Trip Report: A Birthday Hike to Oscar Blevin's Farm

This past Saturday, I celebrated another year of life. In honor of that, I decided that I wanted to go hiking with my girls. The night previous, we hadn't a clue as to where to go. We wanted to make sure that where ever we ended up going, there was a destination for Bug to get down and explore, so that hiking becomes a "Fun" activity for her and something that she'll want to continue to do.

The next morning, we awoke and hung out around the house doing the usual morning routine and overall we were just being lazy. After a little while though, we started to get things ready and packed into the car so that we could head out to go hiking.

The weather was perfect. Mostly sunny and in the mid 70's. We finally hit the road just after noon and decided that we would head up to The Big South Fork NRRA. We had a couple different trails going through our heads, and finally decided that we would hike the Oscar Blevin's Farm Loop. This was a relatively easy to moderate trail that we hadn't done since Kiddo was about 5 or 6. That happened to be the year that we beat a nasty storm front off the trail and watched an amazing light show put on by mother nature. What we didn't realize at the time, was that the light show was a precursor to the destruction that hit the area we had been hiking in later that evening.

Happy Birthday Atticus!!!

!

Photo Courtesy of:
Tom Ryan

Today, Atticus M. Finch turns a whopping 10 years old. Who is Atticus M. Finch? Atticus M. Finch is an amazing Miniature Schnauzer who's probably hiked more miles than we have and through way more ardent conditions than we could ever imagine. We've had the pleasure of getting to know Atticus and his mate Tom Ryan through our outdoor blogging exploits. Late last year, Tom's book, "Following Atticus", made a grand debut on bookshelves. Previous to that we were fortunate enough to win an advanced readers copy and were sent on a virtual adventure as we followed Atticus and Tom and learned more about their lives as well as Atticus's precursor Max while reading "Following Atticus".

If you remember correctly, we reviewed the book late last year and if you love adventure or stories with spirit, then you will love "Following Atticus". To celebrate Atticus's 10th birthday, Tom and Atticus would very much appreciate everyone purchasing a copy of their book. It is Tom's birthday wish for Atticus to hit the NY Times best seller's list. If they do so, then they will donate $1,000 to the Jimmy Fund and a $1,000 to Angell Animal Medical Center, two organizations that both Tom and Atticus believe in and support full-heartedly. If you ask us, that's the greatest birthday gift anyone could ask for.

Photo Courtesy of
Tom Ryan

If you've been meaning to buy the book, for yourself or as a gift, take some time today or this week and get a copy. All the big stores should have it (i.e. Barnes and Noble, Amazon, etc.) and yes the e-book counts as well. We think that Tom and Atticus should have already been on the NY Times best seller list, and they've been close, so let's put them over the hump and get them on the list. I couldn't think of another pair that deserves it as much as Tom and Atticus.

Oh, and don't forget to keep up with Tom and Atticus' adventure over on their blog and Facebook page.

Happy Trails,
Tim and Robin

Happy Birthday To Robin!!!

 Thirty years ago today, I was 6-years old and if I remember correctly at school in the first grade. It was also the same day I became an uncle for the very first time. It's hard to believe that on that same day, the girl I was to spend the rest of my life with, was also born. At that time, the day was pretty special because my nephew was born. It was even more special, albeit unbeknownst to me at that time how much more special it was.














Robin grew up loving the outdoors (and apparently ice cream). Her parents were avid hikers and backpackers. If there was a weekend off and their gang could get together, they were on the trail headed to some destination for an overnight in the Cumberlands or the Smokies. When Robin was old enough, she would accompany them on those trips with her own little pack to carry her clothes, blanket, and stuffed animal. Many a night she spent under the stars. It makes me wonder and I believe that there were possibly times we were looking at the same stars. Then again maybe not because here in Tennessee she had more stars to look at than I did down outside of New Orleans.

Thirty years ago today my partner for life, my best friend, compatriot, wife, and confidant was born and overly joyous am I that she was. She keeps me anchored and grounded. She gives me reason to do what I do. She provides for us at home and I couldn't be more blessed to call her my wife and my best friend. We share the trail together, and I couldn't ever imagine having a more suitable trail mate. She completes me where I fall short and vice-versa. It is with great admiration and loving-ness that I wish Robin a most joyous and happy birthday.

I Love You Robin, Happy Birthday.
Your Timmy

One, Two, Three Strikes You're Out!

Tim and I spent Friday evening taking what we initially thought would be a 9-inning vacation. Turned out, Thursday's game was rained out and Friday turned into a 7-inning double header. So, we ended up with a 14-inning vacation and post-game fireworks to boot!

It's no secret that Tim and I both love baseball. I love the slowness of the game. I know a lot of people complain about that, but I love just relishing in moments and baseball is the perfect sport for me to do just that. Plus, I can never pass up a ballpark polish sausage. Yum!

We were pretty excited about going to begin with. I'd bought Tim tickets for his birthday. It's just not summer here without a Smokies game! Plus, with Tim being a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan, it helps that the Tennessee Smokies are a Double-A Affiliate of the Cubs. So, he and I were even more excited to find out that Geovany Soto (Catcher for the Cubs) was going to be starting his rehab on the very evening we were there! Catcher is my favorite baseball position - and Tim, he just loves seeing anyone from the Cubs.

We were pretty disappointed, however. I'd just like to say: Mr. Geo - It's not conducive to a good first impression when you ignore six-year-old children just dying for your autograph. Quit spitting tobacco and sunflower seeds for five minutes and sign the kid's baseball. The article in the Knox News this morning does not fit the REAL character you portrayed whatsoever. You really should do better. Because you know what? Someone else is watching... and they might just BLOG ABOUT IT.  

Needless to say, I'm still a Michael Barrett fan (even if he doesn't play for the Cubs anymore)... and Get Well Soon, Mr. Barrett!

But - We had an INCREDIBLE time, nonetheless and would advise anyone vacationing to the Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg/Smoky Mtn area to drop buy and see the Tennessee Smokies play. It's great fun for the entire family - tickets are VERY affordable - and the food and fun is great. It's one of the cleanest stadiums I've ever been to, and the people don't get any friendlier (as long as your not looking for friendly from Mr. Soto, hehe).

Happy Birthday!!

Today is Tim and Clover's Birthdays!! 

Happy Birthday to you both!!!

Tim's going to be - well, old - and Clover's going to be seven.

We don't really know Clover's birthday because she crawled out of the woods at a friend's house when she was roughly 7-9 weeks old and won the hearts of us all. The doctor had a hard time dating her by her baby teeth since they were worn from all the rocks she'd been chewing on trying to find something to eat. According to calculations and best guesses, it would have been pretty close to the end of May when this baby was born. So she shares Tim's birthday. And with a relationship as serious as theirs, I don't think there could have been a better day chosen.

Last year's birthday cake.

Happy Birthday to my best friends.

Last year's present opening.