Well, The Lummox Is Good For Something... Buckner Ridge

You know I blistered the Lummox something fierce Monday after the CNF Loop debacle. But the pansy got his COVID shot yesterday and we went up to Buckner Ridge over near Fort (Blackmore, VA). Actually, I am up here right now DADDY! So, I am getting back to carrying the Lummox which means I am out...BITCHES!

A More Wood Booger Proof Pour-Over For Coffee

I have written a number of times about making coffee and the different ways I accomplish this task. The last way I described was by pour-over and it had become my go-to style of coffee I make. It is simply my favorite. 

When I bought my original pour-over early in the pandemic I got a cheaper one because I wasn't sure how I would like it. You might have guessed it was all glass, except for the coffee basket. Because of this, I knew it wasn't Wood Booger proof so it was just a matter of time before it got broke. Time ran out recently and I knocked it off the counter by accident and it hit the floor in pieces. All that remained was the mid-handle and coffee basket.

My old pour-over

The inspiration for the new pour-over

So, as a replacement I decided to do what I did when I broke my glass French press...get one made of stainless steel. Like the French press, stainless steel pour-over is a little more expensive. Unlike the French press, I couldn't get it all stainless steel. The basket holder is glass, but I got one that screws out meaning I can replace it. Also, it is bigger and has a screw-on lid which is cool. 

Parts of the pour-over

Making coffee

The biggest difference is on the old one I knew how much water by the levels on the base. This one doesn't have that so I have to measure the water and then pour it over. But, I will say I have gotten the hang of it. I am pleased with my new Asobu Pour-Over...

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!

What Else Can I say...THE LUMMOX!

 

Alright, I have to breathe and CALM DOWN! Okay, I give the Lummox grief, I get that, but there are times when he more than deserves it and that was the case Monday. What I am talking about was our "aborted" hike and camping in the CNF (Cherokee National Forest). I have wanted to do the loop of Phillips Hollow, Artie Hollow, and Davis Creek Trails for more than a year. He used the excuse of COVID last Spring and when we finally got back o the trail there was one excuse after another.

 Anyway...FINALLY, we were going to do the CNF loop Monday and then camp at the recently opened Old Forge Campground. So, we get to the Margarette Falls Trailhead (which is the one for the loop too) and he gets a boot out and then says: where is the other? It must be in the trunk." But, guess what? It wasn't...the airhead LEFT ONE AT HOME...WHAT THE FECK! How do you forget a hiking boot! No, that wasn't a question...I know! Just remember to quote Forest Gump "stupid is as stupid does" If you put his "brain in a parakeet it would fly backward!" We passed some guineas that wouldn't get out of the road I say the Lummox's Kinard spirits...WHAT A DOPE! That's all the more I think about it the madder I get, I am done...

Astronomical Spring Begins By The Fire

It is the first day of astronomical spring and there aren't too many ways better to enjoy it than sitting out by the fire pit today.

Some years I might be hiking, but I am doing that Monday. This time last year it was all about COVID-19. I guess it still is, but not the same unknowns that clouded things last year. Plus the vaccines are being administered so there is light at the end of the tunnel. Anyway, I decided to take advantage of the fire and cook my dinner on it. That dinner would be a favorite... Shovel Lamb. I don't know if I have described before how it is made. In Australia, they use a shovel and put a piece of lamb on it and then on the fire. I don't have a clean shovel so I use a cast-iron skillet and season it with that excellent Sichuan peppercorn recipe I have (which I finish my roasted potatoes in after removing the lamb). It is really good! While tonight's was delicious I will admit to making it better back in December. 

Overall, it was a great dinner and a relaxing fire...what could be better!

Spring Forward For A Trail Double At Horse Creek

It is Spring...if you don't believe me just go outside. So, with the warm weather, I decided to finally get back on the trail at Horse Creek Recreation Area.

I will admit that Pete is right it has been way too long since I was hiking. This was my first hike of Spring and it had been a month since I had been on any public paths. Anyway, I decided a good place to get back into the swing of things was a trip to Squibb Creek Falls on Thursday. This would be my fifth trip. 

I started out where most hikes at Horse Creek at the back of the recreation area. Starting up the road it was left across the bridge and into the Sampson Mountain Wilderness. After passing "my cabin" before the first Creek crossings. If you know this trail there will be 14 more before reaching the main falls. I say that because, like Margarette Falls Trail, there are a lot of smaller cascades on the trip up. One thing that slowed me down a bit was having to cut out some blowdowns. While I probably could have plowed though, I had my mini-saw and it would make it easier for me and anyone coming behind. Also, bears are active because I saw plenty of signs on the way up.

Finally, I made it up to the 20-foot falls. As I have said, while Margarette Falls is more impressive, Squibb Creek is still impressive and I like the hike better (unless I go on to Bailey Falls). One incredible thing, while it had been Spring-like for a few days there was still some ice on the falls.

After enjoying the falls it was an enjoyable trip back. I also had the trail mostly to myself. However, that wasn't all for the day...next up the Scarlett Oak Trail.

I knew about this trail from the Cherokee National Forest (CNF) book, but after all of my trips to Horse Creek, it wasn't until my trip on Thanksgiving weekend last year that I noticed the sign for it. Since I had done almost 10 hard miles to Coldsprings Mountain I was doing it then. The last time I had a chance there was an aborted attempt at Old Forge, but I decided to go somewhere else.

So, since it was on my way back I decided to stop and do this loop trail. The Scarlett Oak Trail is across from the entrance to the Horse Creek Campground within the site of the recreation area sign. The trail sign says this is a two-tenths-of-a-mile loop. I thought that sounded short and I was right. Having done enough trails I figured it was at least a half-a-mile and, according to the CNF book, it is. Another mistake was on the second sign as it rated this trail more difficult. I went left at the start which took me anti-clockwise on the trail. While it had some uphill (about 250 feet in elevation gain) the CNF Guide might be closer to the mark describing this as easy. Oh, and the other side of the loop was about the same. At the mid-point with a bench and a nice winter view. Overall, it was a good finish to a good day...