Getting Into The Flow

Life Is Really Easy

Sometimes it seems that life is just to difficult, but usually that means we are going against the flow of life. Going with the flow is much easier, but human nature seems to tell us to take control and pick up the "oars".

I sometimes feel as if I am not going anywhere, but in reality I am fighting the current and trying to be in control. I know I must let go and allow my true Spirit (my God) be the one in control.

Right now life seems difficult for me, but I know my God (Spirit) is leading me now to a better life, a better opportunity, a better everything.

As Abraham Hicks would say, "Why not go with the flow?"

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Fall Crawl Black Mountain Harlan, KY

Fall Crawl and Black Mountain A Rider's Point of View

This past weekend was a blast. We were at Black Mountain in Harlan, KY with a group of really great people. We were there for the annual Fall Crawl.

This year we had lots of fun with varying weather conditions. The first day there we had thunder, rain, hail, freezing rain, snow, and sunshine. This happened while on the trails. No matter what the weather we found plenty to have fun.

I may not drive one of the wheeling Jeeps, but I rode with my friend Jenny in her XJ named Princess. I had an exciting time riding. (Before we left for the trails the doors had to come off Princess.) Jenny is a good driver and she can handle Princess. We started on a new trail called Pappy's Pass. This was a trail with switchbacks and mud, and it is rated a Truck Class 3 trail. It was a fairly easy trail to run along the ridge over to the White Tail Camp. It was at White Tail Camp where I videoed a couple of the guys and their rigs going up White Tail Trail rock crawl. It was at this site where we experienced the changing weather in one day.

After playing here for a while we got back into the rigs and headed to Trail 15 which is rated a Truck Class 4 trail. This trail was slippery and it was said to be a great trail to learn how to trust our rig and yourself. I thought of it as a trial on which I had to also trust the driver to know what she was doing. Jenny and Princess with her new tires proved they know how to get through slippery mud on the up slopes and the down slopes as well. Great driving Jenny and get handling Princess; love your new shoes (tires).

After a cold night at camp (cold when I got away from the campfire) we started a new day heading up to Middle Fork. At first we were going to run the other end of Trail 15, but found the first hill to be a challenge and knowing the second hill would be tougher some of us decided to run Trail 20 and meet up with the ones who ran Trail 15. It worked out great. We all met at the intersection of 15, 20. and 12 at the same time.

Before heading to the Truck Challenge Course we went to a small rock garden close to the Little Stadium and a trail named Frankenstein. Jenny decided to take Princess over the rock garden and once again Princess showed how well her tires worked.

We then headed to the Truck Challenge Course and the Soup Bowl. after a rest time at The Stadium. At the Truck Challenge Course there was a big pile of boulders that some of the guys took their rigs over. While they were doing this Josh decided to check out the Soup Bowl which looked like a small pond to me. He got his truck to swim across the width of the soup bowl where his rig had to climb up a small but fairly steep hill. Evan decided to take his rig for a swim going the length of the Soup Bowl. As his rig came out of the Soup Bowl water drained out from every where or so it appeared. There was a rust hold in the floor where much of the water drained out. Of course Evan had wet feet for the rest of the day.

After playing here we decided to head back to camp. We had two rigs that needed some repair. That night found us once again huddled by the campfire with many telling stories of the day.

The next day we once again got up to the cold weather and headed out to run Trail 15 uphill. With the snow and rain Trail 15 was to prove itself a challenge. When we got to the muddy slope Mitch was sliding back down and got himself aid a bit of a pickle. After Mitch made it to the top it would soon be Jenny and Princess's turn. However, before she went uphill Tall Mitch took his Jeep up the trail. He got a little stuck and with the help of Josh he made it to the top.

Then Jenny was told it was her turn. She told everyone to get out of the way because she and Princess were not stopping until they reached the top. Jenny stepped on the gas and we were off to the top. Princess and her new tires dug in and with cheering from the guys and Jenny and Princess's determination we made it to the top. Princess did get a laugh from Jenny when she sprayed mud on Jenny's nose.LOL

We went back up to White Tail Camp and had lunch. From there some of the guys went to get lunch while Mike and Scuffy led the way down Trail 22 to the trail called T.R.O.U.B.L.E. We checked out this trail and decided it would be more fun to run uphill instead of downhill on the slippery eaves. It also looked as thought it had been run in quite some time. We took trail 22 over to Trail 18 which had a couple of interesting climbs. Princess hung her bumper cap on a log, but she didn't mind.

