Blargh.

We've been sick around here the last couple days, but things are looking up now. I almost feel human again.....

Unique things at Injun Creek

We've hiked along the unmarked Injun Creek Trail in the Big Greenbrier area of the Smokies several times. It is always an enjoyable walk and once again I marvel at how different a place can look in each season here. Last time we did this trail was in September, fully green and lush and we saw two bears. Now, just before spring, it is quite naked and dead looking.
There are some very interesting sights along the creek. An unexpected one this time was a large pair of men's tighty-whitey drawers hanging from a tree. Ew. Okay, moving quickly along.
One of the 'permanent' sights along the way is an enormous rock pile. It, along with a few smaller piles nearby, must have been the result of land clearing for farming purposes. It measures over 8 feet tall, and you'll note in the video that it actually is a stack of smaller rocks on top of one large rock.
Not only did the person/people who stacked it do a tough job, they did that job with skill and style and more than a little artistry, if you ask me :-)

Further along the trail is a small side-trip to McCarter Cemetery, a tiny, mossy spot on a little ridgetop. Beautiful and peaceful.







After passing backcountry campsite 32, uphill a bit until you reach the wreck of an old steam engine in the creek. How difficult to visualize a logging locomotive running these twisting, narrow routes.... not so shocking that one could get out of control and topple off the tracks!

Hearts All Around - Part 5

Ok, here it is, the last installment of the Valentine Series! I've had great fun discovering heart-shaped designs and I'll probably keep looking for them.
These two images are my favorite.
First up: A 1931 topographic map section of Cades Cove in the Smoky Mtn's Nat'l Park. Note the heart shaped contour line to the west of Whistling Gap. Cool! I discovered this a few weeks ago while doing trail research and actually it is what inspired me to begin this little project.

And finally: You may think this is a stretch, but it looks like a little heart to me! A heart with a little face. Although I could be influenced by the superluv I have for him, and what could be more appropriate on Valentine's Day than that :-)
He's sitting on my shoulder supervising as I type.
Click the photo to see it larger.

I hope you've enjoyed the series, thanks for following!

Hearts All Around - Part 4

It's finally here, Valentine's Day! Drab and dreary outside today, but the online world is all lovey and hearty and warm. Perfect time to share the rest of my Valentine Series.
First up is a divinely beautiful specimen I spotted while we were hiking the Meigs Mountain Trail in the Smokies. This curled bit of wild grapevine was unbelievable!



Next, a formation found in the melting ice on our driveway. This one I've highlighted so you can see it better. You can probably spot other shapes in there, it's like a Rorschach ink blot. Don't get all pervy!

I'll post the fifth and final installment of the Valentine Series later today. I'm saving my favorite heart finds for last!

Cupcake art: Tasty and Attractive

Today I watched a live streaming webcast wherein cake artist Zilly Rosen of Zillycakes in Buffalo, NY, created an astounding food-art image entitled "A New Birth of Freedom", of Presidents Obama and Lincoln at the Smithsonian American Art Museum. A total of around 5,900 cupcakes was needed to shape this massive work, which was assembled by Zilly and a small team of assistants.

It was really enjoyable to listen to Zilly interact with passersby, interviewers, and children who were visiting the museum.
I must say, I've got quite a hankering for cupcakes now!
The installation will be eaten tomorrow, following the museum's Presidential Family Fun Day. I'd love to taste! According to Zilly's commentary during the webcast, I believe she said the cupcakes have buttercream filling, with the filling of the ones forming Obama having chocolate flavoring :-)

Hearts All Around - Part 3

This installment of the Valentine Series was really a pleasant surprise! Look what I discovered in my bag of bay leaves while cooking last night:
The way to a man's heart is through his stomach, they say.
I'm inclined to believe it is partially true, since little makes my husband happier than a fresh home cooked meal.

Hearts All Around - Part 2

Second installment in the Valentine Series is a little beauty I observed along the Spruce Fir Trail the day I lost my glove (see Monday's post).
A tree had fallen across the trail and rangers sawed it apart to clear the path. A unique formation was revealed!