It was a pretty fall day, and I had made a vow to myself and my wife to get out and explore our new home, i.e., the Cumberland Mountains. Somewhere in my internet searches for interesting attractions, I ran across Elrod Falls.
It was forty-two miles away. Was it worth the drive? Who knows? Let’s find out. That’s what you do when you are retired and are weary of being consumed with all that is involved in making a new house your home. I was feeling like I worked here, but I haven’t really lived here yet. I also, had just found my way through some health issues and was ready to get out and reclaim my life. It was high time to regain some balance and get acquainted with the local geography.
As seems to be the case with a lot of natural attractions in this part of country, the journey progressed from highway to secondary roads, to something that just barely qualifies as a road. It is easy to picture someone meeting you with a shotgun if the “road” is indeed someone’s long, winding private driveway.
Who cares. We were just two “kids” out for a scenic drive.
We learned Elrod Falls is a county attraction, a natural wonder really. The area has limited improvements, a fire pit, some benches, a walking trail along Flat Gap Creek which originates on Clinch Mountain in Hancock County (Tennessee).
As we pulled into the area, it was a bit disappointing because the water level was so low. The creek was covered with moss-laden rocks that formed a couple of small pools. But we were not deterred and followed the trail up creek to find the main attraction: a sixty-five-foot-high incline with a gurgling trickle tumbling over the rocky outcropping. It was magnificent. While standing on some wooden steps, captivated by the reward of journey, we met Bob.
This had proven to be great little day trip already, but meeting Bob made it even more special. While we leaned on the railing taking in the beauty, we chatted and learned a lot about each other in a short time.
Bob said he was seventy-eight. He grew up in the area but found himself living out West in Montana for a good many years. He was happy to be back. He loved the natural beauty of the area and the slower pace of life. We listened to the stories from his youth, and he talked about how things have changed. He even stopped us as we were leaving to pass on another gem of story he had heard.
I liked Bob a lot. He brightened our day. I believe if we lived closer, we would be good friends.
I don’t know Bob’s back story. I assumed he was a widower. I thought a lot of people of his age and circumstances, would be sitting on the couch feeling sorry for themselves. Yet, Bob was out and about enjoying nature and meeting new people, bringing a little light into their lives.
He had his faithful companion with him, a hound dog who was well behaved off leach. He referred to her as his inspiration.
Bob showed me a lot about how to age with grace. He was my inspiration.
Our new friend told us about a food truck in nearby Sneedville, the only town in Hancock County. Since we were hungry, we found our way there. To our surprise, not long after we pulled in, here came Bob and his inspiration.
If anyone who reads this knows of Bob or the barbeque food truck in Sneedville, please let me know.
You can contact me at glennhager1@gmail.com or find me at glennhager.com or on Facebook.