We eventually made it over to the Lower Rock Garden where Jenny drove up the trail for her first time and Frosty came down the trail toward her. On her second run I decided to ride with her and it all looked so easy from inside the Jeep. Mike said at one time that the skull and crossbones on the tread was the only thing pulling Princess up onto one rock.

After the Lower Rock Garden we headed to Rail Bed. This is the trail where Princess hung over the side of the cliff at Spring Fling. She was determined to not let this trail beat her again. There are three ways out of this trail. One trail goes by the boulder Jenny was staring out when she hung over the cliff. The second trail is the trial that Jenny was taking when dirt came out from under her and Princess at Spring Fling. The third way out was the way most of the rigs were taken this time. It had been rutted out and some of us had to be helped up to the top with a tug. Jenny and Princess however made it up the furtherest before having to be tugged.

After the adventure of this day, we all headed back to camp for a wonderful and tasty steak and potato boat dinner around the campfire. Once again the guys did a great job and the dinner was a success. It was a great four days! We all had fun, and with the doors off we got muddy, wet, cold and had a total blast !!!!!

Turtletown Falls Tennessee Hikes

Turtletown Falls and Tennessee Hikes

This weekend on Saturday Mike, Smash, myself, along with Jennifer and Caleb went on a hike to Turtletown Falls. The trip there was interesting and long because we were following directions that did not take us directly there.

The directions to the falls is actually easy. Travel highway 64 East to Ducktown, TN and take highway 68 North to Turtletown,TN. Turn left at the post office in Turtletown onto Farner Road and go approximately 3 miles to the sign marking Turtletown Creek Falls. Drive to the parking for the trail and start hiking up the trail. I believe the entire trail is about 1.5 miles long. As you near the falls you can take the trail to the left which will take you to the bottom of the falls.

At the falls you will see a beautiful sight. the falls come over a boulder that juts out over the creek and the falls split to go over both sides of the boulder. You can walk in the water under the falls but the stream is swift as it travels on sown the creek. The water is clear and cool and will cool you off from the hike.

Our dog Smash laid down in the water to cool off. He loved the cool water and he was so cute gulping the water as fast as he could. While playing in the water Caleb lost a shoe and it went floating downstream. Mike and Smash hiked down the trail and caught up with it since it got caught in an eddy. Caleb was happy to have his shoe back and he make sure he kept up with them after that.

After we all cooled down we hiked back to the Suburban and headed back to Cleveland,TN.

Lula Lake Waterfalls

Lula Lake Falls Lookout Mountain

This past Saturday Mike, myself and our friend Jenifer along with her three children went to Lula Lake Falls. The falls are located on top of Lookout Mountain and is only open the first and last Saturday of the month.

When we first arrived, we were greeted and given a trail map to the falls. There are several trails and many beautiful sights. As we hiked the trail our first obstacle was to ford the creek. I enjoyed this because the day was hot and humid and the creek cooled me down.

The trail had some steep up hill climbs, but when we reached the falls we knew it was worth the trip. The upper falls are located at the bridge where the road is located.(This road is for hiking and eventually leads to the exit road from the parking lot.) The kids played for a short time in the water and had lots of fun climbing on the rocks.

As we journeyed on to the lower falls it started to thunder. Mike, Caleb, and Hunter made it to the turn off and steep downhill climb to the bottom of the falls. Jennifer caught up with Mike and Hunter, but did not realize Caleb was ahead of them and she started back up the hill only to meet up with Shiloh and me. She climbed back up the hill, but Shiloh called her when we got to the falls and saw Caleb playing in the water.

During the hike to the bottom of the falls it started to rain; therefore, the rocks became very slippery and made the trek to the backside of the falls tricky. Many people were under the cliff overhang while waiting for the rain to stop. The children took the time to play in the water and build forts with sticks they found.

When the rain stopped we had to journey back "Big Bertha" our Suburban. We were wet and the climb back to the top was a little more strenuous since the rocks were now wet. We decided to hike the road to get back to "Big Bertha". We arrived at "Big Bertha" and enjoyed some snacks as we drove back to Cleveland, Tennessee.

