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]]> http://norrishighlands.com/puncheon-camp/feed/ 0 http://norrishighlands.com/homecoming-at-museum-of-appalachia-is-a-fall-tradition-for-many/ http://norrishighlands.com/homecoming-at-museum-of-appalachia-is-a-fall-tradition-for-many/#comments Thu, 08 Oct 2009 12:01:44 +0000 News Feed http://norrishighlands.com/?p=216 NORRIS – A small get-together three decades ago has grown into a fall tradition that now attracts thousands of visitors.

The 30th annual Tennessee Fall Homecoming on the grounds of the Museum of Appalachia is expected to draw as many as 50,000 people during its four-day run.

Virtually nonstop bluegrass, Gospel and folk music on five stages will play 9 a.m. to dusk today through Sunday.

Source: Knox News

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The Anderson County Fair is 120 years old and is one of the six oldest such celebrations in the state, says Steve R. Queener, fair association president.

READ MORE at KnoxNews.com

Their bikes flash a little less chrome. Their brightly colored fenders provide ample clearance above the knobby tires.

They’re a little taller and leaner looking than HOGs or Goldwings.

These bikes and their riders choose rugged terrain rather than smooth highways — they are off roaders — dirt bikers.

Frank Leonard and Bob Helzen parked their BMW dirt bikes outside of Alva’s McDonalds Tuesday morning while they went inside for some breakfast. The Seattle, Washington, mechanical contractors are dirt bikers following the TransAmerica Trail from Jellico, Tenn., to the Oregon coast.

Sam Correro, a Cleveland, Mississippi, pharmacist, spent more than 15 years mapping The TransAmerican Trail, ironically is known as TAT, an acronym similar to the original transcontinental airline/rail service based in this area.

The TransAmerican Trail stretches from the Appalachian Mountains, through the plains of Oklahoma and across the Rockies for 4,700 miles.

The Alva Review-Courier first became aware of this TAT in 2002 when six hot, dusty dirt bikers from California known as Cole’s Riders spent the night here on their way from the Pacific to the Atlantic.

Leonard and Helzen left Tennessee on July 1. By the time they reached Alva, they’d come 1300 miles, about a third of the way. “It’s still a fair jog,” Helzen said.

Correro’s map leads bikers on dirt roads through Oklahoma near the Kansas border. After traveling the trail himself several times, Correro added Alva to the map as a hospitable place to stop and spend the night, find something to eat, and relax.

Leonard and Helzen spent the night in Cherokee. They filled up on barbecue fare at the Smok Shack where they were smitten by waitresses named Courtney and Liz. “Liz is a darling,” Leonard said. They told of discussions with Courtney about her upcoming wedding in Hawaii to Alva Police Officer Aaron Barber. They enjoyed a few beers at Mel’s bar in Cherokee, a place they described as looking like it was closed but it wasn’t.

The benefit of off road riding is seeing otherwise obscured scenery. Off road riding also offers its own set of challenges.

Inevitably, dirt bikers encounter storms, muddy roads and other hazards along the trail.

The Washington duo’s cargo strapped to the back of their bikes included a tent for those times they chose to sleep under the stars.

Torrential rains hit about 2 a.m. while camping in Mississippi one night.

“We had terribly heavy rain,” Leonard said. “We didn’t have our rain flaps on.”

They woke up soaked.

Their journey to date also included one crash, due in part to previous rains. Leonard, normally the lead driver, hit a patch of thick mud.

“It was like grease,” Helzen said of the gooey soil. Leonard said he was going too fast, hit the mud and lost control of his bike.

The crash knocked off some of his equipment strapped to the bike and broke the corner of the windshield which he repaired with duct tape. Helzen watched the wreck from a safe distance behind.. “I provided his entertainment for the day,” Leonard said good-naturedly.

Leonard said he’d seen a number of deer going across the road in front of them, but had managed to avoid any collisions.

“Our biggest hazard is cars,” the men said. “We have to make sure they see us.”

Leonard and Helzen were anxious to get to Colorado and the mountains.

“No offense,” Leonard said smiling politely, “but it’s kind of flat here.”

The duo had also been afflicted by what they described as “terrible heat — up in the 80°s.”

They were dreading the ride through the panhandle where temperatures were forecast to reach the century mark.

Fortunately, when they left Alva, the temperatures were moderate and a few clouds filled the sky.

“We’re creaming the ride,” Leonard said quoting his riding partner. “In every state we ride at least four hours on the dirt trail.”

Since they have to be home by July 20, they take advantage of highways the rest of the day.

“We haven’t met anybody that’s not friendly,” Leonard said. Helzen agreed saying, “Everyone has been super.”

There was one other thing the Washington natives really liked about Oklahoma — “You don’t have to wear a helmet if you don’t want to.”

