Bob Was Here
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Like many artists, I pursue settings that display nature’s grandeur, unspoiled by humans. In my pursuit of truth and beauty, I encounter strange and striking reminders of the good and not-so-good in people. This collection includes several such intriguing images.
If you like what you see in Bob Was Here, return to this collection often. People do weird and wonderful things all the time!
Words to live by: Let no one say, and say it to your shame, that all was beauty here before you came.
(Author unknown. I read these words almost daily as I entered Alice Bell School during sixth through eighth grades.)
SBH60V Copyright 2024 Steven L Madden
A sentimental soul placed this bouquet on a bench beside Songbird Trail at Norris Dam in East Tennessee.
The note asks, Please do not take flowers as I have brought them to memorialize my friend “Old Hickory” who passed.
I presume Old Hickory was a faithful four-legged friend.
SBH57V Copyright 2024 Steven L Madden
Three generations of Millers carved a living out of rocky mountain soil in Carter County Tennessee near the North Carolina border.
Nathaniel Miller built this farm house with help from friends and relatives. His home, a barn and a few other structures remain for us to visit within Roan Mountain State Park.
SBH55H Copyright 2024 Steven L Madden
Hidden beneath morning fog below Norris Dam is Clinch River.
Look closely. Can you can see powerhouse lights just below the dam, and power lines that deliver 127 megawatts of electricity to Anderson County TN homes and businesses?
SBH54H Copyright 2024 Steven L Madden
Ever popular Songbird Trail points to Norris Dam, the first ever built by Tennessee Valley Authority.
Enjoy them when you visit Norris Dam State Park near Rocky Top TN.
SBH53H Copyright 2024 Steven L Madden
I am keen to learn more about trails, bridges, cabins and other structures built by Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.
Recent CCC research took me to Pickett CCC Memorial Park near Jamestown TN.
This emblem is at a gated entrance to Camp Dewitt Kinchen, CCC company 494, at Norris Dam State Park near Rocky Top TN.
SBH52V Copyright 2024 Steven L Madden
This and many other evidences of Camp 494 of the Civilian Conservation Corps remain at Norris Dam State Park, located between Rocky Top and Norris in East Tennessee.
This sturdy structure served as a grease pit to maintain Camp Sam and TVA work trucks during the 1930s.
SBH51H Copyright 2024 Steven L Madden
I arrived early at Ijams Nature Center.
As I stopped to capture the sunrise at 6am, this fishing boat sped by on the Tennessee River. Its captain was up and out earlier than I on this Saturday morning.
SBH50V Copyright 2024 Steven L Madden
Evidence at bottom in this Sheltowee Trace image suggests someone used this rock overhang as a back county campsite.
To camp under a rock structure is always ill advised.
To leave behind garbage or rubbish violates Leave No Trace principles that honorable hikers and backpackers follow.
SBH49V Copyright 2024 Steven L Madden
Lush vegetation lined Ironwood Trail, Spicebush Trail and the bridge across Kincaid Creek that connected the two.
Photographed in Kincaid Lake State Park near Falmouth KY.
SBH46V Copyright 2024 Steven L Madden
This scene made me feel most welcome at Baxter Gardens atop Black Oak Ridge on the north edge of Fountain City.
I met a master gardener there and expressed my gratitude for his work and the privilege to visit the private gardens.
SBH45V Copyright 2024 Steven L Madden
This is Bella.
She sits atop a brick wall in the White Garden at Baxter Gardens in Fountain City.
Ginger and Bill Baxter kindly open their amazing gardens to the public each April during Knoxville’s Dogwood Arts Festival.
SBH44H Copyright 2024 Steven L Madden
I appreciate this sturdy bridge across Panther Branch in Frozen Head State Park. But was the sign really necessary?!
I have crossed many that are less substantial, and this is the only hiking trail bridge I have seen with a weight limit warning.
SBH43V Copyright 2024 Steven L Madden
Julie and I met Audi as we hiked Middle Prong Trail toward Indian Flats Falls. She told us where to look for artifacts from CCC Camp 1461.
Audi and her friends had brushed leaves aside so we could see this concrete medallion. It dates to 1935 when dozens of young men lived and worked in this part of the Smoky Mountains.
SBH42H Copyright 2023 Steven L Madden
This was the last cabin I saw as I completed my walk beside Cades Cove Loop Road in the opposite direction as cars drive.
John Oliver fought to keep his home and land when Cades Cove residents were required to sell their properties during development of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Oliver lost his court case, was forced to move away, and was compensated for his land and improvements.
Of all GSMNP historic structures, this cabin was among the last to be vacated by mountain settlers.
SBH41V Copyright 2023 Steven L Madden
Upon arrival at High Ground Park, I met five energetic young people beginning outdoor work before 8am.
I expressed my appreciation for obvious quality of this park and other public places in Knoxville developed by Aslan Corporation.
Their comments indicated they enjoy working for Aslan.
SBH39V Copyright 2023 Steven L Madden
This is one of 251 homes built by the homeowner and his neighbors as part of the Cumberland Homesteads Project of the 1930s.
