#10
September 1, 2026#14
September 1, 2026
Searchable issue transcript
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$6.95 $6.95 Fo o d F o o d N atur e N atur e A r t A r t H ist or y H ist or y O pinion O pinion Mountains-to-Sea Mountains-to-Sea foothills foothills Digest Digest Paint w ith P aint w ith B ob T imb erlake B ob T imb erlake Display Until 01/01/21 Display Until 01/01/21 I I SSUE SSUE XIII XIII
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4 COLUMNISTS James Thomas-Shell Sarah Everly Donna Steele CONTRIBUTORS Lisa De Maio Brewer Bob Timberlake Jenelle Burke Trudy Haywood Saunders SPECIAL THANKS Evanne Timberlake Lisë Swensson Kate Dixon Jim Grode Craig Distl foothills Foothills Digest PO Box 2670 Lenoir, NC 28645 Phone: 828.475.1323 E-mail: editor@foothillsdigest.com Website: foothillsdigest.com Stock by Adobe Stock PRINTED IN USA EDITORIAL CARMEN ECKARD JON ECKARD JOEY OSBORNE Chief Editor Principal Photographer Partner
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6 Emergencies Don’t Wait When an emergency strikes, go to the place where your healthcare heroes are ready to care for everything from broken bones to chest pain. We have been working hard to ensure our hospital—including our Emergency Department—is safe for everyone. Every minute matters in an emergency. You can have greater peace of mind knowing the right care is close to home when you need it. #YourHealthOurHeroes. Learn more at MyFryeRegional.com
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Letter from the Editor: Dear Readers, Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed a lacus eget quam lacinia tincidunt dictum vitae lectus. Nam quis risus non arcu commodo laoreet eu ac purus. Etiam sodales lacus ligula. Nulla facilisi. Maecenas commodo gravida euismod. In et semper nibh. Aenean consequat, odio non semper maximus, purus nulla rutrum turpis, sed finibus nunc dolor id sem. Praesent efficitur vel mi et convallis. Class aptent taciti sociosqu ad litora torquent per conubia nostra, per inceptos himenaeos. Praesent massa tellus, tempor fermentum urna ac, congue mollis felis. Etiam posuere sagittis suscipit. Fusce fringilla ipsum et mollis tempus. Cras sollicitudin ultrices ante, a lobortis leo vehicula vitae. Suspendisse sed elementum odio. In sed diam enim. Sed imperdiet mauris at enim suscipit dapibus. Pellentesque id congue tortor, sagittis consequat orci. Fusce ut consequat odio, quis dictum neque. Donec iaculis purus lacus, quis mollis lorem congue a. Praesent libero nunc, sodales sodales tristique eget, lobortis a mi. Cras aliquet varius augue, eu pretium urna gravida in. Proin lectus metus, molestie sed cursus mattis, accumsan id nisi. Donec malesuada quam ac quam tincidunt viverra. Nam tincidunt magna id ex congue vulputate. Praesent tristique tempus orci, et luctus neque posuere a. Curabitur at dolor sed ex pulvinar tempor. In hac habitasse platea dictumst.
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8 Letter From the Editor Mountains to Sea Trail MST Map MST Key MST Playlist Segment 1 Segment 2 Carley Hope Arrowood Segment 3 Table of Contents 7 10 16 18 20 24 28 31 32 36 38 40 46 48 54 56 60 62 Bear Safety Segment 4 Segment 5 Earthquakes in Sparta Segment 6 Segment 7 Segment 8 Segment 9 Segment 10
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Segment 11 Kevin Brown Segment 11a Segment 12 Segment 13 White Lake Segment 14 Segment 15 Segment 16 Broad Creek Clam Chowder Recipe Segment 17 Oysters in NC Bob Timberlake Segment 18 Nicholas Cirillo A New Era in Farming Hickory Landmarks Society Fox and Hound Photography 64 67 68 72 76 80 84 88 90 92 96 98 100 104 112 122 126 128 130 134
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12 The Mountains-to-Sea Trail is one of the most ambitious trails in the nation. It was first proposed in 1977 and was added to the North Carolina State Park system in 2000. It is the longest marked footpath in the state, taking over 2 million steps to complete. We think that hiking the trail is the very best way to get to know North Carolina. The trail begins at the western edge of the state, at Clingman’s Dome, and travels the width of before ending at Jockey’s Ridge at the Outer Banks. The trail crests Mount Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River and ends at an elevation of zero, making the elevation change of the hike over 6,600 feet. It’s reasonable to say the trail is 1,200 miles long and over a mile tall. We think it’s a really exciting project and we couldn’t wait to dive in. Before we got started, we met up at Doughton Park with Angel. She’s loves to hike and she’s hiked the entire Mountains- to-Sea Trail, earning her completion in 2018. We asked her for some advice for beginners. “ If you’re not an avid hiker, do some training before you start. Learn how to familiarize yourself with the trail guide, and check updates on trail conditions and weather conditions. Find the gear that works for you. Learn how to Leave No Trace. All of these things are a continuing learning process. And lastly, but very important, put your phone in airplane mode, unplug and enjoy nature. It has so much to offer.” We took her advice to heart and we’re going to share what we’ve learned in this issue. We found the trail’s website to be one of the best website’s we’ve ever used. It’s full of the things you’ll actually need to hike the trail, starting with information. The Friends of the Mountains- to-Sea Trail have put together excellent guides for each segment, and made them available in PDF format on their website. We’ve added a QR code to each segment so that you can quickly download the guide onto your phone. That way you’ll be able to access it in airplane mode or when you are deep in the wilderness without a signal. The website also posts frequent trail updates, which you’ll want to read. You’ll find the site at mountainstoseatrail.org. We know it seems very daunting to consider hiking 1,200 miles. Don’t worry-most hikers don’t do it all at one time. Those that do are called “Thru-hikers.” Most folks do what’s called “section hiking,” which means they do shorter jaunts, keeping track of the ground they’ve covered, with the goal of hiking all of the parts. The guides help hikers split the segments into reasonable day hikes. And of course there’s no pressure to hike
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the whole trail. There are several books that endeavor to help you make the most of shorter hikes, so that you hit the more interesting spots. We’ve listed several at the end of this article, but our favorite is Great Day Hikes on North Carolina’s Mountains-to- Sea Trail, Edited by Jim Grode. His insight on the trail is invaluable and he’s also written many of the Segment summaries on the trail’s website. The book is the creation of Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, often lovingly shortened to “friends.” This non-profit organization is absolutely vital to the creation, maintenance and continued growth of the trail. It’s made up of hundreds of people around the state who build and maintain trails. They also advocate for the trail politically and ensure that the public knows about and knows how to use the trail. They are responsible for the guides and brochures that are so helpful when hiking. In short, the Mountains-to-Sea Trail couldn’t exist without its “friends.” Wherever you are in North Carolina, you aren’t very far from the Trail. You’ll find a map on the next page, and we encourage you to get started. The path is marked by the iconic white blaze. It’s a simple white circle sometimes painted on trees, sometimes on signs, but never too far away from where you are. After a few hikes, those white blazes start to give you a warm fuzzy feeling that’s altogether pleasant. This is our land. It was here before us and it will be here after us. It’s our responsibility to get to know this land and to be good stewards of it. Something a bit unexplainable but very important happens when we connect with our land, and that’s what this trail gives us the opportunity to do. It’s beautiful, in a raw and real way. The trail gives you tangible access to all of the parts of our state. It’s an incredible opportunity to connect with ourselves, our past and our communities more deeply and we hope you will take advantage of it.
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Mountains-to-Sea Trail Map
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16 Premium Ad $2000 828.475.1323 In Your Bag
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It’s not always easy to know what you need to pack in your bag. Fortunately, the National Park Service has created a handy checklist. If a segment says “full backpack needed,” this is what you’ll need.. • First aid kit • Navigation: map, compass, and GPS • Sun protection: sunscreen, sunglasses, hat • Insulation: jacket/raincoat, extra layers • Illumination: flashlight, lantern, or headlamp • Fire: matches, lighter, fire starters • Repair kit: duct tape and multifunctional tool • Nutrition: at least an extra day’s supply of nutritious food • Hydration: water and/or means of water purification • Emergency shelter: tent, space blanket, tarp Pack a “Full Backpack”
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18 • Make sure someone knows where you’ll be. • Prepare for Weather. • Pack a good bag. Even if you’re only going on a short hike, bring water, extra water, rain gear, compass, map and extra food. • Wear proper hiking boots. • Protect yourself from the sun and insects. • Plan for dangerous animals like bears or poisonous snakes that may be in the area. • Stay on the trail. • Have a map. Your phone won’t always work. • Be confident, but still sensible. • It’s always safer to be with another person. Hiking Safety
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Get out and enjoy nature right here in Caldwell County Socially distanced fun is available here! Wilson’s Creek originates on Calloway Peek at Grandfather Mountain. You’ve seen the bumper stickers proclaiming that folks would rather be on Wilson’s Creek. Find out why! www.explorecaldwell.com There are so many ways to enjoy Caldwell County. You can find out more at visitfoothills.com or explorecaldwell.com.
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Great Day Hikes on North Carolina’s Mountains-to-Sea Trail By Friends of the Mountains-to- Sea Trail, Edited by Jim Grode, the trail resource manager for Friends “Well organized and easy to use, this guide fills a niche that has long needed filling.” -- Leonard Adkins, author of Hiking and Traveling the Blue Ridge Parkway The Mountains-to-Sea Trail is an 1,175- mile destination trail that crosses North Carolina from Clingmans Dome in Great Smoky Mountains National Park to Jockey’s Ridge State Park on the Outer Banks. It connects 37 counties, 7 national parks and forests, and nearly a dozen state parks and historic sites. This is the first-ever guide to day hikes along the crown jewel of North Carolina foot trails. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or new to the outdoors, this official guide from Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail is your go-to companion for exploring all the trail has to offer, showcasing everything from scenic mountain vistas to surprising escapes in the state’s Piedmont region and the wonders of coastal plain pocosins. Features include • 40 hikes carefully chosen to appeal to hikers of all experience levels • Helpful hike finder feature to identify the perfect hikes for birding, waterfalls, history, universal accessibility, and more • Turn-by-turn guidance and key points of interest for each hike • Full-color maps and photographs • Helpful information about the trail’s history and ongoing development • Paperback, 256 pages, 40 color plates, 41 maps. Published by UNC Press. Purchase using this QR code or at uncpress.org/book/9781469654850/great-day- hikes-on-north-carolinas-mountains-to-sea-trail/
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Benjy “Doc” Brown Dan Auman Maddy “Princess Leia” Mumma Lexi “Slick” Harris Aaron “Rock Hop” Harris Lisa “Conundrum” Speas Joshua Glasson Donna “Stambler” Dean Charles “Bald” Milligan Henry “Moxie” Westmoreland Josh “Mountain Goat” Ervin Kenny “Marcos” Clapp Susan “Kansas” Levy Chuck “Guinness” Aldridge Jason “Abe Lincoln” Murrell Roger Holland Dianna M. Morris David “S2S” Nutt Deirdre “Beerdra” Smith Debra “Latte” Rezeli Jeff “Sketchy Guy” Rezeli Mary “Angel” Stewart Kenny “Bonehead” Capps Danny “JackRabbit”Wilcox Danelle Hallenbeck Jude Rodrigue Blake Hancock Francisco Miller Mary Ann Nissley Annie Porche Kristen Keane Erin Schaberg Jennifer Pharr Davis Brad Beavers Miriam Ash-Jones Jason Nieuwsma Carla Gardner Kasie Taylor Jerry Barker Judy Geisler Jacob Rose Michelle Revoir Jack Revoir John Lanman Amy Fiddler Chad Hoskinson Kimberly Brookshire – Yo-Yo Ryan “Candyman” Skrabalak Margie “Canasta” Sarsfield Charlie Martin Debra Palermo Kent Wilson Nancy Wilson Scott Carpenter Susan Carpenter Gus Jerdee Melissa Thompson Eliza Vistica Rachel Tutwiler Jule Picton Sven Picton Syl Neel Germaine Yahn B. David Baldwin Lorie Hansen Yvonne Entingh Ben Banick Amy Fiddler Chad Hoskinson Heather Houskeeper Hannah Krueger Patric le Beau Craig “JetLag” Smith Sharon “Mama Goose” Smith Greg Yahn Dennis O’Neill Mathew “Grok” Taylor Trevor Thomas and Tennille Scot “TABA” Ward Sam Holcombe Alexis “So Way” McKenzie Mark “Stumpknocker” Suiters Cynthia “Mrs. Gorp” Taylor-Miller Jim Hallsey Diane Van Deren Cathie Cummins Randy Cummins Cody Taylor William Dolling Lora Arrington Sharon McCarthy Heather Houskeeper Matt Kirk Heidi Domeisen Danny Bernstein Scot Ward Ian Fraher Cooper Brantley Steve Hassenfelt Jim Walters Frank Potter Charlie Young Jonathan Felts Scot “TABA” Ward Scot “TABA” Ward Johnny “Chief” Massey Glenn “Hardcore” Strouhal Bruce Wisely Brian Huntsinger Matt Loomis Nadja Miller Katie Senechal Jeff Brewer Kathryn Nelson Jason Pass Allen de Hart Alan Householder MST COMPLETERS The Mountains-to-Sea Trail is 1,200 miles long, so completing it is a major accomplishment. The following people have hiked the entire trail and we salute them. Interested in reading more about North Carolina’s Mountain-to-Sea Trail? Exploring the Geology of the Carolinas: A Field Guide to Favorite Places from Chimney Rock to Charleston by Kevin G. Stewart and Mary-Russell Roberson Great Day Hikes on North Carolina’s Mountains-to-Sea Trail: The Official Guide from Friends of the Mountains- to-Sea Trail by Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, Jim Grode, Editor Hiking North Carolina’s Mountains-to-Sea Trail by Allen de Hart The Mountains-to-Sea Trail Across North Carolina: Walking a Thousand Miles through Wildness, Culture and History by Danny Bernstein. H iking B iking T rail C ommuni T ies P addling ada a CC essi B le B a C k P a C k r equired H orse B a C k r iding ms T P laylis T d ownload g uide Icon Key
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22 Mountains-to-Sea Playlist North Carolina has an incredibly rich musical culture. Music has always been intertwined with our daily lives. From playing banjos on our porches to packed- house concerts featuring very famous acts like The Avett Brothers or Eric Church, music is just part of who we are. We asked our writer Lisa Brewer to make us a playlist that encompassed the heart and soul of each segment of the trail. We’re excited about what she came up with, and we recommend listening to the songs as you hike or read about each segment. We’ve listed them all together here, and there is also a QR code in the opening of each segment’s article. If you have an iPhone, just point your camera at the code and follow the link. Other smart phones may require a QR reader, which is available in your app store for free. Lisa Brewer is part of the team that brings us the Carolina Bible Camp Bluegrass Festival. It’s been voted “Best Festival” in the state by the readers of Carolina Country magazine! Carolina Bible Camp Bluegrass Festival - Mocksville, NC - Sept. 12, 2020! Featuring: Joe Mullins and the Radio Ramblers - The Grascals Junior Sisk - and just added: His & Hers
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Songs from the Road Band, “Road to Nowhere” - Begin your trek in the cool North Carolina mountains with cool North Carolina musicians. Don’t be surprised if you run into bassist Charles R. Humphrey, III on the trail: the Grammy winner is an ultra-marathoner. Carley Arrowood, “Dear Juliana” -This sweet and upbeat song will make your journey more special. See our feature on Carley Arrowood elsewhere in this issue. Red June, “Black Mountain Night” -Although Will Straughan, Natalya Weinstein and John Cloyd Miller are working on separate projects, they reunite occasionally as a band. Straughan has the purest tenor in the entire state, bar none. Etta Baker, “I Get the Blues When It Rains”- Caldwell County’s Etta Baker (1913-2006) played the Piedmont style of blues for nearly 90 years. The Trailblazers, “Memories of Home” -The Trailblazers offer up their cure for homesickness as you travel. This band won the 2017 MerleFest Band Contest and the 2018 International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Momentum Award for Best Young Bluegrass Influenced band. Terry Baucom’s Dukes of Drive, “Just Around the Corner” -What’s the best thing about hiking? Finding something new just around the corner! Elkin-based Terry Baucom contributes a song to the playlist sure to keep the pep in your step. Dr. John Mochnick and Matt Kendrick, “Feng Shui” - As the Mountain-to-Sea Trail approaches more urban areas, the music changes with the landscape. Enjoy the sophisticated jazz sounds of two Wake Forest University professors. Roy Roberts, “What Should I Do?” - Greensboro-based blues guitarist Roy Roberts played with such artists as Stevie Wonder, Otis Redding, and more. Inez and Charlie Foxx, “Mockingbird” -Greensboro-born siblings Inez Fox and Charie Foxx (1939-1998) had a memorable hit with this 1964 tune later covered by Carly Simon and her husband, Chapel Hill native James Taylor. Johnny Winter and Edgar Winter, “Tobacco Road” -Singer- songwriter John D. Loudermilk, Jr. (1934-2016) was born in Durham, NC. He penned such hits as “Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye,” “Abilene,” “Indian Reservation,” and “Break My Mind” covered by Linda Ronstadt and more. “Tobacco Road” is said to be a piece about growing up in Durham.