Tybee Island lighthouse

Tybee Island Lighthouse and Savannah, Georgia

On the weekend of July 4th we traveled to Savannah, GA and Tybee Island. The weather was great and the sights were beautiful. One of our favorite places was at the Tybee Island lighthouse and Battery Museum.

The Tybee Island lighthouse has gone through many changes since it was first built around 1736. Storms took out the first lighthouse within five years and a the second lighthouse was constructed. in 1742. Like the first lighthouse the second lighthouse was still too close to the sea and erosion took over. A third lighthouse had to be built. It was built in 1773 and was further inland than the previous two. During the Civil War a major portion of the lighthouse was destroyed by fire. The fourth lighthouse was built by using the lower portion of the previous lighthouse since it was still in tact.

The Tybee Island lighthouse started using electricity in 1933 and was taken over by the Coast Guard after the death of Lighthouse Keeper George Jackson. Before the lighthouse had electricity the keepers had to live on sight and often had to climb the 178 stairs to relight the lamp.

Tybee Island lighthouse is one of the few historic sites that still has many of its buildings still on site. We climbed the 178 steps to the top of the lighthouse and saw an amazing view. We could see many of the homes on Tybee Island as well as see the beach. We even watched a freighter sail into port. Afterwards we toured the Light Keepers house. The house had many time period furnishings from when the Keepers lived in the house.

We then toured the Battery Museum. Mike kept thinking he should see batteries on display. LOL !! The Battery was placed around the Island for protection. It now houses many artifacts from the history of Tybee Island and Savannah. The items consisted of weaponry from the different wars to things from when Savannah and Tybee Island were just beginning to become a tourist site.

Tybee Island and Savannah, Georgia have a wonderful and exciting history!!

Amicalola Falls

Amicalola Falls

This past weekend Mike, Jennifer, myself and Jennifer's boys, Caleb and Hunter took Smash on a long hike to Amicalola Falls in Dawsonville, Georgia. Smash loves to ride and hike with us. He thinks all trips are meant to be enjoyed by all this includes the dog. I think I agree with him.

When we first arrived at Amicalola State Park we decided to drive to the top of the falls. It was not very early, but the fog was still on the mountain top. This made it a little cool, but we soon warmed up as we hiked.

To get to the bottom of the falls we took the wilderness trail down instead of the stairs. This trail was a moderate hike. Smash loved it!! I think he was looking for chipmunks and squirrels. Hunter got tired, but he had fun laughing at Mr. Mike growling like a bear and chasing him down the hill. Caleb forged ahead most of the time using his forked walking stick that he found. I think he could make a good trail blazer.

When we first arrived at the bottom of the trail we went inside the visitors' s center. They have live snakes. Hunter thought that was pretty cool. We got to see a copper head, a rattlesnake, and many non-poisonous snakes. We also saw frogs in the pond outside the center.

After we rested we decided to see the falls from the bottom. This required us to hike up about 145 stair-steps. Smash did not have too much trouble withe the steps; however, he did not like the bridge he had to cross at the bottom of the falls. He could see through it and he wanted to cross it quickly.

Amicalola Falls is a beautiful waterfall with many cascades as the water makes its way down. There are several places where you can wade in the water and cool off. Caleb, Hunter, and Smash enjoyed these places. Smash would drink by sticking his entire nose under the water. He drinks like a wolf when he is very thirsty.

After crossing the bridge at the bottom we had to go back up. This meant climbing 425 stair-steps to the top. We made our way slowly back to the top where we enjoyed a wonderful picnic before heading home. We were all tired, but we had a great day:-)

Putney Trailhead Harlan,Kentucky

"There Was Much Rejoicing" Putney Trailhead Harlan,Kentucky

This last weekend was absolutely great!! I had a total blast!! My friend Jenny and I left on Friday morning heading to Harlan, Ky and Black Mountain. We were to meet up with our XJ friends for a fun time Jeeping.

