House Mountain Hike #198, 1-22-2025: Icicles, Mud, and Snow! (published 1-23-2025; article #515)

Introduction

I decided not to photograph the mud. Hopefully, you aren't disappointed. After hiking, using a twig, I dug out clumps of mud, still lodged in the tread of my hiking boots. The icicles, snow, views, and experience were worth a muddy hike!

Welcome, cool weather hikers, to the 75th entry in the hiking topic section! Yesterday's hike on House Mountain was my 198th along those rugged and scenic trails.

Yesterday, according to our front porch thermometer, the morning low was five degrees Fahrenheit (F) or -15 degrees Celsius (C). Under a crisp, clear, and perfectly blue sky, the late afternoon high at the house rose to 38 F or 3.3 C.

Icicles along the West Trail

Yesterday, at about 1 PM, the outside thermometer showed 31 F or -0.5 C at the house. Shortly thereafter, cranked and ready, my 2006 Frontier took me to “my mountain” for another great hiking adventure! The temperature in the parking lot was probably about 31 degrees. Seven vehicles were in the parking lot at our arrival. The ridge, at a 2,100-foot elevation, was cooler, probably in the mid-to-upper 20s. A light and cool breeze was blowing. Layered properly but not excessively, I didn't sweat a drop. Hiking when it's cool enough to not sweat is great!

Touching the sign near the sheltered picnic area at 1:30 PM exactly started my hike up the west trail. I expected mud, but there was more than I thought, especially in the lower areas along the trail. Thankfully, I wore my older pair of hiking boots, instead of my warm-weather hiking shoes. As mud clumped into the tread, nearby rocks were useful for scraping excess mud from the soles.

Taking my time, due to the mud, having navigated through the four lower switchbacks, I started hiking up toward the first upper switchback at 1:52 PM. Nine minutes later, I reached the sixth and final upper switchback.

That's where I expected to see icicles. I wasn't disappointed. The following photograph, taken at 2:04 PM, looks up, to the north, and along the south side of the mountain.

Those were huge sheets of icicles! Can you see the ones farther in the distance?

After hiking farther up and west along the trail below the ridge, I paused to take the next two photographs.

Looking up, the view is to the northwest, facing the south side of the mountain. I took the shot at 2:15 PM. A few steps farther along the trail, and a minute later, I took the next photograph.

The icicles in the distance are not as noticeable as how my eyes saw them. About this time, a younger man was hiking down the trail. We exchanged a brief and friendly hikers greeting. He continued down, as I continued up.

Snow below the West Bluff

At 2:26 PM, I reached the west bluff. Ah! I never grow tired of seeing the views around and below me. Having hydrated myself quite sufficiently, I took a leak toward Knoxville. Just before I took the next photograph, a man, about my age and using two metal hiking sticks, negotiated the trail just east of the west bluff. Circling down and around below me, he never did see me! In silence, I stood and watched him hike away.

Five minutes later, at 2:31 PM, I took the following traditional photograph of my trusty old canteen and Mike's ball cap.

To the left in the image, do you see the shadow of the space alien? His left arm was outstretched. What was he holding in his left hand? His right arm was touching his thin legs. The space alien must have been above and behind me. I never did see him. Am I joking? My adoptive brother-in-law, Mike, who was with me in spirit, laughed.

Where is the snow? In the valley at the house, we had snow flurries last Sunday with no accumulation. Snow had accumulated on House Mountain, as the next image shows.

More snow was below me. I took the photograph at 2:49 PM. The rock outcropping, denoting the west bluff, is above the snow. The view looks up and to the east. I enjoyed crunching frozen snow as I stepped on it. It also helped clean caked-in mud from the soles of my boots.

Conclusion

I had started hiking down the same west trail at 2:45 PM, only pausing to take the above photograph. Careful negotiation down and through the muddy areas slowed my descent. I also paused to enjoy the views. Touching the same marker near the picnic area at 3:45 PM ended my hike. Two hours and fifteen minutes in the woods, even if muddy, was better than not having been there! Almost out, I met a young man hiking in. That must have been his truck in the parking lot. My truck was the only other one there.

Did you want to see more icicles? The article from 1/10/2024 was a late entry about my two House Mountain hikes in one week in January 2018. That article includes six photographs of icicles.

How about more snow on House Mountain? A quick search for “House Mountain snow” on my website turned up at least four articles that include snow photographs. See the articles from 9/3/2006, 1/10/2010, 1/26/2010, and 1/31/2010.

