All That Is New On Max Patch

Recently I finally did something I have always wanted to do and camp at Max Patch.
It had been a while since I had been there (February 2017). First, that is way too long and second, there have been several changes since my last visit. Big thumbs up to the Carolina Hiking Club as they did most of this work. First, when you get to the parking area you will notice a new Max Patch sign. The biggest difference is the font is different for the Max Patch part and it is a little smaller. 

However, that wasn't the only change.  I first noticed the big, new information kiosk, well the centerpiece is the old one. It features maps, plenty of information and a Welcome to Max Patch. Its located right in the center is important as it blocks the old trail straight up to the top.  I know they have wanted to stop traffic going straight up, Max Patch. They also added some fence and new signs, left and right, to head to the AT (Appalachian Trail) and the summit.

The junctions with the AT had new signs, maps and the trail to the right mixed them with the old ones at the AT junction. Also added on this part of the AT were more fences reinforcing the message not to come up the old middle trail. On the summit, around the marker, gravel has been added. I can't talk about these changes without one that is sad. The famous birdhouses have been featured on the AT book and calendars, but now all removed, all except one. 

Tons of people came up for sunset and sunrise...some even camped. At the time it seemed odd when a couple came up for marriage photos. Then on the next day, a couple came up to actually get married. 

Well, Max Patch is a special place (because of that a few more photos)...

Care NET Day At Heritage Days

It is the middle of October and in Hawkins County, that means it is time for Heritage Days. This year I was back manning the both Saturday, but unlike last year I hauled & help set up on Friday.  It wasn't as difficult on me or Big Red either hauling or setting up as the Clinch Coalition Naturalist Rally. I did see two food trucks that got my attention. One was for Southern Craft Barbecue and Auntie Ruth's Donuts...I know what I was getting on Saturday!

Speaking of Saturday my schedule got changed and I went up late in the afternoon so I could help break down as we were only doing one day at Heritage Days. We did have a good spot as my old Review buddy Melissa is Rogersville Heritage Association Director. There were some cool stuff like bees and an area with Native Americans and frontiersmen.

After getting coffee, donuts and socializing I got to the Care NET booth. We had a lot of cool things, but the favorite was boxes of most threatened area animal by a member of our group, Wendy... It took longer than expected and because of this, I had to change dinner plans. But, Heritage Days is always fun.