The exterior is Crab Orchard Stone; the interior features rich wood walls and ceilings; and it sits in a lovely meadow.
You can rent this historic home, called Coon Hollow Cabin, when you visit Cumberland Mountain State Park in Crossville Tennessee.
SBH38H Copyright 2023 Steven L Madden
Relics are obvious along Millennium Trail at Edgar Evins State Park near Silver Point TN.
I am glad these remain undisturbed so all who pass by may appreciate and ruminate about them.
A sign indicated these artifacts are associated with the former Lon Christian home site.
SBH37H Copyright 2022 Steven L Madden
Bobbie (not her real name) repurposes unused jewelry into artworks like this masterpiece.
Some of her art was displayed at Ijams Nature Center in December 2022. I presume the artist lives and works in Knoxville Tennessee.
SBH36V Copyright 2023 Steven L Madden
To hike a section of the Appalachian Trail in one direction often involves shuttling cars between start and finish points.
Friendly folks at Mountain Harbour Hostel in Roan Mountain TN provided our shuttle to Carver’s Gap for a fabulous day hike in October.
I was enthralled with Mountain Harbour’s Halloween and Thanksgiving decorations.
SBH35V Copyright 2023 Steven L Madden
Bob, a fire ranger, was at home here when the octagonal structure still served as a Smoky Mountain fire tower.
It must have been bittersweet for Bob to leave his Mount Cammerer perch sometime in the 1960s. On a clear day, views from there are breath-taking.
SBH34H Copyright 2023 Steven L Madden
This is one of five structures linked by pencil-shaped logs at Fort Watauga in Elizabethton TN.
Today’s fort was constructed based on archeological digs at the original site nearby. Fort Watauga was built by Mathew Talbot and his settler neighbors around 1776, to guard against imminent attacks by disgruntled Cherokee warriors.
Visit Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park and learn important history of America’s Revolutionary War, the Transylvania Purchase, and Overmountain Men who mustered at Sycamore Shoals prior to their September 1780 attack on the Loyalist Army led by British Major Patrick Ferguson.
SBH33V Copyright 2023 Steven L Madden
This is me after I finished thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail. Just kidding!
Actually, this is Chaplain Steve, one of many colorful characters I have met while section hiking the AT. I enjoyed our brief but fascinating conversation near Allen Gap in North Carolina.
SBH30H Copyright 2022 Steven L Madden
Other quotes by Scottish-born American naturalist John Muir:
“Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop away from you like the leaves of Autumn.”
“The mountains are calling and I must go.”
SBH29H Copyright 2023 Steven L Madden
Skyland Drive opened to Cumberland Mountain visitors in 1929, long before advocates convinced officials in Washington to create Cumberland Gap National Historic Park.
I completed the steep drive to the 2440 foot peak as the sun peeked over a ridge near this overlook called The Pinnacle.
SBH28H Copyright 2023 Steven L Madden
I was almost back to Cosby Campground when a gentleman just starting his hike pointed me to this old automobile.
The rusty relic rests just off Lower Mount Cammerer Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
SBH27V Copyright 2023 Steven L Madden
This fun woodcarving is in the Children’s Garden at Racheff Park & Garden in Knoxville Tennessee.
The unique city park was created by Ivan Racheff in the 1940s. It is now a certified arboretum that identifies more than 75 species of trees. The tree canopy creates an ideal atmosphere for a picnic in the shade.
SBH26V Copyright 2023 Steven L Madden
Bobbie visited Ijams Nature Center in Knoxville Tennessee.
Nature lifted Bobbie’s spirit. She left this note wishing you a good day.
SBH25V Copyright 2023 Steven L Madden
I noticed this plaque near Piney Falls trailhead on the edge of Piney Falls State Natural Area.
The U.S. Department of the Interior designated Piney Falls a National Natural Landmark. Fourteen Tennessee natural areas or features have earned this distinction.
I wonder how anyone decides which natural wonders are worthy to be called a national landmark?
SBH24H Copyright 2022 Steven L Madden
Do you know where to look for this iconic sign?
If you know where it stands in Knoxville Tennessee, still you would be hard pressed to replicate this image.
You would need to venture out after dark with a good camera.
And you would need someone to replace bad neon lights.
Not to worry. You can always buy a print of image SBH24H from me.
SBH23V Copyright 2022 Steven L Madden
Before I retired from my marketing role with AAA in 2021, I often walked near my office in downtown Knoxville Tennessee. Old Gray Cemetery was a favorite place for my midday walks.
I happened to be downtown in February 2022 when I walked past Old Gray Cemetery and took this photograph from Tyson Street.
SBH22V Copyright 2022 Steven L Madden
This mugshot of James Earl Ray is displayed at Brushy Mountain Prison near Petros Tennessee.
The infamous prison is now an attraction you can explore. You will discover its frightful history and the account of Ray’s escape utterly fascinating.
SBH01V Copyright 2020 Steven L Madden
This happy face caught my eye as I walked beside Cherokee Lake at Panther Creek State Park near Talbott, Tennessee.
