When you hear of all the domestic government belt tightening and the mounting deficit to fight foreign wars, there's one thing that no one seems to want to curtail...roads. The Federal Highway Administration must be the sacred cow that all of Washington worships. We can cut funds to poor folk, education, medical research, the arts, even close military bases...but we never seem to lose our zeal to pour money into useless road projects.
The latest waste of $2,100,000 is on the Parsons Branch Road. (Note to all supporters of the North Shore Road..2.1 MILLION for ONE washout..of a gravel road!!) This gravel road is designed to wash out in heavy rains as it has repeatedly over the years. Each time, the Feds pony up a half million or so to rebuild it, so a few folks who get tired of waiting in traffic on the Cades Cove Loop Road can escape and end up lost on "The Dragon" of US 129. Rep. Jimmy Duncan, who votes against any spending outside of his district has championed the Parsons Branch Road of late, to garner the Towsend vote, which I'm sure he'd get anyway. So why does he do it? I have no clue, maybe he thinks the ol "Parson" will forgive his misplaced frivolity this particular piece of pork.
The Parson Branch Road would make a fine bike trail, except the NPS currently doesn't like mountain bikes, for some strange reason..guess they don't pollute enough. There is some legislation out there to allow mountain bikes in the Nat'l Parks, but it seems to be so rife with "multiple use" diatribe that it may never pass. Suffice it to say that don't believe that government has been limited over the last 10 years....only reapportioned as asphalt.

While you are trying not to breathe during the most recent spate of unhealthy air, here are some articles regarding some recent happenings (see below). For some reason the devise that lets me post links doesn't seem to always work, so I just cut and pasted the entire text of two items. The first is an invitation to walk the land, educate yourself and have fun with those who are well versed in the North Shore Road controversy. The second article from the Asheville Citizen-Times demonstrates that not all North Carolinians are behind the road (and I suspect most are vehemently against it), and are fighting to stop the madness. Enjoy.

JOIN US ON JULY 22-24
FOR A WEEKEND CAMPOREE AND BBQ DINNER ON JULY 23, SATURDAY
IN BRYSON CITY, NC

The Camporee against the North Shore Road is sponsored by the Great Smokies Coalition. This event features tent camping at Smoky Mountain Meadows Campground (starting on Friday, July 22), and a mix of short and long hikes on Saturday, July 23, into areas and watersheds threatened by the North Shore Road. Some of these will be supported by boat or ferry across Fontana Lake. A series of shorter hikes will be offered on Sunday, depending on demand.
A full moon falls on July 21, solace to hikers of long trails after sundown.

Campground fee is $6@ person @ night. Saturday night BBQ will be offered on a break even basis- around $10@ person. For those taking hikes supported by boat or ferry service, that cost will be split among the users.

Smoky Mt. Meadows Campground is located about three miles west of Bryson City. Take US 74 to Exit 64 (Alarka Road). Off ramp turn Left onto Alarka Road. Go 1.6 miles and turn left on East Alarka Road. Go 0.8 miles to entrance of campground.

REGISTRATION IS NECESSARY

CONTACT TED SNYDER AT: 864/ 638-3686 (tedsnyder@nuvox.net)

OK the thermometer is consistently over 80, the skies are hazy, the waxing moon is a little orange..time to hit the ol swimmin hole. The Smokies are full of 'em and here's your chance to post yours. First off - I've excluded the Sinks and Abrams Falls since everyone knows about them and while they fit the bill, they're too obvious. I've got a few faves..in no particular order:
-Midnight Hole - get there early and you can own the place. Huge boulders to lay a towel on. Chase trout in the clear water. Several smaller holes in the vicinity.
-Road Prong @ Fort Harry - long a favorite since its right off the main drag..but secluded enough to spawn many a brave skinny dip in midday.
-Three Forks - A true wilderness setting and trout to swim with and eat! Worth the effort in spades.
-Above Elkmont (substitute Tremont as you like) - Several fine,deep places along the Little River (or Middle Prong)
-Forney Creek - Trail goes right by some nice holes
Wildcat Falls - outside the Park (in Slickrock Wilderness), but still a favorite and a fun walk..

ANY OTHERS???

Recent article (see link below)states that Dale Ditmanson, the new Supt. of the Smokies is a real nice guy. Jim Hart of the Friends of the Smokies agrees, but then said something that gave me pause, "he wants the process to determine the outcome". Hmmm. Sounds like a true bureaucrat with that philosophy.
Now that the honeymoon is ending, some chinks in the affable Ditmanson's armor are showing. Word has it he is a bit aloof and non-committal with his staff. He seems to value process so much he seems like he has no views of his own. This is disturbing. This is not leadership. A Superintendent of the most visited and most imperiled National Park should not require "process" to lead. The fear with Ditmanson is he lacks the backbone to buck up to Washington and get the support that the Smokies need. Staff morale is in a deep funk and getting funkier every day. I can see that waiting for "the process to determine the outcome" is not exactly inspirational. However, I hope he will surprise us, I do not fault a man for easing into this volatile situation. I implore to all Smokies advocates to support him as they can. However, this is a critical year in the future of our Park, and if Mr. Ditmanson sits back and allows Washington to dictate policy, the Smokies may fall prey to those with personal agendas, and have the clout to make it happen. Let's hope Mr. Ditmanson has the fortitude to speak up for his staff and the best interests of the Park he was selected to manage.

http://www.knoxnews.com/kns/gs_news/article/0,1406,KNS_392_3808053,00.html