The Mountains Are Calling

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Trip start
October 2, 2025
The Mountains Are Calling Traveler
On the Road
October 2 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 72 °F
When I left Brandon, there were about 12 guys on the roof. We are getting a new roof today. About an hour up the road I got a call wondering if I happened to leave the "keys" to my Tesla. Nope. And yes, I did ask if my car was okay there before I left, and was told yes.

The drive was uneventful, just 8 hrs long with not enough stops and stretching of the legs and very windy because of the tropical storm out there.Read more
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The Mountains Are Calling Traveler
My Sister
October 2 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 75 °F
Arrived to my sister's. Met her boyfriend Billy. Nice dinner together.
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The Mountains Are Calling Traveler
Dukes Creek Trail
October 3 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 72 °F
Super easy 2.3 mile hike. Gorgeous waterfalls!
Got there and realized I left my socks back at the van. So instead of hiking boots, I wore my little white shoes. Thankfully, I had blister pads for my heels and faired just fine. As we hiked, I was thinking about all the people I've encountered in hikes wearing inappropriate footwear. Then Donna recalled our hike two years ago where we saw an Asian woman hiking the mountain in high heels, and she didn't seem to be struggling one bit.Read more
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The Mountains Are Calling Traveler
Ice Cream in Helen
October 3 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 73 °F
Fun time knocking around Helen during Oktoberfest with my sister.
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The Mountains Are Calling Traveler
Limoges Cellars
October 3 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 72 °F
"Compose Your Life," the young artist sang original music. Several wineries in the area between Helen and Dahlonega. We chose to stop at Limoges Cellars.

The wine was good, leaning towards an acidic, tart flavor, evidently caused by a rainer, less sunny season. I had the Cabernet Franc. The view was beautiful, the air crisp and the company with my sister was fun.

Today was the last day of harvest. This morning they had a room full of volunteers come out, served them breakfast and then they harvested the grapes.

We headed home in Donna's new Bronco and stopped at her favorite spot for sunset on Lake Allatoona.Read more
TravelerYes just request to follow.
10/5/25Reply
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The Mountains Are Calling Traveler
Knoxville Botanical Gardens
October 4 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 79 °F
Beautiful stroll through walkways, gardens, trails, a memorial garden, water features, art work, stone walls, and a bamboo maze.

"Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum is a nonprofit, public garden located on 44 acres of the former Howell Nurseries. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Garden features walking trails, display gardens, unique & historic horticulture, timeless buildings, and over two miles of distinctive stone walls. Located just five minutes from downtown, the Garden is free and open to the public every day of the year thanks to the generous support of our members and contributors." https://www.knoxgarden.org/

Free parking too.Read more
TravelerWow! I worked in Knoxville for 9 months and had no idea that was there! 😍
10/5/25Reply
TravelerHi, Jenny. Where are you these days?
10/5/25Reply
TravelerHey! We're in our "campground" behind Mom and Dad's on the outskirts of Winston Salem. My current contract is in Elkin, NC and a 40 minute drive M-F. I wonder if I could find you while you're up this way 😃
10/8/25Reply
TravelerI've enjoyed reading about your travels! ❤️
10/8/25Reply
TravelerI'm in Knoxville until saturday morning then hitting the road home pretty quickly. Can you think of somewhere to meet for lunch saturday?
10/9/25Reply
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The Mountains Are Calling Traveler
Suttree Landing Park
October 4 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 77 °F
At the corner of Waterfront and Foggy Bottom, there is a river walk along the Tennessee River, opposite from downtown Knoxville.
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The Mountains Are Calling Traveler
Turnbuckle Trail to Burnett Ridge Trail
October 5 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 82 °F
Originally a marble quarry (early 1900s) and later a lime and gravel quarry (1920s), eventually closing in the late 1970s.

I didn't do the hike around the quarry and the lake, but rather up higher on the surrounding mountain.

Most of the trail was very narrow, 12-18 inches wide, also a bike trail, but after the first 30 min, I didn't see any more bikers. It was just me and the squirrels.

Enjoyed the serenity of the forest walk. Can't believe how warm it is; it's in the 80s here.Read more
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The Mountains Are Calling Traveler
IC King Once Again
October 9 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 73 °F
Easy Peasy and Rock City Loop- I have hiked here a few times before. Even got lost here almost 3 years ago when my phone died on a hike . Actually it was the day my grandson was born. Coming back here again is a lot of things. This place holds special memories but also fears, whether rational or irrational. The stories I've heard about the parking lot on the other side still haunt me.

Today was a good day though. Beautiful weather, temperature, dry clay path, beautiful forest. Still unmarked trails and all that but highly recommend.Read more
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Trip end
October 11, 2025