SBH02H Copyright 2020 Steven L Madden
Four inches of snow accumulated on headstones at Woodlawn Cemetery in Knoxville, Tennessee on Christmas Eve.
SBH03H Copyright 2021 Steven L Madden
This structure, marred by graffiti, is near Mead’s Quarry Lake at Ijams Nature Center in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Marble was quarried there in the 19th century, when Knoxville was sometimes referred to as Marble City.
SBH04V Copyright 2021 Steven L Madden
Big Foot exists!
I noticed this footprint while hiking Low Gap II Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Cosby, Tennessee.
I suppose it measured about twelve inches from toe to heel.
SBH05H Copyright 2020 Steven L Madden
Sgt. Alvin C. York State Historic Park, in Pall Mall, Tennessee, offers guided tours of the house where he lived after his military service ended.
While touring the house, I photographed these vintage shoes and other keepsakes related to Sgt. York, who was a decorated World War I soldier.
SBH06V Copyright 2020 Steven L Madden
The Keyhole (shown here) and Rock Bridge provided workers access to another side of a marble quarry during the 19th century.
You can access them by hiking a short distance along Imerys Trail from Mead’s Quarry parking area at Ijams Nature Center in Knoxville, Tennessee.
SBH07V Copyright 2020 Steven L Madden
I took this photograph in the Gristmill area of Norris Dam State Park near Rocky Top, Tennessee.
I learned from the park’s Interpretive Ranger that the tub was used to perform the gruesome task of scalding hogs.
SBH08V Copyright 2020 Steven L Madden
In years past, this path at Ijams Nature Center in Knoxville, Tennessee, was often too muddy to walk.
Thankfully, Bob made good use of a fallen tree.
SBH09V Copyright 2021 Steven L Madden
This handsome barn welcomes visitors to Seven Islands State Birding Park near Kodak, Tennessee.
About a 20-minute drive along I-40 east from downtown Knoxville, Seven Islands is Tennessee’s first and only state birding park.
SBH10H Copyright 2020 Steven L Madden
This is the popular Mile High Swinging Bridge at Grandfather Mountain State Park near Linville, North Carolina.
When you visit, be prepared for wind and cool temperatures, especially at the park’s highest elevation.
SBH11H Copyright 2021 Steven L Madden
What motivates graffiti artists?
Why would the anonymous illustrator make this sentiment public?
I made this photograph along an abandoned railroad track at Ijams Nature Center in Knoxville, Tennessee.
SBH12V Copyright 2021 Steven L Madden
This chiseled monument represents the signing of Treaty of Holston by territory governor William Blount, Cherokee leader John Watts and others.
The monument stands beside the Tennessee (formerly Holston) River in Knoxville, Tennessee.
SBH13V Copyright 2021 Steven L Madden
While in Greenback, Tennessee, Carla and I stopped by Cloyd’s Creek Presbyterian Church, built circa 1872. Through a dusty window, I noticed this attendance board on an interior wall.
Did three church attenders actually donate $4900 last Sunday?!
SBH14H Copyright 2021 Steven L Madden
The Greenback Drug Company was started by Carla’s great grandfather in 1923. Carla and her mother worked in the family business, which included a diner.
Present-day owners added this mural to an exterior wall of what is now called Greenback Diner.
SBH15H Copyright 2020 Steven L Madden
John and Lurany Oliver were among the first to settle in a broad valley of Blount County, Tennessee now known as Cades Cove.
This replica substitutes for their original cabin. It is alongside Cades Cove Loop Road in Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Townsend, Tennessee.
SBH16V Copyright 2021 Steven L Madden
This bridge aids hikers along Squibb Creek Trail toward Squibb Creek Falls, near Chuckey, Tennessee.
Soon after you begin your hike along Squibb Creek Trail, you cross into the Sampson Mountain Wilderness area of Cherokee National Forest.
SBH17V Copyright 2021 Steven L Madden
The Pearl Harbor Tree is a short walk into the woods from Cades Cove Loop Road near Townsend, Tennessee. I required Julie’s help to locate the memorial tree.
Golman Myers transplanted the tree to this location on December 7, 1941, “a date which will live in infamy.”
SBH18V Copyright 2021 Steven L Madden
Knoxvillians experienced more moral than military conflict during our country’s Civil War.
Fort Dickerson is preserved atop a hill south of the river in Knoxville, Tennessee. It is an earthen fort built 1863-1864, and occupied alternately by Union and Confederate troops.
SBH19V Copyright 2021 Steven L Madden
I saw this attention-grabbing yet distressing graffiti at Ijams Nature Center in Knoxville, Tennessee.
A true artist does not deface private or public property.
SBH20H Copyright 2021 Steven L Madden
This relic is just off Middle Prong Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
According to “Hiking Trails of the Smokies,” the vehicle is a Cadillac that belonged to a supervisor of Civilian Conservation Corps workers.
SBH21V Copyright 2021 Steven L Madden
Please read and heed this message from our National Park Service.
The sign stands near a historic structure in the Cades Cove area of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.