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24 Kevin Brown and Swift Creek Band, “Bluegrass Hurricane” -Kevin Brown was inspired to write “Bluegrass Hurricane” just as Hurricane Joaquin knocked at the door of the 2015 IBMA convention in Raleigh, NC. Read more about Brown and his band elsewhere in this issue. Thelonius Monk, “Don’t Blame Me” -Born in Rocky Mount, NC, Thelonius Monk (1917-1982) is one of the state’s best exports. “The piano ain’t got no wrong notes,” he famously said. The Platters, “With This Ring” - The Platters have gone through many line-ups during many years, but one of the most successful group combos featured members from “Down East” in North Carolina. John Coltrane, “After the Rain” -Hamlet, NC was the birthplace of saxophonist and composer John Coltrane (1926 – 1967). After a long day of hiking, with or without rain, relax to the sounds of this North Carolina artist. Charlie Daniels, “Carolina (I Remember You)” -The late Charlie Daniels (1936-2020) was famous for his fiddling, his patriotism, and his love of his home state. Maceo Parker, “Shake Everything You Got” -Kinson, NC’s Maceo Parker may be best known for his saxophone work with James Brown, George Clinton’s Parliament Funkadelic, and Prince. Check out his impeccable solo work, and boogie on down the trail! The Catalinas, “Summertime’s Calling Me” -One of North Carolina’s best contributions to the beach music genre, it’s always summertime when The Catalinas are around. Be sure to learn a shag step or two. Little Eva Bond, “Loco-motion” -Eva Narcissus Boyd (1943-2003) of Beaufort County, NC, moved to New York and ended up babysitting for Gerry Goffin and Carole King. Amused and inspired by Boyd’s dance style, they penned “Loco-motion” and helped her record the hit. Blackwater Rhythm and Blues Band, “Staying With Me” -From Clarkton, NC, the Blackwater Rhythm and Blues Band features an impressive array of musicians. Their sound is authentic and danceable. Andy Griffith, “Fishin’ Hole” Everyone’s favorite sheriff, Andy Taylor, was the creation of Mt. Airy, NC native son Andy Griffith (1926-2012). Here, Griffith sings the theme song to his television series about the fictional Mayberry. Griffith died suddenly at his Outer Banks home in Manteo, NC, and was buried there five hours later.
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25 AD VANCE TICKETS $ 15 Jussi Syren and the Groundbreakers His & Hers BackPorch Bluegrass Featuring free kids’ activities – unique vendors – delicious foods classic car show – auction WWW.CBCBLUEGRASS.COM – Carolina Bible Camp 1988 Jericho Church Road – Mocksville, NC & BREWER BREWER SCYTHIAN Bluegras 9 Annual Carolina Bible Camp Festiva SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2021 th
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26 Mountains-to-Sea Trail Segment #1 Peak to Peak Clingmans Dome to Waterrock Knob
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27 48.6 miles Strenuous The Mountains-to-Sea Trail starts begins in dramatic fashion at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which straddles Tennessee and North Carolina, quite literally “The Top of Old Smoky.” Clingmans Dome is situated at 6,643 feet over sea level and offers tremendous views of the mountains. This park is the most visited National Park in the country, but once you leave the parking lot, there’s plenty of space and you won’t find crowds to be a problem. This is, however, a strenuous hike that requires a full backpack. You’ll hike a good distance through the wilderness of the Great Smoky Mountains. 22.8 miles without road access marks the longest stretch of isolated trail, and it features frequent switchbacks. A switchback is when a trail turns almost 180 degrees to climb up or down a mountain at a manageable rate. While you’re hiking through these miles of natural forest, you will likely run across some of the many animals that North Carolina is home to. 65 different types of animals live in the park, including the commonly
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28 seen white-tailed deer, groundhog, chipmunk, and some squirrel and bat species. It’s possible, but not likely, that you’ll see an Eastern Cougar, the region’s only native mountain lion. They are generally shy, but you should still be aware and alert as you walk through the forest. You may also see elk, wild boars, foxes, coyotes or black bears. The trail comes out of the wilderness at US Hwy 441. Here you’ll find Mingus Mill, seen at left. It was built in 1886 and is still in operation. It is open for tours. Oconaluftee is a river valley that was once home to a Cherokee village and early Appalachian settlers, now home to a visitor center. The visitors center is the main entrance to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, and it is also the site of the Mountain Home Museum, shown at right. This museum highlights the way our ancestors were able to live on this land. Visitors can visit a log farmhouse, barn, apple house, spring house, and a working blacksmith shop. These buildings were built in the late 1800s and moved to this site in the 1950s, to help preserve our history. Before settlers arrived, it was the Cherokee that lived in these hills. They considered the waters of the Oconaluftee River to be sacred and healing. Dora Woodruff Cope recalled a legend her Cherokee neighbors told her around 1900: ... part of the river was called Ya’nu-u’nata wasti’yi, “Where the bears wash.” It was a deeper part of the river, where all the animals came to wash and heal their wounds when they had been hurt by hunters. No white person had ever seen this place because evil had blinded us to its existence. The animals knew how to find it, and diving into it meant instant healing. After you’ve soaked in all the history, you’ll follow the Blue Ridge Parkway before hiking through the Qualla Boundary, home of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Finally, you’ll return to the hiker- only trail for the last 6.4 miles to Waterrock Knob.
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30 Mountains-to-Sea Trail Segment #2 The Balsams Waterrock Knob to Pisgah Inn This hike begins at Waterrock Knob, which offers truly spectacular views of 4 states. This hike is strenuous and requires a full backpack. Almost all of the land this hike encompasses is on federally owned land. Because of this, there is no development and opportunities to resupply are scarce. Extreme elevation changes make this segment of the trail better for more experienced hikers. The trail is often muddy and sometimes even hard to see, and in the 54 miles of this hike, you’ll only cross a road 7 times. But the payoff is immense. If you’re looking to commune with nature, this is the spot to do it. This is one of the world’s most biodiverse places, so you’ll want to keep your eyes peeled for the many different types of animals and plants on your path. There are many waterfalls, like Skinny Dip Falls shown at right, gorgeous streams to walk beside, and breathtaking views around many corners. This segment is truly wild and wonderful and richly rewarding.
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63.6 miles Strenuous
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32 Natural Natural Elements Elements Of N o r t h C a r o l i n a W e c u r a t e p r o d u c t s f o r a n a t u r a l l i f e s t y l e Our products include: • A full-range of NC CBD products • Elderberry Syrup • North Carolina Hot Sauce • Honey • Jewelry • Essential Oils • And more! 1 5 U S H w y 3 2 1 S W H i c k o r y , N C 2 8 6 0 2 8 2 8 / 7 2 9 / 9 8 6 8 8 2 8 / 7 2 9 / 9 8 6 8 2 2 1 N W M a i n S t r e e t L e n o i r , N C 2 8 6 4 5 8 2 8 / 9 2 9 / 2 4 2 0 8 2 8 / 9 2 9 / 2 4 2 0 But don’t worry if you aren’t an experienced hiker! There’s a great way to experience the soul of this segment without hiking the whole thing. We recommend the Graveyard Fields hike. The 3.2 mile loop is accessible from mile 418 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, and will take you past two of the most photographed waterfalls in the state. This has been called the most beautiful hike in the whole state, and you really shouldn’t miss it. It gets it’s name from the way the area looked when settlers first arrived here. Old and wind- shaped tree trunks were covered in moss as well as spruce needles. The result looked like an eerie type of graveyard. Unfortunately, a devastating fire in 1925 burned all of the tree stumps. In the years since, nature has certainly reclaimed the land. Even though you won’t see the namesake of this hike, there is plenty of spectacular nature to keep you entertained. Flora and fauna are varied and you’ll even find mushrooms that are hard to find anywhere else in the world. Much of the walk is on boardwalk, and a long and elaborate set of steps will take you to the falls. Be sure to bring water as there isn’t any available, but this great hike is short and easy enough for the whole family. It is a bit strenuous near the end, but for the most part, everyone should enjoy this hike.
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Carley Hope Arrowood By Lisa Brewer Who wouldn’t want to be Carley Hope Arrowood? This young bluegrasser’s star is rising faster than her middle name. The 23-year-old Rutherford County, North Carolina native began playing with a plastic violin at age three. After starting lessons at age 10, she quickly progressed to playing with young friends in a popular local band, Most Wanted Bluegrass. At seventeen she was filling in with bona-fide bluegrass stars Darrin and Brooke Aldridge, and joining them on the road full time on her eighteenth birthday. Now, she’s a solo artist with a popular new release that follows close on the trail of an original chart-topping composition. “It’s a God thing,” Arrowood said. “I don’t write very much but when I do and something like that happens, it’s a God’s thing.” Arrowood referred to a series of fortunate events that resulted in her hit original, “Dear Juliana.” First, her boyfriend Daniel Thrailkill of The Trailblazers found “the” violin for her at master luthier Bob Kogut’s MerleFest booth two years ago. “I picked it up and I played one note on it,” Arrowood recalled. “Like one chord. It sang. I mean, I had been looking for a fiddle that spoke to me like that for seven or eight years….I almost started crying.” The fiddle was Kogut’s Number 199, and like all of his instruments, he had given it a name. This one was Juliana. Later, Kogut explained to Arrowood that the real-life little girl for whom the fiddle was named was the granddaughter of good friends. She was a spunky, feisty, blue-eyed redhead who enjoyed a special relationship with her dad. “That’s cool, because I’m kind of like that,” thought Arrowood, who is close to her own dad. Inspired, she crafted a song about a father writing a series of journal entries about the little girl he watches growing up. What Arrowood couldn’t possibly have known at that time is that the real-life Juliana had been kidnapped as an infant and was not united with her father until she was nearly six years old. Having missed those early years together, Juliana’s paternal family reacted positively and emotionally to the sentimental song. Like other musicians, Arrowood is staying busy with creative studio projects and enjoying her time at home. She looks forward to getting back to life on the road, “performing and traveling and having my own band.” College is on hold for now, and so is marriage – but hopefully not for too long. “We’re all in this semi-transitional stage of life,” Arrowood said of living at home during the global pandemic with her parents, brother and sister. “We want to embrace it.”
