Highlights of Cindy Wisnieski’s 14^th Hike with Austin & Charlie Wright, 09/02/07

 

     The plan was to have my 13^th hike emailed to Ed by the end of June.  Due to my hectic work schedule (2 jobs), trips to Cincinnati and Northern Ohio , I was only able to complete 5 paragraphs.    When Ed announced the September 2^nd date on his website, I knew that my 14^th hike would be posted shortly thereafter, since this was going to be the most incredible salamander experience with Austin and Charlie.   

 

     As usual, I became very excited and even more energetic the day before this hike, especially when I knew that Austin and Charlie were coming.  I also love being with the friends in the hiking group, meeting new people on the way to and from the Lodge, as well as experiencing and sharing the wonders of nature.  Ed, Tillroe, the Haythorns, and others who have been in our group know that I eat very little and rarely sit.  I attribute this phenomena to former Coach Woody Hayes’ heartfelt philosophy of “You Win With People”… which keeps me in the state of a “constant high” when it comes to meeting, listening and learning about others.   

 

     The day before our hiking adventure, I met Gerry and Nora Sturgeon for dinner at Calhoun’s.  We enjoyed an animated conversation seasoned with steaks, prime rib, and all the trimmings.  We ended the evening early because Nora and I wanted to get a good night’s rest before the 10 mile round trip hike to the Lodge.   We were planning to be awake at 4 a.m. for the start of stretching and performing our “make-up” routine.  Across the mountain, at about the same time, our hiking buddy, Lynda Platone, would be engaging in the exact ritual. 

 

     Morning arrived quickly.  As I was getting ready to pull into the ACB trailhead parking lot, I spotted Gerry and Nora Sturgeon chatting with Tillroe!  There are no words to describe how happy I was to see that Tillroe was going to hike with us the entire way.  Thank you, Joann and a special thank you to your 4 sisters and nieces also for staying the week-end with you.  We all were so excited to spend the day having fun with your fine husband and natural born comedian, Tillroe! 

 

     At about 7:05 a.m., a red vehicle pulled up.  At first I wasn’t sure if that was Ed, Austin and Charlie.  Even Tillroe thought that it could be someone else.  But once I spotted Austin and Charlie, I knew that we had the “Wright” vehicle.   It was great to see that Ed’s oldest son Bill accompanied them on the journey from Florida .  I hadn’t seen Bill in two years and it was great to chat with him.  Absent from the happy bunch were the Haythorn’s and Megan.  Peggy had informed me several weeks earlier that she may not be hiking.  Ed said that she and Mike were celebrating their birthdays.  Happy Belated Birthday to Mike and Peggy.  You all were certainly missed!! 

 

      The anticipated moment for the start of Ed’s 1,304th hike was finally here. We gathered for the traditional group photo which will appear in Ed’s write-up.  I snapped my own photo for the start of this salamander hunting adventure.  

 

     We began at 7:15 a.m.  About 30 minutes into the hike, Charlie found our first salamander Great going, Charlie!  Austin was so proud of his younger brother, carefully inspecting the first catch of the day!  

 

     We proceeded on, with Charlie becoming more persevering in his attempt to sight the little critters.  Both Charlie and Austin kept trying to move ahead, but even more so when Bob would tell them to “roll….you’re holding Granddaddy up.”

 

     Upon arriving to Arch Rock, Austin and Charlie went off to explore the water. Ed, Lynda and Tillroe enjoyed a brief reprieve before climbing the 47 steps through the rock. Austin and Charlie convinced me to join them in the creek, so Glenn took a photo of us. 

 

     Time was flying, Bob said, “Austin, Charlie, let’s roll,” so we climbed carefully through Arch Rock.   The hunt for more salamanders continued. Bob took a moment to see how the search was progressing Both Austin and Charlie pursued this hunt relentlessly Here’s Austin stretching his arms for a quick break, while Charlie continued to dig underneath the rocks. Austin’s determination ignited, as he meticulously inspected his brother’s exploration.  A few minutes later, a baby salamander was found, but the picture had blurred in the macro mode. 

 

     Before Inspiration Pt., we had an unexpected and wonderful surprise.  Alma Williamson from Cosby, TN recognized Ed, and I remembered meeting her several years at the Lodge when she was impressed with meeting Ronnie Holbert, who has been one of our favorite Lodge hikers. Alma wanted several group photos, so here is one with Glen in it; the second one included Marlene and Orly. It was so great to see Alma , and meet Marlene and Orly!

 

     We had a small break at Inspiration Pt.  I caught Jeri and Nora relaxing, and Tillroe checking out Ed’s camera . We continued on to the Bluffs.  I managed to get a great shot of Austin and Charlie with Ed. At the Bluffs, I captured both “expert young climbers” on the rocks while we waited for Ed and the others. Just before leaving, Charlie and Austin created unexpected sandstorms.

 

     It was a good thing that Bob kept all three of us in line.  I become so involved with Austin and Charlie, enjoying and absorbing their insights on salamanders, rocks, and wildflowers.  Who wants to pay attention to the clock when you are with two enthusiastic hiking buddies? Only Bob, or his wife Lisa, could have the patience and time management to keep three of us on the “Wright” schedule!!

