tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-94997672024-03-19T03:46:39.819-05:00Chuck SutherlandA Tennessee naturalist's photography, maps, and projects.Chuck Sutherlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02409762025095859458noreply@blogger.comBlogger158125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9499767.post-68295226666378893382023-12-17T14:09:00.010-06:002024-01-02T11:16:35.131-06:00Benefits to Having Your Cave Documented<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/32895341640/" title="Cascade Hall, Blue Spring Cave, White County, Tennessee 1"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/2904/32895341640_731a80e023_c.jpg" width="800" height="533" alt="Cascade Hall, Blue Spring Cave, White County, Tennessee 1"/></a>
A landowner with a cave on their property recently reached out to me and asked the following, "I have been wanting to get in touch with someone knowledgeable regarding caves and discuss one I have on our property... Just wondering if it would be beneficial for the cave to be assessed by a professional and any advice to preserve it." This is an excellent question, and I probably should have been better prepared to answer it.<br><br>
As someone who frequently explores caves, and who frequently meets landowners with caves, I think the more precise question to ask is "What benefit is it to me that my cave be described?"<br><br>
I'll throw some potential benefits out, which may or may not entirely match the uniqueness of a particular cave.
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<h3>Preservation through Awareness</h3>
We cannot protect something which we don't know about or understand. Understanding and documenting what lies within caves allows us to craft effective conservation efforts. By knowing the value and significance of these sites, there's a higher likelihood of implementing measures to protect them from vandalism, looting, or unintentional damage.
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/4633472465/" title="Big Bone Cave Entrance, Big Bone Cave SNA, Van Buren Co, TN"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/4018/4633472465_c16b164a59_m.jpg" width="240" height="161" alt="Big Bone Cave Entrance, Big Bone Cave SNA, Van Buren Co, TN"/></a>
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<h3>Educational Opportunities</h3>
Access to caves can be a gateway for educational programs. Allowing exploration can facilitate field trips for students, enabling hands-on learning experiences about geology, biology, history, and environmental conservation. Experienced cavers have equipment to take all kinda of people safely caving. One of our favorite things is to take a landowner into their own cave to places they wouldn't otherwise be able to get to!
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/36220056614/" title="Toni Sullivan, Moonscape, Blue Spring Cave, White County, Tennessee"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/4416/36220056614_1b9f97a296_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="Toni Sullivan, Moonscape, Blue Spring Cave, White County, Tennessee"/></a>
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<h3>Scientific Research</h3>
Caves can be places to collect scientific data, such as dates from speleological formations, measurements taken in unique ecosystems, and potentially describe new species. Encouraging exploration allows scientists to conduct research that contributes to our understanding of geology, biology, ecology, and hydrology.
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/52480996832" title="Isuru Priyaranga Silva, Hazel Barton, Sink of Gleason Creek, White County, Tennessee 4"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52480996832_fefcc5caab_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="Isuru Priyaranga Silva, Hazel Barton, Sink of Gleason Creek, White County, Tennessee 4"/></a>
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<h3>Cultural Heritage</h3>
Some caves have historical and cultural significance, containing evidence of past human habitation, artwork, or rituals. Preserving these sites allows for a deeper understanding and appreciation of our cultural heritage. Some Tennessee caves are places where people held church services, some were used as places to play music and dance while enjoying a respite from warm summer temperatures. Some of our caves were mined for saltpetre for the War of 1812 and the American Civil War. These are a shared heritage that we need to study, understand, and preserve. Many times it is literally the landowner's own heritage which they may or not be aware of.
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/50204272357" title="Kristen Garrison, Saltpeter works, VB147 4"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50204272357_20cf813efe_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="Kristen Garrison, Saltpeter works, VB147 4"/></a>
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<h3>Environmental Monitoring</h3>
Caves can serve as natural indicators of environmental changes. Studying them over time can provide insights into climate shifts, groundwater patterns, and their impact on ecosystems.
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/49316981532" title="Evan Hart, Capshaw Cave, Putnam County, Tennessee 3"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49316981532_a67b97c5e0_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="Evan Hart, Capshaw Cave, Putnam County, Tennessee 3"/></a>
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<h3>Collaborative Partnerships</h3>
Encouraging cooperation between cavers, landowners, and relevant authorities fosters a sense of shared responsibility. This collaboration can establish guidelines for responsible exploration and conservation.
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/40830369913" title="Laurel Abernathy, Kelli Lewis, Blue Spring Cave, White County, Tennessee"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/40830369913_c074ac2908_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="Laurel Abernathy, Kelli Lewis, Blue Spring Cave, White County, Tennessee"/></a>
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<h3>Legacy</h3>
Caves are often christened with names as per the landowners' preferences. While some restrictions may apply, there's an opportunity to immortalize your family's surname alongside the word 'cave.' Additionally, contingent upon cartographic and photographic resources, cavers can provide you with a comprehensive map and captivating photos of your cave. Picture this: impress your colleagues with stunning cave images and an intriguing tale—'I have a cave named after me.' It's a unique legacy that adds an intriguing dimension to your family history.
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/40599958193/" title="Athawominee map"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/7905/40599958193_07f2988693_m.jpg" width="240" alt="Native American footprint, Unnamed Cave, Tennessee"/></a>
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<h3>Curiosity</h3>
We are a curious species. The caves themselves tell that story - caves in Tennessee were explored 6000 years ago by barefoot Native Americans with river cane torches. Why? Because they were curious. I am too, and so are you probably. We are curious.
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/53417581614" title="River cane, prehistoric, Unnamed Cave, Kentucky 1"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53417581614_4fbf52cfd1_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="River cane, prehistoric, Unnamed Cave, Kentucky 1"/></a>
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In documenting caves, we go beyond mere exploration. It's a commitment to preserving our natural heritage, fostering education, advancing scientific knowledge, and safeguarding cultural legacies. By understanding and cataloging these subterranean wonders, we illuminate pathways to environmental conservation and collaborative stewardship. The caves hold stories of our past, present, and future—each passage and formation is a thread in the rich tapestry of our world. Embracing the documentation of caves isn't just an act of curiosity; it's a way to access our collective history and it can be a gift to the generations yet to come.<br><br>
If you have a cave you want to document, consider contacting your local grotto (caving club). You can find a list of them here: <a href="https://caves.org/find-a-grotto/" target="_blank">https://caves.org/find-a-grotto/</a>Chuck Sutherlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02409762025095859458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9499767.post-87371232328236688072023-12-12T14:04:00.001-06:002023-12-15T14:57:09.862-06:00Map Portfolio<h2 style="text-align: left;">Dynamic Maps</h2>
These maps are ones that I have produced either professionally or as a hobbyist using ESRI's ArcGIS Online platform with Dashbaords or the Experience Builder tools.<br><br>
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<a href="https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/77216f0837444f2ea8d056b1a200c2ab/" target="_blank">
<h3>The Tennessee Comb Grave Tradition</h3>
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/5580/30870365191_d7c7081287_c.jpg"></iframe></a><br>
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I put this Experience together for Ric Finch, who researches comb graves. A "comb grave" is a burial that features a grave cover made, normally, of two rectangular slabs of stone leaned together to form a gable roof over the grave. The term "comb" signifies "the crest or ridge of a roof". It includes my photographs, a Survey123 form for submitting new comb graves, as well as an interactive map.
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<a href="https://tntech.maps.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/023f94f9a4ac45fdac74b015bc26c655" target="_blank">
<h3>Tennessee Cave Survey 2023</h3>
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53392169369_60bfa4cd46_n.jpg"></a>
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This is my attempt to create an interesting dashboard for the Tennessee Cave Survey that provides detailed statistical information about described caves in the state without sharing location information.
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<h2 style="text-align: left;">Static Maps</h2>
All of these maps were produced using ArcMap 10.x, ArcGIS Pro, and/or Photoshop over the span of the last 15 years, or so. Some I am quite proud of, and others I have just used to benchmark my progress by. Like my interests, their subject matter is diverse.<br><br>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/albums/72157688259108554/">
<h3>Cave Maps</h3>
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50875573288_6be8820db3_m.jpg" /></a>
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With the ultimate goal of having a cave density map of the USA I started producing these maps for state cave surveys back around 2007. While each state is working on its own data, and year by year improving it, I like to update these as resources for the caving community and the general public who may be interested in caves.