More dirt bikers were behind them on the trail. Leonard said they met two men who started riding in Atlanta to raise funds for a children’s hospital.

Next time you see a motorcycle that looks like it belongs on the dunes, not the freeways, take time to say hello. They could be from California, Washington, Canada, England, France Switzerland or Germany.

Believe it or not, people ship their bikes and fly to Memphis to ride the TransAmerican Trail.

And that trail leads them through — or close by — Alva, America.

SOURCE: The Alva Review / Courier

Hidden away in the hills of Anderson County, tigers, camels and lemurs are catching the attention of thousands of people each year. The Little Ponderosa Zoo littleponderosazoo.com/index.html grew out of James Cox’s passion for animals. After years of providing pony rides and petting zoos at local fairs and events, he finally opened up his farm to the public.Little Ponderosa Zoo – Clinton, TN

Little Ponderosa is located just off US 25-W between Clinton and Lake City. Signs along the road guide you right to the doors of the Red Barn where you get your tickets which are just $8 a person.

Once inside, you’ll see a variety of wildlife giving you a taste of what’s to follow. There are monkeys, a camel, exotic birds and a variety of snakes and other reptiles in “the barn.” All are in close proximity to you and some you can even reach out and touch

What’s outside the barn is actually the biggest reason to visit Little Ponderosa. As soon as you get outside you’ll see goats on your right yearning for your attention. To the left are Lemurs, the fuzzy black and white creatures made famous in the “Madagascar” films.

Just a few yards down the path are the pride and joy of the Zoo, Gunther and Gebel. These two playful Siberian tigers are named after James Cox’s animal trainer idol, Gunther Gebel-Williams of Ringling Brothers fame. Little Ponderosa is one of only a handful of facilities in the state licensed to house big cats. Although you can’t reach out and touch Gunther and Gebel, they are a lot of fun to watch.

From the tiger cage you continue on a gravel path that takes you past the main attractions. Along this big circle path, you can reach out, pet and feed dozens of animals including llamas, camels, donkeys and zebras. This interaction with the animals is what makes Little Ponderosa stand out from the rest something that makes founder James Cox proud. “I want people to interact. I want the animals to interact,” he said.

Little Ponderosa Zoo also features a room for private parties and a pavilion for picnicking, so bring a sack lunch and make it a day.

READ MORE at The Examiner

READ MORE at The Oak Ridger

3:00pm                 Creek Critters

How healthy is our water? Join Chelsea at the Gristmill Bridge and we will go in search of aquatic insects, crayfish, and salamanders to determine if our creek is healthy. Be prepared to get wet! Shoes are required, and all children should be accompanied by an adult!

5:00 pm                Norris Dam Walk

Did you know that Norris Dam was TVA’s first project and brought electricity to 36,000 homes? Join Chelsea at the East Side Visitor Center for an informative session about the history of Norris Dam and a walk across it!

6:00 pm                Tennessee’s Wildlife!

Escape the heat for a while and meet Chelsea in the Park Office Amphitheater for a slideshow presentation about wildlife in Tennessee. Come find out more about these awesome and unique creatures!

Wednesday, July 8

6:00 pm                Pine Cone Bird Feeders

Join Hailey at the West Campground playground to make a tasty treat for our feathered friends that you can take home to your own backyard.

7:00 pm                For Goodness Sssssnakes!

Join Hailey, and one of the park’s snakes, at the Gristmill to take a look at nature’s most misunderstood creature.

8:15 pm                Norris Dam at Sunset

Experience the beautiful sight of the sun setting over the dam, lake, and river from an overlook while learning the history of the dam and the cultural implications it brought. Meet Hailey at the West Overlook. Coming up from the Marina towards the park office, take the first left through a yellow gate.

9:00 pm                Fireflies

Join Hailey at the West Campground playground to learn about fireflies and see who can catch the most! Jars will be provided, or bring your own.

Thursday, July 9

2:00 pm                Wildlife Paintings

Meet Hailey at the West Campground playground to create artwork of your favorite park animal to take home! All materials will be provided.

4:00 pm                Who Gives a Hoot??

Join Hailey and the park’s barred owl, Blinky, at the West Campground playground to learn more about these mysterious creatures of the night.

7:00 pm                American Chestnut PowerPoint

Join Hailey in the park office amphitheatre to learn about the effect the Chestnut Blight has had on this majestic tree, and what you can do to help!

9:10 pm                Night Walk

Meet Hailey at the West Campground playground for a short walk down the road. We will identify night sounds such as frog calls, and maybe even hear an owl!

Friday, July 10

12:00 pm              For Goodness Sssssnakes!

Join Hailey, and one of the park’s snakes, at the rec hall by the pool to take a look at nature’s most misunderstood creature.