Yesterday's hike was in honor of my maternal uncle Bobby (Robert Allen Wood, 5/14/1939 - 1/18/1941), my wife's aunt Mona Beckner (1/18/1922 - 4/8/2022), our great-niece Bethany (born on 1/20/2005), my adoptive mother, Ozella Scott (1/21/1930 - 4/26/2023), and my father, Earl Ferrell (9/17/1927 - 1/25/2008). Each beloved family member was either born or passed away around the day of this hike.

Monday, 1-20-2025: Today's Happenings and Recent Events (published 1-20-2025; article #514)

Photograph by Sean Foster on Unsplash. Free to use under the Unsplash License.

Introduction

On this clear and crisp Monday, it's time for a life (such as it is) update. This entry is the 108th in that topic section.

As is often said in Appalachia, “A lot has been going on recently.” Yes, it is a common expression, spoken elsewhere. The meaning is either good or bad, depending on the context.

So, what is happening today? What recent events have been noteworthy? Let's explore!

Happening Today, Monday, January 20, 2025

Today is Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Day. This article honors his legacy. My article from 1/18/2021 includes the following statement about Dr. King, Jr.'s heritage: “Moral character matters. Skin color is not relevant. All lives, each created in God's image, matter equally. Lives must be lived in honor of the Creator. Lives that are not are wasted.”

Coincidentally, Inauguration Day was today. The Constitution of the United States, Amendment XX, Section 1, established that the incoming president will be sworn into office on January 20, at high noon. Former President Biden vacated the office to President Trump. This article hopes and prays that President Trump will pray for and follow God's guiding hand to lead this nation along the right path.

As a further point of coincidence, I happened to catch the news today that a former Planned Parenthood (a euphemistically named organization) president died today. Source: “Former Planned Parenthood president, women’s rights activist Cecile Richards has died at 67.” The Associated Press (AP) News, by Holly Ramer, 1/20/2025. Research indicates that Cecile Richards was the daughter of the former Democrat governor from Texas, Ann Richards, who died in 2006. During her life, I wonder if Cecile Richards was ever thankful that her mother didn't take her life, while she was still in her mother's womb.

Shifting to sports, this evening at 7:30 PM, the College Football Playoff National Championship Game, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, in Atlanta, Georgia, will be televised. The 7th-seeded Notre Dame takes on 8th-seed Ohio State. I look forward to watching that game.

Finally, the snap of cold winter weather is making the news. This morning's low was 10 degrees Fahrenheit. The high topped out in the upper 20s. It would have been a good day to hike! Unfortunately, early this morning before I awakened, Mrs. Appalachian Irishman had already brought Molly, our ol' puppy, upstairs from her basement “condominium,” where she was being kept properly warm. I decided to write this article and hang out indoors with my wife and Molly.

Recent Events

On Friday, 1/17/2025, the US Supreme Court upheld a lower court ruling that banned TikTok, with specific allowances to continue. The ban was supposed to go into effect yesterday (Sunday, 1/19/2025). The timing of the presidential transition, however, granted TikTok leeway for a while.

In humor, I thought that TikTok was the sound that a mechanical clock makes. I was wrong! Ticktock is the ticking sound of a clock, not TikTok! But, wait! Doesn't TikTok sound similar to Tic Tac®? I remember those mint candies. Shaking the little box of mints inspired the name "Tic Tac," not TikTok.

On a somber note, the timing of yesterday's ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas was noteworthy. One of multiple online sources is “Hamas Releases Three Israeli Hostages as Ceasefire Moves Forward.” Newsweek, by Peter Aitken, 1/19/2025. Hamas started the war with Israel on October 7, 2023, by their cowardly invasion.

Two previous articles include my comments on this conflict. First, in the entry from 4/22/2024, I wrote:

The Israel-Hamas conflict began when Hamas attacked Israel on 10/7/2023 -- a day that will live in infamy in Israeli history. The Israel-Iran engagement began when Iran struck Israel with an airborne assault on 4/13/2024.

My written prayer is that all will accept the Prince of Peace. If so, the world will find lasting peace. I pray that antisemitic protesters will realize the error of their ways and turn to the Lord. I wish Jewish friends a happy and peaceful Passover and encourage them to find the Prince of Peace, if they haven't. I have known Jewish Christians, who observe Passover and who know the Passover Lamb as their Savior.

Later last year, the 5/8/2024 article includes the following words:

The unprovoked and unspeakably cruel attack by Hamas on Israeli citizens, on 10/7/2023, and the subsequent and ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict set the tone for Holocaust Remembrance Day, on Monday, May 6th. Recent and ongoing antisemitic protests, across college campuses throughout the United States, focused special attention on the day. Thankfully, Israel's Iron Dome protected the nation against the Iranian airstrikes on 4/13/2024. Israel retaliated on 4/19/2024.

