GoSmokies 11 - Honoring the Jedi

The day would be one filled with emotion, laughter, sadness and joy. After what appeared to be a loss of interest in the Bi-annual GoSmokies event, it was decided to give it another go and see what happened. Let’s face it, burn out seems to be just another part of life. It happens to people so why not events. Perhaps a break was needed. I know that I need a break now and then. Thus, it was on a recent hike with Marlene Denton and Jim Rigsby that the subject of reviving the GoSmokies event came up. To be fair, the idea was more Jim’s than mine. I have been burnt out for most of the last year so far as social media was concerned. After working on a couple books, my desire to write seemed to vanish and leave me with little to say. Any attempt at writing a blog seemed painful and fruitless. So to be honest, I was not as enthusiastic about doing another GoSmokies event as Mr. Rigsby was. But in hindsight, it might just have been what I needed to renew my interest in the site and perhaps future writing. Only time will tell. Also, since the event was billed as a memorial to my good buddy Mike Maples, it was hard to say no.

Perhaps it was self preservation that prompted me to keep my expectations low; thus, I pulled up to the Greenbrier Pavilion expecting only to see a few folks standing around. I expected perhaps 10 or 12 people might show up – 20 at best. Instead, I arrived to find more than 30 folks already scattered about the parking lot and it was not even 9:30 yet! I stepped out of my vehicle with a stunned look on my face as I scanned the huddled masses of hikers in deep conversations about such worldly matters as hiking boots, good trails and world domination by people with trekking poles! I saw new folks and close friends with whom I have not had the pleasure of seeing in over a year.

  

Everyone was smiling and with good cheer appeared ready for a great day in the Smokies.

There are times in my life when I have been elated to be wrong and this was one of those times.

The man in the black hat had done good and deserves a well earned round of applause for his efforts at reviving the event!

And just like she had in years past, we can thank Bonnie for making sure we had shelter from the storm, sun or any other elements that might crop up. She also had more faith than I that we could revive what appeared to have been an event gone sour. So glad was I to be wrong, that I soon came out of my state of shock and returned to my usual state of “seriousness” that I am well known for.

Soon, however, I was restrained and with my knee glued to the ground, we proceeded with the group photo.

The air was filled with so much good vibes and love was everywhere!

Incidentally, we have formed a new team known as the SLOTH HIKING TEAM. Our motto is, “We will get there when we get there.”

Alas, it was time to hit the road. Note David Sands in the photo below. He disappeared at some point during the hike and his whereabouts are unknown. He has been known to show up several days later at some unsuspecting hiker’s house typically around supper time. So be on the look out for him at your door. As long as you feed him, he is harmless and will go away after dinner. In the meantime, be on the lookout along cliff hangs as you may see him dangling from a rock fifty feet above you.

We followed the gravel road to the Old Settlers Trail where the tall Jedi tales began. I was honored that Jim wanted me to lead this special hike honoring Mike Maples. Our hike today was the very first hike at the first GoSmokies event which was, of course, lead by Mike Maples. Our destination was the Christopher Parton Cemetery about a quarter mile off the OST. Our hike including the road walk today was 3.2 miles.

Of course, I shared my story of how I came to know the Jedi. It was through his blogs on GoSmokies that I came to contact him and eventually hike with him. Our first hike was in early 2011 and was the first of numerous hikes. It was also an introduction to Ben Bacot who became, like Maples, a brother to me. Mike Maples loved an audience. But when he came across someone who shared the same enthusiasm for the Smokies that he had, it became more of a bond than just someone to share his knowledge with. We never really talked about it, but I think he liked the challenge that I presented him with. He was challenged to come up with more and go a bit deeper with me than some other folks. He could see my thirst for knowledge and the challenge of seeking out the mysteries of the mountains. Furthermore, he presented a challenge to me to come up with places that he had not been to. He was giving a lot of himself to me and I greatly wanted to give something in return. I had been visiting cemeteries for a couple years before meeting the Jedi and my interest had only deepened in that time. I was researching and looking for the lesser known and seldom visited cemeteries. Some of these were ones the Jedi had knowledge of; however, my good fortune was that I found two that he had not known of. Together, we went and found both of these cemeteries. If you have had the pleasure of being with Maples in an area that he has not been to before than you have an idea of what I am talking about. The “Oh so serious Jedi” transformed into “The Kid in the Candy Store!” Thus, we formed a great hiking team together as we went in search of Smokies treasure. Those are some great memories and are times that I will cherish always.