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Mountains-to-Sea Trail Segment #3 The High Peaks & Asheville Pisgah Inn to Black Mountain Campground This mountain trail is both accessible and popular, and it’s frequented by the hikers of Asheville. In spite of the crowds, this is a very strenuous hike that has steep changes in elevations and a very rugged path. This segment will take you to the highest point east of the Mississippi River, Mount Mitchell. You’ll also follow the Shut-In Trail, a relic of the Vanderbilt’s legacy in our mountains. It follows the old bridle trail from the Biltmore House to George Vanderbilt’s hunting lodge near the top of Mount Pisgah. The hunting lodge has not survived the ravages of time, but some parts of it remain. This part of the trail never gets more than 1/2 a mile from the Blue Ridge Parkway, although it predates the Parkway significantly. In fact, several parts of the original trail were destroyed while building the Parkway, but most of it is still in tact. You’ll also want to stop at the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor
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71.4 miles Strenuous
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36 Center and Headquarters which houses cultural and scientific displays. Both will help you have a deeper understanding of the region. You’ll also want to stop at the Folk Art Center near Asheville. Outside the Folk Art Center, you’ll find the bronze plaque honoring Arch Nichols, who worked tirelessly to complete the Mountains-to-Sea Trail from Mount Pisgah to Mount Mitchell. If you go during the Spring or Summer, you’ll see a truly spectacular display of Rhododendron and azaleas at Craggy Gardens. Asheville is a tourist destination by any one’s standards, and you’ll find much to do inside of the city as well. We recommend you stop in for local food and some downtown shopping!
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f D Sunday, October 25, 3 PM! Look for information on how to view this concert in early October on our website and Facebook page. Concert will be available on YouTube. Plan your watch party now! hickorychoralsociety.org Hickory Choral Society is excited to announce our virtual concert!
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39 Six Outdoor BearWise Basics BearWise ® – Created and Supported by State Wildlife Agencies and Bear Biologists • © 2019 Learn More: BearWise.org PHOTO: STEVE UFFMAN Be BearWise OUTDOORS Helping People Live Responsibly with Black Bears Stay Alert & Stay Together Pay attention to your surroundings and stay together. Walk, hike, jog, or cycle with others when possible. Keep kids within sight and close by. Leave earbuds at home and make noise periodically so bears can avoid you. Leave No Trash or Food Scraps Double bag your food when hiking and pack out all food and trash. Leaving scraps, wrappers, or even “harmless” items like apple cores teaches bears to associate trails and campsites with food. Don’t burn food scraps or trash in your fire ring or grill. Keep Dogs Leashed Letting dogs chase or bark at bears is asking for trouble; don’t force a bear to defend itself . Keep your dogs leashed at all times or leave them at home. Camp Safely Set up camp away from dense cover and natural food sources. Cook at least 100 yards from your tent. Do not store food, trash, clothes worn when cooking, or toiletries in your tent. Store in approved bear-resistant containers OR out of sight in a locked vehicle OR suspended at least 10 feet above the ground and 10 feet from any part of the tree. Know What To Do If You See a Bear Black bears are seldom aggressive and attacks are rare. If you see a bear before it notices you: stand still, don’t approach and enjoy the moment; then move away quietly in the opposite direction. If you encounter a bear that’s aware of you: don’t run; running may trigger a chase response. Back away slowly. Visit BearWise.org to learn what to do if a black bear approaches, charges or follows you. Carry Bear Spray & Know How To Use It Bear spray is proven to be the easiest and most effective way to deter a bear that threatens you. It doesn’t work like bug repellant, so never spray your tent, campsite or belongings.
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40 Mountains-to-Sea Trail Segment #4 Gorges, Peaks & Waterfalls Black Mountain Campground to Beacon Heights This wild expanse of space is an excellent choice for hiking. The 75 mile trail winds northeast, taking you by many sweeping mountain vistas and several beautiful waterfalls. The most beautiful view is arguably at Linville Gorge (pictured), where the drop-off is more than 2,000 feet, and you can see so much of the valleys below. This segment is known for its promontories. A promontory is a rocky piece of land that juts out over water. This segment has several, including Dobson and Bald Knobs, the Pinnacle, the Chimneys, Shortoff Mountain, Table Rock, and Hawksbill. The area is also full of waterfalls. Waterfalls are very common in the mountains because of the rapidly changing elevation. On this hike you’ll see Steels Creek, South Harper, Harper, Hunt Fish, and Gragg Prong Falls. While most of the hike is moderate, the part leading out of Linville Gorge from the Linville River is strenuous, so be prepared and bring some water!
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75.3 miles Moderate to Strenuous
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42 Mountains-to-Sea Trail Segment #5 The High Country Beacon Heights to Devils Garden Overlook
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90.3 miles Easy to Moderate Segment 5 winds through the High Country, hitting many of exciting points along the way. Most of the trail is near the Blue Ridge Parkway, often crossing back and forth over the Parkway to hit the most interesting spots. However, even though civilization is quite near, you’ll often find yourself feeling like you’ve traveled deep into wilderness. We went to Doughton Park, on the Blue Ridge Parkway and met up with Angel, shown at left, an avid hiker who has trekked the entirety of the trail. Her passion for hiking was obvious, and she was excited to show us the amazing views. As the trail wound through Doughton Park, shown here, flowers bloomed everywhere and nature didn’t seem to care that we were there, and we understood Angel’s love. This 90 mile hike is rated easy to moderate, making it a very accessible hike for inexperienced trekkers. It’s also easy to find, with many intersections and parking opportunities. The trail starts at Beacon’s Heights and then snakes around the base of Grandfather Mountain. Grandfather Mountain is one of North
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44 Carolina’ s treasures, with astounding views, a “mile-high” bridge (at left) and animal habitats that include black bears (at left), otters and bald eagles. Native Cherokee tribes called the mountain “Tanawha,” which meant “a fabulous eagle.” If you’ve spent any time driving around the mountains of North Carolina, you’ve surely seen the profile of Grandfather Mountain. It was early settlers who gave it the name we use, as they thought it looked like a sleeping old man. The mountain’s Calloway Peak is 5,946, making it shorter than Mount Mitchell. However, it appears to be taller because of the abrupt way the rocks drop off. This segment also includes the Linn Cove Viaduct, one of the most popular spots on the Blue Ridge Parkway, seen at left from above. This was the last section of the parkway to be completed, in 1987. That’s a pretty long time when you consider that the parkway was a New Deal project, started in 1936. It was a complicated project, because it was important to not damage the mountainside, which proved quite difficult. The result is very aesthetically pleasing and also very nature- friendly. It is recognized internationally as an engineering marvel because of its unique architecture and design. The trail arrives at Moses Cone Manor, a picturesque mansion that once belonged to business tycoon and philanthropist Moses Cone and his wife Bertha.. Here you’ll find gorgeous trails (seen at right), but you’ll want to stop in at the Blue Ridge Parkway’s Folk Art Center, operated by the Southern Highland Craft Guild. This is a good place to shop. You’ll find beautiful hand-crafted artisan pieces of all kinds. The wares here encompass craft, nature and whimsy with a certain artistry that can’t be denied.
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The Southern Highland Craft Guild is the second oldest craft organization in the nation. The group represents over 800 Appalachian makers of contemporary and traditional craft from 293 counties of 9 states. Their website says, “Cultivating fine craft since 1930.” Craft is such an important part of the history and culture of the Appalachian Mountains and we’re so glad this organization has worked to highlight and preserve our traditional techniques. As you continue on the trail, you’ll come to the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church. You’ll want to stop and go inside here, because the back wall of the church is a beautiful and detailed fresco of the Last Supper, painted by renowned North Carolina artist Ben Long. Ben Long is recognized as a master of the art of fresco-painting, a very old technique where the paint is actually plaster, and it becomes part of the wall. His work is lauded around the world. This is a very interesting work of art. Its scale is striking, as is its realism. It takes an old- as-time story everyone knows, but it places us inside of it, feeling it around us, life size. It’s easy to see ourselves or our friends in the faces of these characters in the fresco. Small details, like a dog or dirty rags, a cord hanging from the rafter... these details serve as anchors that help us forget ourselves so we sink into the world the artist has created for a moment. The silence and stillness in the church enhance the experience. Don’t miss it. As you make your way north and east on the trail, you’ll find Doughton Park. This is home to the historic Brinegar Cabin, as well as frequent craft demonstrations. This is an excellent and well-maintained spot to camp, and you’ll also find a visitors center where you can buy souvenirs or supplies. This is also home to the recently renovated Bluffs Restaurant, which will operate Spring through Fall of each year, beginning in 2021. We are excited about their opening and we promise we’ll review them in a future issue.
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46 Earthquakes in Sparta Sparta NC, just miles away from the trail here, has been the epicenter of a series of surprising earthquakes. More than 525 buildings were damaged on August 9th when a 5.1 magnitude earthquake shook the region. It was the largest earthquake North Carolina has seen since 1916 and it was unusual in an area that doesn’t normally see much seismic activity. We talked with Shana Whitehead, owner/ operator of the newly renovated Bluffs Restaurant. Because of complications due to the earthquake and the pandemic, the restaurant’s opening will be delayed until Spring 2021. She said, “The earthquakes we have been experiencing here in Sparta are really something else! The aftershocks happen almost daily. Fortunately, I didn’t think they have caused nearly the damage the initial quake did, but we have all felt some shifting!” That shifting seems to be causing a good bit of stress for locals. Charlotte Observer quotes Sparta Mayor Wes Brinegar as saying residents are now “having anxiety issues over every little rumble.” There have been some 200 aftershocks, some causing further damage to already weakened structures. At least 60 buildings have what’s considered “major damage.” This means that the damage is more costly than 40% of the building’s value. 10 families were housed by the American Red Cross in the aftermath of the earthquake, and several other families went to stay with relatives. The USGS says this earthquake was caused by “oblique-reverse faulting in the upper crust of the North American plate.” The North American Plate is quite large, encompassing all of the continuous US states, as well as a good part of the Atlantic Ocean. An oblique reverse faulting is also called a “reverse slip-dip” and it looks like this:
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They also note that there were 4 smaller “prequel” earthquakes before the large one. People as far west as Nebraska and as far north as Canada reported feeling the shake of the 5.1 earthquake. But the citizens of Sparta are resilient and hardy mountain folk, and they are already finding ways to rebuild and repair their community. They do still need Federal and State assistance which we hope is forthcoming. But smiles are returning and they are already finding tongue- in-cheek ways to make the best of it. For instance, Sparta Candle Company released a new candle line called Earthquake. Cucumber, chamomile and lavender work to ease that earthquake anxiety, and the candles will make great souvenirs to show how well you braved 2020. We are a new kind of kid’s magazine: a nonprofit, dedicated to helping your child connect to the foothills by sharing our history, traditions, and information about our biodiversity, along with articles and games that align with the NC Standard Course of Study. Sponsor a child for 1 year of quarterly magazines for $5, or sponsor a whole class for $100! Visit our Facebook page for more information, or call 828.475.1323.
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48 Mountains-to-Sea Trail Segment #6 The Elkin Valley Devils Garden Overlook to Pilot Mountain State Park
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69.4 m Strenuous With the semi-quarantine status imposed by the global pandemic, many folks find themselves experiencing cabin fever. Or, the city slicker version: condo fever. Cure either one with an easy walk along a portion of North Carolina’s Mountain-to-Sea Trail (MST). One of the distinguishing features of the MST is a topography that features mountains and flatlands, wilderness and cityscapes. Segment 6, a 69.4 mile length of the 18-segment MST, passes through the charming town of Elkin, North Carolina. Easily accessed from major highways like NC 421 and I-77, the town is only a 45-minute or 75-minute drive from Winston-Salem and Charlotte, respectively. Day hikers will enjoy parking at the Grassy Creek Vineyard, walking to Carter Falls, and returning to the Vineyard.
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50 Grassy Creek Vineyard offers a tasting room and access to popular walking trails. Overnight lodging is available in the cozy Klondike Cabins, charmingly furnished with practical and comfortable vintage antiques (the common arcade area is closed due to Covid restrictions). Or, consider a stay at Byrd’s Branch Campground, across the street from the Carter Falls trail entrance and only a 1.5 mile hike from Grassy Creek Vineyard. For something a little more challenging, access the Elkin Park trail at the campground for a walk that is approximately six miles (some highway walking included). The Carter Falls trail rewards hikers with a short and easy one-mile stroll that is an official section of the MST. Bragging rights never came so easily! Visitors will pass under the forest canopy to the sound of birdsong and rushing water at the falls, and take in comforting, scenic views throughout. - - - -
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Since losing two major manufacturing plants in the late 1980’s, Elkin has pivoted and re- created itself as a destination for music, dining, the arts and outdoor activities. The Foothills Arts Council is working to upfit a stately building on the former Chatham Manufacturing campus and create the Elkin Art School, a place to teach and promote a variety of crafts, including performance art. A visit to Elkin’s city side of the MST should include a visit to the historic Reeves Theater, when possible. Raised from a ruinous state to be filled with live music and a charming café, the facility is co-owned by the husband and wife team Debbie Carson and Chris Groner, and friend Erik
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52 Dahlager. Each one brought a special skill set to the partnership: Carson, an organizer and promoter who has served her community well by volunteering with numerous boards; Groner, a physician and community theatre veteran, and Dahlager, who brought various general construction experience and talents in sculpting and photography. Dahlager was the founder and chair of Kidsfest, Elkin’s annual festival for children. Elkin’s downtown neighborhoods are rich with historic homes and inspiring architecture. Whether traveling on foot or on two or four wheels, don’t miss the array of Victorian homes, craftsman cottages, and more. Locals also recommend stops at: The Wisdom Table wine shop, The November Room art gallery and gift shop, Belvia’s Salon & Spa, and American Aquatics, which offers stylish, comfortable and sporty apparel.
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To stay up-to-date with Elkin happenings, please visit these websites: Explore Elkin: www.exploreelkin.com What’s Happening in Elkin: www.whatsupinelkinnc.com Visitor and Tourism info: www.visittheyadkinvalley.com Lisa D. Brewer is a part-time legal assistant at Brewer & Brewer, PLLC in Wilkesboro, NC. She is the volunteer executive director of Carolina Bible Camp Bluegrass Festival, the 2019 winner of Carolina Country magazine’s Best Festival award.