On October 7, 2023, who started the Israel-Hamas conflict? Who can end it? Israel would not need to defend itself, if every Palestinian (Arabs, Jews, and others) could live in peace, as close relatives.

Thankfully, antisemitic protests have died down. Israel's conflict with Iran was limited.

Conclusion

As suppertime approaches, I will conclude by saying, “A lot has been going on recently.” It has been interesting. In the context of life, such as it is, the meaning seems to be good.

Let us all hope and pray that worldwide conflicts find peaceful resolutions. Let us live in hope that this nation turns right and goes forward. That is my prayer.

Two Days of Winter in January 2025: My Wife Shoveled Snow! (published 1-14-2025; article #513)

Introduction

Has a husband, reading this article, seen his wife shovel snow? Has a lady, single or married and reading now, ever shoveled snow? The “long-suffering” Mrs. Appalachian Irishman did last Sunday afternoon. I video recorded her as proof!

Welcome, dear reader, to the 130th entry in the family topic section! Sunday's article went to print at 4:24 PM. It focused on our actual two days of winter, last Friday and Saturday. This is a follow-up to Sunday's article.

Please enjoy watching my wife shovel snow! I did.

My Wife Shoveled Snow!

You see, dear reader, my wife had cabin fever. Staying home on Friday and Saturday, she could not travel the short distance to visit with her father and sister. On Sunday, the subdivision road was fairly clear. The main roads were mostly dry and clear. My wife really wanted to see her folks!

Drum roll, please! Appalachian Irishman - Podcasts (YouTube) presents Mrs. Appalachian Irishman Shoveling Snow! (published 1-12-2025; episode 34). I published the episode on my YouTube channel late on Sunday afternoon. It's a minute and fifteen seconds in length.

The following is one frame from the episode. You may be able to see the expression on my wife's face. She looked determined.

Conclusion

Don't worry or complain, dear reader! My “long-suffering” wife didn't shovel snow for very long. Shortly after the recording, my wife was inspired by my offer to drive us, in my 2006 Frontier, the short distance to visit with her folks.

Her father and sister enjoyed watching the recording on my wife's cell phone. They enjoyed hearing the bang, bang sound, when my wife tapped the snow shovel on the driveway. She seemed to enjoy that. Did she pretend that she was banging my head?

Yesterday, I drove her in my truck to visit her family again. Today, the roads were almost perfectly dry, and she drove herself in our 2012 Sentra to visit them.

Yes, my dear wife had snow days off from work last Friday, yesterday, and today. Guess what? She has another snow day off work tomorrow! Where is the snow? Except for shady areas, it has melted. Those back roads could still be icy in the morning.

Two Days of Winter in January 2025: Playing “Poofer” with Molly in the Snow! (published 1-12-2025; article #512)

Introduction

With three inches of snow on the ground, the weather prognosticators got it about right this time. The predictions and warnings were televised days before the snow started. Over several days, local media continued to remind us “children” not to drive unless necessary, of how to drive in snow and ice safely, and of how to dress warmly if outside.

Welcome, dear reader, to the sixteenth entry in the pets topic section! Later, this article gets to the audiovisual recording of Molly and me playing “poofer” in the snow. But first, let's break down this two-day winter event by day.

Day One: Friday, 1/10/2025

Mrs. Appalachian Irishman had a snow day off from work. The snow was forecast to start by late morning. Three to five inches were predicted. The morning low was 20 degrees Fahrenheit. The daytime high, under cloudy skies, reached freezing (32 degrees).

Light snow started falling about 11:15 AM, accumulating only on concrete and asphalt surfaces. Heavier snow started coming down by early afternoon. The ground began to turn white. By about 3 PM, my wife and I brought Molly inside and upstairs with us. She enjoyed being a couch potato, as the next photograph, taken by my wife, shows.

In the late afternoon, Molly was fast asleep on the couch. An old but clean bedsheet is between Molly and the leather couch.

Don't worry, fellow pet lovers! During supper, Molly dined with us near the kitchen table. Soon afterward, she was ready for adventure! Inside, I counted four rounds of “got 'ems” games. I toss treats to Molly. She catches and eats them. Additionally, Molly wanted to go outside into the falling snow seven times! Each time, after romping around and barking for a while, she came back inside, damp with melting snow on her. It was a rich, full evening!

About 8:30 PM, I took Molly out into the heavily falling snow for her final “romp and stomp,” before bedding down for the night in her basement “condominium.” Her usual barking, sniffing, and running routine took less time, due to the snow. Once back upstairs, I removed my snow-dampened heavy jacket and toboggan. The snow continued overnight.

