Drowning at Townsend Wye
LyttleBryan July 12th, 2011
From the NPS sad news… Great Smoky Mountains National Park Media Briefing, Monday, July 11, 2011 Drowning at Townsend wye A drowning victim was recovered from Great Smoky Mountains National Park today in a section of the Little River at the Townsend Wye, a popular day use area in Blount County. Dick Chijioke, 34, from [...]
The Parks Getting a Few New Crappers!
LyttleBryan June 13th, 2011
I’ve said for years that the park should put a toilet seat at Alum Cave trail head. I’m sure others have been saying it for far longer. Well, they’re going to! Via an NPS press release this morning… CADES COVE ROAD WILL CLOSE FOR MORNING OPERATION Two areas will be closed temporarily this week to [...]
Men Sentenced in GSMNP for Theft & Poaching
LyttleBryan June 8th, 2011
The NPS Morning Report (http://www.nps.gov/applications/morningreport/morningreportold.cfm) for June 1st brings some interesting news. First, someone was stealing from trail side donation boxes again. The slightly more interesting news, is that wild ginseng poaching is a serious problem in GSMNP. Who knew? Apparently 1 lb of dried wild root is worth $500-$800. Story below… Great Smoky Mountains [...]
Memorial Day Backpack, 2011.
LyttleBryan June 4th, 2011
Ahh, Memorial Day. Traditionally the federal holiday for remembrance of fallen soldiers. It is also one of the best backpacking weekends of the entire year. A nice 3 day weekend on the cusp of the Summer heat. It welcomes Summer in the same way that Labor Day bids it farewell. I posted the backpack to [...]
GSMNP Tornado Damage
LyttleBryan May 30th, 2011
Most of you probably know about the damage caused by the EF-4 tornado that ripped through the western portion of the Smokies. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park released a video that shows very clear pictures of the damage and just how bad it is. The movie is below. Great Smoky Mountains Tornado Damage Movie
Thomas Divide and Kanati Fork Trails
LyttleBryan May 16th, 2011
Hey website, long time no see! I know, I know, I haven’t written in a long time. You see, this magical thing happened. In my past blog posts I’ve mentioned “the woman who is currently putting up with me” a.k.a. Julie. Well, she has agreed to become Mrs. Geek In The Woods and in May [...]
Government Shutdown Press Release – National Park and All Facilities Closed
LyttleBryan April 8th, 2011
This just came across my desk from Bob Miller with the National Park. If the Government implements a shutdown, nearly the entire Park would be closed beginning Saturday, April 9, all Great Smoky Mountains National Park facilities would be closed, including visitor centers, campgrounds, picnic areas, trails, concession operations, restrooms, and all roads, with the [...]
Potential Government Shutdown Puts National Park Status in Question
LyttleBryan April 5th, 2011
The US Government can’t seem to get anything accomplished, so it looks like the rest of us have to suffer too. The Friends of the Smokies sent me this article that puts the status of the National Park in question should the government shut down on April 8th. They’re currently trying to reconcile the budget, [...]
Family Spends Unexpected Night in Smoky Mountain Shelter
LyttleBryan March 30th, 2011
When I got home from my car camping trip this weekend, I saw a headline on a local news station about a family, including a 3 year old child, getting stuck in the Smokies and having to stay overnight in one of the Shelters with no gear. The article was devoid of almost any details, [...]