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54 Mountains-to-Sea Trail Segment #7 Pilot Mountain State Park to Hanging Rock State Park This 36 mile hike from Pilot Mountain to Hanging Rock will get your heart rate up. The trail follows the Sauratown Mountains, which are sometimes called “the mountains away from the mountains.” Pilot Mountain was called Jomeokee —the “Great Guide” by the Saura people. It rises 2,421 feet above sea level and is recognizable from quite far away. The Pilot Mountain State Park offers 42 campsites. The piedmont of North Carolina is a crowded area and the Mountains- to-Sea Trail provides a rare opportunity to retreat into nature. The trail ends at Hanging Rock State Park, the third oldest State Park in NC. This is a unique part of the trail because much of it is on private property. Please be even more respectful than you would normally be, because it’s quite generous to allow hikers this sort of access.
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36 miles Moderate to Strenuous
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56 Mountains-to-Sea Trail Segment #8 Rivers, Railroads & Lakes Hanging Rock State Park to Greensboro’s Bryan Park
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63.9 miles Easy to Moderate It’s in Segment 8 that you really start to understand the Piedmont of North Carolina. It’s 64 miles long, but 43 of the miles are on road and biking is encouraged. The segment starts at Hanging Rock Park which is located in the Sauratown Mountains. This park was developed in the 1930s, when a dam was built and the lake was created. It offers 73 campsites. You’ll find river access for kayaking here as well. The trail follows the remains of the Atlantic & Yadkin Railroad for a long stretch. This short-line railroad went from Sanford to Mount Airy from 1899 to 1950 and served much of the Piedmont of North Carolina. There’s a lot of history here, so be on the lookout for markers and memorials. One to notice is James Gillis, a 14-year-old bugle boy who was killed in a skirmish during the Revolutionary War. You’ll find it in Summerfield, where they are working on an exciting new addition to the Mountains-to-Sea Trail. They are turning their
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58 Making CBD accessible for everyone by offering some of the best quality and best prices in the industry. H I C K O R Y 283 2nd Ave SE 844-66-VLIFE or 844-668-5433 VLifeCBD.com strip of old Train Track into a Rail- Trail. This will be unique in the region. From here the trail continues into Greensboro’s Watershed Lakes complex. You’ll cross a long railroad bridge across Lake Brandt. The trail follows the shorelines of Lake Brandt and Lake Townsend in Greensboro. These lakes were built to provide water for the city of Greensboro in 1925 but nature has flourished here, just outside the rush of city life. These lakes are quite scenic and are home to a lot of wild life, including otters, blue herons and egrets. It’s unique to see such a variety of wildlife so close to a large city center. This section of the trail is natural surface and much more peaceful than the surrounding areas. We recommend walking softly and quietly so that you may catch a glimpse of otters playing in the water. This is in contrast to hiking in more wild areas, where making some noise keeps predators away. You can let your guard down here and just take in the sights. While you’re in this neck of the woods, Greensboro is a great city to explore. With top-notch dining choices like Blue Denim , and excellent casual dining like Banh Mi Saigon Sandwiches , this is a fun place to have a culinary adventure. The Greensboro Natural Science Center is a can’t miss attraction for anyone with kids or an interest in science. Culture abounds, so take your time here!
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60 Mountains-to-Sea Trail Segment #9 Revolution & Textiles Greensboro’s Bryan Park to Eno River State Park at Pleasant Green Road Arvind Balaraman
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60.1 miles Easy By this point in the trail, things have significantly flattened out and this is considered an easy hike. Much of this hike, however, is still on roads. The trail begins at the watershed lakes of Greensboro before heading east in the direction of Burlington and Graham. It ends at the Eno River State Park. This segment of the trail is rich in Revolutionary War history, so be on the lookout for markers. We think the highlight of this segment is the 8 miles that follow the Haw River. This scenic river was very important to the industrial development of the piedmont. The river provided the water needed to power factories, and it was so successful that this region became very important to the textile industry. The river is also beautiful and offers a great opportunity to connect with nature and history. An alternate route is planned for this segment that will get it off of main roads. You can see the plan developed by the “friends” on their website.
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62 Mountains-to-Sea Trail Segment #10 Eno River & Falls Lake Eno River State Park at Pleasant Green Road to Falls Lake Dam by Raleigh This segment of the trail gets you back off the roads, and offers 78 miles of trail. It starts at the Eno River State Park and ends at Falls Lake Dam near Raleigh. As you might guess, this segment has you hiking by water for most of the length, and although it’s close to one of the busiest places in the state, the calm is palpable. You’ll follow the Eno River and along the way, you’ll pas Penny’s Bend Nature Preserve, where the unusual geography causes a U-shaped bend in the river. The River ends at Falls Lake which is enormous and impressive. The trail follows the lake shore around the southern side, and nearly half the length of the trail is on this shore. You’ll be following the edges of coves and crossing small creeks as you walk eastward towards Raleigh. This man-made lake was built between 1978 and 1981. It is a 12,410-acre lake surrounded by 25,500 acres of public land, which made the building of these trails possible.
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63 77.6 miles Easy to Moderate
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64 Mountains-to-Sea Trail Segment #11 Neuse River Greenways & the Let’Lones Falls Lake Dam to Howell Woods Environmental Learning Center This 65 mile segment travels from Falls Lake Dam to Howell Woods. This easy hike takes you through Raleigh, Clayton and Smithfield. The first section is trail, and it gets you introduced to the Neuse River, which has been wildly important to the development of North Carolina’s industry. You’ll cross over the Neuse several times , and you’ll use two beautifully designed pedestrian bridges. The trail then turns to road for a bit until you arrive in Clayton, and a bike is a great idea. Downtown Clayton is historic and charming and once a year they host an art walk along their section of the MST. There are good restaurants here, and it’s a nice place to pause for shopping. A bit more road trail takes you to Smithfield for three miles of trail along the Neuse River. The end of this segment is at Howell Woods, a 2,800 acre preserve owned by Johnston Community College. Here’s you’ll find a good campground, as well as extra hiking trails.
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64.8 miles Easy George Randy Bass
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If you are interested in becoming a Foster Parent, please contact AGAPE of North Carolina 919.673.7816 / AGAPEOFNC.ORG ST R E NGT H E N I NG FA M I L I E S . . . ON E CH I L D AT A T I M E !
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Kevin Brown and “Bluegrass Hurricane” By Lisa Brewer From the Catfish community of Catawba County, to Morgan Stanley Financial Management Wealth Management in Raleigh, Vice President and Financial Advisor Kevin Brown followed a path that always included a healthy dose of music. He grew up listening to the Southern rock of the seventies and his father’s recording of Flatt and Scruggs, Brown wrote in a recent e-mail. “In college, a friend turned me on to the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s ‘Will The Circle Be Unbroken’ album, then I moved to Washington, D.C., and found The Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia, maybe the finest bluegrass club in the country at the time,” he wrote. “The Seldom Scene was the house band, playing every Thursday night, and Tony Rice, Doc Watson, New Grass Revival and everyone else came through. I was hooked.” Back home in North Carolina in 2010, he and friends jammed in their ‘hood, creating the Swift Creek Band. They recorded albums at Rubber Room Studios in Chapel Hill and have played such venues as MerleFest, the IBMA World of Bluegrass, Shakori Hills Festival, and more. Brown’s song, “Bluegrass Hurricane,” was “inspired by Hurricane Joaquin, which threatened to wipe out the 2015 International Bluegrass Music Association gathering in Raleigh,” Brown wrote. He describes the song as “a three-minute walk through the history of bluegrass, referencing founding fathers Bill Monroe and Earl Scruggs, and touching on major events in bluegrass history…. The conceit of the song is that it uses meteorological phenomena as metaphors for the growth of the music….” Like many of us, Brown hopes to play music in person with friends again. “I really miss mandolin and dobro wizard Casey Elder, two-time Galax National Bluegrass Fiddle Champion Stephen Fraleigh on fiddle and banjo, Karen Smedley raising goosebumps with old-school bluegrass and country vocals, and Dennis Hoyle on bass keeping us all from careening off into the ditch. I’m just along for the ride, singing, playing rhythm guitar and thanking my lucky stars that I get to be in this band.”
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68 Mountains-to-Sea Trail #11a-#16a The Neuse River Paddle Route Smithfield to the Neusiok Trail This exciting alternate route will have you paddling down the Neuse River. The Neuse River is named after an early tribe of Native Americans that lived here. The Neusiok tribe lived near New Bern, which is near the end of this alternate trail. This segment of the trail is 170 miles long, and it replaces segments 11 through 16. At the beginning of this segment, the river is narrow and fast-moving. As you near the end, however, it opens up to be 2.5 miles across. In most spots, the shore will be near you and easily accessible, but at points, like Cliffs of the Neuse State Park, the shoreline can raise up to 90 feet above the river. In Goldsboro, Kinston and New Bern, you can take a break and stretch your legs on local hiking trails or grab a bite at a local restaurant. We especially recommend New Bern, where you can see the state’s first governor’s mansion and one of the most lovely downtowns in the state. This segment ends at the Cliffs of the Neuse State Park. On the next page, see a historical map of the very important Neuse River.
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170 miles Moderate
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72 Mountains-to-Sea Trail Segment #12 Agricultural Heartland Howell Woods Environmental Learning Center to Suggs Mill Pond Game Land You will be hiking through North Carolina’s agricultural heartland. You’ll likely see miles and miles of tobacco, cotton and other staples like soy beans and corn. You’ll also pass the hog farms this region is known for. This 64 mile trail is all on road, so bicycles are encouraged. It’s a very flat segment, so this is an easy hike. You’ll spend some time following the Great Coharie Creek and Little Coharie Creek. These creeks are named after a Native American tribe that is still present in Sampson County. You’ll pass the 2,100-acre White Woods Plant Conservation Preserve which has been created to preserve endangered native plant and animal life. You’ll also follow the South River, which is the first blackwater river the trail encounters. Blackwater Rivers are slow moving channels that move through swamps and wetlands. The water resembles black tea, which is caused by tannins decomposing in the water from the fallen vegetation.
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60.4 miles Easy
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74 In Roseboro, you’ll come upon the remains of the Cape Fear and Yadkin Valley Railroad line. This line ran from Wilmington to Mount Airy. It brought goods that traveled by sea into Wilmington deep into the Piedmont. This map, shared courtesy of the North Carolina Digital Collection, marks the path of the line. This railroad allowed for more comprehensive development of the communities of North Carolina. In fact, when you look at the history of many different things in North Carolina, you find that it was the railroads that spread them throughout the state. A good example of this is North Carolina Barbeque. The recipe was developed hundreds of years ago on the coast and made its way inland via the trains. This segment of trail ends at the 11,000-acre Suggs Mill Pond Game Land. For much of the year you can camp here, but it does close seasonally, so be sure to check first. Suggs Mill Pond Game Land is maintained by the NC Wildlife Commission and is made available to hunters, but the trail as it winds around the Pond is excellent. Hunters flock here looking for deer, rabbit, squirrel, quail, dove, water fowl and warm water fish. They may also occasionally happen upon a black bear, so we encourage you to keep bear mace with you along the eastern (and most western) parts of the trail. Suggs Mill Pond is also called Horseshoe Lake, and it’s beautiful in a way that’s unique to coastal areas. It’s been called a paddlers paradise. It’s quiet and pristine and the black water sets the mood for a very tranquil visit. From this point eastward, you’ll begin to see Cyprus trees (shown at right) growing out of different bodies of water. The Cyprus trees at Horseshoe Lake are impressive and add to the tranquil scene. This lake also marks the start of the Carolina Bays. There were thousands of these “bays” in the southeastern part of our state. From the ground they look like tranquil lakes or ponds, but from the air, they are a bit more strange and they offer a mystery of sorts. The bays are all elliptical and are formed in a northwest to southeast direction. Many have now dried up, or are boggy and hard to traverse. But some remain and they are an important part of our geography. They’ve been called “crop circles of the wetlands.” There are several theories, including spawning fish or sinkholes that opened all over the region, or even thousands of meteors. The theory that most scientists agree on, however, has to do with glaciers. Glaciers are made of water, meaning they tended to wax and wane, and as the glaciers north of the area did this, it left holes here. Wind formed waves, pushing sand against the sides of these holes, and eventually, they formed the beautiful bays. However, some people tend to agree with the Waccamaw Siouans who call themselves “People of the Falling Star.” They lived near lake Waccamaw, one of the most recognizable bays. Their legends say that a meteor fell from the sky and formed a huge depression which began filling with water from nearby creeks. For the group to have taken this name, they must have deeply believed in the origin story of the bay and their theory is taught in local text books still. History and science cannot agree, so the answer of how the bays formed remains a mystery.
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76 Mountains-to-Sea Trail Segment #13 Carolina Bay Country Suggs Mill Pond Game Land to Singletary Lake State Park
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38.9 miles Easy This 39 mile hike takes you through the heart of bay country. You’ll be up close and personal with several bays that are quite large, including Jones Lake, White Lake, and Singletary Lake. The trail begins at Suggs Mill Game Land, also known as Horseshoe Lake. From here the trail follows the road along the way to White Oak. White Oak is home to the historic Harmony Hall, a owned by Revolutionary War Colonel James Richardson. At this site you’ll also find a schoolhouse, two restored country stores, a chapel, corn-crib, external kitchen, log cabin, and a gatehouse, most of which were not originally on the property and were relocated and restored. An alternate route takes you to Jones Lake State Park which offers campsites and other amenities. The trail and the alternate trail meet in Bladen Lakes State Park. This segment does traverse some hunting lands. Occasionally these may be closed due to hunting or burning, so be sure to check
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www.whitelake.com 910-862-3688 6485 US Hwy 701N, White Lake Your full service Nautique and Moomba Ski and Wake Boat Dealership, since 1955. www.campclearwater.com 910-862-3365 2038 White Lake Drive, White Lake NC Full hook-up, pull-thru campsites for tents or RV’s at beautiful White Lake. Call us today. trail updates before you get started. You’ll also traverse the Turnbull Creek Educational State Forest, where you’ll see native long pine forests once used to tap turpentine and tar for ships. It’s also here that work is being done to save red- cockaded Woodpeckers which are endangered and endemic here. These birds love old growth long pine forests, and many of their habitats have been destroyed via logging. This state park is one of their last sanctuaries, and it’s important that they are saved. If you are a history buff or you are looking for a great park to spend some time in, we recommend a slight detour. Just south of the trail in Elizabethtown is Tory Hole Park. This was the site of an important Revolutionary War battle, and now it offers stunning natural surroundings and modern park amenities. A historical marker reads: “Battle of Elizabethtown: Whigs broke Tory power in Bladen County, August 1781, driving them into the Tory Holl.” The Tory Holl is a narrow ravine you can explore at the park. The park offers access to the Cape Fear River. The interesting moniker is because of a 1585 expedition of Sir Richard Grenville. Sailing to Roanoke Island, his ship got stuck behind the cape. His crew was frightened thinking they might die, and gave the river the name of “Cape Fear.”
