Seeing the name of this campground makes it easy to figure out where I ended up tonight. Rocky Top Campground is located in the farthest northeast tip of Tennessee, eight miles south of the Tennessee/Virginia border. This is not even close to where I thought I might end up this evening. I had no intention…
Author: Rob Spera
The Blue Ridge Parkway
Showcasing the age-old beauty of the southern Appalachians, the Blue Ridge Parkway (BRP) is one of America’s most popular scenic drives. Connecting Shenandoah and Great Smokey Mountains National Parks, the 469 mile two lane road rides the crest of the Blue Ridge and other ranges, occasionally dipping into hollows or climbing above timberline to heights…
The Earthbound Space Capsule
Now I understand why they call this part of the Appalachian Mountain Chain “The Smoky Mountains”. During the beginning of the drive we were completely socked in. Even when the weather cleared up, a smokey haze enveloped the mountains, valleys and forests. We set off this morning (myself, Robles, and Mountain Lioness from southwestern NC…
The Appalachian Trail
Hiking on the Appalachian Trail to Charlie’s Bunion from the Newfound Gap was perhaps the hardest hike I have done in my life. The hike was only eight miles but took me six and 1/2 hours to finish. I don’t think I will be hiking the remaining 2152 miles of the Appalachian Trail. Not wearing…
A Creek Runs Through It
The sound emanating from the cascading creek next to the campsite is wonderfully peaceful and calming. This mountainside campsite will be my home for the next four days. The site is located in the Smokey Mountains in the far southwestern edge of North Carolina. I am on the side of a mountain called the Balsam…