Let's Say Thanks....Dot Com!

I opened up my Outlook this morning at work to find an email from one of my biodiesel fuel suppliers, who I will refer to as Bob (because that's his real name). It appeared to be yet another "forward," so I found myself immediately extending my right index finger towards the "delete" key.

For some reason I read what Bob had written in the body of his email before zapping it back into the world-wide web cosmos:

"The website address below was sent to me by a customer. I found it worthwhile enough to pass along to each of you. The sending of a holiday card to one of our soldiers can take less than a minute of your time. Please consider doing so. B"

After further investigation, I clicked on the link and was quickly diverted to www.LetsSayThanks.com. Less than a minute later (Bob was right), I had put together a form "thank you" card that will be sent overseas courtesy of Xerox.

Later this afternoon, I was talking with a coworker who has served in the military about the lengths of the Tours a typical soldier might experience. With his knowledge, as well as the gift of Google, I found that a soldier can spend anywhere between three and 18 months overseas. Eighteen months!! Are you kidding me? I'm not a math major or Fields Medal winner, but it's well more than possible for someone to spend two Christmas seasons overseas and away from family & friends. Talk about a sacrifice. Truly incredible.

I won't even begin to claim that I did my part, but I will say that I'm glad something is being done, however small and insignificant it may appear to us on this side of the Atlantic. If you can find one minute today, please click on the link above and tell a soldier how much you appreciate them. If you're feeling especially wild, send two. If you know of a soldier stateside, shake their hand, give them a hug, or make them breakfast in bed (Emily, it wouldn't hurt if Travis got some eggs and sausage in bed every once in a while - ha!).

The email this morning reminded me of last September when I was fortunate to witness about six soldiers coming home from a yearlong tour in Iraq. I remember drinking a cup of coffee and eating a biscuit when I noticed a crowd beginning to gather in the terminal at the Billings, Montana airport. I equate the "coming home" to that of a carwreck. It was one of those things that I felt incredibly uncomfortable watching because it was so intimate, but I just couldn't look away...and I'm glad I didn't. It will always be a reminder to me of how thankful I am for the men and women in our armed forces. While I'm finding the task of expressing my thanks to our military nearly impossible right now, I will close by saying that I couldn't agree more with Ivan below:

Down Home Girl

Old Crow Medicine Show. I've yet to see them live, but it will happen. I like bluegrass, but typically only in small doses, however, I could listen to O.C.M.S. all day. Some call it "Newgrass," but I just call it great music. Enjoy...

Thankful

Friday morning around 10:30, we (Dad, brother Ryan, and Thomas) set off for the Spence Field Shelter for the night. The forecast was for clear skies and unseasonable warmth in the mid-60's. After gourding ourselves on Thursday, I'm pretty sure we were well-nourished. Unfortunately, that doesn't necessarily equate to being in shape, as we all found out.

We went up the Anthony Creek Tr. out of the Cades Cove picnic area. Just getting to the trailhead was an adventure that took us across the near-impassable Anthony Creek itself. With 2 engineer-overthinkers, 1 landscape crew chief, and 1 me (not sure what I am as of right now), we finally all made it across. That's Dad to the left. He's a BA huh? I think so.

With about 3000 feet of elevation ahead of you, the trail takes a fairly leasurely stroll for a couple miles (translation: most of the climbing begins in the last 3 miles or so). That said, you certainly feel a sense of accomplishment once you're to the top. But, as another sign in the park claims, "The view is worth the climb." We strolled into the Shelter about 4 hours after beginning and met some of the shelter-mates for the evening. The guy that greeted us there was...interesting. In an effort to move on and not dwell on anything negative, I'm gonna pull from Forrest Gump's sage wisdom and say, "that's all I have to say about that."

We unpacked some of our gear and headed up for Spence Field. The sun was dropping lower at this point, which basically triggered man's innate skill of laying down in the grass and basking in it. How dare us to go against the laws of nature, so we all put those "skills" to use. That was probably the best part of the trip. For me, it was the justification of carrying 30-40lbs uphill (both ways of course).