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/albums/72157713664909421/">
<h3>COVID-19 Maps</h3>
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49744232257_73a8c67c63_m.jpg" /></a>
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When COVID-19 happened, every data nerd and geospatial analyst was crunching the numbers that we could find. This is what I did for fun for the first few weeks of lockdown.
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/sets/72157714153494946/">
<h3>Drone Maps</h3>
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49852787536_649d75eb2c_m.jpg" /></a>
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A few photos of natural features with a scale bar and a north arrow.
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/albums/72157714067131458/">
<h3>Declared Disaster Maps</h3>
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49827070832_1146e6ca0d_m.jpg" /></a>
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This is another COVID lockdown project. I mapped the modal disaster type for each county in the contiguous United States. A few versions of the map are here.
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/albums/72157693568053212/">
<h3>Graphical Maps</h3>
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48483364556_eaecec059d_m.jpg" /></a>
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More graphic design than map. These are just artsy projects which I thought would be fun to include.
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/sets/72157680451936898/">
<h3>Historic Maps</h3>
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50901023808_0bf685f83f_m.jpg" /></a>
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Imaging of historic maps (that I didn't make), and layovers of historic maps with modern data.
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/sets/72157684140614422/">
<h3>Marketing Maps</h3>
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/33911409348_62954c44fa_m.jpg" /></a>
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Maps made for clients.
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/sets/72157687506806141/">
<h3>Public Land Maps</h3>
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48630582453_4dc555e643_m.jpg" /></a>
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Maps of public lands.
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/albums/72157712605454427/">
<h3>Tennessee Maps</h3>
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48987807326_5fc6daf576_m.jpg" /></a>
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Maps of Tennessee.
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/albums/72157687641366125/">
<h3>Thematic Maps</h3>
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/7015/6643398401_8b86e87b06_m.jpg" /></a>
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Maps with thematic elements (that's all of them, right?).
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/albums/72157687641347245/">
<h3>Trail Maps</h3>
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49867413488_6470c5d58b_m.jpg" /></a>
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Maps of trails that I've hiked.
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/albums/72157712606983388/">
<h3>USA Maps</h3>
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49914030491_35259cc1d9_m.jpg" /></a>
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Maps of the USA.
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</center>Chuck Sutherlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02409762025095859458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9499767.post-84118794087835425682023-11-30T18:54:00.002-06:002023-11-30T18:54:50.704-06:00Rock Island State Park<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/12990638214/" title="Lower Great Falls, Rock Island State Park, White and Warren County, Tennessee 1"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/7406/12990638214_baec250d82_c.jpg" width="760" alt="Lower Great Falls, Rock Island State Park, White and Warren County, Tennessee 1"/></a><br><br>
Rock Island State Park straddles the county boundaries of White and Warren. The less busy, more hiking available, best canyon and waterfall views are all best observed from the north side in White County.<br><br>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">Maps</h2>
The canyon you walk through is formed almost entirely in the Fort Payne Formation, so look for freakishly huge crinoids in the boulders that are too large for people to carry off in their pockets. Burrow casts are also visible in many of the rocks. Surely in times prehistoric there were geodes-=a-plenty to be found there, but the hoards of tourists have long since stripped that resource from the area.<br><br>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/32477547862" title="Rock Island State Park Map, Warren County, Tennessee"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/761/32477547862_27c8ef0276_c.jpg" width="760" alt="Rock Island State Park Map, Warren County, Tennessee"></a>
<iframe src="https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/f271c276873040ad886bba512b01c8bf/" width="760" height="550"></iframe>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">Waterfalls</h2>
As you approach on a warm day with the windows down you can hear the roar of Twin Falls (Tennessee's largest waterfall by volume) before you can see it. It is effectively a man-made waterfall that results as a portion of the Collins River is pirated through conduits in the cliff as a result of Great Falls Dam raising the water table.<br><br>
From the northern approach one can go left to go upstream and see a handful of waterfalls including Lower Great, Great, Ice Hole (lol), and Curtain Falls. Before the days when the park closed the gorge to early morning access, this was a secret sunrise spot for me and gave me many good photos. Downstream there is a lingering view of Twin Falls, and there is Little Falls, which is a triple natural arch, travertine formation, and waterfall (useful when you're going to landform bingo).<br><br>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/search/?user_id=9563286%40N03&sort=date-taken-desc&text=%22rock%20island%22%20waterfall&view_all=1" title="Flickr Search"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/5345/17187294551_05d67d7ff5_c.jpg" width="760" alt="Flickr Search"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">Plants</h2>
Plenty of wildflowers can be found, especially in the spring there at Rock Island State Park. In the canyon, look for wild red columbine (<i>Aquilegia canadensis</i>) clinging to the cliff walls. Trilliums, lillies, Hepatica, and Phlox abound in the rocky soils adjacent to boulders and cliffs.<br><br>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/search/?user_id=9563286%40N03&sort=date-taken-desc&view_all=1&text=%22rock%20island%22%20plantae" title="Flickr Search"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/7670/16542145804_e1c789f214_c.jpg" width="760" alt="Flickr Search"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">Flooding</h2>
You know me, I cannot resist a good flood. I was fortunate enough to have seen a spectacular event in February of 2020. Many of the below photos and videos are from then.<br><br>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/search/?user_id=9563286%40N03&sort=date-taken-desc&view_all=1&text=%22rock%20island%22%20flood" title="Flickr Search"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/31337/49499185828_0748cb4d96_c.jpg" width="760" alt="Flickr Search"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>Chuck Sutherlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02409762025095859458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9499767.post-52969715979570429712023-11-17T12:37:00.000-06:002023-11-17T12:37:15.085-06:00Pogue Creek Canyon State Natural Area<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/49909760767" title="Megan Atkinson, Kildeer Arch, Pogue Creek Canyon SNA, Fentress County, Tennessee 1"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49909760767_9467b5eace_c.jpg" width="760" alt="Megan Atkinson, Kildeer Arch, Pogue Creek Canyon SNA, Fentress County, Tennessee 1"/></a><br><br>
Pogue Creek Canyon State Natural Area is one of my favorite places to hike in Tennessee. With few people on the trails it is easy to get lost in the beauty of solitude. In the headwaters of a gorge winding its way from the Cumberland plateau, the cliffs, shelters, and natural arches in this part of Fentress County are formed of a lighter colored sandstone than surrounding areas. As a result fresh rock faces almost seem to glow with a warm radiance.<br><br>
Several trails are available to take, including a few routes which loop you back to generally where you began. Large ladders have been placed along some of the cliffs which may present a challenge to those afraid of heights or exposure.<br>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">Maps</h2>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/34227566306/" title="Pogue Creek Canyon SNA map, Fentress County, Tennessee"><img alt="Pogue Creek Canyon SNA map, Fentress County, Tennessee" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/2865/34227566306_861686bf6e_c.jpg" width="760" /></a>
<iframe height="550" src="https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/8638e972598846fbbd73729afdeea3b7" width="760"></iframe></h2>
<a href="https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/8638e972598846fbbd73729afdeea3b7">Fullscreen map.</a><br /><br />
