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So, I couldn't find the elusive "Perfect Waterfall". But, that wasn't the reason I was in the Cherokee National Forest anyway, so I continued on my journey of exploration of these immense forested mountains in The Greasy Beast via Forest Roads, Fire Roads, and abandoned logging roads.
As a matter of fact, I posted a great video on how difficult some of those logging roads can be...
http://www.youtube.com/holtwebb#play/uploads/1/iZRmbC-4YsQ
But, on with the expedition!
I left Presswood Mountain and descended Forest Road (FR) 185, linking up with the continuation of FR 77 heading East toward Hwy 30, the paved connection between the Hiwasse River and Hwy 64. I was desperately in need of a dip in a stream, and the closest one that I KNEW I could find was the Hiwassee River.
Nature is full of pleasant surprises
So, off I went down the gravel road, stopping occassionally to try out an ungated fire road or logging road along the way. One of the roads led about 20 yards in before it became impassable (like many, it, too, was gated and locked). However, serendipity prevailed, and I found myself amid a wonderful patch of wild blackberries!
My mom used to take my brother and I out into the back country of Alpharetta (back when it still was "country") to pick wild blackberries along the sides of the many dirt roads crisscrossing the woods of what later became shopping centers and housing developments. We got stung, and scratched, and complained about the heat, but the rewards were worth it. Well, I say that now, but I'm sure I was pretty unhappy back then!
I picked about a pound of fresh blackberries, munching along the way, of course, and had myself a nice little treat for the rest of my trip. I had blackberries with my breakfast, as a snack between meals, and as dessert after dinner. I even mixed the juice in with my water bottle. (You know, come to think of it, some vanilla ice cream sure would have been nice...)
Anyway, it was only a 10 minute drive to the River once I hit Hwy 30, and, wouldn't you know it... the place I stopped (an old Texaco) was named after me! Well, not really. It was named after the two Webb Brothers who founded it in 1939, but what an incredible coincidence! Webb Brothers' Texaco. Who'dda thunk it?
Back into the woods
After a wonderfully refreshing dip in the swift, but safe, waters, and a quick lunch topped off with fresh blackberries, I dried off and headed back into the forest.
I made my way down Hwy 30, connecting with Hwy 64 and headed East toward the Ocoee Whitewater Center. I hung a right onto FR 45 (hidden behind the TVA hydrostation #3) and contemplated spending the $12 for a traditional campsite at the base of Chestnut Ridge (near the famous Thunder Rock). I reminded myself that I was Overlanding and trying to explore what people seldom see, so I passed on the campground and headed uphill into the forest to set up camp on my own.
It had just rained (I somehow missed it while on my way there) and the sun was beginning another assault. All around, you could see steam and fog as the heat from our yellow star boiled off all the recent moisture from the ground and the trees. It was an amazing sight... it reminded me of the Cloud Forests of Costa Rica, where everything is shrouded in fog. And, if you haven't noticed it before, pay attention next time you find yourself enjoying a foggy day -- it gets very quiet and peaceful. Sounds are muted and colors are softened. It's one of my favorite forces of Nature.
And, since it was foggy, and getting late, I made camp in a little pullout (previously used by campers or hikers as a campsite), set up my tent, took a few more photos of the fog, the trees, and the wonderful forest sunset, and called it a night.
Next...
Day Three. I finally find Paradise!
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