Further justification (especially to sleep on a hard, wooden slab) came later in what I like to call "4 Buds for 4 Buds." On the way up, there was talk of frosty mugs and cold ones, but I think we all realized (or were convinced otherwise) that those would have to wait until another day. To steal from the obnoxious Lee Corso, "not so fast my friend." I'm certainly not one to disappoint. And what can I say, the Aluminum industry has put food on my plate for over 30 years, so...libations for everyone!

We got up early (for me at least) at 6:30a after an unexpectedly warm night (my watch showed an overnight low of 45 in the shelter). We had a quick bite to eat and were on the trail an hour later. Three of us had to get on the road for the Tennessee/Kentucky game for a 12:30p kickoff on The Hill.

The valley must have hit 70 degrees today, which is certainly a nice break from a brief cold weather we had been experiencing. I think I got a little sunburned too. The coolest part? Since you asked, I'll have to say it was getting to go down on the field. I took my "Little Brother" DeAir to his first UT football game today, and a friend had some extra on-field passes, so we spent the 4th quarter in the middle of the action (without the tackling). Absolutely amazing experience. I'll post a picture from that experience just as soon as I get it from my friend (thanks Dave).

I also got to see a great man, John C., down on the sideline. Though he is closely-connected with the U. of Kentucky athletic program, I've decided to not count that against him. Truth is, they are fortunate to have him on their side (and sideline). From my experiences around him, he is a picture of what "living right" looks like, and it's infectious. Great job today John, have fun "Bowling" this year.

All that said, the whole weekend is a picture of why I wish I was more thankful. Though it shouldn't take a Thanksgiving weekend with family and friends, experiencing old and new things to make me realize that, sometimes that is exactly the kick in the rear we all need. Today, I am so thankful. Here's some pictures from the weekend. I'm off to a small concert of the very talented singer-songwriter Ryan Long. Definitely check him out.

Everest: Beyond the Limit

I came across a TV show tonight on The Discovery Channel called Everest: Beyond the Limit. I'm not exactly sure of the premise for the series, but it followed a group of climbers who are basically racing others teams to the top (I think). Expedition members were battling fatigue, lung infections, other competing groups, weather, morale, altitude sickness, sherpas, and egos. It was awesome.

I've always been intrigued by Mt. Everest, though climbing it is certainly not anything I aspire to do. I'm also sure this show will have its critics due to the commercialization of the mountain, but to that I say, "whatever." I'm in no position to argue whether climbing it with/without oxygen or safety ropes is fair or not, as I've never been much over a third of Everest's elevation. To me, making it to the top of that thing is nothing short of incredible.

Let's face it, that mountain (i.e. God) will knock a person off faster than they can say, "I _____________." At that point, it has nothing to do with one's self, but grace alone. And in this case, certain grace that only a few will ever get to realize.

Tonight, the show made me recognize the mountains that I also find myself climbing these days...and even more so how often I try to climb solo (certainly easy to do when you're a 28-year-old bachelor - headshots and vita available upon request). As much as I think (and wish) I was in total control of whatever is going on, that's hardly ever the case. The "I" will only go on so long before it is humbled (and I'm speaking from my own experience here).

Here's my challenge (again, I'm speaking to myself for sure):

1. Watch this TV show. Check your local listings (go here).

2. Don't climb alone, even if it means having a sherpa lead the way.

3. Recognize grace and humility when it happens. There's no doubt they both will at some point.

Here's to going "beyond the limit."

Long Island Shores

That's the latest album from Mindy Smith. So, this has nothing to do with the backcountry, but I think it's worth mentioning. Here's my official review of Long Island Shores:

"If you don't like great music, then don't buy this album." - Adam Gerken, self-proclaimed "Guy who knows great music"

If you don't want to take my word for it and spend your hard-earned (or hardly-earned in some cases) money, then I would suggest putting it on your Christmas wishlist and let someone else spend theirs for you. Problem solved.

Still don't want to buy it blindly? Just click the picture up top to go to Amazon.com where you can listen to samples from each song on the album (I would suggest starting with Out Loud, Tennessee, and Peace of Mind). Now, go buy a copy.

