Tales From The Wood Booger

Sunday, July 25, 2021

Whether "Buck" Or "Thunder" This Orange Moon Was Super

While not a Supermoon this weekend the night sky was still illuminated by the July Full Moon. Know as the "Buck Moon" or "Thunder Moon" it was still big and bright. Because of the haze of smoke from western wildflowers that have made daytime views limited.

2021 Supermoons: (T) Pink-April, (BL) Flower-May & (BR) Strawberry-June

Smoke made the views Haze on White House Cliffs

It was a good thing that it was full Friday and Saturday as I was camping in tree cover at Rocky Fork on Thursday night (more to come). When I got to see it there was an orange hue on it and is was a beautiful full moon...

Friday, July 23, 2021

High On The Mountain What Do I See Bear Tracks Running From The Hiking Machine!

Like the title of my latest blog says that Bear Rug and her two coats were nowhere to be seen as a knockout in Round 3 for THE HIKING MACHINE! Today I went up the White House Cliffs Trail, in Rocky Fork State Park, to the top. While the Lummox quaked in his boots (and streak his shorts) I was hoping for the bear to show, but for their own good, they didn't. I did have fun...on this hike, I got to see the Lummox struggle with the heat and see his face when the view was obscured by haze.

However, before this, I got to enjoy an evening camping at the Flint Creek Campsite. While I would have liked to have gone to one a little further out I will give the Lummox one here. With that said, I am out...BITCHES!

Monday, July 19, 2021

High Summer Means A Return To Bailey Falls

On Friday morning I wanted to hike but what to do on a hot summer day? I decided it was time to go on a waterfall hike. Since it is High Summer I decided to double my pleasure and return to Bailey Falls.

This is not one waterfall, but two. I had made two prior trips to Lower Bailey Falls and when I discovered the upper cascade I made my first trip to it last August. Because of the rock hopping and generally getting wet I save this hike for the warmer months, which July is. These aren't the only waterfalls as most of this hike is the Margarette Falls hike. That means this trip has many cascades, including Mid-Point Falls, the Fan, and the Shute. They all culminate at the base of one of Northeast Tennessee's best the 60-foot Margarette Falls.

So, the first part I have done many times, but there have been a few changes since my last trip back in February. First, the FS Road-5099 sign was gone. Since it was in good shape I would guess it was stolen, which is just not Cricket. Another change was an addition of a footbridge near the Shute. It was put in where the large spring crosses the trail. Also where it used to be tricky up-downhill steps were added. It definitely is an improvement. One thing that never changes is the beauty of Margarette Falls.

It's gone...

Mid-Point Falls

The Fan

The Shute

New Footbridge & Steps

Margarette Falls

Once there it is up the unofficial manway to the top of Margarette Falls then across West Fork of Dry Creek before heading up it. There is a lot of rock-hopping on the way to the base of Lower Bailey Falls.

The Wall & the creek...

...which I am heading up...

...to Lower...

...Bailey Falls

There was something new here also. Someone had tied up a rope to climb up to the manway that leads to the Upper Falls. It is a few feet from where I originally went up. Once I reached the area of the Upper Falls I didn't have to wade for a closer look like I did in 2020. The water level was a little lower in the "Bailey Tub." Both cascades are worth the effort that it takes to get there.

The new location of the rope to...

...Upper Bailey Falls

Bailey Tub

An above view of Lower Bailey Falls

On the way back, I took in the view of Margarette Falls from above. Once down I enjoyed some alone time with the cascade. Which would not last because on my way back I passed several people. The empty parking area that greater me now had BLANK vehicles. But these waterfalls are always worth the effort.

The part of Margarette Falls is only visible from the top

Behind the sign to the left was an abandoned stroller

Friday, July 16, 2021

Bailey Falls Is Two Worthy Of THE Hiking Machine!

What do you get when you combine one Hiking Machine, a Lummox, and two hard-to-get-to-waterfalls? Said Hiking Machine having to lug 200 pounds up the creek and over rocks. The two waterfalls that tested the Hiking Machine were Upper and Lower Bailey Falls. To get there we had to pass Margarette Falls, while nice, was more of the Lummox's level. Well, Peteacholics I am out...BITCHES!

Thursday, July 15, 2021

Wildflowers Of June 2021

While June always dazzles, truth be known it is the month where wildflowers start to decline. While that will come more noticeable in High Summer the month of June still provides some of the seasons' heavy hitters like Tiger Lilies, Flame Azaleas, and most of all Catawba Rhododendrons (Cover Photo). Then the month ends with High Summer's star Rosbay Rhododendrons Bottom Photo). So, with that is time for photos for the Wildflowers of June 2021...

The Cabin, Ft. Blackmore (06-04 To 06)