<h2 style="text-align: left;">Cliffs</h2>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/search/?user_id=9563286%40N03&sort=date-taken-desc&view_all=1&text=Pogue%20Creek%20cliff" title="Flickr Search"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/4533/26604117859_284a2750d5_c.jpg" width="760" height="550" alt="Flickr Search"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">Natural Arches</h2>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/search/?user_id=9563286%40N03&sort=date-taken-desc&view_all=1&text=Pogue%20Creek%20arch" title="Flickr Search"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/4573/26604112929_7b0bc8127f_c.jpg" width="760" height="550" alt="Flickr Search"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">Rock Shelters</h2>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/search/?user_id=9563286%40N03&sort=date-taken-desc&view_all=1&text=Pogue%20Creek%20shelter" title="Flickr Search"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/7430/11931966725_4dca452b9b_c.jpg" width="760" height="550" alt="Flickr Search"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">Fungi</h2>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/search/?user_id=9563286%40N03&sort=date-taken-desc&view_all=1&text=Pogue%20Creek%20fungi" title="Flickr Search"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/2883/34022966146_bb4508937c_c.jpg" width="760" height="550" alt="Flickr Search"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>Chuck Sutherlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02409762025095859458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9499767.post-65304934492266364742023-11-17T12:20:00.004-06:002023-11-17T12:20:35.112-06:00Edgar Evins State Park<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/52726578539" title="Erigenia bulbosa, Edgan Evins State Park, DeKalb County, Tennessee 1"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52726578539_f1d4f8d9ac_c.jpg" width="760" alt="Erigenia bulbosa, Edgan Evins State Park, DeKalb County, Tennessee 1"/></a><br><br>
Edgar Evins State Park is tucked among the hills and hollars above Center Hill Dam and surrounding Center Hill Lake. It is a fine state park for those who enjoy fishing and lake access. There are several enjoyable hiking trails there as well. At Edgar Evins what I appreciate the most are the wildflowers. Spring, Summer, and Fall one finds a different assortment of flowers to enjoy and photograph. The most obvious trail, running behind the nature center, is perhaps the best for wildflowers.<br><br>
With so much lake frontage, especially in the Winter, one can also find plenty of Mississippian fossils along the shores of Center Hill Lake. As far as I know the park doesn't let you take fossils home, which is just as well since I have so very many rocks at home already. Many of the best fossils are found <i>in-situ</i> (in the bedrock) so it wouldn't be practical to try to take them home.<br>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">Map</h2>
<iframe height="550" src="https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/c05336b640a749f88efaea687bfdd0db" width="760"></iframe><br />
<a href="https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/c05336b640a749f88efaea687bfdd0db">Fullscreen map.</a><br /><br />
<h2 style="text-align: left;">Plants</h2>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/search/?user_id=9563286%40N03&sort=date-taken-desc&view_all=1&text=Edgar%20Evins%20plantae" title="Flickr Search"><img alt="Flickr Search" height="550" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52725801462_d5d72a1bde_c.jpg" width="760" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">Fungi</h2>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/search/?user_id=9563286%40N03&sort=date-taken-desc&view_all=1&text=Edgar%20Evins%20fungi" title="Flickr Search"><img alt="Flickr Search" height="550" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52726583544_9d5aba2ab9_c.jpg" width="760" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">Center Hill Lake</h2>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/search/?user_id=9563286%40N03&sort=date-taken-desc&view_all=1&text=Edgar%20Evins%20lake" title="Flickr Search"><img alt="Flickr Search" height="550" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49959225458_113773caf3_c.jpg" width="760" /></a></h2><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>Chuck Sutherlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02409762025095859458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9499767.post-16696825411928754872023-11-17T08:46:00.010-06:002023-11-17T09:05:54.460-06:00Pickett State Park<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/33741904755" title="Hazard Cave, Pickett SP, Pickett County, Tennessee 4"><img alt="Hazard Cave, Pickett SP, Pickett County, Tennessee 4" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/2845/33741904755_374afa9526_c.jpg" width="760" /></a><br><br>
Pickett State Park is located in Pickett County, Tennessee. However management of Pogue Creek Canyon State Natural Area is through Pickett State Park. Pogue Creek Canyon SNA is in Fentress County. This is a point of some confusion. The state park is surrounded by a state forest of the same name, which (similar to Standing Stone) is also a point of some confusion.<br><br>
Pickett State Park is known for its lake and explary Cumberland Plateau landforms, such as natural arches and rock shelters. While water on the Cumberland Plateau tends to quickly run off, the park has a lake, a perrenial creek (Thompson Creek), and a waterfall (Crystal Falls).<br><br>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">Maps</h2>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/31298090183" title="Pickett State Park, Tennessee"><img alt="Pickett State Park, Tennessee" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/636/31298090183_3950b93483_b.jpg" width="760" /></a>
<iframe height="550" src="https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/c24e598b18d14998b657c473aa94e6f0" width="760"></iframe></h2>
<a href="https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/c24e598b18d14998b657c473aa94e6f0">Fullscreen map.</a><br /><br />
<h2 style="text-align: left;">Natural Arches</h2>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/search/?user_id=9563286%40N03&sort=date-taken-desc&view_all=1&text=%22pickett%20state%20park%22%20%22natural%20arch%22" title="Flickr Search"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/2856/33585356622_e8085d576d_c.jpg" width="760" height="550" alt="Pickett State Park Natural Arches"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">Rock Shelters</h2>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/search/?user_id=9563286%40N03&sort=date-taken-desc&view_all=1&text=%22pickett%20state%20park%22%20%22rock%20shelter%22" title="Flickr Search"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/4577/24984117518_a68d7e145d_c.jpg" width="760" height="550" alt="Pickett State Park Rock Shelters"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">Creek</h2>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/search/?user_id=9563286%40N03&sort=date-taken-desc&view_all=1&text=%22pickett%20state%20park%22%20%22creek%22" title="Flickr Search"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/958/28085025938_609fd6b28d_c.jpg" width="760" height="550" alt="Pickett State Park Creeks"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">Waterfall</h2>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/search/?user_id=9563286%40N03&sort=date-taken-desc&view_all=1&text=%22pickett%20state%20park%22%20%22waterfall%22" title="Flickr Search"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/4522/24984110728_b0ed57718a_c.jpg" width="760" height="550" alt="Pickett State Park Waterfalls"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">Archaeology</h2>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/search/?%23x3D%3B9563286%40N03=&amp%3Bsort=&%23x3D%3Bdate-taken-desc=&amp%3Bview_all=&%23x3D%3B1=&amp%3Btext=&%23x3D%3B%22pickett%20state%20park%22%20%22archaeology%22=&text=%22pickett%20state%20park%22%20archaeology&sort=relevance" title="Flickr Search"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/2915/33933977171_16a69498d4_c.jpg" width="760" height="550" alt="Flickr Search"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>Chuck Sutherlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02409762025095859458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9499767.post-82527098091954755162023-09-04T18:31:00.021-05:002023-09-04T18:46:10.564-05:00Black Mountain - The Annual Crab Spider-a-thon<table align="left" cellpadding="8"><tr><td align="center"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kellilewisphoto/53164133937" title="Black Mountain macro"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53164133937_50148897a6_n.jpg" width="320" height="213" alt="Black Mountain macro" /></a><br><font size="1">Goldenrod crab spider (<i>Misumena vatia</i>)</font></td></tr></table>
All photos by my beautiful wife, Kelli Lewis-Sutherland.<br /><br />
My wife and her best friend, Laurel Abernathy have an annual tradition of visiting the Black Mountain segment of the Cumberland Trail yearly in late August or early September so that they can photograph crab spiders.<br /><br />
Many years ago they discovered that the swaths of Maryland golden-aster (<i>Chrysopsis mariana</i>) growing alongside the trail there are also home to the adorable goldenrod crab spider (<i>Misumena vatia</i>). Approximately one in ten of the flowers has a little white or yellow spider hiding and waiting for its next meal.<br /><br />
<table align="right" cellpadding="8"><tr><td align="center"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kellilewisphoto/53165200478" title="Ghost pipe"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53165200478_ec8530d234_n.jpg" width="213" height="320" alt="Ghost pipe" /></a><br><font size="1">Ghost pipe (<i>Monotropa uniflora</i>)</font></td></tr></table>
We were guaranteed to get our best photos yet, because we now have a Canon EF100mm f/2.8L macro lens and a ring flash. For a little less than a year, we've been experimenting and learning from this combination and have taken lots of pretty decent macros of tiny critters and flowers.<br /><br />
We met up with Laurel and her daughter at the trailhead at 10am and proceeded to very slowly walk towards the tower. This part of the trail is mowed annually, and its lack of forest canopy, while making us quite warm and possibly sunburnt, is the perfect niche ecosystem for the flowers and spiders we are looking for.<br /><br />
Without wasting any time, we started finding spiders in profuse numbers. Soon we've all seen dozens of them, and other insects provided interesting breaks from crab spider-ing.<br /><br />