"Rocky Top...

...you'll always be, home sweet home to me. Good ol' Rocky Top, Rocky Top Tennessee."

I met some friends out at a local restaurant last night where I was quickly asked if I'd like to hike today (Saturday). "Of course," was my response. I headed into Maryville around 8:30a this morning to meet up with Tyson and Andrew. It was a foggy and in the mid-40s, but you could tell that in an hour or so, it would burn off and turn into a great Fall day. It was just that.

After a gas fill-up and a sausage & egg biscuit at the P-66 in Townsend (Home of the World's Greatest Slawdog), we parked the car at the trailhead and were on the trail just after 10a in route to Rocky Top. Today, Tennessee plays Vanderbilt, so sense we were going to miss most of the game it was only fitting that we go there.

Rocky Top (as noted in the song as being in Tennessee) is located on the Tennessee/North Carolina border Smokies about 6 miles from Laurel Creek Rd. There are several trails that will take you up, so today we chose to take Lead Cove Tr. to Bote Mountain Tr. to the Appalachian Tr. Once on the AT, Rocky Top is about 1 mile from Spence Field (see pic to the left). Spence Field is also where I'm going next weekend after Thanksgiving with my dad, brother, and husband of my sister-in-law's sister (not sure what that makes us). This is one of my favorite places in the GSMNP. I'm not really sure of the history behind the high-country fields and balds, but apparently folks who used to live in the Southern Appalachians would run their cattle up to these spots for grazing. I've read that some were possibly created from fires from lightning strikes and subsequently maintained by the cattle grazing the vegetation near the ground, though I wouldn't completely rule out UFO's (similar to crop circles).

Anyways, we had lunch on top of Rocky Top, took some pictures, played King-of-the-Mountain, and even some baseball (see pic to the right), then headed back down around 1:30p or so. It was a perfect day for hiking, and glad I was able to go. Strangely enough, we ran into several people we knew on the trail back down. That was pretty cool and goes to show just how small the world really is. Also, I just ended a sentence in a preposition. Oh well. When we returned back to the truck, we tuned in to the UT/Vandy game to find out that the Vols were up 39-7. Somehow, I knew ol' Rocky Top would pull that one off for us today.

In other news, I stopped in to one of my favorite thrift stores on the way home. I ran into something that was a "must have." Twenty dollars later, I was toting home a pre-loved pair of snow skis. They are definitely going to be used, and hopefully as soon as this winter out West in Colorado with some friends. Can't wait for that, and now I don't have to rent skis, and I can look cool carrying them around the airport (that's what it's all about anyways right?).
Here's some more pictures from the day. Truly unbelievable, but don't take my word for it, go check it out yourself. Maybe I'll see you there next weekend.

Love the Madness

You can find good outdoor gear just about anywhere, but if you can get a laugh out of doing it, then why would you go "just about anywhere?" Moosejaw has been revolutionary in their marketing, offer good-to-great products, and are top-notch with their service. Where else can you get a great Patagonia shell, a red foam bozo nose, a daily email from Trapper, and a temporary tattoo of a moustache? Moosejaw. Check them out (via links on the right). Even if you don't buy anything, it's worth the trip. I love the madness, and so will you...

ALL NEW MOOSEJAW COMMERICAL - "Gear" 30 Second Spot

Handy

"Marta says the interesting thing about fly fishing is that it's two lives connected by a thin strand. Come on Marta. Grow up." Jack Handy, Deep Thoughts

Jack Handy is truly inspirational...for me at least. Apparently, an avid fisherman as well. Check out this article from Outside Magazine (October 2006).

Other Handy Deep Thought favorites from the backcountry (kinda...):

"It's too bad that whole families have to be torn apart by something as simple as wild dogs."

"If trees could scream, would we be so cavalier about cutting them down? We might, if they screamed all the time, for no good reason."

"If you're ever stuck in some thick undergrowth, in your underwear, don't stop and start thinking of what other words have "under" in them, because that's probably the first sign of jungle madness."

"Too bad there's not such a thing as a golden skunk, because you'd probably be proud to be sprayed by one."