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Cape Fear Vineyard and Winery www.capefearwinery.com 910-645-4291 195 Vineyard Drive, Elizabethtown NC Featured in Our State Magazine. Award winning restaurant, lakeside lodging, winetasting, tours, distillery, and zoological garden Lu Mil Vineyard www.lumilvineyard.com 910-866-5819 438 Suggs-Taylor Road, Elizabethtown NC Vineyard cabins, guest houses. Trails. Wine tasting. Gift Shop. Ponds. Museum. Relaxing atmosphere. Annual Festivals. If you’ve hopped over the Elizabethtown, you should probably stop in to the Cape Fear Vineyard and Winery, where they make wine from grapes grown on site. The next spot on this trail is a favorite of ours, and it’s another of the Carolina Bays. White Lake is called “The Nation’s Safest Beach.” The water here is crystal clear, making it an ideal swimming spot. We wouldn’t blame you for jumping in and staying there until you get all shriveled, but there are many things to do in White Lake. It’s a good place to pause for a night or two, as there are several options for camping, as well as motels and house rentals. We love Camp Clearwater and their lake access. They offer RV camping as well as tent camping. The Town of White Lake has amusement parks, restaurants, motel, cottage, and campground accommodations, as well as permanent home sites Here you can play putt-putt or ride a Ferris wheel.. The Mountains-to-Sea Trail follows the shoreline around half of the lake. It’s a mulituse trail here, and it’s a beautiful place to bike. White Lake was one of North Carolina’s first tourist destinations, and it’s still a beautiful lake with pristine beaches. It gives you an experience quite like going to the beach without the rip-currents and sharks, meaning it truly is safer than most beaches. From White Lake, the trail heads to Singletary Lake, another of the Carolina Bays. This is another State Park and it offers campsites to thru hikers and anyone else looking to commune with nature. As you walk through this segment, keep your eye out for bays that have emptied out over time. These interesting geological features are curious to behold.
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80 White Lake A FAMILY-FRIENDLY TRIP BACK IN TIME By Trudy Haywood Saunders I remember the first time I saw White Lake very clearly. I was barely a teenager and my extended family- aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandma in tow- had just arrived at the house our family had rented along the lake shore, complete with a wooden walkway leading to a covered pier at the end. The details of why I walked out to the end of that pier by myself are a bit fuzzy, especially with all of the family members around, but like sirens lead unsuspecting sailors to their doom, I took one look at the crystal waters and jumped in. Within a second, I was completely engulfed by the water, with the lake’s sandy bottom still in sight. It was just so clear, I couldn’t resist. Today Bladen County’s White Lake is still drawing in visitors with its magical spell, promising travelers along the Mountains-to-Sea Trail peace and tranquility with its natural simplicity. White Lake has changed little, maintaining that unpretentious family vibe that keeps generations of families coming back year after year. Cathy Kinlaw is the self-proclaimed cheerleader of White Lake. With a family connection to White Lake going back more than fifty years, she wrote the book on White Lake. Literally. White Lake – A Historical Tour of the Nation’s Safest Beach chronicles the history of the town, including everything from vintage photographs to personal recollections from local residents. Kinlaw’s love for the lake runs deep, a passion that she shares with her son, Robert. As a young filmmaker, Robert has even made a movie for UNC-TV Public Television: White Lake-Remembering the Nation’s Safest Beach, showcasing highlights of the lake’s past. “White Lake is a timeless place,” Cathy Kinlaw explains. “It’s a place where young kids can go swimming and have a great time, and where teenagers can go on the boat and wakeboard.” But don’t think for a minute that you have to be young to enjoy the lake. The lake is a perfect place for hikers looking for a place to unwind, or grandparents just wanting to kick back in a swing and watch the grandchildren play. There is truly something for everyone. If you’re looking for high-rise condominiums and chain restaurants, you won’t find it here. Think more quaint cabins with screened-in porches and rooms with bunk beds for the kids. Imagine staying at the lake house you wish your grandparents had when you were a kid. It’s that same kind of comfortable, nostalgic feel. White Lake has variety of options that include vacation homes and condo rentals as well as motels and cottages. For visitors who prefer camping, the lake offers Regal Resort, one of the premiere camping facilities in the state. Camp Clearwater is another excellent camping choice that we recommend.. Likewise, the White Lake Marina provides facilities for boaters and fishermen.
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82 One positive change for the White Lake community has been the addition of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail segment through the area. “I am a big advocate of the MST as I see it being an incredibly healthy way to have people experience our area and the diversity of North Carolina,” Terri Dennison from the Elizabethtown-White Lake Chamber of Commerce explains. “Hikers on the MST will find food, shelter, and supplies in White Lake; however, they may want to schedule a couple days at White Lake to relax from their hiking trip.” Visitors come to White Lake to enjoy the family atmosphere, but the biggest draw has always been the lake itself. “The simplicity of life at White Lake attracts f a m i l i e s , ” K i n l a w explains. “With no movie theaters, shopping malls, bars, or mega entertainment, life at the lake slows down.” White Lake is a truly family-friendly vacation spot, a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle. By the early 1900’s, White Lake was already welcoming families to the sandy shores of Melvin’s Beach, a forerunner to Goldston’s Beach, a family owned resort property which still delights visitors. Fed by subterranean springs, the freshwaters of White Lake offer vacationers freedom from the rip tides and currents of the beach, making it an ideal place to swim, boat, fish, or just relax, earning Whitle Lake the title “The Nation’s Safest Beach.” In the second half of the twentieth century, water activities exploded along the lake. The White Lake Ski Heels made waves as a nationally recognized water ski club in the 1970’s and 80s, and the sport maintains its popularity for both professionals and amateurs. Today, wakeboarding rivals skiing in popularity, especially with young thrill- seekers. Many tournament and professional water skiers and wakeboarders, including the current world champion Men’s IV trick skier and Olympic Water Ski Coach grew up skiing on White Lake. The family resorts along the lake provide something for everyone- amusement rides, bingo, an old-fashioned arcade, and mom and pop sandwich shops, all nestled along some of the prettiest beaches on the lake. But when the sun starts to go down, the trip back in time really begins. Children can still take a spin on the original 1947 Allan Herschell carousel at Goldston’s Beach. For the more adventurous, a water park, go-karts and bumper cars await. Arcade visitors still earn tokens for prizes playing skeeball much like they would have in 1960. And a night is not complete without a round of miniature golf and ice cream. Perhaps the best time to see everything that White Lake has to offer is during the annual White Lake Water Festival, scheduled for May 21st-22nd, 2021. During the festival the lake welcomes tens of thousands of guests for live entertainment, street dances, vendors, food carts, and antique cars. Compared to many segments of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, Segment 13: Carolina Bay Country, is considered an easy
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hike, making it ideal for children and less experienced hikers. “I know that hikers and bikers love a good meal and beverage after a long day,” Terri Dennison explains, “Here in Bladen County, we have two wineries and lots of good restaurants.” With the lake amenities readily at hand, White Lake is a perfect base camp, offering both convenient access and proximity to several day hike routes around Singletary and Jones Lake. According to one legend, White Lake, and others known as the Carolina Bays, was formed by a meteor strike thousands of years ago. Of the original bays, few maintain water year round with only White Lake blessed with crystal clear water. Perhaps this distinction explains why some attribute mystical healing powers to the lake, a phenomenon my own granddaddy believed. He insisted that the soothing lake waters improved his poor circulation during his yearly pilgrimage. Whether real or imagined, the tranquil waters of White Lake are no doubt good for the soul and will keep families, hikers, and other visitors coming back for years to come. Just like when I was a teenage girl, they won’t be able to resist jumping in. Resources: http://www.whitelakenc.org/ www.whitelakebook.com http://www.whitelakemovie.com www.elizabethtown-whitelake.com White Lake White Lake “The Nation’s Safest Beach” Good Family Fun and Relaxation. Crystal clear waters & white sand. • Swimming • Boating • Amusement parks • Miniature golf • Restaurants Lodging includes: • Motels • Cottages • Campgrounds For additional lodging and places of interest, see the Chamber website – www.elizabethtown-whitelake.com
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84 Mountains-to-Sea Trail Segment #14 Land of History Singletary Lake to Holly Shelter Game Land By Cassidy Collins Segment 14 of the Mountains-To-Sea-Trail stretches between two counties, starting at Singletary Lake State Park and finishing 65 miles later at the Holly Shelter Game Land just outside of Burgaw, NC. This easy hike is full of adventure, nature, and history. You will be surprised to discover landmarks and sites which are significant to the foundation, culture, and story of our state. If you’re looking for a trail with diverse landscapes, Segment 14 covers water and land. There’s a reason why visitors know this trail is so unique and why locals consider it the “Land of History”. Whether you want to walk, bike, canoe, or even drive through this captivating area, there is plenty of opportunity to try something different. A majority of this trail is accessible by over 57 miles of road. Still, the flat, sandy land of Eastern North Carolina makes for an
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65.8 m Easy
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86 easy walk past 4.7 miles of the Cape Fear River and an additional 1.4 miles of trail. For anyone who chooses to bike, the segment includes over two miles of paved greenway. As you wind between road and river, don’t forget to take in the beauty of Singletary Lake, where your adventure begins. Singletary Lake State Park, situated in Bladen County, NC, was created in 1936. The National Park Service purchased the land as a recreational program and has been open to the public since its beginnings. Spanish moss drips from the trees that grow on the shores of this lake, and visitors can enjoy views of the still, cool water. You won’t want to miss this gem of Bladen County. Another stunning attraction is the Elwell Ferry, one of the three remaining river ferries in the state. You can choose to ride the ferry across the scenic Cape Fear River, but if you’re up for the challenge, you can canoe, kayak, or SUP board your way through this section of the trail. After you’ve completed the modern-day adventure of crossing the Cape Fear, you’ll want to take a break at the Kelly Historical Museum. This local site details the rich past of Kelly, NC, as well as its original dependence on the Cape Fear River for trade and transportation. While you enjoy the sites and sounds of this trail, you’ll suddenly find yourself crossing the border to Pender County, not far off from the coast. Shortly into the county you will pass the Canetuck Community Center, which funds African- American students in schools across the Southeast regions of our country. A close drive from this center brings you to the Black River, a 50-mile long waterway which eventually meets the Cape Fear River. Drive another five minutes, and you will come to your next significant landmark: Moores Creek National Battlefield.
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The Battle of Moores Creek Bridge, fought between North Carolina Patriots and Loyalist militia forces, demonstrates the bitter internal divisions that marked the American Revolution. The Loyalists, mostly Scottish Highlanders wielding broadswords, charged across a partially dismantled Moores Creek Bridge. Nearly a thousand North Carolina Patriots waited quietly with cannons and muskets poised to fire. Expecting to find only a small Patriot force, the Loyalists advanced across the bridge. Shots rang out and when the smoke cleared, some 30 to 70 Loyalists lay dead or wounded. Among the dead was Lt. Col. Donald McLeod, who had led the charge. Stunned, outgunned, and leaderless, some of the Loyalists surrendered, while others retreated in confusion. Moores Creek is the site of the first Patriot victory in the American Revolution and the site of the last Scottish Highland broadsword charge. The victory ended British authority in the colony and stalled a full-scale British invasion of the South for nearly four years. This decisive victory spurred the creation of the Halifax Resolves on April 12, 1776, which instructed North Carolina’s delegates to the Continental Congress to vote for independence. North Carolina was the first American colony to take such action. Less than three months later, the United States would ratify the Declaration of Independence. The last stop on this dynamic hike is the Holly Shelter Game Land, one of the numerous coastal game lands located in North Carolina. The land features a public shooting range, a boating access area, and a public fishing area. Every May, the GetHiking! Group holds a ten-mile hike through the reserve in recognition of Mountains-To-Sea Trail month. With over 63,000 acres for recreational activities, Holly Shelter Game Land will be the perfect reward for your trek down Segment 14. From sparkling water to the abundant wildlife of Eastern North Carolina, this trail is a must-see. You can take your time exploring each stop, or you can get some fresh air and exercise on your bike. Whatever your preference, this trail is what you make of it!
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88 Mountains-to-Sea Trail Segment #15 The Onslow Bight and Jacksonville Holly Shelter Game Land to Stella This segment of the trail is a little over 90 miles long and it’s an easy to moderate hike. Much of it is on roads, but there are several interesting spots that are all trail. It starts in the Holly Shelter Game Lands, which is a reserve that’s almost 50,000 acres. It’s operated by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, and it’s open half the year for hunting, and half the year for hiking, so call ahead to be sure you’ll be able to hike. From here the trail follows the road to the beach, You’ll pass through Surf City, offering the trail’s first ocean view, and North Topsail Beach. From here the trail follows the coastline for a while. After that, the trail follows the road to a game land trail section, then follows the road again to Jacksonville, shown here. The Mountains- to-Sea Trail sections in Jacksonville are well-thought out and offer excellent views of the New River. After Jacksonville, a road section of trail takes you to Stella and their historic post office, which is the terminus of the segment.