Day Two: Saturday, 1/11/2025

Under clouds all day, the morning low of 20 degrees rose to a balmy 38 degrees for the afternoon high. I wish that I could have trusted the back roads to House Mountain to be free of snow and ice. Another snow hike on House Mountain would have been wonderful. I didn't trust the roads.

Tinkering around indoors in the morning, I became restless. I wanted to get out into the snow! I wanted to stir Molly out of her basement “condominium!” Well, I did.

Four Photographs

From 12:14-22 PM, I took the following four photographs. The first one measures the snow in the front yard to be three inches.

Was that all? Shoots of grass were still visible.

The next image shows the front of the house and yard. Both vehicles were garaged. The view looks east.

Those tracks are Molly's and mine. My “Appalachian Irishman” yard sign is near the porch. Last summer, I touched up and repainted the two rocking chairs, the glider swing, and the small table on the porch.

The next two photographs were taken in our “back forty,” as I call the back section of our acre. The views look west.

The lone cedar tree has grown over the years. To the right are six cedar trees, standing closely together. During our evening “romp and stomp” sessions, Molly enjoys running around and through that cedar “forest,” playing hide and seek with me. Once finished, she darts across to the lone cedar tree, before bolting up to the driveway. It's good exercise and fun, unless it's raining!

So, where is Molly? I found her!

Do you see her, near the east corner of the house, looking at me! Okay, Molly, let's go!

Playing “Poofer” with Molly in the Snow!

I encouraged my “long-suffering” wife to pause her “couch potato” session long enough to record Molly and me playing “poofer” in the snow! We were on the driveway. The following is a still image from the audiovisual presentation, which is next.

With her head and tail up and eyes focused, Molly is ready! The “poofer” is aimed and ready to fire! Yes, I am left-handed.

The 33-second recording on Appalachian Irishman – Podcasts is Playing “Poofer” in the Snow with Molly (published 1-11-2025; episode 33). My wife, eager to return to the couch as a potato, recorded us well enough. I hope that you enjoy watching. Molly and I play “poofer,” “old favorite,” or “plastic bottle” at least once a day, if the weather permits.

Conclusion

After Molly decided that her play and exercise session was done, I filled her water bowl and snack bowl. She enjoyed the water and treats. After that, I shoveled snow off the walkway to the front porch. Unfulfilled by that exercise, I walked the subdivision road that leads to a county road and back. I waved at one neighbor and talked for a while with another.

I still wish that I had hiked House Mountain in the snow yesterday. It's only about seven or eight miles from the house. I could have walked there and back, since I didn't trust that the back roads would be clear.

At least we have had a couple of days of winter so far this January. The article from January 23 of last year chronicles the eight days of winter that we had then. Those were better times. Do you think that I am joking?

HVAC Air Return Vent Banging Fixed: My Wife Has 37 Pair of Shoes! (published 1-8-2025; article #511)

Introduction

Is someone searching online to learn how to fix a banging HVAC air return vent? Additionally, is a husband out there wondering how many pair of shoes his wife has?

This 117th entry in the humor topic section answers these inquiring questions! This year's first article on New Year's Day was analytical and pensive. This second article in 2025 will be funny. I hope, dear reader, that you laugh a bit, as I poke in jest at my “long-suffering” wife. I'm just deviling you, dear!

Fixed the Noisy Sheet Metal

First, let's fix the noisy sheet metal behind the HVAC air return vent. Last weekend, the sheet metal ductwork, located behind the hallway air return vent cover grille, started banging once the thermostat turned off the propane furnace. At times, it sounded like a shot fired from a rifle or shotgun. Could nearby neighbors hear all that?

What started the banging? It could have been when I opened the hallway vent cover grille to see if I needed to replace the filter. I only opened the cover and looked at the filter! Was the infernal air return trying to tell me to replace the filter?

The following is a photograph of the hallway air return vent cover grille. Does it look guilty?

Well, maybe it does a little. What do you think?

How did I fix the banging noises? Well, I'll tell you what I did yesterday afternoon.

The sheet metal behind the hallway air return is inside my wife's walk-in closet, which is in our bedroom. My closet, also in our bedroom, is smaller. I can step one foot into it, but it's not the luxurious walk-in closet that my wife has.

The sheet metal is attached through the drywall into two-by-four wall studs by quarter-inch wood screw anchors. Using a screwdriver socket wrench, I checked the tightness of each anchor. Several were loose. Those could have been a part of the problem. Further, I noticed that the large, vertical section of sheet metal would bend in and pop out, making a banging noise, when I pushed into it. There was the source of the banging!

This educated country boy decided to brace heavy items against that section of sheet metal. The next photograph shows what I did.