Being mostly support for this mission, as Kelli had the macro lens, I focused on taking photos for submission to iNaturalist with my cell phone and camera, as well as track logging our short hike. Below is a quick ArcGIS Online map of where we hiked and what we observed. <a href="https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/58c4af3c51294fb6a4e26f2739cf4a59" target="_blank">Click here for a full screen view of the map.</a><br /><br />
<div style="border: 0;">
<iframe src="https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/58c4af3c51294fb6a4e26f2739cf4a59" width="780" height="780" style="position:relative;overflow:hidden;"></iframe>
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<div align="center">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kellilewisphoto/53164722026" title="Black Mountain macro"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53164722026_49f99b6ac0_n.jpg" width="320" height="213" alt="Black Mountain macro"/></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kellilewisphoto/53164133682" title="Ambush bug (Phymata fasciata)"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53164133682_42d513fa23_n.jpg" width="320" height="213" alt="Ambush bug (Phymata fasciata)"/></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kellilewisphoto/53165205968" title="Jumping Spider (Salticinae)"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53165205968_097188437d_n.jpg" width="320" height="213" alt="Jumping Spider (Salticinae)"/></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kellilewisphoto/53164721076" title="Eastern Calligrapher (Toxomerus geminatus)"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53164721076_06098b092d_n.jpg" width="320" height="213" alt="Eastern Calligrapher (Toxomerus geminatus)"/></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kellilewisphoto/53164720381" title="Eastern Calligrapher (Toxomerus geminatus)"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53164720381_cfe44a2715_n.jpg" width="320" height="213" alt="Eastern Calligrapher (Toxomerus geminatus)"/></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kellilewisphoto/53165205448" title="Black Mountain macro"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53165205448_18fbfdbbc6_n.jpg" width="320" height="213" alt="Black Mountain macro"/></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kellilewisphoto/53165204368" title="Black Mountain macro"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53165204368_51cf822a76_n.jpg" width="320" height="213" alt="Black Mountain macro"/></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kellilewisphoto/53164719316" title="Eastern Calligrapher (Toxomerus geminatus)"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53164719316_c62b80171b_n.jpg" width="320" height="213" alt="Eastern Calligrapher (Toxomerus geminatus)"/></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kellilewisphoto/53165151765" title="Common Tree Crickets (Genus Oecanthus)"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53165151765_f908600dfa_n.jpg" width="320" height="213" alt="Common Tree Crickets (Genus Oecanthus)"/></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kellilewisphoto/53164919804" title="Crab spider with fly"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53164919804_014a4b4a4d_n.jpg" width="320" height="213" alt="Crab spider with fly"/></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kellilewisphoto/53164920049" title="Goldenrod Soldier Beetle (Chauliognathus pensylvanicus)"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53164920049_5a30091aae_n.jpg" width="320" height="213" alt="Goldenrod Soldier Beetle (Chauliognathus pensylvanicus)"/></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kellilewisphoto/53164719081" title="Black Mountain macro"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53164719081_a09ea4e8f0_n.jpg" width="320" height="213" alt="Black Mountain macro"/></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kellilewisphoto/53164717756" title="Black Mtn macro"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53164717756_9003c1128b_n.jpg" width="320" height="213" alt="Black Mtn macro"/></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kellilewisphoto/53165202363" title="Phymata fasciata"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53165202363_303a1f96cf_n.jpg" width="320" height="213" alt="Phymata fasciata"/></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kellilewisphoto/53164919699" title="Crab spider"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53164919699_c1e1c33303_n.jpg" width="320" height="213" alt="Crab spider"/></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kellilewisphoto/53165202213" title="Black Mtn Macro"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53165202213_700466b819_n.jpg" width="320" height="213" alt="Black Mtn Macro"/></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kellilewisphoto/53165201598" title="Crab spider"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53165201598_204e1f2a3d_n.jpg" width="320" height="213" alt="Crab spider"/></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kellilewisphoto/53164918514" title="Wasp (maybe Gnamptopelta obsidianator)"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53164918514_e9735c895d_n.jpg" width="320" height="213" alt="Wasp (maybe Gnamptopelta obsidianator)"/></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kellilewisphoto/53165147985" title="Spotted Apatelodes Moth (Apatelodes torrefacta)"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53165147985_0eaf10493a_n.jpg" width="320" height="213" alt="Spotted Apatelodes Moth (Apatelodes torrefacta)"/></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kellilewisphoto/53165201433" title="Bald-faced Hornet (Dolichovespula maculata)"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53165201433_da0b5cc5e7_n.jpg" width="320" height="213" alt="Bald-faced Hornet (Dolichovespula maculata)"/></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kellilewisphoto/53165201698" title="Chinese Mantis (Tenodera sinensis) eating cicada"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53165201698_8a8de1692b_n.jpg" width="213" height="320" alt="Chinese Mantis (Tenodera sinensis) eating cicada"/></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kellilewisphoto/53165147990" title="Ghost pipe"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53165147990_d87e5f84f2_n.jpg" width="213" height="320" alt="Ghost pipe"/></a>
</div>
Chuck Sutherlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02409762025095859458noreply@blogger.com0Tennessee, USA35.5174913 -86.58044737.2072574638211577 -121.7366973 63.827725136178849 -51.4241973tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9499767.post-42276388320374459172023-04-28T14:34:00.004-05:002023-11-16T16:17:11.968-06:00Burgess Falls State Park<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/8248215480/" title="Burgess Falls, Burgess Falls State Park, White County, Tennessee 15"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/8248215480_5649644693_c.jpg" width="100%" alt="Burgess Falls, Burgess Falls State Park, White County, Tennessee 15"></a><br><br>
Burgess Falls State Park is a beautiful place to visit, and I'm excited to tell you about it!<br><br>
The park is located in middle Tennessee, about 12 miles southwest of Cookeville. It's home to four waterfalls that cascade down over 250 feet in elevation through Missisippian, Devonian, and Ordovician rocks. The falls are surrounded by lush forests, abundant wildlife, and beautiful exposed geology in the form of riverscour and cliffs, making it a great place to go hiking, fishing, and camping. This is the kind of park that you can be comfortable bringing kids, or your grandma to.<br><br>
<iframe src="https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/6c4714a97a714372a893717e061536cc" width="760" height="550"></iframe><br>
<a href="https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/6c4714a97a714372a893717e061536cc">Fullscreen map.</a><br><br>
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52027879399_23078e5585_w.jpg" align="right"><br>
The final waterfall, Burgess Falls (proper) is only accessible from below. One has to take a boat from Center Hill Lake to get to the base of Burgess Falls. If you don't have a boat or kayak, do not worry. Several outfitters run trips there throughout the year, and especially so in the summer.<br><br>
In the late 19th century, a gristmill and sawmill were built on the Falling Water River, which runs through the park. The river was also used to generate hydroelectric power for the city of Cookeville from 1928 to 1944. In 1973, the territory was designated a Tennessee State Natural Area, protecting the diverse forest and aquatic habitats. The park is now managed by Tennessee State Parks, and it's open to the public year-round.<br><br>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/30981440523/" title="Window Cliffs SNA & Burgess Falls SP"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/394/30981440523_81f4eceecc_n.jpg" width="240" alt="Window Cliffs SNA & Burgess Falls SP" align="right"></a>
If you're looking for a beautiful and peaceful place to visit, I highly recommend Burgess Falls State Park. It's a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy the natural beauty of Tennessee.<br><br>
Here are some things you can do at Burgess Falls State Park:<br><br>
• Hike the trails to the waterfalls.<br>
• Go fishing in the Falling Water River.<br>
• <a href="https://tnstateparks.com/parks/campground/burgess-falls" target="_blank">Camp in one of the park's campgrounds.</a><br>
• Have a picnic at one of the park's picnic areas.<br>
• Visit the park's visitor center to learn more about the park's history and natural resources.<br><br>
I hope you enjoy your visit to Burgess Falls State Park!<br><br>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/48724103877" title="Little Falls, Burgess Falls SP, Putnam County, Tennessee 3"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48724103877_728a17110c_c.jpg" width="100%" alt="Little Falls, Burgess Falls SP, Putnam County, Tennessee 3"></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/8247147325" title="Little Falls, Burgess Falls SP, Putnam County, Tennessee 2"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/8061/8247147325_513089fc97_w.jpg" width="311" height="207" alt="Little Falls, Burgess Falls SP, Putnam County, Tennessee 2"></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/22391052178" title="Falling Water Cascades, Burgess Falls State Park, Putnam County, Tennessee 2"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/773/22391052178_80b0cb8911_w.jpg" width="138" height="207" alt="Falling Water Cascades, Burgess Falls State Park, Putnam County, Tennessee 2"></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/8247147079" title="Little Falls, Burgess Falls SP, Putnam County, Tennessee 1"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/8062/8247147079_b7223a6c55_w.jpg" width="311" height="207" alt="Little Falls, Burgess Falls SP, Putnam County, Tennessee 1"></a>
