The Great Flood Of 2019

Rain, rain go away don't come back for a few days! That is what I am thinking since it has been a week of off and on heavy rain and it has brought flooding and tragedy to East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia.
It washed out my Clinch Coalition Retreat scheduled for Saturday and a trip to the Cabin along with it. However, these were small inconvenience next to what happened around the region.
We were lucky here at the farm, while there was flooding all around us, including "downtown" St. Clair. However, here at the house, it was all around us, but not close to the house or any buildings. The biggest flooded area in front of our place was old Cantrell Pond. It was the highest I had ever seen it as it almost topped the road to the barn. The old pond right out front has the most water I had seen in quite a while.

The most surprising was not even on our property. Behind the house on the other side of a grove of Cedar trees there use to be an old cow pond, but it dried up last year. Well, after the rains it was back, times, 10! The pond stretched a quarter of a mile and had a small waterfall coming from the trailer park next door.

While a lot of water here I know others had it far, far worse so my thoughts go out to them. After days of rain, we all caught a break as the rain stopped and some orange ball appeared in the sky today...strange.

                                                                       ***Update***
On Wednesday I went hiking to Rich Mountain Fire Tower, but as I started out I ran into water...hat was still across the road on Highway 113. I am not surprised as the ponds at the house have barely receded.

The Homestretch of Winter Means Maple Syrup Season

It is early February and that means Maple tree tapping time.
When I got back from the Cabin Monday I knew I needed to get to it. I wanted to do it last week, but with the very cold and windy weather, the days got away. However, it is not the latest that was 2017, but I did start a little earlier last year. But today my Dad and I drilled the holes and put in the taps. Now it is a wait and sees...to be continued.

Hiking & Relaxing on Super Bowl Weekend

It was Super Bowl weekend, but since the Trumpers (New England) were in the big game I had little interest in the contest. So, how to spend the weekend? At the Cabin... hiking, working & relaxing.
My Dad, Bax and I went over on Saturday and for the first time in quite a while in Southwest Virginia it was dry and with it my wood pile was too. So, on Friday evening I got to relax first watching birds and then by the fire pit.

Sunday morning I took Bax out for a hike up over Russell and Robert Knobs, he enjoyed it. Dad and I took down the old grape arbor damaged from the December snow. After making some food for the game, including grilled hot chicken wings it was fire pitting time. I did glance at the game through the window, but I also watched the stars too.

On Monday morning, I again took Bax out for another hike. It was a frosty one to start. I cleared the road of some December blowdown and we explored some old roads. We both enjoyed the hike. While the game sucked my weekend didn't.

Winter Waterfalls Galore At Laurel Run Park

Today, I finally got on the trail for a nice hike at Laurel Run Park. It was cold, there was a lot of ice, but that is to be expected in wintertime. There were nice views from the Canebreak Mountain Overlook and great water flow at all five waterfalls at Laurel Run Park.

Plenty of ice on them added to their beauty. Headed on the manway to Upper Kiner Hollow Falls the snow had pressed down the rhododendrons, making it a tough go. Also, a hemlock tree had been downed obscure some of the falls. I also didn't go behind the waterfall...way too much slick ice.

Overall, it was a nice day to be on the trail.