Please excuse my wife's plastic flip-flops, box of crayons, and travel garment bag. I had to place them somewhere! I secured my wife's blue carry-on luggage, filled with heavy who-knows-what items, next to the banging piece of sheet metal. Behind her carry-on, I wedged in her larger, black suitcase. Yes, I had to place some of her shoes near all that. The large, vertical section of sheet metal no longer has room to pop out with a loud bang.

Afterward, the thermostat kicked the furnace on and off several times in quiet comfort! The shotgun-like banging was gone! That's how an educated country boy gets a job done!

How Many Shoes Does My Wife Have?

Now, let's move on to the funny part about my wife's shoe collection! I have always wondered how many pair of shoes my wife owns. Over the years, I have counted the ones that I could see easily in her closet. I had never known the exact count until yesterday, once I fixed the banging noise.

Yesterday morning, the Sevier County school system, where my wife teaches and serves as vice principal, had a two-hour weather delay. A light dusting of snow and icy roads caused the delay. Before leaving for work, my “long-suffering” wife moved hanging clothes from her closet into the guest bedroom closet. After she left, I had to move all her shoes out of her closet to make room for work.

At first, I thought that she had 28 pair of shoes in her closet, as the next image shows. A pair of shoes is in each box.

I counted 28 pair. Did you?

Later, however, while moving around her carry-on and suitcase, I discovered more shoes and boxes of shoes! The next image includes the updated total.

I count 33 pair of shoes. Did you get the same tally? These were only the ones in her closet.

My dear wife actually has a grand total of 37 pair of shoes. She had on a pair. One pair is in the utility room. Two pair are at the base of the stairwell, leading to the basement. Those other four, plus the 33 in her closet, make 37 total pair!

Conclusion

Molly is our soon-to-be ten-year-old puppy. She still acts like a puppy. Molly beds down for the night in her basement “condominium” after our evening “romp and stomp” in our one-acre yard. The “romp and stomp” starts about 8:30 PM. It ends, usually after about 30 minutes, once Molly winds down her running, sniffing, and barking routine. I tag along. It's good exercise.

Move over, Molly. You have two beds in your “condominium.” I may need to use one of them, once my wife reads this article. We will see.

I wonder if my wife will write a rebuttal article about the number of shoes that I have. I know the total. It is much lower than hers. Did I hear you laughing a bit, dear reader? I thought so.

By the way, for grammarians, the Merriam-Webster Dictionary: pair shows that the plural form of “pair” is “pairs” or “pair.” My elementary and high school English teachers taught me that the plural of “pair” is “pair,” not “pairs.”

Appalachian Irishman, by the Numbers, in 2024: New Year's Day Terrorist Attack in New Orleans (published 1-1-2025; article #510)

“Pencil on system of equations” (10/28/2017), by Antoine Dautry, on Unsplash. Free to use under the Unsplash License.

Introduction

New Year's Day greetings, dear visitor. I couldn't use an exclamation point in the opening sentence. Forgive me if this article, the 107th in the topic section Life (such as it is), is somewhat pensive.

For New Year's Eve, my “long-suffering” wife succumbed to a mild stomach virus. The weather was warm, cloudy, and extremely windy. Today, under cooler and cloudy weather, she is almost fully recovered. Last evening, she was in bed at about 9 PM. I “hit the hay” about two hours later.

As I awoke this morning in predawn darkness, my wife was already up. The news about the early morning terrorist attack in New Orleans was already being broadcast on several television channels.

Before addressing that tragedy, this article highlights this website's analytical data from last year, 2024. This is becoming an annual tradition. For instance, the 12/31/2021 article shared data from 2021. The 1/1/2023 entry noted statistics from 2022. Early last year, the column from 1/8/2024 reported on 2023.

By the Numbers

In 2024, I wrote and published sixty-three articles, which, purely coincidentally, was the same total as in 2023. As of last year, the total body of work on this website, since the initial article from 3/6/2006, included 509 articles, written under 20 different topic sections.

Last year, there were 28 new comments posted below a variety of articles. All-time comments reached 265. I enjoy receiving comments from readers, some known, and others completely anonymous. Hopefully, my articles help readers, even if few comment, laugh, enjoy virtual hikes, think deeply, appreciate family heritage, and draw closer to God. I am only sowing seed.

In 2024, website analytics reported 99,469 total views from several nations. On a month-by-month basis, I record the number of views from which countries. Thankful as always, I am still pleased that this website draws local, regional, national, and international views.

Now, let's move on to why this article may seem pensive.

New Year's Day Terrorist Attack in New Orleans

Despite the 8:45 PM start this evening, I was looking forward to the College Football Playoff quarterfinal game between Georgia and Notre Dame. The game was postponed to the same time tomorrow. Under that postponed matchup, ESPN: 2024-25 college football bowl game, CFP schedule states, “**This game was postponed to Jan. 2 following a deadly truck attack on Jan. 1 in New Orleans.”

