Cleared for Departure

Category: Appalachia 2020

Coming Home

My first experience with the High Country of North Carolina comes, surprisingly, during band camp.

August 3, 2020
I’m a Carpet Bagger, and Have Mixed Feelings About It

Am I what the High Country needs? Am I guilty of repeating history, and an ugly history at that?

August 2, 2020
Bonus Feature: Storms

We were treated to a spectacular summer storm, which rolled slowly into the area and put up quite a show.

August 1, 2020
How The Blowing Rock Got Its Name

As with most things, the story starts with star-crossed lovers.

August 1, 2020
A Brief History of Appalachia

A quick history of Appalachia.

July 30, 2020
Geologically Speaking

It all starts about a billion years ago. For the record, that’s a long time.

July 28, 2020
Appalachia Is Not Just Mountains

Welcome to Appalachia, home to 25 million people and the oldest mountains in North America … possibly the oldest in the world.

July 26, 2020
Off To See My People

So what exactly is Appalachia? Is it a place, a region, a specific mountain range? And where is it? Is it all The South, or a part of The South? Is it all of North Carolina? Is it a state of mind? Who lives there and why? Do they call themselves Appalachians? How is it…

July 25, 2020
This Can’t Be a Good Idea

I don’t normally write about my trips to Blowing Rock. I’ve been going for so many years, it hardly seems newsworthy. It’s not a very sexy destination either, like New Zealand or Latvia. However, given the circumstances, I thought it’d be nice to share a place I know and love, along with my usual commentary…

July 15, 2020