Chuck Sutherlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02409762025095859458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9499767.post-37926011284812107372023-04-28T14:12:00.007-05:002023-11-16T16:03:33.251-06:00Tennessee State Buildings<h2>Tennessee State Capitol Building</h2><br>
The Tennessee State Capitol is a sight to behold, built in the Greek Revival style that was all the rage in the 19th century. It's one of the largest state capitol buildings in the country, and it's made of beautiful limestone that was quarried right here in Tennessee. Look carefully and you can even see Ordovician fossils in the stone! The capitol is home to a number of important historical artifacts, including the original cornerstone and the Speaker's chair that was used by Andrew Jackson. It's a popular tourist destination, and it's open to the public for tours. If you're ever in Nashville, be sure to stop by the Tennessee State Capitol and take a look around.<br><br>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/52598257590" title="Tennessee State Capitol, Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee 1"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52598257590_fc21965bc1_c.jpg" width="760" alt="Tennessee State Capitol, Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee 1"></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/52598257860" title="Tennessee State Capitol, Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee 3"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52598257860_f5325309d1_c.jpg" width="760" alt="Tennessee State Capitol, Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee 3"></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/52598258435" title="Tennessee State Capitol, Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee 5"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52598258435_90c01a6a8e_c.jpg" width="760" alt="Tennessee State Capitol, Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee 5"></a>
<br><br>
<h2>The War Memorial Building</h2><br>
The War Memorial Building is a beautiful and historic building that was built in 1925 as a memorial to the Tennessee soldiers who died in World War I. It's located in the heart of downtown Nashville, right across from the Tennessee State Capitol. The building is designed in the Greek Doric order, and it has a Doric-columned atrium as its focal point. Engraved into the west and north walls are the names of 3,400 Tennesseans who gave their lives in World War I. A statue entitled “Victory” by Nashville sculptor Belle Kinney sits in the center of the atrium.<br><br>
The War Memorial Building has served as a home to a variety of events over the years, including concerts, plays, and political rallies. It was also the home of the Grand Ole Opry from 1939 to 1943. Today, the War Memorial Building is a popular tourist destination and is open to the public for tours. It's a beautiful and historic building that is a reminder of the sacrifices that have been made for our country.<br><br>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/52598087659" title="War Memorial Plaza, Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee 2"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52598087659_9539f84ea5_c.jpg" width="760" alt="War Memorial Plaza, Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee 2"></a>
<br><br>
<h2>The Tennessee State Office Building</h2><br>
The Tennessee State Office Building is a handsome Art Deco building that was built in 1940. It's located in the heart of downtown Nashville, just a few blocks from the Tennessee State Capitol. The building is 10 stories tall and is made of limestone and brick. It has a distinctive stepped facade and a large, arched entranceway.<br><br>
The Tennessee State Office Building houses a variety of state government offices, including the offices of the Attorney General, the Secretary of State, and the Comptroller of the Treasury. It also houses the Tennessee State Library and Archives. The building is open to the public for tours.<br><br>
The Tennessee State Office Building is a fine example of Art Deco architecture. It's a beautiful and historic building that is an important part of the state's government and history.<br><br>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/52598087879" title="Tennessee State Office Building, Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52598087879_25dff83862_c.jpg" width="760" alt="Tennessee State Office Building, Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee"></a>
Chuck Sutherlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02409762025095859458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9499767.post-13401721394954766652023-03-07T13:22:00.008-06:002023-03-07T13:36:44.187-06:00Tennessee Wildflowers Through the Eyes of a Geographer<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/52732865388" title="Thalictrum thalictroides, Wash Morgan Hollow, Jackson County, Tennessee 2" target="blank"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52732865388_0b724f758c_c.jpg" width="760" alt="Thalictrum thalictroides, Wash Morgan Hollow, Jackson County, Tennessee 2"/></a>
Every spring my photographic activity emerges from its winter slumber and I begin re-learning everything I once knew about wildflowers again. I love this time of year when I can start wearing shorts again, and see the familiar wildflowers return to our roadsides and hollers.<br><br>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/6900031126" title="Jim Fox, Flowers, Putnam Co, TN" target="blank"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/7206/6900031126_0c7dac2b28_c.jpg" width="200" alt="Jim Fox, Flowers, Putnam Co, TN"/></a></div>
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While I thoroughly enjoy capturing the beauty of wildflowers, I also like to think about how they ended up in their current location. As a practitioner of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), I find this question particularly intriguing. I provide this not as an empirical study, but rather a casual conversation to introduce readers to GIS concepts as related to wildflowers.<br><br>
The locations where I find my favorite wildflowers share a few common traits: steep slopes facing different directions (known as "aspect" in GIS) and intermittent water sources resulting from nested water tables. By seeking out these characteristics, I am more likely to find ideal habitats for wildflowers.<br><br>
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Using GIS, I can easily develop "layers" of data that illustrate these and other landscape qualities. Between taking photographs, I often contemplate how the landscape would appear in ArcGIS Pro, the software I use to analyze these attributes. Here, I've shared some of the products I've created that highlight attributes that influence wildflower habitats. While this is not an exhaustive list, it covers many of the significant variables.<br><br>
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Aspect, or the direction that a slope faces, plays a significant role in the habitat of the plants living there. It impacts the amount of sunlight the area receives, with south-facing slopes receiving the most sunlight in the Northern Hemisphere. Additionally, seasonal storms can disproportionately impact vegetation on southwest-facing slopes, leading to more damage to larger plants.
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<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52731800427_e2e24959ca_o.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52731800427_f3eb1875a0_w.jpg" align="right"></a>
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Elevation, while a minor player in most of Tennessee does have an impact on both temperature and rainfall. Higher elevations mean cooler temperatures and less rainfall broadly for most of Tennessee.
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<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52732807363_2d7d9a74dc_o.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52732807363_23d060299a_w.jpg" align="right"></a>
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Slope is another crucial factor in habitat development, as it affects soil creation. Depending on the bedrock geology, high slopes may mean a rocky environment with minimal soil, or a thin layer of soil perched atop easily broken bedrock. Slope and aspect also impact the amount of solar radiation that reaches a given area.
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<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52732323961_aa42b87742_o.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52732323961_5e44281b9e_w.jpg" align="right"></a>
</td></tr><tr><td style="padding:5px;">
Soil characteristics are essential to habitat development. Factors such as soil acidity, drainage, organic content, and depth all influence which plants can thrive in a given area. Soil scientists have developed detailed maps that illustrate soil types and attributes for most of the United States.
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<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52732575744_c9297de2cf_o.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52732575744_cba5d3c105_w.jpg" align="right"></a>
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Solar radiation refers to the amount of sunlight that falls on a specific unit of area (such as a square foot) over a given period of time. The map I've provided shows the impact of solar radiation in the spring, with significantly more sunlight in the summer. Canopy cover also affects the amount of sunlight reaching the ground, with well-developed forests providing less light to the understory below.