2:00 pm                Four-Square

Meet Hailey in front of the pool rec hall to play four-square and learn about the origins of the game!

2:30 pm                Gristmill Tour

Step into the past as you learn about the old gristmill that was originally built in 1798. Meet Chelsea at the Gristmill Bridge.

3:30 pm                Lenoir Museum Tour

Meet Ranger Mike Scott at the Lenoir museum for an informative tour. Make sure to check out the barrel organ and the antique mouse traps!

4:00 pm                Wildlife Binoculars

Join Chelsea at the west side campground to make your very own pair of binoculars to spot various

wildlife in the park!

6:00 pm                Who Gives a Hoot??

Join Hailey and the park’s barred owl, Blinky, at the East Campground bathhouse to learn more about these mysterious creatures of the night.

7:30pm                 History Of TVA

Join Chelsea at the park office to learn about the history of TVA and how the building of the dam affected local residents.

8:30 pm                Bat Watch

What are bats, and what is their purpose in the world? To discover the answers to these questions and more, join Hailey at the park office amphitheater to watch a slide show about these interesting creatures, and then go outside to watch these mysterious creatures fly from their roosts into the night!

Saturday, July 11

1:00 pm                Pine Cone Bird Feeders

Join Hailey at the West Campground playground to make a tasty treat for our feathered friends that you can take home to your own backyard.

2:00 pm                Creek Critters

How healthy is our water? Join Chelsea at the Gristmill Bridge and we will go in search of aquatic insects, crayfish, and salamanders to determine if our creek is healthy. Be prepared to get wet! Shoes are required, and all children should be accompanied by an adult!

3:00 pm                Gristmill Tour

Step into the past as you learn about the old gristmill that was originally built in 1798. Meet Hailey at the Gristmill Bridge.

3:30 pm                Caleb Crosby Threshing Barn Tour

What is a threshing barn? How did it work? Did you know that threshing barns symbolize the life and character of rural America from the early 1800’s and serve as a direct link with the pioneer past? Join Chelsea at the front entrance to the threshing barn for a tour of our agricultural heritage!

4:00 pm                For Goodness Sssssnakes!

Join Ranger Scott, and one of the park’s snakes, at the rec hall by the pool to take a look at nature’s most misunderstood creature.

5:00 pm                Norris Dam Walk

Did you know that Norris Dam was TVA’s first project and brought electricity to 36,000 homes? Join Hailey at the East Side Visitor Center for an informative session about the history of Norris Dam and a walk across it!

6:30 pm                Lake Cruise

Enjoy getting out on beautiful Norris Lake! Meet Hailey at the Marina for a boat cruise, accompanied by an exclusive presentation on the history of the Norris Dam area. You must sign up for the cruise in the park office and the cost is $6 for adults and $5 for children age 5 and younger. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Please arrive 15 minutes early to sign release forms. The boat leaves promptly at the scheduled time.

8:45 pm                Campfire

Do you like roasting marshmallows, ghost stories, and games? If so, join Chelsea and Hailey at the West Campground Water Tower for a great evening. Don’t forget your musical instruments, roasting sticks, and chairs!

Sunday, July 12

12:00 pm              Camp Sam Trail Hike

This short hike leads to an area that is the original site of Civilian Conservation Corps Camp #45. Join Chelsea at the Norris Dam Visitor Center (at the base of the East Campgrounds) for a short carpool to the trailhead.

1:00 pm                Leave it to Beaver!

Join Chelsea on a fun afternoon hike along the Clear Creek Trail (which starts at the Gristmill). We will talk about how beavers create their dams and find evidence of beaver activity.

2:00 pm-              Bluegrass at the Lenoir Museum

5:00 pm                Each Sunday, area musicians bring their guitars, fiddles, banjos, etc. to the museum to share East Tennessee  traditional music. The place comes alive as listeners and performers enjoy the fun.  Bring your own instrument or just enjoy the music, everyone is welcome!

2:30 pm                History of Coal Mining

Meet Chelsea at the Lenoir Museum for an informative session on the history of coal mining in East Tennessee.

For more information contact the park office at 426-7461.

Officials of the Tazewell Speedway and the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series made the decision to postpone the event after a heavy band of showers began falling shortly after 6:00pm at the speedway.  The rescheduling of the event will make it possible for one driver to win $30,000 over the course of three days.

For the first time ever, the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series will sanction The Scorcher at Volunteer Speedway in Bulls Gap, TN on Wednesday, August 19th and Thursday, August 20th.  Each night of The Scorcher will be a separate racing program paying $10,000 to win.  More information about the sanctioning of The Scorcher and the “Toyota of Knoxville 60” will be announced at a later date.

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