Media sources are rife with news about the terrorist attack. One source is “Live updates: Investigators hunt for additional suspects in deadly New Orleans attack.” The Associated Press (AP), ongoing updates since 1/1/2025. At the time of this article's publication, the AP source continues to provide live updates.

The named terrorist, who was killed, had ties to a known terrorist group. God forbid that other terrorist cells carry out their demonic plans!

Conclusion

The sun will set within 30 minutes after this article is published. My wife, almost fully recovered from her malady of yesterday, is preparing supper. A college bowl game is on the television. I walk past and glance at it from time to time.

This article hopes that God the Son will rise tomorrow in the hearts of people everywhere. If so, this troubled world will rest easy in peace and safety. May it be so, dear Lord!

House Mountain Hike #197, 12-26-2024: the Day after Christmas (published 12-30-2024; article #509)

Introduction

Some people celebrate the day after Christmas as Boxing Day or the beginning of Kwanzaa. While this Appalachian Irishman respects the meaning behind those observances, the day after Christmas, for me, was celebrated by going on my third hike in three days on House Mountain! The first article published today shares my Christmas Eve hike. The second entry today recounts my Christmas Day hike.

The late morning propane delivery that filled our underground tank delayed my departure. Afterward, I filled up my tank before the hike. The usual sandwich and apple were washed down with a few ounces of Coke.

Properly hydrated and with hiking gear ready, my 2006 Frontier took me to the upper parking lot. I recall about 20 vehicles already there.

The morning low of 37 degrees Fahrenheit had already warmed to the upper 50s. Morning clouds had given way to sunshine and wind, but the sky became mostly cloudy, once I started hiking. Rain was coming, but not today! Let's hike!

Hiking Up the West Trail Again

Starting late, I touched the marker near the sheltered picnic area at 2:19 PM. Fifteen minutes later, I started hiking up the six upper switchbacks. The four lower switchbacks and lower areas were behind me.

Seven minutes later, I reached the final upper switchback. Making good time, other hikers and I shared holiday greetings, as we passed each other. In thirteen more minutes, at 2:54 PM, I reached the west bluff, touched the rock, and noticed the time. I matched my time hiking up on Christmas Day, 35 minutes.

Selfie at the West Bluff

I should have worn only the T-shirt! The button-up short-sleeve shirt had to come off, along with Mike's ball cap. My forehead dripped with sweat. Temperatures in the 20s or 30s are better hiking weather! You don't sweat!

Having swallowed a few sips of water from my old canteen and wiped forehead sweat onto my patched-up blue jeans, I took the following “selfie” at 3:02 PM.

I was sitting on the highest rock on the west bluff. The view looks northwest. The breeze evaporated sweat from the T-shirt. No one else, except God, was with me. I had the bluff to myself.

Still sitting on that rock, two minutes later, I photographed my other shirt, canteen, and Mike's ball cap.

Deciding not to venture east across the ridge, I chose to hike down and out on the same west trail. Can you tell that I like that trail? I thought so.

Hiking Down and Out: Squirrels are Hard to Photograph!

I started back down at 3:08 PM. It took me 55 minutes to touch the sign near the picnic area to end the hike. At 4:03 PM, the sun was setting quickly, but I had almost two more hours of daylight. I wish that I had hiked east across the ridge, reached the ridgeline bluff, and hiked down and out on the east trail.

What delayed my hike down and out? Have you ever tried to photograph a squirrel? I tried twice and failed both times!

At an upper switchback, I saw the first squirrel, perched on a nearby tree stump. Slowly and silently, I removed my “semi-intelligent” phone from its case, clipped to my belt. Using the camera, I tried to zoom in to shoot that squirrel! He was in a perfect position, looking at me. As I began to snap his image, the squirrel jumped off the stump and bounced far away. I thought that I heard him say, “You just think that you can take my photograph! Watch this!”

Undaunted, just beyond the lowest upper switchback, the second squirrel leaped directly across the trail on his way down! He paused briefly, just long enough for me to take out my phone. Well, ladies and gentlemen, believe it or not, that squirrel jumped away, before I could even focus a shot! Did I hear that squirrel laughing at me?

I know what you're thinking! I had the same thought. Was it the same squirrel or a different one?

Conclusion

Late last year, I enjoyed hiking House Mountain three days in a row. Hikes on the 14th, 15th, and 16th of November 2023 are chronicled in the article from 11/19/2023.