 

     Rolling on to discover more salamanders proved successful again. Shortly after our break at Gracie’s Pulpit, Austin and Charlie had victory in the palm of their hands.  The boys named the little critter “Hopper” ( This particular salamander  was definitely the favorite. A little while later, Austin spotted a semi-swimming centipede, a snail, and another salamander. 

 

     We had to keep moving, and with Charlie in the lead, we met up with Joe Steele who snapped a picture of Austin, Charlie and me. We then took a snapshot of Joe before he continued his downward trek. Charlie and Austin pointed out some flowers, then we resumed our upward climb.  About three minutes later, another salamander was discovered.  This “guy” was calmer than the “highly-hyper Hopper.”  The boys named him “Jumper.”  But, as nature has it, this poor little critter seemed frightened, and jumped from Austin’s hand; the boys retrieved it, and ran to show Bob, with Ed and glen following close behind.

 

     As our hike kept progressing, the boys found several more salamanders.  We were having an amazing, awesome salamander adventure!  All in all, a total of 8 salamanders were discovered by Austin and Charlie!   Both of these outstanding young gentlemen know how to host a fun and fast-moving “critter” endeavor! 

 

     Tillroe caught up with the three of us and showed Austin and Charlie how to indulge in a cold drink of H2O.   Bob later informed us that he was very sick for 3 days when he drank water from a creek.  This did not deter Charlie. or Austin. As we continued, the boys showed me an array of wildflowers.  Austin found three colorful rocks and asked me to select my favorite. 

 

     Tillroe, Austin, Charlie and I were the first ones to reach Betty Jane’s Stairway.  Glenn was close behind and took a photo with my camera. Austin and Charlie had fun on the rocks around Betty Jane’s, and Tillroe posed for me again.  Betty Jane’s Stairway is my nephew Jason’s favorite landmark that he enjoys reading about on Ed’s website.   It was here that we said a prayer for Tillroe’s beautiful wife Joann and my fine brother-in-law Roger.  Both are facing challenges with cancer and both plan on conquering the challenge through their strong faith and support of family and numerous friends. 

 

     Ed wanted to be at the Lodge by 1 p.m., so we started to do the “hiking hustle.”  The views were clouded over as we were getting closer to our final destination. Glenn was with the boys and me.  While we waited for the others past Horses Gate, I snapped Glenn in a pensive moment , while Austin and Charlie were having fun on the side of the trail, which was exactly at 12:53 p.m.  Seven minutes later, we achieved Ed’s goal of reaching the Lodge at 1 p.m. 

 

      Even though it was cloudy at the Lodge, a sense of tranquility permeated the moment, with a true feeling of accomplishment.  I hurried in to the Lodge to sign the book, and joined the Sturgeons, Bob, Austin and Charlie for lunch.  Bob was checking his cell phone to see if he had power.  It has become tradition that when we reach the Lodge, Bob lends me his cell phone so that I can call my sister Sandy and then my nephew Jason in Columbus , Ohio .  Jason ( 26 years old) also likes to know how Austin and Charlie did on the hike.  This time I was only able to speak to my sister for several minutes because of the sporadic connection.  Before rushing over to the Dining room for the date picture, I noticed Lynda and Tillroe relaxing on the porch. 

 

     I found Ed and we scurried over to the Dining Room for the standard date photo.  I also took a photo of Ed capturing the wildflowers growing along the side of one of the cabins. Gary and Nora Sturgeon posed with Glenn, and a last-minute picture was taken by Ed of Nora, Gerry and myself.

 

     Time flies when you are enjoying people on an amazing mountain top. Taking one more photo of everyone getting ready to depart, followed by Austin filling up my H2O bottle  and lastly, organizing the four Wright’s for their “Family Lodge Photo”, we started to head down at 1:36 p.m. I was glad that Nora and Gary Sturgeon joined us for the downward segment.

 

     Our trip down moved quickly.  We ran into a foggy area around Margaret’s Place. Austin at Margaret's Place. We encountered one small challenge before reaching the Bluffs.   Charlie was clipping along on a slightly elevated side of the trail at a steady pace, when suddenly his right foot slipped on the wet moss, accidentally bumping into Nora.  Since I was behind Nora, I tried to prevent the fall, but to no avail.  The Domino Effect was triggered; down went Charlie, Nora, and myself.  We all fell gracefully (if there is such a thing during a downward trek!!), with no reported injuries. Before going through Arch Rock, both Charlie and Austin simultaneously called out an energetic ‘hi granddaddy” to Ed.  Wish I had a picture of Ed’s radiance when he heard his grandsons greeting.  We made it to the trailhead parking lot at approximately 5:30 p.m., with Bill Wright patiently waiting for the troops.

 

      As an added last thought: whether the elements are clear, calm and cool, or foggy, misty and rainy, the camaraderie, beauty, and serenity which one experiences here can never be forgotten.  Our “Heavenly Creator” gives us family, friends, sunrises and sunsets. Witness the splendors of Mother Nature through the eyes of others, especially through the young eyes and wisdom of two wonderful and loving children, Austin and Charlie Wright.   I can guarantee you that you will forever treasure the fond memories and precious moments that can come from a very remarkable and rewarding adventure.  Thank you Ed, Bob, Austin and Charlie for making our time together so very special.  Your love for people and togetherness will always be remembered!