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<a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52732575634_f8ca8a88d0_o.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52732575634_3bccf5e9da_w.jpg" align="right"></a>
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While most geologic maps are at a scale too large to provide any meaningful data to a wildflower enthusiast, geology is a huge driver in habitat development. Intermittant aquitards (rocks that do not let water penetrate lower into the Earth) create nested water tables changing locally how moist the soil is and where flora and fauna can access water. Karst environments also move water in less predictable ways than simply having water flow in a surface stream. In karst, sinkholes and springs are huge drivers of habitat diversity with both providing cooler and less windy environments than surrounding areas.<br><br>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/15101139752" title="Lobelia cardinalis, Crusher Hole, Fall Creek Falls State Park, Van Buren County, Tennessee" target="blank"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/3914/15101139752_657e63cdc2_c.jpg" width="760" alt="Lobelia cardinalis, Crusher Hole, Fall Creek Falls State Park, Van Buren County, Tennessee"/></a>Chuck Sutherlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02409762025095859458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9499767.post-46065819696111904192022-11-14T07:12:00.005-06:002023-11-09T15:31:21.632-06:00Snakes in Tennessee<table>
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<td width="330">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/16786654720" title="Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis, Cumberland County, Tennessee"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/8694/16786654720_6ea227ae55_n.jpg" width="320" height="213" alt="Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis, Cumberland County, Tennessee"></a><br>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/4686912866" title="Nerodia sipedon, Burgess Falls State Park, Putnam County, Tennessee"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/4686912866_a76427b27b_n.jpg" width="320" height="240" alt="Nerodia sipedon, Burgess Falls State Park, Putnam County, Tennessee"></a><br>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/48606660246" title="Opheodrys aestivus, Burgess Falls State Park, White County, Tennessee 1"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48606660246_78ef4c5b05_n.jpg" width="320" height="214" alt="Opheodrys aestivus, Burgess Falls State Park, White County, Tennessee 1"></a><br>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/49909769667" title="Lampropeltis nigra, Big South Fork NRRA, Scott County, Tennessee 3"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49909769667_a4490549a4_n.jpg" width="320" height="213" alt="Lampropeltis nigra, Big South Fork NRRA, Scott County, Tennessee 3"></a><br>
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Every year indoors people make dangerous plans to go outside the walls of their own home. With no context for ever having been outside, their number one concern is rightly snakes. Forums are full of "how do I avoid snakes" questions. I wrote this simple guide to help deal with snakes. <br><br>
Being outside in Tennessee is literally no different than swimming in a sea of snakes. You want to learn to keep your head above the snakes, because you cannot breathe snakes and you will suffocate. Treading snakes is little like treading water, but only if the water were snakes. Avoid snake rains entirely. You'll want to be inside when it is raining snakes, which is about 50% of the time. <br><br>
If you learn to tread snakes, congratulations, you're halfway to enjoying the eternal bliss that is Tennessee! Oh no! That snake is poisonous! What do you do?<br>
1) Eat the snake<br>
2) Swim away slowly<br>
3) Eat the snake<br>
4) Swim violently in the snake sea to frighten the poisonous snake. <br><br>
If you answered either 2 or 4, you're good and the snake won't poison you.<br><br>
Let's not forget about those venomous snakes though. All they want to do is bite a human, especially you. How can you avoid that? You cannot. They are coming for you now. All of them are on their way to bite you this very moment. <br><br>
Climb onto your roof and prepare for the sea of snakes to surge violently at you. It will be like a zombie movie but with snakes and where all the zombies only want to attack you. You cannot escape the snakes. They are everywhere. Your house: snakes. Your parents: snakes. The letters you are reading: snakes. Join the snakes. <br><br>
OR<br><br>
You could just pay attention to where you walk. Either or.<br><br>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/51232318810" title="Pantherophis spiloides, Frozen Head SNA, Morgan County, Tennessee 1"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51232318810_bdf889f9d2_n.jpg" width="320" height="213" alt="Pantherophis spiloides, Frozen Head SNA, Morgan County, Tennessee 1"></a><br>Chuck Sutherlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02409762025095859458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9499767.post-14005244718366107272022-07-03T10:56:00.030-05:002023-12-15T14:49:41.460-06:00Photographer Resume<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/49535855592" title="Caving gear 2"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49535855592_2d33938265_c.jpg" width="760" alt="Caving gear 2"></a><br><br>
<iframe src="https://tntech.maps.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/86e1800a0237431fa95ac8b73a165473" frameborder="0" height="167" width="220" style="padding:10px;" align="right"></iframe>
If you're looking for my portfolio of what I consider my best photos, <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/albums/72157650443005610/">please go here</a>.<br><br>
In the beginning of my photography career I identified as an artist and wanted a digital camera to so that I may pursue those creative needs. However, I realized that I lacked a specific subject matter, and without direction, this hobby would be short-lived. Fortunately, I discovered some inspiring photographers and began to replicate their work.<br><br>
Over the years, it has been an enjoyable journey documenting nature primarily in the Upper Cumberland region of Tennessee. Recently, I decided to extract some statistics and graphs from my published work on Flickr to identify potential trends. I am sharing this information not to boast, but to illustrate the creation of a dynamic dashboard using Google Sheets. The data is actively obtained from Flickr, analyzed, and transformed into multiple graphs and raw data.<br><br>
For this analysis, Albums relate to specific dated events, for example, <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/albums/72157719660141188" target="_blank">2021/08/08 - Cohutta Wilderness</a>, where I hiked in the Cohutta Wilderness of Georgia.<br><br>
<iframe width="760" height="519" seamless frameborder="0" scrolling="no" src="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vQ5rGZOy1SfBvruZPdBkLRIqd9ajxn2oUNq_9crFiStu5QBUwR_0ukc3fZHgMmEX-6HsuBPvePlwz__/pubchart?oid=1865305482&format=interactive"></iframe><br><br>
<iframe width="760" height="519" seamless frameborder="0" scrolling="no" src="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vQ5rGZOy1SfBvruZPdBkLRIqd9ajxn2oUNq_9crFiStu5QBUwR_0ukc3fZHgMmEX-6HsuBPvePlwz__/pubchart?oid=1056340820&format=interactive"></iframe><br><br>
<iframe width="760" height="519" seamless frameborder="0" scrolling="no" src="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vQ5rGZOy1SfBvruZPdBkLRIqd9ajxn2oUNq_9crFiStu5QBUwR_0ukc3fZHgMmEX-6HsuBPvePlwz__/pubchart?oid=2088380961&format=interactive"></iframe><br><br>
<iframe width="760" height="519" seamless frameborder="0" scrolling="no" src="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vQ5rGZOy1SfBvruZPdBkLRIqd9ajxn2oUNq_9crFiStu5QBUwR_0ukc3fZHgMmEX-6HsuBPvePlwz__/pubchart?oid=1253772415&format=interactive"></iframe><br><br>
Below are some selected entries from my CV related to photography.<br><br>
<iframe src="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vRIh8tXWd9Fyi75oHwvO5nYOg7AL5FakK0zbYrz9lD-ozOetUO36FEFZ7D7ORIGlh8UFjcqTkopFoRo/pubhtml?gid=331480914&single=true&widget=false&headers=false&chrome=false&range=A1:C101" frameborder="0" height="800" width="760"></iframe>Chuck Sutherlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02409762025095859458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9499767.post-57760315156627119672022-06-21T09:08:00.003-05:002023-02-17T20:42:44.311-06:00Lessons from a Photographer of 15 yearsI have been taking my interested in photography seriously for the past 15 years, during which <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/" target="_blank">I have shared approximately 13,000 photos online</a>, and captured at least ten times more (excluding <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/albums/72157628614242489" target="_blank">time-lapse videos</a>). I have invested significant effort into organizing and describing my extensive collection, with a focus on photographing a region of the country that has largely been overlooked by previous generations of photographers.<br><br>