"As the evening sun faded from a salmon color to a sort of flint gray, I thought back to the salmon I caught that morning, and how gray he was, and how I named him Flint."

"Sometimes the beauty of the world is so overwhelming, I just want to throw back my head and gargle. Just gargle and gargle, and I don't care who hears me, because I am beautiful."

"You serious Clark?"

"Well, I'm gonna park the cars and check the luggage, and well, I'll be outside for the season." - Clark W. Griswold

Today, I was able to escape "outside for the season" to hit some cold Smoky Mountain trout water for a couple of hours. So, most of you wouldn't consider that a "season," but for me, it was just that. Time (and life) slowed down, and for that, I was blessed. All too often, I look back at the week previous and I think to myself, "Whoa! What just happened?" Ok, so with a little thought I could probably tell you what went down, but I (or any one of us really) shouldn't have to think too hard to remember the things that were important, though that's usually the case for me.

I headed up to Metcalf Bottoms after church this morning and a quick lunch at Panera Bread (by the way, did you know that they premake their panini's and are not able to remove any ingredient - even if you ask nicely - so onto my sandwich went some sort of mustard that had a really fancy name I can't recall...I digress). I was on the water, layered up and sporting my "Cousin Eddie Hat" by about 3pm. Yeah, you know the hat I'm talking about ("s*****r was full!"). I was there about 6 weeks earlier with a friend, and immediately I could tell that the flows were a lot higher than the last time. We had some steady rain in the Valley on Friday that brought the streams to the above-average (and above-dangerous) level.

I started off the day using a Parachute Adams with a Hares Ear nymph dropper. Later I moved to just a Copper John nymph by itself to try to get deeper to the lethargic fish. Nothing I threw out there today was of any interest to anything (except a couple of trees). Fortunately, catching fish does not make or break my life (note: this is what poor a fisherman tells himself).

The guy (an Egyptian native and missionary) speaking this morning at church said something that really hit home later this afternoon. He said, "you (people in Western culture) have watches. We have time." That's how I feel when I am able to spend a "season" in the Park, and how I briefly felt today on the water. There were no numbers on my wrist. No deadlines. No pending ventures. No struggles. No relationship (or lack of) issues. At that moment, there was only that moment. I said earlier that time slowed down, but the more I understand, time was moving at the same rate it always does, I just wasn't forcing myself to quantify it. Ask me in a few days what important things have happened in the last week, and my answer will simply be "Metcalf Bottoms."

So, here's to the "season" ahead, and the endless airings of Christmas Vacation on TBS. Here's to the heart of Cousin Eddie, and the hope to one day have someone say about each of us:

Clark: "My cousin-in-law, whose heart is bigger than his brain..."

Cousin Eddie: "I appreciate that Clark."

Clark: "...is innocent."

Say Cheese

I've passed by this sign more times than I could even begin to imagine. It's at the entrance of the GSMNP just outside of Townsend, TN. What's significant about it? Well, let's just say it's probably one of the most photogenic landmarks in East Tennessee (It was actually third runner-up in the 1978 Miss Tennessee pageant, but the scores were just a bit too low in the talent category to claim the crown).

At any given time, you can pass it, and chances are that there will be a maroon 1993 Chevy Astro van with out-of-state/country plates parked nearby. Younger brothers racing older ones. Moms trying to get control. And, of course, Dad piddling with the lens cap on the 35mm that was recently dusted off just for this trip. Yep, they are going to gather around this sign to document their visit.

I, however, take it for granted all too often. The pile of cars. Out-of-state plates. Foreign languages (Yankee accents included). Blue-haired women riding with white-knuckled old men while blue tags hang from the rearview. Impatience overflowing out of my car in some of the most apparent forms on earth.

All that said, I'm starting to appreciate (we tend not to with the things that are right in front of us) this sign as I see more of its significance. Not just for me, but for others that are visiting. Forgotten quickly by many who visit, I hope will one day be rekindled from a photograph of friends and family surrounding this brown, jaggedly crooked smiling face that always (no matter the weather outside) says, "Welcome...and enjoy!"