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90.6 miles Easy to Moderate
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90 Mountains-to-Sea Trail Segment #16 The Croatan and Neusiok Trail Stella to Oyster Point Campground Segment 16 dives deep into the heart of the Croatan National Forest. The forest is 161,000-acre and the trails are often sand. The trail begins at the historic Stella Post Office before quickly entering the forest. Here you’ll find miles and miles of wilderness. It’s very quiet here and these trails are not well- traveled. You’ll find seclusion and peace here, so long as you are wearing bug spray. There are bears here, so keep bear spray with you as well. This forest is dense, almost impenetrable at points, and home to a very large number of plants and animals. In other places, you can see the results of controlled burns over the years, and it’s fascinating seeing how nature has refilled the empty spaces. The trail exits the forest and follows the road through Newport, a quaint town with a history museum. From there the Mountains-to-Sea trail joins the Neusiok Trail. This trail travels through marshy wooded areas, often relying on boardwalks. There are pine forests and cypress swamps. We have very serious advice: don’t try this is the summer unless you are an avid hiker. While beautiful, the trail is HOT and the yellow flies can be vicious. This is a lovely trail most times of the year, but it becomes difficult to complete in the summer. The trail ends at Oyster Point Campground, where you can spend the night.
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67.9 miles Easy to Moderate
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92 By Jenelle Burke I’ve always been fascinated with the idea of time travel. Not so much for seeing the future – that story will write itself just fine and it would be a shame to ruin its surprises. No, I’d be more interested in revisiting the past, even if only as an observer to gaze upon sweet moments in my life with renewed appreciation. If I could step into a time machine, my first destination would be around the year 1969 in a place my grandfather affectionately referred to as “Idle Acres” situated perfectly in a little community called Broad Creek, North Carolina. Broad Creek sits between Swansboro and Morehead City on Highway 24. It doesn’t look like what you typically think of when you hear the word “creek.” It looks more like a big sparkly lake and if you get in a boat at my mama’s homeplace on the creek you can go through Bogue sound and right to the ocean. It is probably the most important, most special, most magical place in the whole world to me. You see, my mother grew up on that creek and when she was about nine years old, a new preacher came to her church. He had a son who was eleven at the time. Well it seems that boy was quite smitten with my mother, and when she was eighteen years old, he made her his bride. They had four daughters and I was number three. The summer of ’69 I was 8 ½ years old. We loaded up my family’s ’66 Plymouth and headed for our beloved slice of heaven at the creek. All the way there, we sang show tunes, played word games or counted cows to keep us occupied.The object of the cow game was to count the cows in fields on your side of the car and if you passed a graveyard, you had to bury them and start over. Whoever had the most cows at the end of the game was declared the winner. (At Christmas time we would count kids on new bicycles instead of cows, but we didn’t have to bury them if we passed a graveyard.) Even with the windows down, the car was hot and our sweaty bare legs stuck to the seats as we made the over three hour trek from home to our grandparents’ place sitting right beside the calm brown, brackish water of the creek. Finally, after what seemed a lifetime to us, we pulled in the driveway of Idle Acres. There at the end of the driveway sat my Granddaddy Russell, leaning against the old shed – whittling away at a duck decoy or a spindly legged heron. His bald head glistened in the sun as he stood up with open arms to greet us with an English/Irish/Scottish mixed brogue unique to the people from “down east.” “My Lord, youngerns!” he would exclaim. “It’s about time you got here!” My sisters and I could hardly contain ourselves. We jumped out of the car and covered him with hugs and kisses and then ran into the little wood framed house that Granddaddy had built with materials from old barracks bought at a local military base. The house seemed to be alive as walls were put up or torn down and rooms added to accommodate family changes, and it boasted a screened-in porch with a view of the creek where we would sit in the evenings while we helped Grandmama shell peas from her abundant garden. Divine smells wafted from the kitchen as we entered. Smells of yeast rolls rising next to the window and of the best Broad Creek
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clam chowder anybody could ever hope to put in their mouth with copious chunks of potato, onion, corn, tomatoes and fresh clams they had dug out of the sound. There was always the faintest hint of the strange smell of water from the Artesian well down by the creek. Not unpleasant, just not like the water we were used to at home. It had its own peculiar taste and it gave the tea and the ice a distinctive flavor that I’ve never experienced anywhere else. Grandmama was a plump little woman with arms like soft pillows that she would wrap around us. Her hair was a soft brownish gray color and she had short little fingers that she passed down to both my mama and me which I passed along to my firstborn. I don’t think I ever saw Grandmama wear anything but skirts and dresses in my whole life. When all the hugging and kissing was done, we grabbed a Moon Pie from the top of the fridge and headed back out because we knew that Granddaddy had prepared fish heads for us to go crabbing. He threaded twine wrapped around a big nail through the mouths of the heads. Armed with nothing but the fish heads, a bucket and a small net, my sisters and I could catch enough crabs off of the dock for a whole meal. Lying on our stomachs, we dropped the heads into the warm creek water. The water was calm and shimmering and was clear enough that soon we could see a crab approach and start to pull at the fish with his claws. Ever so gently, we slid the net under the crab and pulled it out of the water. Sometimes if the tide was just right, a couple of greedy crabs would fight over one head and we got double the reward for our effort. Occasionally, an especially feisty crab would struggle in defiance and pinch the blood out of our fingers. Can’t say that I blamed him. Lord have mercy, my grandmama could make the most delicious meal off of those crabs. Sometimes it was stew with homemade dumplins.’ If we were lucky enough to be there in May or June when the crabs began to shed their too-small armor and were left with a soft shell, she would dredge them in corn meal and flour and fry them, shell and all. It always sort of bothered me that I had been the cause of their demise, but not enough to pass them up when they were put on my plate! Before we knew it, aunts, uncles and cousins poured in and the party began. We piled into our little wooden skiff and headed out to the sound. The air was warm and salty on our faces as we glided through the creek, hanging our hands over the sides of the boat sending cascades of water all over us. We squealed with delight. Finally, Daddy would find the perfect spot. The floor of the shallow sound was both sandy and soft beneath our bare feet. It was just the right depth for us kids to play without our parents worrying that we would drown. We splashed and swam for hours and occasionally helped the grownups dig for clams and scallops using our feet, hands and rakes, if we could get our hands on one. The scallops always mesmerized me with their tiny little eyes and the way they would snap when you held them. That summer, we just happened to land right in the middle of a whole slew of sand dollars. I had never seen a live one and here I was, standing right in the middle of what looked like a sand dollar family reunion. It was a wonderful thing to behold. Mama let us bring some of them home and we soaked them in Clorox until they were bright white and I kept them in my treasure box for years. After hours in the sound, tired and slightly sunburned, we climbed back into the boat loaded with our
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haul of clams and scallops and headed back. Completely famished, we opened a few clams and ate them raw right out of the shell. Back at Idle Acres, my grandparents, aunts and uncles had built a big fire with a huge cast iron kettle nestled in the middle. Pieces of plywood balanced on sawhorses and covered in bed sheets were set up to house a delicious feast of fried fish, fresh coleslaw, clam fritters and chowder, corn and sliced, perfectly ripened tomatoes from the garden. The clams we had caught just minutes before were either boiled in the kettle or roasted on the fire. Homemade ice cream makers with crank handles were scattered about and with renewed energy, we cousins listened to the grownups tell stories as we took turns churning the creamy delicacy. Now my granddaddy could grow probably the best watermelons in the world back then. Something about that rich, black, sandy soil created the perfect growing conditions for big, juicy red watermelons. Those Bogue Sound watermelons were sweet as sugar and so full of the seeds that spitting them became a bit of a sport. I wasn’t that good at it though, and more often than not I’d end up swallowing one or two. My uncle teased me that if I didn’t stop swallowing those seeds, before I knew it, I’d have a watermelon vine growing right out of my ears. Then when I wasn’t paying attention, he artfully slipped a piece of vine into my ear and proclaimed, “I knew it would happen one of these days!” Scared my poor little 8-year- old heart out of ever swallowing another watermelon seed! I don’t exactly remember the details of the rest of that day, but I imagine it was like so many others that hold a permanent spot in my heart. Warm, carefree summer days spent with family at that little place on the creek. Days that slipped into night as we sat around the fire just enjoying the company of loved ones. The fire slowly died and the cousins went inside the house and snuggled up on the floor of my grandparents’ living room in sleeping bags and quilts, whispering and laughing until the giggles finally gave way to sleep. Much has changed since that summer of 1969. But lots has stayed the same. The little frame house is still there, though my grandparents are not. Others in the family have gone on to their reward too. My mama and daddy are in their eighties now and have a house where the garden used to be. That’s the place I took my girls when they were growing up. We’ve kept up a lot of those same traditions over the years and have started new ones too. My children and my sisters’ children have that same love and respect for Broad Creek that we do. And wouldn’t you know, they’ve instilled that same devotion in their children too. And now, I watch the same sheer joy on the faces of my grandchildren that I felt as a child as we pull in the driveway of that incredible place. I’m the one who threads the twine through the mouth of a fish head and watches with delight as my grandchildren catch crabs off of the dock. My mama makes clam chowder just like my grandmama did and now we climb into our family’s skiff and head out to the sound so the kids can swim and splash around. My daughters make sure that their little ones don’t miss out on any of the things they loved most about the creek growing up. It’s almost like time stands still in that little corner of our world. So you know, I don’t really think I need a time machine after all. All I need is to watch my grandbabies at my favorite place in the world to take me back to a simpler time in my life – a time where my biggest worry in life was that watermelon vines were growing out of my ears.
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96 Fry the fat back then add clams and onions to hot grease. Add salt and pepper and stir. Cook for 15 minutes then add potatoes, tomatoes and water. Cook until the potatoes are tender. Add the fresh corn and cook for 10 minutes longer. 2 slices Fat Back 1/2 cup Chopped Onions 3 ears Fresh Corn 1 qt Clams, cut up 4 Potatoes, cubed 16 oz Tomatoes, canned 2 cans Water from canned tomatoes By Carmen Eckard This is my family’s clam chowder, made just as they’ve made for as far back as anyone can remember. This recipe was captured by Carolyn Webb and tweaked by my Nana, Shelby Grogan. North Carolina’s coastal clam chowder has a tomato base, not the cream base that’s more common. It’s made only with things that are readily available on the coast, and there haven’t historically been many cows in that region. This recipe uses fat back instead of butter, because pork has always been a mainstay, and of course, the recipe features fresh clams. Don’t worry-you can use frozen or canned and this will still taste great. It does taste much better, however, if you use home-canned tomatoes. We bought everything for this recipe from road side stands in Newport, NC. We always made it in a bit pot outside, but we made this batch on the stovetop and it tastes great! Down-East Clam Chowder
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98 Mountains-to-Sea Trail Segment #17 Down East North Carolina Oyster Point Campground to Cedar Island Ferry
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48 miles Easy This 48 mile section is all road, but don’t let that dissuade you from hiking here. The road is not heavily trafficked and it offers beautiful views of the Core Sound. The trail begins at Oyster Point Campground, before heading “Down East.” This colloquial term refers to this area of Carteret County that juts out southward at the eastern edge of the county. It’s full of history, tradition and sailor’s lore. Fishing is a staple here, as it has always been, and you’ll see signs of that as you travel. You’ll pass the NC Coastal Federation’s North River Wetlands Preserve, where you can enter for a $5 fee. The organization is restoring the 6,000 acre farm. You’ll also pass through several small Down East communities like Smyrna. You’ll enter the Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge. Here the Pamlico River and the Neuse River empty into the ocean and result is a vast area of marshy wet lands. There are 270 species of birds here and 35 different mammals. The marine life in the reserve is abundant and 91 species of reptiles and amphibians call this refuge home. This section of the trail ends right after the refuge at the Cedar Island Ferry, which goes to Ocracoke Island, the beginning of Segment 18.
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100 Oysters in North Carolina The coastline of North Carolina is truly an ideal place for oysters to thrive. Sounds, marshlands and estuarine rivers like the Newport and Bay Rivers are home to both wild oysters and many oyster farms. North Carolina offers two different sorts of habitats for oysters, and we are the only state that has both types. Deep water reefs in the Pamlico Sound offer habitats underneath the tides. The other sort of habitat exists in the intertidal waters, like the sounds, marshes and estuarine rivers, which experience tides. There are 5 main benefits oysters provide: food, cleaner water, more fish, more jobs and profit. Food Scottish writer Hector Hugh Munro had strong opinions about oysters. “You needn’t tell me that a man who doesn’t love oysters and asparagus and good wines has got a soul, or a stomach either. He’s simply got the instinct for being unhappy highly developed.” -Hector Hugh Munro Oysters have long been a popular food source. In fact, archaeologists have found evidence that men ate these shellfish some 164,000 years ago and it’s thought that the earliest humans ate oysters. During the times of the Ancient Greeks and Romans, they were considered a delicacy, as they are today. They are one of nature’s most abundant sources of zinc and are also packed with B12, selenium and iron. If you find yourself craving oysters, perhaps your body needs one of these minerals or vitamins. Traditionally, oysters were considered to be an aphrodisiac, and there may be some truth to that as zinc triggers testosterone production. Cleaner water Oysters are very effective filterers. They serve as the kidneys of the ocean, cleaning out what isn’t necessary. They remove nitrogen and phosphorus which are heavy pollutants.