I specialize in capturing landscapes that feature various natural elements, including caves, waterfalls, natural arches, rivers, and other natural features, as well as historical and prehistoric cultural sites.. My objective is not to become an influencer, but rather to earn respect in the field of photography, use it to make the world a better place, and if I am very fortunate, earn enough revenue to support my hobby.<br><br>
From this journey, I have learned a few lessons that may be beneficial for individuals embarking on their own photography career. Some of my tips may be specific to the tools I use, and if you use different tools, consider drawing parallels from my discussion or explore new tools. The functions of the tools I demonstrate are practical and useful for any photographer.<br><br>
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<div style="font-size:23px;">METADATA</div><br>
<div style="font: italic 17px/30px Georgia, serif; width:50%; margin: auto;">“Any system is only as good as the metadata that it ingests.” ― Chris Bulock</div><br>
Metadata is data about data. The EXIF data in your images is a type of metadata. When I describe an image on Flickr there is a title box, a description box, there are comments which other users can add, and there are metatags. I try to describe each image with words I would remember if I needed to search for that particular image.<br><br>
Here are a few example images, and their associated metatags for your consideration.<br><br>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/52105062077" title="Dukes River Cave Nr1 twilight, Jackson County, Tennessee"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52105062077_bdb80511d9_w.jpg" width="400" height="267" alt="Dukes River Cave Nr1 twilight, Jackson County, Tennessee"></a>
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<td style="padding:10px;" valign="top">
JK24, Dukes River Cave Nr1, cave, twilight, Jackson County, Tennessee, TN, kayak, water, stream, creek, Cumberland River, Cordell Hull Reservoir
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/52007322678" title="Honey Creek Falls, Big South Fork NRRA, Scott County, Tennessee 4"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52007322678_9895514bbb_w.jpg" width="400" height="267" alt="Honey Creek Falls, Big South Fork NRRA, Scott County, Tennessee 4"></a>
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<td style="padding:10px;" valign="top">
Honey Creek Falls, Honey Creek, river, stream, creek, water, waterfall, falls, Honey Creek trail, BSF, BISO, Big South Fork, National River and Recreation Area, NRRA, Scott County, Tennessee, TN
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/51370390180" title="Complex Narceus americanus, Chlorociboria aeruginascens, Cohutta Wilderness, Murray County, Georgia 2"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51370390180_79c143188e_w.jpg" width="400" height="267" alt="Complex Narceus americanus, Chlorociboria aeruginascens, Cohutta Wilderness, Murray County, Georgia 2"></a>
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Cohutta Wilderness, Wildlife Management Area, Murray County, Georgia, GA, Animalia, Arthropoda, Diplopoda, Spirobolida, Spirobolidae, Narceus, N. americanus, American giant millipede, worm millipede, iron worm, Fungi, Ascomycota, Pezizomycotina, Leotiomycetes, Helotiales, Chlorociboriaceae, Chlorociboria, C. aeruginascens, green elfcup, green wood cup
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Hashtags, used on Instagram aren't paricularly useful for conveying data. They are a marketing tool. On Instagram, if I use the same metatags as hashtags, it generally will not help others find my things, and it will generally not help me find my own content because their search tool just brings up the most recent or hip things on the platform with that tag. Popularity rises to the top, not usefulness.<br><br>
On Flickr I can search my own content, I can search my friends content exclusively, I can search all my friends content, I can search the entire platform, or I can search the entire platform for Creative Common images. Sure, there are some downsides to Flickr, like it not being the cool and popular place anymore, how it's hard to identify active communities, and its user interface is unweidly and doesn't work sometimes (refreshing the browner page often fixes this issue). But there is even more to love about Flickr which I touch on in the next section.<br><br>
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<div style="font-size:23px;">ORGANIZATION</div><br>
<div style="font: italic 17px/30px Georgia, serif; width:50%; margin: auto;">“For every minute spent organizing, an hour is earned.” – Anonymous.</div><br>
This section is important enought to break down into two parts: Local Organization and Cloud Organization. Local organization is how you have your data organized on your computer. Ideally this is where you keep your camera raw files. Cloud organization can be a private drive where you have your stuff off-site and backed up, or it can be a public image host like Flickr, Smugmug, Instagram, or Facebook. I should also note that metadata is an important part of organization, but not the only kind of organization that needs to be done when tracking a large data archive.<br><br>
<div style="font-size:18px;">Local Organization</div><br>
Folders y'all: use 'em. File Explorer in Windows is my best friend, and I organize my data in folders and subfolders. What follows a snippet of my organization technique on my own local computer.<br><br>
Folder template<br>
<font style="color:#9999ff;">YYYY/MM-DD - [Description of Folder's Photos]</font><br><br>
Subfolders<br>
/ - <font style="color:#9999ff;">Raw files from cameras.</font><br>
/docs - <font style="color:#9999ff;">Documentation about the trip. Could include scientific papers associated with the subject, magazine, website, books, articles, or other documentation. Could include landowner contact information.</font><br>
/gps - <font style="color:#9999ff;">GPS points and tracks of the trip in .CSV or .GPX format, processed GPS tracks, geotagged camera photos, geotagged drone photos, other relevant GIS data. An an Android user, the software I use is <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=menion.android.locus.pro" target="_blank">Locus Pro</a>, and <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.jcl.GPSAverage" target="_blank">GPS Average</a>.</font><br>
/keep - <font style="color:#9999ff;">Finished JPGs and videos.</font><br>
/photos by others - <font style="color:#9999ff;">Subfolders for individuals who have shared photos with my from the same trip.</font><br>
/recorder - <font style="color:#9999ff;"><a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.recorder" target="_blank">Google Recorder app</a> output of .WAV or .MP3 and a transcribed .TXT file. This is an excellent tool to quickly make notes.</font><br>
/video- <font style="color:#9999ff;">Videos, Premiere Pro files.</font><br><br>
<div style="font-size:18px;">Cloud Organization</div><br>
Like folders and subfolders, Flickr has collections and albums. I use these to organize my data in the exact same way as I do my local data. Instead of <font style="color:#9999ff;">YYYY/MM-DD - [Description of Folder's Photos]</font> I use <font style="color:#9999ff;">[collection]/[album]</font> where the collection is <font style="color:#9999ff;">YYYY</font> and the album is <font style="color:#9999ff;">YYYY/MM-DD - [Description of Folder's Photos]</font>.<br><br>
For example, the album <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/albums/72157719660141188">2021/08/08 - Cohutta Wilderness</a> is nested inside a collection called <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/collections/72157717787155211/">2021</a>.<br><br>
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<div style="font-size:23px;">BIG PICTURE STUFF</div><br>
<div style="font: italic 17px/30px Georgia, serif; width:50%; margin: auto;">“It's hard for young players to see the big picture. They just see three or four years down the road.” – Kareem Abdul-Jabbar</div><br>
Having a clear vision for why you take photos and what you want to photograph is important. Do you aspire to shoot weddings, events, landscapes, macros, or aerial imagery using a drone? Who is your target audience? Are you trying to impress friends, supplement a newsletter, record history or science, or receive some perks from a brand's marketing team? I suggest writing a "mission statement" and keeping it readily available. If you ever need to adjust or revisit it, you'll have it as a guiding principle.<br><br>
My own mission statement, which you may remember from the first paragraph of this post reads, <br><br>
<ul>
"I specialize in capturing landscapes that feature various natural elements, including caves, waterfalls, natural arches, rivers, and other natural features, as well as historical and prehistoric cultural sites."
