MUSHY'S MOOCHINGS: BURGESS FALLS IN THE SPRING

Friday, April 25, 2008

BURGESS FALLS IN THE SPRING

Ron, Neena, Judy, and I took another road trip this week to the Burgess Falls State Natural Area (State Park), where we found lots of water flowing, for a change, and many wildflowers.

The area is named for Tom Burgess who started a lumber and grist mill that used the power of the water flowing in the Falling Water River, near Cookeville, Tennessee. He received the land grant here in 1793 as payment for his service in the Revolutionary War.

In the early 20th Century, a dam was added and a hydroelectric plant was built that supplied electricity to Cookeville. A flood in 1928 washed the dam and power plant away, but was rebuilt and served the area until 1944, at which time the TVA Dam network made these small plants obsolete.

Today, you can still see the old dam, the base of the old grist mill wheel, and remnants of the hydroelectric plant. However, the 350 acres is now being allowed to return to its natural state, and it is beautiful!

The hike was 1.2 miles, and was rated as moderate, with lots of steps. Along the way I found a “clump” of Jack-in-the-pulpits, which is my favorite wildflower, mostly because they are so rare, and a lovely bunch of Foamflowers surrounded by Wild Blue Violets. There are basically three falls, Little, Middle, and Big Falls, along the way, with tow grand overlooks.

On the way back to Cookeville, we stopped for Ron to buy us a Sam Adams for the trip into town. The Frenchman’s Market boasted of selling 765 gallons of beer weekly, and our two were just drops in the bucket. They had no opener, so I improvised like I did “back in the day” and popped the tops off on the door mechanism of the car! They were good and cold!

We ordered a couple more Killian’s at Puleo's Restaurant! I had this wonderful lasagna – they others had less exciting fare like chicken sandwich, chicken pot-pie, and a salad!

On the way home we visited a little roadside market run by some of the local Mennonites in the Crossville/Jamestown area. Ron and Neena stocked up on cheese, apple butter, and soup mixes.

We thoroughly enjoy our free time, our hikes and adventures, and each other.

13 comments:

*Goddess* said...

I notice you didn't talk about the skinny dipping in the falls....

Anonymous said...

You guys certainly do know how to fill your time with quality stuff!

FHB said...

Beautiful shots bubba. Love getting these tours. I'm fillin' out my list for August.

Buck said...

Great pics yet again, Mushy. The combo of greenery and moving/falling water is pretty hard to beat!

Sarge Charlie said...

wow, I love your world.

BRUNO said...

Gonna have to get yourself a Schrade-brand pocket tool to carry along, to be prepared for "those-moments", when you would give your kingdom for a bottle opener!

I've got one, and I never leave home without it! I'd much rather be caught naked, than without my pocket-tool---told my wife I want her to bury it with me!

Just in case, you know.....!

fuzzbert_1999@yahoo.com said...

Bruno - Oh, I got a little Leatherman I usually carry, but I was so proud of myself of opening that without spilling a drop or breaking the neck off! I would have had it no other way!

Kevin said...

Wow! Great pics, Mushy! I was really struck by the beauty and GREENNESS of Tennessee when I visited my sister back in Jan. The whole state is one giant forest. I love it.

Jose said...

Oh man, that's what life is all about. When all is said and done nothing is better that enjoying family and friends, eating good food, and drinking a cold beer. You paid your dues, now you are just collecting your rewards. How awesome is that?

Olga, the Traveling Bra said...

You are blessed to have such wonderful family & friends Mushy!!!

Chris said...

I need to take my 8 y/o out there one weekend soon.

LOVE Puleo's. Nona's Lasagna is good but did you try the fried asparagus? That stuff rocks and tastes great with a cold one.

Catmoves said...

Beautifully green and lush with the promise of tomorrow. Great shots, Mushy.
Was surprised that you didn't have your church key with you. Always thought it was standard take along gear when entering the woods where one might get lucky enough to find a beer or two?

fuzzbert_1999@yahoo.com said...

I've always had the fantasy too that I'll find a naked Indian maiden sitting on a rock...that ain't happened yet either!