April 25th, 2019 @ 3:08pm. This is the date and time upon which I found the rock I plan to give to my son someday. Right now to him, it would be just a rock, later, as he matures, I hope he will return this symbol to its original place and enjoy the journey as I did that day to this wonderful destination.
The specific location is located at Black Balsam Knob off the Art Loeb Trail. More specifically the rock was found here; https://goo.gl/maps/TdskvwuTb6iEpVg28 . I picked up a rock at the location seen at 1:54 on this video (and at the spot in the picture above). More on that decision as to why in a bit.
Thinking back on this trip I have narrowed my favorite locations between Black Balsam Knob and the location of my Top Ten picture #6. Ironically I have a rock from both locations. One was given to my wife (from West Prong Little Pigeon River), and another will go to my son (as I will write about now).
Mark and I arrived at Black Balsam Knob (well the parking area for it). From the Jeep, we walked a few feet and were on the Art Loeb Trail which meandered through the woods, across some open plains, over rocks and eventually to our summit. The beginning of the trail (where we were) placed us in the forest, but unlike the previous hike these cedar trees were thin and a carpet of needles blanketed the ground. The light showed through openings in the treetops above and I imagined this is what northern California might look like. As we continued up the trail the trees disappeared and gave way to an open plain. This topography in this section reminded me of a desert, other than the wonderful 55-degree temperature. Off ahead of us I could see one lone giant tree as seen here at 2:01. We reached the large tree passed it and I turned around to take my shot. I love the trees. What I had not noticed was behind us the fog was rolling in like large waves on an unsteady ocean. In front of us were some large rocks (1:01) and we made our way up to them. As we stood there and photographed the fog rolled toward us. We both marveled at the sites before us. The dark green trees in front and below us and blue/grey fog heading our way. The contrasts of light and color provided the perfect setup for my love of monochrome photography. Some of my favorite shots happened at that moment.
Mark and I stood in anticipation of the fog rolling in and engulfing us, but as nature always does it surprised us. Just as the fog seemed to be within arm’s reach it dissipated. Waves of fog kept rolling towards us, but each time they disappeared, only feet from us. After a while, we turned and headed up to the next peak where we saw a plaque about Art Loeb. The 30.1-mile trail we were standing on was named after him. The sights were amazing, but for me, I was in love with the previous summit just passed and could be seen below us. Mark explained that the next peak over (maybe a ½ mile walk) was Sam’s Knob and that it was similar to where we were standing, so we agreed to skip it. We made our way back down the trail and as we reached the area where the waves of fog hit us previously, I picked up a rock. I told Mark I intended to take that rock home to Gavin, give him the coordinates, and ask him to someday return the rock. At age 16 I don’t think he will be mature enough to understand, but I hope someday I can give it to him and he can return it for me and see the beauty I saw in this place.
As you can tell this trip meant a lot to me and was needed so badly when I took it. I will always be thankful that Mark showed me this place that I likely would otherwise not known or gone to. Words (at least mine) and pictures do not do it justice, but I hope my son will go there someday, and if lucky, get the same feelings and experience Mark and me had.
This may below on the top travel destinations of the world much less this country, but for me (and Mark) the Carolina Mountains hold a special place in my soul, and Black Balsam Knob ranks in my top three destinations I have been too.
Until next time,
Tim
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