (the lower non-BJ one). From here I hiked up to the first junction and then towards the upper parking area. Once I topped out with the trail to Huckleberry Knob. This area is where I, in the past, have found lots of blooming Mountain Laurel around this time.

While I did find some, for whatever reason (like it has been unseasonably cool lately) they just hadn't bloomed out like before. They look a week or two behind schedule. However, there were plenty of others like Flame Azaleas, Everlasting Pea, Rattlesnake Weed, and Pink Lady Slippers.

I hiked and out, first to Tip Top (the highest point in the park) and then back towards the Communication Towers and White Rocks. On the way, I ran into a woman from the Johnson City Parks Department and a gentleman who is wanting to start a Friends of Buffalo Mountain and I gave him my number as I would love to help.

After reaching White Rocks I had decided to head back on the Noggin Trail. I had planned to take this, fairly new, Pink blazed, trail last year when I came down the Tower Ridge Trail. I somehow missed it then, but now I was picking it up at the East terminus near White Rocks. While a short blue blaze starts it you cross the Tower Road to meet the first pink blaze. Before long the trail will turn at an old spring house that I didn't know about. The trail heads up and crosses the Tower Ridge Trail, I don't know how I missed it last year. After for the next half-mile, it is a steep trail down Catbird Creek and Hartsell Hollow.

Like the Noggin, I had never hiked the Hartsell Hollow Trail. The Noggin joins it near the top of the Hartsell Hollow Trail. I wondered why? Well if you follow the blue blaze the short distance there is a somewhat dead-end (there is a manway to the left) at a waterfall. It is 15 feet and probably with water flow pretty nice, but today it was low flow. Until I get a name I am calling it Hartsell Hollow Falls. This was the only waterfall, there were two more that actually had more flow. I am going to call these Upper and Lower Catbird Cascades. Also, I spotted a wildflower that I thought I was too late to see, Dwarf Crest Iris!  I then arrived at the junction where I started earlier and back to the car.

g in the area of COVID-19. I had a buff that I have around my neck and I used it to cover my nose and mouth when I met people, but I was the only person I met who was covering my nose and mouth. Yes, I know it is hard to hike with one on I didn't when I was on the trail alone, but covered my face when I met people. Also, I was the one doing social distancing. Like I said above you have to take responsibility for themselves. With that said it was really good to be on the trail, yes it was...