The conclusion of the 11/16/2024 article, about my 194th hike on House Mountain, shared my goal to hike my mountain for the 200th time by year-end. Weather conditions and more pressing obligations prohibited me. That's okay! Lord willing, I plan to reach my 200th hike on House Mountain next month. That is still my goal, even if it was delayed.

See you on the trails!

House Mountain Hike #196, 12-25-2024: Christmas Day (published 12-30-2024; article #508)

Introduction

Well before sunrise on Christmas morning, I awakened to see Mrs. Appalachian Irishman already busying herself with food preparations for the meal at her father's house. Before noon, she loaded up our 2012 Sentra with food fixings and headed to her father's house. There, she joined her two sisters, our niece, and a family friend. The five women scurried about like ants to finalize the afternoon meal. My father and my wife's two male first cousins must have watched or listened in amazement.

With Christmas dinner at my father-in-law's house not starting until at least 2 PM, what did I do? I got in a quick hike before Christmas dinner! It was my 196th hike on House Mountain. The first article published today shares my Christmas Eve hike on House Mountain.

Photographs from the West Bluff

The early morning breakfast (cereal and coffee) didn't last long. Before noon, my digestive system signaled the need for more food. I couldn't wait until 2 PM. So, after my wife left for her father's house, I fixed and ate a sandwich and apple (my usual noon meal), washing it down with about six ounces of Coke.

Canteen filled with water? Check. Sheath knife on belt? Check. Mike's ball cap on my head? Check. Let's hike! As on Christmas Eve, my 2006 Frontier once again became the 14th vehicle in the parking lot. I joined and met in passing several other Christmas Day hikers.

Touching the marker near the picnic area at 12:46 PM, I started up the west trail, just like the day before. Fifteen minutes later, I started up the six upper switchbacks. It took me only seven minutes to reach the highest switchback. I was making better time than the day before. After a lucky 13 minutes passed, I had hiked across and up the trail below the ridge. At 1:21 PM, I touched the rock near the west bluff to mark my time. On Christmas Eve, 40 minutes were required. On Christmas Day, I made the same trek in 35 minutes. My “lame mountain goat” precautions continue to slow me down. My goal is to hike up the west bluff in under 30 minutes, as I did before becoming a “bionic” man.

Enough of the me-against-me battle to hike up faster! What about the photographs from the west bluff? The following is the first of the two that I took:

The above photograph was taken at 1:26 PM, looking northeast. Mike's ball cap, first mentioned in the 8/5/2023 short story, rests above my trusty canteen. Unlike Christmas Eve, the sky was sunny and a crisp blue. The temperature was in the upper 50s.

Two minutes later, from the same location, I turned slightly northwest to photograph the view.

Mike's ball cap and my canteen are still visible. A group of three young people was resting on the rock in the background. I didn't speak with them. I don't think that they noticed me. Overhearing their conversation, they seemed to be discussing a technical topic about business. I asked myself, “Who hikes to the west bluff of House Mountain on Christmas Day to talk about business?” Well, these three young folks did!

Oh, no! What time is it? It's 1:30 PM on the dot! I need to get off this mountain and to my father-in-law's house for Christmas dinner! Let's hike down and out the west trail as fast as we can!

Conclusion

Thankfully, I was not overly cautious, as I usually am, while hiking down and out. I was making excellent time.

At the third switchback down, however, I was pleasantly delayed by a fairly brief but engrossing conversation with three hikers, who had paused to catch their breaths. The older man, a few years younger than me, was from Knox County. The lady, ten years my junior, and the young man, probably in his late 20s, were from Florida. Christmas Day greetings turned to conversations about hiking. Those led to the realization that the four of us were Christians. We enjoyed a moment of Christian worship and prayer at that switchback! I hope to meet those folks again. The older man has Irish roots, just like this Appalachian Irishman. All four of us are rooted in Christ.

At 2:22 PM, just as I was about to touch the marker near the picnic area to end my hike, my “long-suffering” wife called to ask where I was! I still hiked down and out in 52 minutes, including the enjoyable conversation that delayed me. “Yes, dear, I'm walking out to my truck. I'll be there in about ten minutes.” I was.

Arriving at my in-laws' house, the final preparations were still underway. Dinner was served shortly thereafter. As usual, it was a fine meal with far too many leftovers. Christmas presents were then exchanged. Having requested that no one give me gifts, I still received a few.

You see, dear reader, I already have the gift of Christ. Why do I need any other gift at Christmas? I'm too old for gifts or Christmas stocking stuffers.

The next article will be about my hike on House Mountain on the day after Christmas. Three House Mountain hikes in three days, before, on, and after Christmas Day, were a memory in the making.