The trip up there was rather interesting since it was raining. While traveling up I-75N Jenny had to hit the brakes and someone nearly took out the back of her Jeep. I think people were trying to get a good look at Princess (Jenny’s Jeep). Then again it may have had something to do with the rain. J

After getting off the interstate in La Follette, Tn we headed up towards Harlan. On this route we have to go through a tunnel that goes under part of the state of Virginia. Just before reaching the tunnel there was a sinkhole at the exit to old Hwy 25. Just another happening from all the rain we have received in the past several months.

We finally made it to Putney Trailhead in Harlan, Ky to find the Xjers waiting at camp. After unpacking the Jeep and everyone got ready we headed up trail 45 to Middle Fork. From there we made our way over to Rail Bed. It was here that we got a real scare and Jenny put butt puckers in her seat.

Jenny drove beautifully up the trail, but at the end everyone had to go up one at a time. Mike (my husband) went up first. As I watched him climb I decided this was a good place to take good pictures and get some video footage. Our friend Wayne was next to go up the steep climb and make his way between a tree and the ledge.

Jenny and Princess were next; I was taking video at this time. Jenny and Princess made most of the climb look easy until they had to go between the tree and ledge. I am not sure what happened, but the next thing I see is Princess’s front driver’s wheel off the ledge and she was just hanging about eight feet up on the side of the ledge (two wheels on and two wheels off).

Jenny was holding the brakes tight and this is when she butt puckered her seat. Mike was at the top so he quickly hooked a winch cable to her, but as he started to winch her the back driver’s side wheel dropped off the ledge.

At this point the XJers all went into action. Our friend Neal drove his Jeep to the top and he hooked a winch to the rear of Princess. Our friends Scott and Wayne had the Jeep strapped to a tree and Princess and Jenny were now ready to be winched. As Neal hooked up his winch our friend Haywire hooked up to the back of Scuffy (Mike’s Jeep) to help keep him from being pulled forward. I held the brakes in Neal’s Jeep and Neal worked both winches. During all this Wayne Sr. was talking to Jenny keeping her calm. It seemed like a long time, but Jenny and Princess were soon back up and on the trail again, and “there was much rejoicing”.

After this adventure we all went to the Lower Rock Garden. It did not matter if we were watching, driving, or riding everyone enjoyed Lower Rock Garden. It was at Lower Rock Garden where Scott decided to play Spin the Jeep. Actually he was trying to get over an obstacle, but his Jeep seemed to have a mind of its own. We all watched as he and his Jeep spun from side to side. It was quite entertaining to watch. J

We did get another good laugh when we were at the top of Killin' Time Trail. Neal was bouncing up, down, and side to side in the back of Josh’s Jeep. It was so very funny. LOL!! It looked like he picked up the back of the Jeep to help it over an obstacle. We were all laughing at Neal especially when he yelled “Let me out!” just before Josh went up the climb onto the next trail.

Before we got back to camp we all headed to the trail named Profanity. Some of us did not run this trail, but took a different way. On the ride Jenny noticed Princess was not steering well. Later she and some of the guys discovered that her power steering pump had gone out. However we made it back to Middle Fork and then back to camp.

That evening some (Evan and Mike) were working on Princess while others were still running trails. Jenny and I had to go into town to get another power steering pump. I drove Evan’s BMW. I fell in love with it. I think I smiled the entire time I was driving it. When we arrived at the part store I accidentally set off he alarm. I just wanted attention. J

Saturday found us waking to rain, but it soon stopped and we all got ready to ride again. This day was a day of Mud, Mud, and more Mud! The rain made the trails muddy and more challenging.

This was the day we drove up to one of the high points. We had a great view and we took a Jeep group picture at this point. We also had lunch while we were there. By the way Hot Pockets warm nicely on the engine of the Jeep.

After leaving here we drove to the end of Mason Jar. While the ones who were going to run or ride Mason Jar went to the beginning, Evan, Wayne, and I hiked up the trail. It was a steep climb, but once we got to the top it was an easy downhill. We arrived shortly after the rest of the group. I did not get to see anyone run Mason Jar, but I at least got to see the trail.

While some went up Mason Jar the rest of us decided to go over to Lion’s Den. We did not run Lion’s Den, but we did watch someone else go through. It is a very challenging trail; especially when you get between a rock and a hard place.

After leaving Lion’s Den we met back up with the others at Lower Rock Garden. It was here that Frosty got himself in a pickle. He was able to keep from tipping over and with help he got out of his pickle. We then all sat for awhile to watch others try to get up Little Jagger. We never did see anyone accomplish this.

