Roan Mountain Day

10/23

Today we will be guided about the area by my friend Mary.   I must admit this is a very pretty area with lots and lots of recreation opportunities. 

We met Mary at her house and all got into the truck for the day. First up is Roan Mountain State Park. We made a stop at their excellent visitors center, interpretation of many aspects of this park is very well done.  All in all, I have been very impressed with the Tennessee State Parks.  

Kenai following the Appalachian Trail, notice the marker 

We made our way to Carvers Gap trailhead, a low point on the Ridgeline of Roan Mountain. There is a nice parking area at the top, where we gathered our gear and hit the trail. Kenai carried water and food for he and Koda. 

We would be hiking the Appalachian Trail to a couple balds on the ridge line. A bald is a rocky grassy treeless place on a ridge. The first bald we came to was Round Bald at 5826’ in elevation. Mary explained this area reminds her, and many others, of The Sound of Music, where one wants to twirl and sing. 

This trail is majestic with the vast scenic vistas all around. The trees have not totally changed but we they are starting to change. I will say again this is a beautiful place with a lot of things and activities going on. 

We hiked on to Jane Bald, stopping for a snack along the way. Koda was getting a bit tired. Here Kenai posed for a picture or two and Koda was not interesting in being photoed at all.  

For a Tuesday there were a good number of folks out enjoying the trail and those we encountered commented on Koda and the size of his paws. 

Back at the car, we made our way down the hill, stopping at a location to see some of the colors. Diesel Truck had started a noise and the noise was getting louder and more frequent. More on that later. 

We then drove to Elizabethton, TN to visit and interpretive center for the Overmountain Men. Sadly we had just 7 min to speed read the exhibits in the center.  The Overmountain Men were citizen soldiers during the Revolutionary War. They were instrumental at the battle of Kings Mountain, and it was in Elizabethton, TN where they mustered.  A very interesting side story is that of Mary Patton. As gunpowder was in short supply and would be greatly needed by the Overmountain Men a source for manufacture was needed. Mary Patton was the daughter of a gun powder manufacturer from England. She had learn the trade as a girl and put this knowledge to work. Thanks to my friend Mary for these great historical tid bits. 

It was a great day and we have a very tired pup. 

We were to have attended a trivia night, but the noise created by Diesel Truck had me worried. So with a bit of quick research, I believe it is a problem in the rear differential and made an appointment to get it looked at first thing in the morning. So we will see what is up.