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A Stanford Study in 2014 demonstrated oysters’ cleaning abilities. They put oysters, clams and mussels into tanks filled with very dirty water. 72 hours later, 80% of the contaminants were gone. These included things like pesticides, herbicides and flame retardants. Our oceans and coastal waters are polluted and oysters are the answer to cleaning those waters. More Fish Oyster reefs are excellent habitats for many kinds of fish. Some invertebrates even depend on oyster shells for protection and housing. In fact, 300 different adult and juvenile organisms can live in one oyster reef, including southern flounder, shrimp, clams and blue crabs. All of these are important to the local fishing industry. Further, the cleaning action of the oysters makes the water clearer, allowing more light to shine through, which encourages life in many ways and results in more varied fish life. More Jobs Oyster farming provides jobs that support the coastal communities. Not only do oyster farms provide jobs, but the increased fishing opportunities that exist because the oyster reefs support more fish are very important. Profit Oyster farming is lucrative, and the crab and finfish industry supported by oyster farming brings in $62 million annually in North Carolina. The NC Oyster Industry brings in around $4.5 million annually. Oysters are in trouble. Worldwide, oyster populations have declined to historic lows. Even in North Carolina, where efforts are being made to stop this trend, it’s estimated that we only produce 15% of the oysters we did in the past. Oysters are listed as a “species of concern” by the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries. The issues seem to be 6-fold, according to the North Carolina Coastal Federation: Overharvest without returning enough substrate to the water, habitat loss, natural disasters, low recruitment, shellfish diseases/predators and water quality degradation. The organization has developed a plan to fight these problems in North Carolina, which will hopefully increase the numbers of oysters here. The local farmers, too, know how important the work they are doing is: “North Carolina is the best place to grow oysters! I’m trying to do my part by farming sustainable seafood, giving back to the environment, and building a new coastal economy.”-Ryan Bethea, Owner and Operator of Oysters Carolina-Harkers Island, North Carolina You can do your part by purchasing North Carolina Oysters. We also recommend that you follow the NC Oyster Trail, which highlights many aspects of the oyster industry, including tours of working farms, restaurants that serve local oysters, seafood markets and events.
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“I love oysters, I always have, my whole life. There is something about the saltiness, or how they smell like the marsh, that can transport you to the coast. ” The Bob Timberlake Collection Single-Owner Auction passed on his enjoyment of fishing and hunting to his children and grandchildren and is often found in a duck blind or trout stream with family or old friends. The beauty of nature that gives the sporting life its appeal is at the heart of Bob Timberlake. It is the inspiration behind his artwork and is the creative force of his life. The Bob Timberlake Collection Single- Owner Auction Catalogue will be posted on October 29, 2020. This important auction will be conducted on Saturday, November 14, 2020. View the catalogue and bid at www. LelandLittle.com or call the gallery for personal assistance at 919-644-1243. NCFL#7452 Leland Little Auctions is proud to announce The Bob Timberlake Collection Single-Owner Auction. This important auction will be conducted on Saturday, November 14, 2020. Bob Timberlake, an internationally acclaimed realist painter, furniture maker, author, and philanthropist lives in Lexington, North Carolina. Primarily known for his watercolor paintings, his depiction of life in his native North Carolina has endeared his work to an international audience. Bob has had a lifelong love affair with the outdoors. As a boy, he sketched all the tools he would need for an outdoor adventure – a knife, a sleeping bag, a fishing pole, and much more. He has
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Timberlake paintings and prints available at www.bobtimberlake.com.
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110 Recommends... Reid Farm is a unique venue suited to many sorts of events, including weddings, guided hunting and fishing trips and other outdoor activities like shooting skeet. The farm is a 300 acre property containing a massive private lake, sprawling natural forests, and exceptional facilities. The farm is located in Lexington, North Carolina, near Bob Timberlake’s gallery. The upscale rustic style is perfect for weddings, and Reid Farm has become a popular wedding venue. It offers a bridal suite and grooms quarters along with onsite facilities. Several wedding packages are available, and you can find them on their site, www.reidfarm.com. Reid Farm has procured several notable items from the collection of Mr. Bob Timberlake, including the car and canoes seen in the pictures at right. The canoes suspended from the ceiling are a dramatic nod to the history of the area. www.reidfarm.com
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& BREWER BREWER 204 East Main Street, Wilkesboro, NC 28697 www.brewerandbrewer.com | 336-667-1441 Serving Clients for Four Generations Call Us For A FREE Consultation! • Traffic Offenses / D.W.I. • Divorce / Custody / Support • Workers’ Compensation • Social Security Disability • Serious Injury Accidents • Deeds, Wills, Corporations • Malpractice • Product Liability • Real Estate, Contracts • Criminal Law 2020 Sponsor of Carolina Bible Camp Bluegrass Festival and 2020 Sponsor of Merlefest Autograph Tent
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Mountains-to-Sea Trail Segment #18 The Outer Banks Cedar Island Ferry to Jockey’s Ridge State Park There aren’t many places that you can hike where you’ll find yourself at 23 feet below sea level. You might assume a hike so flat would be easy, but much of it is on loose sand, so it’s a moderate hike. It’s got 82.2 miles of hiking (67.3 on beach, 8.8 on other trails, and 6.1 on roads), plus two ferry rides, and it travels most of the length of the Outer Banks. The trail starts at the Cedar Island Ferry, which takes 2.5 hours to cross over to Ocracoke Island. Feared pirate Blackbeard died off the coast of Ocracoke on November 22nd, 1718 and it’s said that the name came from Blackbeard’s last words as he was dying, desperately wanting to see one more sunrise: “Oh crow, cock”. Ocracoke Village is a charming and quaint old town. You’ll hike the length of the island before hopping on another ferry to Hatteras Island. That’s a much shorter ride, and you’ll arrive in just an hour. As you walk north, you’ll encounter so much history. The Outer Banks
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82.2 miles Moderate
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114 were home to Native Americans, early settlers, and they were a hideout for pirates. The story of North Carolina starts here, and it’s a great thing to experience. Since the trail is often sandy, this isn’t a great part of the trail for your bike. Fortunately, The Outer Banks Scenic Byway, which is NC Highway 12, runs parallel to the trail, and bikers can safely ride there. North Carolina is home to 7 standing lighthouses, and you’ll see 3 of them as you hike through the Outer Banks. The first is on Ocracoke Island. It has a solid white design and is the oldest lighthouse that is still operating. It was first lit in 1823, making it almost 200 years old! The next lighthouse you’ll see is Cape Hatteras. It’s black- and-white barber-shop design stands out as an icon of North Carolina. It began operation in 1870, but the black design wasn’t added for 3 years. The most Northern Lighthouse is the Bodie Island Lighthouse. That’s pronounced “Body,” which a lot of folks don’t realize. It’s also the third lighthouse to guard that particular stretch of beach. The first was built in 1847 and the foundation failed. The second lighthouse was destroyed by retreating Confederate troops to keep it out of Union hands in 1861. The current lighthouse
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Ad on Sale $1500 828.475.1323
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116 Paintings by John White British Museum
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has been operational since 1872. The history of this area is rich. The islands are thought to have risen out of the sea around 10,000 years ago, which may seem long, but was an eye-blink ago in geological terms. The famous “Lost Colony” first came to the Outer Banks in 1585, but it’s thought that the Native Americans in the region had already been there for 2000 years. When early explorers arrived, they found multiple tribes of native people. The paintings of John White, English explorer and artist, give us a peak at what life was like. 75 of these images survive and demonstrate that these people had a comprehensive understanding on how to survive on the bounty of the ocean. M o d e r n - d a y O c r a c o k e and Hatteras Islands were inhabited by the Croatoan Indians, a tribal group of Carolina Algonquians. These paintings show this tribe, which is thought to be the answer to the riddle “Where did the Lost Colony go?” The question centers around the disappearance of the large group of English settlers. History has presented this as a riddle, but the group wrote
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118 the answer on a tree. “Croatan,” was most likely meant to direct anyone looking for the group to the nearby tribe, who had helped them in the past and likely took them in. For centuries after, blue-eyed children were sometimes born in the tribe, so this is certainly the most logical conclusion. The Mountains-to-Sea Trail travels north through the majority of the Outer Banks, ending at Jockey’s Ridge. This is a state park, and Jockeys Ridge is the tallest living sand dune on the Atlantic Coast. You may be wondering how a place can be “living.” The dunes aren’t actually alive of course, but they share one main trait with living things: they are constantly moving. Living sand dunes are always shifting with the wind and water. Smaller dunes move more quickly, but this very large dune is slow moving. It’s a great place to fly a kite, as it’s particularly windy. Hang-gliding lessons are available as well, and experienced hang-gliders are allowed to fly alone if they are correctly certified. The view is also exceptional from the top of the dunes. You can see sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean but you can also see the Roanoke Sound. The peaks can reach 60 feet high, towering over the ocean and everything else nearby. The park is 426 acres and is the home of many animal species. You may see white-tailed deer, brown pelicans, foxes, coyotes and osprey. There are actually seven habitats
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120 documented within the park: dune grass, estuarine fringe pine forest, interdune marsh, live dune barren, maritime evergreen forest, maritime shrub, and tidal freshwater marsh. Although the Mountains-to-Sea Trail ends here at Jockey’s Ridge, we recommend you continue your trip a little further north, so that you can experience two more quintessential Outer Banks experiences. Legend says that Jockeys Ridge was named after the wild horses that roamed the beaches there. Today you’ll find those wild horses at Corolla Beach, which is at the northern edge of North Carolina. The Corolla Wild Horses live on a stretch of beach that is miles long and only accessed via four-wheel-drive. In the past, these horses roamed freely from Ocracoke to Corolla, with numbers in the thousands. In 1995, they were moved to their current location to keep them safe as the Outer Banks were developed, as many had been hit by cars. You can see some of these horses on the trail in Ocracoke, at the Pony Pens, but they are not freely roaming. These horses aren’t native to the area, although you wouldn’t know that based on how well they have survived and thrived. They are descendants of Spanish War Horses. The horses were bread to be calm and docile, so as not to be frightened by war. They arrived sometime during the 1500s, when Spain was in the process of colonizing parts of the world. A ship began to take on water and the horses were jettisoned so the ship wouldn’t sink. They swam to shore and have flourished here ever since. People remark on the calmness of the horses, who don’t tend to spook when people are near, never knowing that the calmness was bred into them. It is required that people stay back 50 feet from the animals. An exception has been made in the past for local boy scouts. In the 50s and 60s, Troop 290 had the opportunity to earn a very special badge by capturing and domesticating one of the horses. At one point, all the boys in the troop earned the badge, and they became the world’s only mounted Boy Scout Troop. The Corolla Wild Horses are the official State Horse of North Carolina and you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to see them while you are so close.
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One other can’t-miss experience is just north of Jockeys Ridge at the Wright Brothers Memorial. North Carolina was “First in Flight,” a fact you can’t miss as you drive down any road and see people’s license plates. It’s here that it happened. Orville and Wilbur Wright were brothers from Ohio. They owned a bike shop but dreamed of flying. At some point their dreams became an obsession. They knew they had great ideas for flying, but they needed a proper testing ground. The Outer Banks are known for their wind...the same wind that still shapes Jockeys Ridge helped get the Wright Brothers airborne on December 17, 1903. They made 4 brief flights with their powered aircraft, 4 miles south of Kitty Hawk at Kill Devil Hills. The sand provided a soft landing zone, which also made this spot an excellent testing area. Today you can visit the Wright Brothers Memorial which has a full- size model of the first plane. You’ll also see replicas of the brother’s workshop, and statues that honor the brothers and their work. At right, you’ll see a photograph of the original flight, as well as pictures of the statues and plane replica. You can also walk the length of that first flight which is an interesting way to feel inside of history. The Outer Banks are iconic and full of can’t-miss history. Any trip to the Outer Banks is fun, but hiking their length gives you a much deeper understanding of our history and our land.