After watching others at Little Jagger, we headed back to camp. The night once again was filled with adventuress stories and everyone filled their stomachs with steaks, potato boats, and roasted corn on the cob. Once again ”there was much rejoicing”.

Dogs and Impatience

What My Dog Teaches Me About Impatience

It is interesting what you can learn about yourself from your pets. I too my dog Smash to the veterinarian today for his yearly shots. However, I noticed that as we waited he started to become impatient. He began to fidget as we waited for his doctor. He also began to shine and whimper. He is not usually like this. Usually, Smash is patient and waits calmly in the room, but not today.

After the doctor came into the room Smash calmed down, but he was ready to go as soon as the doctor said he was finished. We walked into the waiting room where Smash began to pull on his leash; he was trying to greet another dog. I decided to let him make friends and after that he was ready to go.

I think I often get this way. I become impatient having to wait. Every time I have to go to my doctor I have to wait and I find myself becoming impatient the longer I wait. I have heard it said that "patience is a virtue", and others say that "waiting is a waste of time". However, when I hae patient I find that things run much smother; I feel less stressed, and I am much happier.

So why do I become impatient? Sometimes because I just get in a hurry. Other times it is because I become tired. Often it is because I become irritated with others and even myself. The later seems to be the most common time when I become impatient.

Irritation plays a big part in my impatience, and this is also seen in Smash. Over the past few months Smash has developed skin allergies (irritations). He constantly wants to be scratched and rubbed. Don't get me wrong here; I love my dog, and I enjoy scratching and rubbing him; Smash is a very lovable dog.

Whenever I see him like scratch it reminds me that I often let the small irritations of life take over and I show it by my impatience. I have to be reminded to let the small things go and focus on the big picture of life.

What do you see in your pets? Watch them for they will teach you about yourself and even how to deal with life.

To learn more about my dog Smash and some other fun pet teachings go to

www.my-dog-smash.blogspot.com

Pure Plain Fun

Just Pure Plain FUN

I like to live life to the fullest. It is not easy, but if it was it might be boring. Life is meant to be FUN!! Just pure, plain FUN!!

How one defines fun is totally up to him/her. Fun can be in the form of reading a good book on a rainy day, or it can be taking a hike with your best friend or pet. It can be taking a casual drive in the mountains, or it can be an adventure in rock crawling in a Jeep.

Sometimes fun is spending time with friends or family. Taking a walk or going on a picnic is fun to do with friends. Families have reunions especially during the summertime. Getting together at the lake or just spending some quiet time at home is enjoyable for many.

Just remember FUN is whatever you like to do! Many like to travel to far away places, but many also like to see the sites close to home. My family always went to a nearby lake for vacations. We would spend time water skiing, hiking, swimming, and visiting places that have been used in many movies.

One of our favorite places is Lake Santeelah. It is found just out of Robbinsville, North Carolina. We hiked in the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, skied on Lake Santeelah, and saw places from the movies Nell, The Fugitive, and Thunder Road.

Like I stated, FUN is whatever you make it to be! What do you do for fun?

Life Is What You Make It

You Can Choose Your Life

What is the meaning of Life? How am I going to navigate through this thing called Life? What is my purpose in Life? These are just a few questions that get asked by many everyday. These are questions asked by people of all ages. I say Life is what you make it!

Life is what you make it! Many believe life to be the opposite of death, but in reality it is not so. Birth is the opposite of death and life is the state of being in between the two. Life is made by you! Life can be fun, pleasant, joyful, and happy. It can also be heartwarming, kind, thoughtful, and considerate. However, too many choose to have life be the opposite of all these things.

Life is the state of being in which you get to choose for yourself how you want it to play out. It is the state of being in which you can combine the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual to form your own reality. Just think; it is your choice! You can choose to be happy, sad, fun-loving, depressed, adventurous, relaxed, or any other way you think.

I am working on choosing everything positive that I can get into my Life. I cannot say I am always happy, fun-loving, and adventurous, but I am making progress towards those things. Like many I hit many bumps along the way, but I think also these bumps along the way help to make Life more interesting.

How do you want Life to be for you? Remember you get to choose.