Big South Fork National Recreation Area

With a half day at work we were able to get on the road early in the day on Friday and arrived at the Big South Fork National Recreation area around 4.  It's only a two and a half hour drive from Nashville, much of it very scenic.  We packed the truck with everything we have because we couldn't decide yet if we wanted to car camp or pack in.  We ended up staying both nights at Bandy Creek Campground, which was nowhere near full.  The air was crisp for July and we began the weekend thinking we were some lucky ducks.

Saturday morning we woke up early with the dogs and hit the trail.  The mission was to hike down to the Charit Creek Lodge and have a look around.  You can find out more info on the lodge here as it is under brand new management: www.ccl-bsf.com or by calling 865.696.5611.    Here is a picture:

The lodge is accessible to backpackers and horseback riders and is less than 2 miles in from the Twin Arches Loop trailhead parking lot.  The lodge is the oldest structure in any national recreation area or national park.  For $80 you get dinner and breakfast and a place to sleep.  We contemplated staying but as we had planned on only a day hike we had left all of our creature comforts at the car.  Seemed like really nice folks there though, and we will make a point to come back in winter time if possible as it looked like an awesome spot to hike in to and then enjoy some hot chocolate!  The wood burning stoves aren't so bad either - could be very romantic!

The Twin Arches Loop trail did not disappoint.  The arches are really amazing, but even more amazing are the huge rock house cliffs that we passed on the second half of the trail.  We remarked that it was one of the most interesting hikes we've ever had the pleasure of enjoying, and to think it was less than 3 hours away!

On Saturday night astronomers from the University of Tennessee brought telescopes to the Bandy Creek Campground and about 50 people found their way to a group of giant telescopes pointed at various parts of the night sky.  Despite a slight haze, we were able to enjoy this free offering and took in close up views of Mars and Saturn.  It was such a sweet bonus on an already gorgeous and fun packed weekend.  Later Saturday night a thunderstorm descended on the area with lighting and thunder that got our hearts pumping.  Our Gigatent, the preferred car camping tent, has been with us for about 30 trips since we bought it and has duct tape fixing several holes in the screen windows.  Suffice it to say, the Gigatent was taking on water like the Titanic.  Fortunately we were on a cushy queen airmatress high up off the floor.  Still, the water in the tent was embarrassing the next day.  It was with heavy hearts that we parted with it this morning, leaving it in a dumpster after saying a few short words.

Here's a video compilation of the weekend:

Fly Fishing Eastern Tennessee April 2014

You get enough hooks tangled up, caught in clothing or trees, or stuck between rocks and at some point you're bound to just give up fly fishing altogether.  I was about there - but something held me back from throwing in the towel completely.  What if we could get proper instruction on this seemingly simply task and what if the professional showing us around knew where to fish, and what to fish with?  This would surely help right?!

So we packed up on Easter weekend for a three day trip easterward to the TN/NC border.  We camped at the beautiful Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park.  Several impressions: Great place to bring kids, there was practically an army of children under twelve there, strict enforcement by park service of quiet hours, no alcohol policy, and the park is situated right next to an old Native American fishing weir, which was really cool to see and explore.  For those unfamiliar, this is a weir:

 The camping that night was easy, and we got great rest in our hammocks.  The next morning was overcast and drizzly, and we were concerned about the fate of our trip.  I had arranged a guide, Bill Stranahan, through Southeastern Anglers, to take us out on a float trip for half the day.  Bill met us at the campsite at 1 and at that time it was still raining.  For anyone who has read any of our other trip journals,  you know that rain is nothing new for the Hollars.  We had a wonderful time despite it, catching many beautiful rainbow trout thanks to Bill's excellent tips and tricks.  Here is some video from the trip:

2014, The Thaw

Winter has been brutal.  Polar vortexes, travel for work, and a myriad of reasons why this is the first opportunity to get out into the wilderness.  Unfortunately I made the trek out to Virgin Falls solo, as Aaron had to work unexpectedly this weekend.  Phenomenal hike, but crowded.  I think every Boy Scout in middle TN was on the trail Saturday.  I had packed in my gear thinking I might stay the night solo, but the dogs, and my better judgement said to go ahead and get out.  So, round trip down to Big Laurel Creek Falls and back was 6.6 miles and a brutal uphill on the way back for a couple of miles definitely had me huffing and puffing.  When we return together, we'll stay overnight at Laurel Falls under the waterfall if we can manage it.  Such a cool spot to camp.

It gave me a chance to try our new GoPro camera however, and play around with the editing software.  I know this first attempt is not the greatest, but very cool to have this available to us now for our adventures in 2014.  Thanks to Aaron's parents for such a great Christmas gift!