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122 Nicholas Cirillo Of Nick Cirillo was my neighbor. Almost. When he was 15, he and his mother looked at the house for sale next to my former home in the western foothills of North Carolina. His excitement over the large, seemingly incongruous palm tree in the front yard was palpable. His energy was evident even then. The thought ran through my mind that if they purchased that home, our street would be lively, indeed, and that would be a very good thing. Not quite a decade year later, in a recent telephone interview from his Atlanta home, Cirillo recalled the incident. “I remember that,” he said. “I remember being so disappointed that we didn’t get that house! My dream of having that palm tree in the yard was done!” His charisma remains alive and well as he slays the role of villain on Netflix’s popular series, Outer Banks. As “Barry,” the sleazy local pawn shop manager and take-no- prisoners cocaine dealer, he is disturbingly effective. Is it in his nature to play a villain? Cirillo laughed. “I’ve never really played a paradigm nice guy, but the role of ‘Barry’ must be the most villainous. I guess we’ll just have to keep that part a mystery.” Cirillo is generous with crediting others who helped create “Barry.” “I would say in this particular project with Outer Banks, it is really a perfect balance between them giving me free range, and trusting me, I don’t know why, but they did,” he said with characteristic self-deprecation. “They did trust me to develop a good bit of ‘Barry’ but the outfits and things were designed and developed by the wonderful wardrobe team and stylists.” The young actor and everyone involved in the series were thrilled in July to be renewed for a sophomore season. At the time of the interview, not even a shooting date had been established. “With Covid, and restrictions, everything is up in the air,” Cirillo said. “From what I’ve heard I will be back. Ya never know, that’s show biz!” he said with a chuckle. Season One’s closing episode featured
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Cirillo in an impressive fight scene. Did it require a great deal of athletic ability from the former high school football player? “The stunt guys are great,” he said. “They choreographed everything, every punch and movement.” Once the fight scene’s choreography was approved by the show’s creators, the stunt crew began training the actors. “Actors do a great job screwing up everything that they taught us,” Cirillo said with a laugh. “There was a lot of sweat and some literal blood. I gave [actor] Rudy [Pankow] an accidental bloody nose, and he hit my jaw by accident. It was a lot of fun. I still have nightmares of his beautiful bloody nose. Just kidding!” The show’s creators, brothers Josh and Jonas Pate and Shannon Burke, have said that they have four and possibly five seasons’ worth of story arcs to tell, given the chance. Would Cirillo want to stay with the show that long? “Oh, of course!” he said enthusiastically. “I hope to be involved as long as possible. But any day they can kill me off, so who knows?” Cirillo was generous with his compliments for the scripts written by Burke and the Pates, and was also thankful for his opportunities to ad lib a bit. He fills any down time on set with music and films that keep him in the proper mindset. He named a young Marlon Brando and James Dean as among his top acting influences. Born in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina, Cirillo attended local public schools and then “went to college for about fifteen minutes,” he laughed. He obtained a real estate license and worked at the local firm of Ward & Ward Properties, LLC. “One of my best friends is Parker Ward,” Cirillo said. “They hired me at age 19. They gave me a good job.” Gratitude was evident in his voice. “While I was doing that, I was driving to Winston-Salem at night to go to acting group,” he said. He credited his favorite high school teacher, John Elledge, with igniting his interest in acting. “He had a project where we had to make a film, a satire. And that was kind of my first acting gig in a way,” he said. Cirillo mentioned that he also found Elledge’s teaching on transcendentalism to be “very influential” in his life. Cirillo still thinks of his senior English teacher, Kaylene Burcham, who taught him during spring of his senior year. “That was not the best representation of me as a student,” Cirillo said seriously. “I was a bit of a hellion, which I still regret. I still think of her class and the things I was writing.” In fact, teachers played such an important role in Cirillo’s life that after his telephone interview was complete, he sent two e-mails lauding more teachers: My Latin teacher Mrs. Lyall is someone that I’ll always remember with fondness. Although I’ve always loved history, her
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124 classes always kept it fun and instilled a long-going affinity and curiosity for the classical ancient world…. She also helped me gain access during my senior year to a particular “zoo animal” costume about which no more details can be shared due to an ongoing FBI investigation. Nathaniel Tulbert was a new young history teacher at Wilkes Central when I was a junior. I found his teachings of American history to be fascinating, but most importantly to me, he showed me my first Daniel Day Lewis performance in “Gangs of New York” during his class. Prior to playing the movie for us, he prefaced the film by saying, “In my opinion, Daniel Day Lewis is the greatest living actor today” which instantly grabbed my attention. I was transfixed by the Bill the Butcher character, but after googling the actor myself I could not believe that DDL was the same guy. I remember vividly thinking about acting in a whole new way that day. Lastly my Senior year football coach, Ron Turner. I grew up with a headful much more of hot-aired bravado than true confidence in myself. I had never really put all my heart and work into something and yielded results before football, and football ended up being what laid the foundation for the work ethic that I’m proud to have today. Coach Turner was the first ever mentor/coach figure I had that made me feel like I had potential. He really built me up inside at a crucial time in a young man’s life. He created a sense of purpose that season that I have been able to carry into life. I also forgot to mention Mr. Floyd who was the assistant principal at Wilkes Central my senior year, he gave me a copy of the book On the Road by Jack Kerouac and it had a lasting effect on my life. For someone who portrays a foul-mouthed cocaine dealer, his devotion to his role models was genuine and endearing. The Wilkes Central High School graduate had minor roles in episodes of Stranger Things, which earned him an opportunity to meet actor Cary Elwes (The Princess Bride). Elwes, as it turns out, once worked as a production assistant to Marlon Brando. “It was amazing to see the scale of production,” Cirillo said of the Stranger Things set. “I had never been on a set that had as much going on as it did. I got to observe the meticulousness of the [series creators] Duffer brothers . “As an actor, every opportunity on the set is an opportunity to learn. The way they paid close attention to detail and every step along the way. It took a lot of time, but that’s what happens when you want that type of product,” he said.
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• NC CCW (concealed carry) • Fl/Va Non-Resident CCW • Pistol, Rifle Shotgun • Church Security • Personal Protection • Active Shooter • RSO/CRSO Certs We use the LASR systerm and Smokeless Range System in conjunction with SIRT Pistols in order to perform dry-fire practice, saving you hundreds of dollars in Range and Ammunition fees. NRA Certifications available: 105 Main St, Hudson, NC 28638 (828) 221-2900 corneredhillft.com Cirillo credits his family and friends for keeping him grounded. He is quiet about his private life, but admits to finding happiness with his girlfriend of many years, and his two dogs. Recently, he flew to Oklahoma to work on an upcoming film, Ida Red. And, he guest-starred in the Netflix comedy series, Teenage Bounty Hunters, playing the “groupie, hippie type of guy” boyfriend of one of the lead actresses. “He’s different than ‘Barry,’” Cirillo said of the character. “I wouldn’t characterize him as romantic. He’s rather clueless. He’s a softer type of man than ‘Barry,’ or attempts to be.” Although Cirillo admits that fans have stopped him in public for photos, he’s not “stepping out to a barrage of paparazzi. “It’s nice, it’s flattering, but it’s weird, I guess,” Cirillo said. “It’s weird that someone would want to take a picture with me.” Hopefully, by the time you’re reading this, the young actor will have returned to Charleston, South Carolina to shoot the second season of Outer Banks. And Nick Cirillo might just find himself under a palm tree of his own, after all. Outer Banks and Teenage Bounty Hunters are rated MA for nudity, sexual activity, profanity, and drug use. Viewers are strongly cautioned. Lisa D. Brewer is a part-time legal assistant at Brewer & Brewer, PLLC in Wilkesboro, NC. She is the volunteer executive director of Carolina Bible Camp Bluegrass Festival, the 2019 winner of Carolina Country magazine’s Best Festival award.
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126 Tim Steele is quite the entrepreneur. He’s a very well known and award-winning general contractor and home goods store owner.Now he’s adding the title of Farm owner. He’s purchased a stunning property with 80 acres of rolling hills, mountain views, a pond and a multitude of manicured spaces that make choosing a favorite spot quite a task. The Steele Family considers this their “final stop.” They are thrilled at the introduction of the beautiful herd of Corriedale Sheep and Mongolian Goats. Corriedale sheep were developed Austrailia and New Zealand and brought to the US in the early twentieth century. Mongolian goats are responsible for a third of the world’s cashmere and are highly prized for their delicate, soft and very strong fur. This farm’s animals feed on natural grass and grain. Some are farmed for meat, and they make some of the best lambchops around. Some are raised for wool production and some are raised to be breeding stock. Tim always has felt a connection to the land and it shows. He Is at peace here on the farm with his family and his animals. He has several people helping with the day-to-day but he is definitely the Sheep herder. Tim is bringing a new cool vibe to farming. No overalls are seen on this farm. Instead you’ll see khakis and dress shirts saying “Steele’s Farms.” That’s the way the Steele’s do things. The farm also houses a stunning events center for weddings and more. We are so excited to check back in with Tim over the upcoming months to check out his plans for this exciting new farm. Farming in the Foothills w/ Tim Steele
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47th Annual Poinsettia Sale at Maple Grove Saturday, November 28 through Wednesday, December 16, 2020 (except Sundays) 10:00 am to 4:00 pm 1,000 high quality plants in stock. Visit www.hickorylandmarks.org for details and pre-ordering. Walk-in customers are asked to wear protective masks and keep social distancing. A special drive-up service is available for those who call ahead. The Hickory Landmarks Society plays a vital part in preserving the history and heritage of the Foothills. In 1968, a group of forward (and backwards) thinking people decided something needed to be done to ensure that the important buildings and landmarks in Hickory wouldn’t be lost to the fast- paced development happening around them. Since then, the group has been consistantly involved in the preservation of the landmarks of Hickory, including homes and other types of buildings. They also maintain 3 museums in historical spaces. These include the Propst House, Maple Grove, where their offices are also housed, and Houk’s Chapel. They also have an excellent program where 4th graders in the area can visit Maple Grove for a day of living history. Recently, the group has been renovating the Joseph Mortetz house, deteriorated National Register property in Hickory. Built in 1917 and remodeled in the late 1920’s the Moretz House is a simple interpretation of the Cotswold English Cottage phase of the Revival style, popular in America from about 1912 to 1935. They are renovating the home as a partnership with the Parker Family Trust, who is financing the operation. The Folks at Hickory Landmarks Society recently interviewed several people about what the organization has meant in their lives. You can listen to some of those by using the QR codes at left. If you have an iPhone, just point your camera at the codes. Other phones may require a QR reader, which you can get for free in your app store. You can support the group by shopping at their
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www.hickoryfurniture.com | 1-800-462-MART (6278) F U R N I S H I N G H O M E S A R O U N D T H E W O R L D F O R 6 0 Y E A R S Proudly supporting our local craftsmen, manufacturers and retailers. Proudly supporting our local craftsmen, manufacturers and retailers. FURNISHING HOMES FROM THE MOUNTAINS TO THE SEA
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130 Fox Fox & Hound A CIVIL DISCOURSE W I T H J A M E S T H O M A S S H E L L A N D S A R A H E V E R LY The Hound: I don’t think that any of us can say that we’ve really enjoyed 2020, but for the rest of our lives we will most certainly remember it. You aren’t guaranteed tomorrow, so you need to make the most out of trying times. I certainly get sucked into focusing on the bad and sometimes I point fingers, but in the end I know that I am responsible to navigate the choppy waters in order to achieve my desired goals. I wrote previously about what happened to my mother on Christmas Eve 2019. The year started out rough without taking the Pandemic into account. We trudged through the process of getting Mama back on her feet, when she could have lost her lower right leg, so I would count that as a success. As far as the Culture of 2020 goes, I’m personally writing it off. The tumult going on in the streets is obviously contrived, destructive, and shameful. It is so obviously not an organic movement. The Lamestream Media is playing the dynamics of this year up to the hilt, because that is their attempted gambit to manipulate the narrative and control the Economic Chessboard through a Socialist-Corporacratic-Globalist agenda. Politically, what is scary is what we have seen with Communist- Socialists using Fascist tactics to intimidate others and attempt to force people to accept a radical destructive ideology. Personally, I know that I am old school and I am a white male, so I have a target on my back. I don’t accept their (French) Revolution. It won’t end well if it is allowed to continue. I want Beauty in my life. Beauty is virtuous. Virtue is the quality of being morally good. Virtues are constructive behaviors. You
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131 have to aspire to be virtuous… to be good. You have to work at it. You have to desire to make it happen. Aristotle, the Greek Philosopher, believed the greatest value in life was intellectual contemplation and that is what we are doing here. Look to Aristotle’s 12 virtues of life. This is what we should strive for. 1) Courage – bravery, valor 2) Temperance – self-control, restraint 3) Liberality – big-heartedness, charity, generosity 4) Magnificence – radiance, joy for living 5) Pride – self-satisfaction, confidence 6) Honor – respect, reverence, admiration 7) Good Temper – composure, calmness, level-headedness 8) Friendliness – hospitality, sociability 9) Truthfulness – honesty, straightforwardness, frankness, candor 10) Wit – mental sharpness, cleverness, inventiveness, sense of humor 11) Friendship – camaraderie, companionship 12) Justice – impartiality, evenhandedness, fairness Love is beautiful. Peace is beautiful. Getting along and displaying tolerance is what we should strive for. Trying to ruin people because you have differences is ugly. Working to take away people’s livelihoods is disgusting. Making political differences personal is ridiculous. Making any of this personal is crazy. Tearing up cities, invading others’ private property, graffiti, assaulting people, etc. are not virtuous activities. Look at the after effects. The people that these hooligans pretend to be doing this for are going to be the people most adversely affected. It is time for adults to find their maturity, get serious, and start being productive. So, we will move into 2021 and hopefully move forward past this darkness. It is time to think about the future. We have to start caring about children. It sure seems that the kids are taking a backseat in this whole episode. It may be a cliché, but the children are our future. I really worry about how I have seen these kids developed over the past generation. Kids aren’t getting the fundamentals and structure for success at life. Like they say, “You reap what you sow.” I am confident in these assessments. You can sow good or sow bad. It’s your choice. James Thomas Shell Hickory Hound The Fox: Certainly 2020 has been a wild turn of events that none of us could have seen coming as we excitedly counted down on New Years Eve. I know I personally stood in my living room, glass of prosecco in hand, thinking of all the ways this year would change my course in life. I wasn’t wrong. I just wasn’t right about how that course would change. Hound mentions that we’ll always remember this year, despite the fact
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that we haven’t enjoyed it. I know that Hound and I are meant to have a civil discourse in these columns, but I have to agree that this year has been hard. However as my husband, ever the enthusiast, says “What a time to be alive!”. While his outlook is far rosier than mine, he has a point. We’re living through a pandemic. Life hasn’t looked remotely similar since 1918 and the majority of the US population is now witnessing a phenomenon. Along with the pandemic we’ve witnessed civil unrest in the streets of nearly every city, big and small. It was a bit terrifying if I’m honest. As the days dragged on I found myself heartbroken and distraught, but also inspired that I was witnessing a shift in the people around me. Many of the All Lives Matter preaching folks in my life were finally seeing that all lives can’t if black lives don’t. Too many had to die for that shift to be seen, but it feels like we’ve finally reached a turning point in what we as American people would accept from the people that are meant to protect and serve. This is my last article for the year 2020. We’ve had quite a journey with one another this year. When I return next year I’ll be holding my infant son, and likely still juggling life amidst this pandemic. I wish I could close out this year by telling you that 2021 will be different. That life as we knew it will have returned by then, but I don’t feel confident enough to say that. However, I do feel confident in reminding you to wear a mask, go vote, love your neighbor, wash your hands, and be safe. Wherever these last months of 2020 take you, I hope you are able to find silver linings amongst the “of course-ness” that is this year. Hound, as you approach the one year mark of caring for your mother, I hope you are granted a moment to breathe. I have enjoyed discoursing with you this year, and I look forward to our work next year, Friend. Foothills Digest PO Box 2670 Lenoir, NC 28645 Name: Address: Phone: Subscribe S u b s c r i p t i o n s a r e $ 27 per year and we publish quarterly. Shipping is $9. Please enclose a check or your credit card information. Cards are charged $36 one time. Card Number: Expiration: CVV Code:
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136 That’s where our 2020 Patient Safety score ranked among 4,814 hospitals in America. We are here for you, and we are committed to your safety. Top 5% in the Nation. During this pandemic, our team has continued to earn a place among the highest performing hospitals. Patient Safety — and the safety of all who work here and enter our facility — will continue to be our number one priority. We are COVID-safe and we are grateful that you place your care in our hands. Covid-19 Highest Safety Rating