We proceed on up the OST and up above the creek. We soon dropped back down and took the side path to the Parton Cemetery. Marlene Denton, seen here performing one of her majestic stream crossings, met Maples long before GoSmokies. He literally popped out of the rhododendron and said, “Hi, I’m Mike Maples!” The rest is history!

We soon arrived at Mike Maples favorite cemetery.

And the marker bearing the namesake of the cemetery. Dolly’s Great Great Grandfather, Benjamin “Christopher” Parton.

We took pictures and shared more Maples antics before heading back to the Pavilion. I shared an interesting story about a visit I made to the cemetery a few years back. You might find it hard to believe that not everyone shared our enthusiasm for the Jedi; however, on this day, I met such a man. I had been photographing markers in the cemetery for about 20 minutes when, as I was photographing Christopher Parton’s marker, I noticed a man in a hammock about 20 feet in the woods behind the cemetery! We engaged in an interesting conversation where at one point I mentioned the name Mike Maples. He proceeded to tell me that he had run into that guy on a trail a few years back. “He told me some dang burned story about the name of a rock,” the man exclaimed. He indicated that Maples told him a few things that, in the mans opinion were all “Hogwash!” Apparently he wasn’t a fan!

I have actually had a couple other similar experiences when mentioning the name Mike Maples. Of course, one of these fellows seemed to think everybody was full of it, except him of course. This fellow did not seem too impressed with some of my blogs about Pete Prince cemetery claims in Cades Cove. Of course, I never tried to say that any of these were without a doubt verified cemeteries, nor did Maples. I had spent a lot of time photo copying the research of Pete Prince at the UT Library. This was another opportunity to give back to the Jedi, and I happily made copies and presented them to MM. With typical Maples enthusiasm he went in search of many of them in his neck of the woods. I was able to join him on a couple of those adventures. There were one or two that I had hoped to do in the future, but will now have to do so on my own. I can hear Maples now, telling me, “Use the force Gourley, use the force… the force be with you.” Yes, my friend, I will remember that when I go in search of these places.

Back at the creek crossing, I thought that I would outwit Marlene by hiding down the creek. But the force is strong with her as well and see quickly spotted me!

I quickly ran ahead to avoid further scolding and was soon back at the OST trailhead.

Before Marlene could find me, I was back at the Pavilion and ready for the traditional GoSmokies feast. Thank you to everyone who contributed goodies for the occasion.

Soon it was time for some folks to share their stories of Jedi escapades. But first Jim read Marlene’s list of everyone who had been naughty on the hike. It was a short list…only one name…wonder who that might have been…he he…

After Jim shared some tales, he turned it over to Jack Lail. Jack has been a wonderful supporter of our events since the beginning and recently retired as sorting out Maples fan mail was becoming too much for him!

Rightfully so, Jack credited Maples with being an important part of GoSmokies. Lets be honest, except for those who met Maples when Pterodactyls flew the friendly skies, most of us came to know Mike Maples through GoSmokies. Even some of the Facebook groups sprung from people who had first been on GoSmokies. GoSmokies was a springboard for other groups and groups of people to come together and hike. Do a Google search for Mike Maples blogs and you will find GoSmokies. Do a Google search for GoSmokies and you will find Mike Maples. Hence, they go together like peas and carrots. I remember that mama said that Maples was like a box of chocolates. Go on a hike with Maples and you never know what your gonna get. That’s all I have to say about that.  

Now I thought I felt something in the air when Mitch Reagan was sharing his Maples stories, but when I looked at the picture I was spooked and convinced that there was a presence that I felt during that time.

Was it sunlight or was the Jedi swooping in for a look at the proceedings going on in his honor?

Marlene was undecided on the matter.

In fact, Marlene was up next to do a presentation on Maples math. In this picture she explains about how much Maples actually knew about math!

Anyone who knew Maples or tried to do any of his blog hikes, could attest that the formula for Maples math goes something like this: 30 feet = 300 feet. Perhaps he just liked to drop zero’s. Most likely, he would say that he just wanted to keep you on your toes! Either way it was a wonderful day as we shared many stories to honor the one and only Mountain Jedi Mike Maples. As I drove the road out of Greenbrier, it only seemed fitting to end the day with a drive down to the Huskey cemetery to see my good buddy. I know he isn’t really there, but his memory is and that is what is important. The setting where his newly placed marker sits is so appropriate as you gaze up at the Greenbrier Pinnacle and think to yourself, “Mike Maples playground.” Mike Maples, I have and will always tease you. Your antics made me laugh. Your knowledge made me thirst. Your mumbling made me listen harder. Your friendship I will treasure. You are and always will be my brother.