House Mountain Hike #195, 12-24-2024: Christmas Eve Silence (published 12-30-2024; article #507)

Introduction

On Christmas Eve, I was perched on the ridgetop, watching in silence. Below me, frenzied shoppers were fighting traffic bottlenecks and hordes of fellow crass consumers. Earlier on Christmas Eve, Mrs. Appalachian Irishman had been one of them. Not me.

This 72nd entry in the Hiking topic section celebrates, not the coarse commercialization of Christmas, but the silent Christmas Eve solitude on a House Mountain ridgetop. Christmas Eve marked my 195th hike on House Mountain.

I hope that your Christmas Eve was relaxing and enjoyable. On “my mountain,” Christmas Eve was wonderful, even if it was too warm for snow. Come along and hike with me!

Hiking Up the West Trail

Early on Christmas Eve, the cool morning low of 21 degrees Fahrenheit and sunshine warmed quickly into the upper 40s. Clouds filled the once sunny, blue sky. I should have started hiking early that morning.

Instead, my trusty 2006 Frontier carried me to the parking lot just after the noon meal. Thirteen vehicles were already parked. Several hikers were already on the trails. I joined them.

At 1:15 PM, touching the sign near the picnic area marked the beginning of my hike up the west trail. The first four days of last week brought rain, followed by three days of clouds. The two days of sunshine before Christmas Eve, however, dried most of the mud in the usual low-lying areas. Seventeen minutes were needed to hike up the four lower switchbacks, negotiate through the lower and rocky areas, and start up the six upper switchbacks.

Eight minutes later, I reached the highest and final switchback. Hiking up to that point, brief conversations with fellow hikers exchanged Christmas greetings. A young man in one group expressed, “Happy holidays!” My reply was, “Merry Christmas!” I always reply that way, when someone extends to me that politically correct greeting.

After another fifteen minutes, I had hiked along and up the narrow, rocky, and steep trail below the ridge. At 1:55 PM, I touched the rock at the west bluff to mark my time, 40 minutes exactly from base to bluff. Brief conversations with other hikers and pauses to view the remarkable surroundings slowed my ascent. Well, my “lame mountain goat” precautions, due to my surgically reconstructed right kneecap and right heel, still slow me down a little.

I photographed the following view from near the west bluff at 2 PM exactly. The view looks southwest, toward Knoxville.

Despite cloudy conditions, I was impressed by the artwork in the sky. I turned northeast to hike for a while along the ridge trail, which is behind me in the above photograph.

Christmas Eve Silence on the Ridgetop

The west side of the ridge trail soon reaches a crest. Continuing northeast beyond that, the trail dips and rises three times, before reaching the high and north-facing bluff. The west side crest was peaceful and quiet. I relaxed and enjoyed the silence. The following two photographs are from that crest.

At 2:24 PM, I photographed the next panoramic view, looking north.

The light clouds hovered gently above. The farther northeast segment of House Mountain is visible. Can you hear the frantic noise of last-minute Christmas gift shopping below? I didn't think so. Hearing only the gentle rustling of squirrels and birds in the underbrush, I enjoyed Christmas Eve silence on the ridgetop.

Two men and a boy were coming up and across the trail from the east. Exchanging Christmas Eve greetings, I left them and started hiking back west the way that I had come. Four minutes after the previous image, I photographed the following section of that ridge trail, heading back west.

I have always enjoyed the clean serenity of that location. The clouds were showing potential breaks to allow the sun to shine through them.

Hiking Down and Out

At 2:32 PM, I reached the west bluff again and started my descent down the same west trail, up which I had hiked.

Still heading east along the trail below the ridgeline, I took the following and final photograph at 2:43 PM.

That is one of several huge rock outcroppings along this trail. The view looks up and to the north. Do you see the seemingly petrified tree trunk, jutting out from the gaping crevice? That is what I call the “Defiant Tree.” I touch it while passing beside it. Long ago, the tree grew out from that crevice. Eventually, the trunk split apart, and the severed section fell down the steep bank below. The “Defiant Tree” has been the same, since my first hike on House Mountain. That first hike was on the Sunday afternoon of April 23, 2000. A niece, age 12 at the time, and I, at age 39, hiked.

Conclusion

I hope, dear reader, that you enjoyed reading about my Christmas Eve silence on House Mountain. It was far more enjoyable than shopping for last-minute Christmas gifts! Driving out and back to a main county road, the sun broke through the clouds. How quickly the weather changes.

The gift of Christ is the reason for the season. Share the gift of Christ with all, who will accept it. It is the Gift that keeps on giving.

I also hiked House Mountain on Christmas Day and the day after Christmas, for three hikes in three days. Forthcoming articles, also published today, will be about those hikes.