The Search for Governor Sanford……… A hike on the Appalachian Trail

July 4, 2009 | Bert

[bert]

I have written before of the simple pleasures that just seem to happen when you live in East Tennessee. The fresh from the patch Scott Farms strawberries in May, and the wonders of the flowering displays on Roan Mountain in June are two.

We took a hike this week on the AT traversing the highlands of the Roan pretty much following the Tennessee/ North Carolina border. Folks know it is the most beautiful section of the whole trail from Georgia to Maine, and they come from all over to take in the views . We also seek the solitude of the high mountains and discussed the possibility of meeting the governor on the trail. Such a meeting was also on the minds of several we met that morning. Alas, we found hide nor hair of the man.

We had an outstanding day hiking the l six miles from Carver’s Gap to Grassy Ridge and back. The weather was crisp in the high 60’s with a stiff breeze. The coolness and wind meant good views. The haze of summer was not present and the views of the surrounding mountains were very long and spectacular. At 67 and the youngster in the trio, I was pleased to not only get back on the mountain trail but thankful for the ability to do so. The fantastic 360 views of the distant blue mountains and the up close displays of colorful flowers can’t be adequately described.

I have posted below a few photos to show what we saw.

[TADSLOS]

Great stuff!

[who knows what evil?]

Ooooo...’rattlesnake heaven’? Can’t let my wife see that...

[cva66snipe]

My sister used to live in Carlsbad, NM. It's former name was Rattlesnake Flats. They changed it for tourist reasons LOL.

BTW Del Rio is where the inspiration for the story Christie came from. I think it was Cathern Marshall's mother that taught school near there.