</ul><br>
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I hope that the above advice is useful to you. Feel free to share with me your own advice in the comments.Chuck Sutherlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02409762025095859458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9499767.post-56083901987703799372022-05-13T16:28:00.083-05:002023-11-09T15:31:35.630-06:00Caver Resume<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/4142272742" title="Twilight, John Henry Demps Cave (Sullivan Entrance), White County, Tennessee 1"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/4142272742_c6ccb916b3_c.jpg" width="760" alt="Twilight, John Henry Demps Cave (Sullivan Entrance), White County, Tennessee 1"></a><br><br>
<iframe allowtransparency="true" style="background-color: transparent; width:220px; height:168px; padding:10px;" align="right" src="https://tntech.maps.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/b9d9a81b0b9d4d96bd1fe6f8f920d40e" frameBorder="0"></iframe>
The table to the right and the charts below are dynamic, and part of a larger tracking system I've created to allow me to organize my caving trips. Within the Google sheet I include date, who I was with, and links to external references like Flickr, or Facebook. Many old time cavers have journals, this is the same practice, modernized (with some benefits and some losses).<br><br>
I provide this data publicly to:<br>
<ul>
<li>Encourage other cavers to better catalog their own trips.</li>
<li>Provide myself with a better mechanism to track my own caving activies.</li>
</ul><br>
<iframe style="width:760px; height:440px;" seamless frameborder="0" scrolling="no" src="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vSVSRg9URzn7WFfEBT3S-dZzGHL8252oCEOGN-e-U8hh2WRDzTuZZtUn7J1TESE81pB3RaFajJzZAJD/pubchart?oid=657118968&format=interactive"></iframe><br><br>
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Chuck Sutherlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02409762025095859458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9499767.post-39469011924785617752022-04-11T10:50:00.002-05:002023-11-09T15:31:44.766-06:00Springtime Macro FeverThis time of year I get excited for the emergence of native wildflowers. I enjoy using iNaturalist to aid in documenting what I find, and I especially enjoy the technical aspects of macro photography (which I am admittedly not really great at). Here are a few photos that I've taken in the last few weeks that I thought others may enjoy.<br><br>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/51996096874/in/dateposted/" title="Valerianella sp., Jackson County, Tennessee"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51996096874_e10411445a_c.jpg" width="760" alt="Valerianella sp., Jackson County, Tennessee"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/51995828096/in/dateposted/" title="Mertensia virginica, Jackson County, Tennessee 1"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51995828096_5ac722b616_c.jpg" width="760" alt="Mertensia virginica, Jackson County, Tennessee 1"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/51996362430/in/dateposted/" title="Stellaria sp., Jackson County, Tennessee"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51996362430_5ca64cdc41_c.jpg" width="760" alt="Stellaria sp., Jackson County, Tennessee"></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/51995826211/in/dateposted/" title="Erigeron sp., Jackson County, Tennessee"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51995826211_ccdd968f04_c.jpg" width="760" alt="Erigeron sp., Jackson County, Tennessee"></a>
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Chuck Sutherlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02409762025095859458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9499767.post-66913348237155453022021-12-27T13:01:00.007-06:002022-02-09T13:35:14.268-06:00Putnam County Crime Rate<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/4066011595/" title="Talent Hollow at Sunset, Green Mountain Rd, Putnam County, Tennessee"><img alt="Talent Hollow at Sunset, Green Mountain Rd, Putnam County, Tennessee" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/4066011595_d2f3efcc20_c.jpg" width="780" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
Putnam County, Tennessee is located approximately equidistant between Nashville and Knoxville along Interstate 40. It's the hub of the Upper Cumberland region. <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/cookeville/comments/lp2wi3/should_the_city_of_cookeville_expand_the_new_jail/" target="_blank">Due to misinformation being proliferated on social media</a>, I am providing this public dataset in a digestible format.</span></div><br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="640" scrolling="no" seamless="" src="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vTP7pEOBCPUHjslir6pKF3yA7mkxlR9mrjfSZ9q_Eef5mjbH1yDZ5YGLqsXUJC57oqUdAFQ5bZsOT0B/pubchart?oid=1701718665&format=interactive" width="780"></iframe><br /><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">
Trends within the data show Tennessee Tech University (TTU) as having a very small per capita report crime rate, where Cookeville tends to have the highest crime rate. Small municipalities show broad variations in annual change, which is to be expected with smaller populations. Broadly, the crime rate has been decreasing for the last 20 years. The Tennessee line is a good broad estimate of what the larger regional trend is.<br /><br />
The strong drop in Cookeville and Putnam's crime rate at 2020 likely shows the effects of the Coronavirus.</span><br /><br />
<iframe height="600" src="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vTP7pEOBCPUHjslir6pKF3yA7mkxlR9mrjfSZ9q_Eef5mjbH1yDZ5YGLqsXUJC57oqUdAFQ5bZsOT0B/pubhtml?widget=true&headers=false" width="780"></iframe><br /><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">
The tables above show the data as it was provided from the <a href="https://crimeinsight.tbi.tn.gov/public/View/dispview.aspx" target="_blank">Tennessee Bureau of Investigation's database, TIBRS.</a></span>
Chuck Sutherlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02409762025095859458noreply@blogger.com0Cookeville, TN, USA36.162839 -85.50164237.8526051638211527 -120.6578923 64.473072836178844 -50.3453923tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9499767.post-80980418532866975312021-10-04T11:02:00.011-05:002022-01-12T09:26:07.088-06:00Cave Locations on the InternetAs any conservation minded individual will tell you, having a cave location be public knowledge is usually a recipe for disaster. It's a very well documented phenomena that people break cave formations, vandalize caves with spray paint and other mediums, and leave gross amounts of trash behind. Even well meaning hikers and outdoors people may not realize the nuance of landowner relations and by accessing private property may upset relationships that cavers have worked hard to develop so that we may have access to caves.<br><br>
The proliferation of geodata in many accessible forms is eroding the secrecy that the caving community has long used to protect underground resources. Here's a guide with suggestions on how one can protect these sensitive places from occuring on Internet.<br><br>
<div align="center"><table style="padding:15px; border: 1px solid grey;"><tbody><tr><td>
Jump to...<br>
<div style="font-size:120%"><a href="#GM">Google Maps</a></div>
<div style="font-size:120%"><a href="#OSM">OSM - Open Street Map</a></div>
</td></tr></tbody></table></div>
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<hr width="100%"><br>
<div style="font-size:150%"><a id="GM">Google Maps</a></div><br>
The first thing to realize about Google maps is that deleting a feature is nearly impossible. It's possible to "take ownership" of a feature if you claim it as a business, which involves recieving some mail from Google and plugging in some numbers they mail you. The easiest method I have found to manage a feature on Google Maps is as follows.<br><br>
1) Locate the feature.<br>
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51549058522_fa887bef4c_c.jpg" width="760"><br><br>
2) Suggest and edit.<br>
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51550576994_5ea2eda779_c.jpg" width="760"><br><br>
3) Change name or other details.<br>
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51550577014_67fab34162_o.jpg"><br><br>
4) Update location on map.<br>
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51550775870_ae56b7d862_c.jpg" width="760"><br>
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51550576924_81ed29cbd0_c.jpg" width="760"><br><br>
5) Select a location that is meaningful.<br>
Here I have chosen a local city park, Ensor Sink. A small cave is located there, and there is an interpretive kiosk with information about caves, hydrology, and conservation. It's a well developed resource which has values consistent with that of the caving community.<br>
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51549863081_e5a3123614_c.jpg" width="760"><br><br>
6) Update the Website.<br>
I have chosen to update the website for the feature to that of the <a href="caves.org" target="_blank">National Speleological Society</a> so that people interested in caves will be more easily connected with the community.<br>
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51549058437_f5719ec745_c.jpg" width="760"><br><br>
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<hr width="100%"><br>
<div style="font-size:150%"><a id="OSM">OSM - Open Street Map</a></div><br>
For this example I am going to use a feature on public lands, Lost Creek Cave. Because the location of this cave is so well known, and even publicised by its land manager, the State of Tennessee, I will not actually delete this feature from the map. This simple serves as an illustration on how one would remove a cave from OSM.<br><br>
1) Log in<br>
You will need to create an account with OSM if you do not already have one.<br><br>
2) Locate the feature.<br>
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51550648694_f5c2608d06_c.jpg" width="760"><br><br>
3) Select the feature by clicking on it.<br>
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51550648669_c259dabe02_c.jpg" width="760"><br><br>
4) Edit the feature.<br>
Expand all attributes and use the trash can to delete feature name and any tags which exist.<br>
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51549131002_8139f4dc59_c.jpg" width="760"><br><br>
5) Save your work.
Click the save button in the upper right when you are done.<br>
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51550168633_ac6a58db28_c.jpg" width="760"><br><br>Chuck Sutherlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02409762025095859458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9499767.post-6083609236572640542021-09-09T13:07:00.003-05:002023-11-17T07:46:52.010-06:00Standing Stone State Park and State ForestFor the purpose of this blog post I will be treating Standing Stone State Park and Standing Stone State Forest as a single entity. However, they are distinct, and are managed by different entities with different objectives. Both the State Park and State Forest are located entirely within Overton County, Tennessee about 10 miles northwest of the city of Livingston.<br><br>
<iframe src="https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/c0a354eaeebb48979d27011ce7402422" width="760" height="550"></iframe>
<a href="https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/c0a354eaeebb48979d27011ce7402422">Fullscreen map.</a><br><br>
<div style="font-size:150%;">Standing Stone State Park</div><br>
Standing Stone State Park is approximately 1000 acres surrounding Standing Stone Lake. It is itself surrounded by 8000 acres of State Forest of the same name. The park is a celebration of the efforts of the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC). The large earthwork dam is made of hewn sandstone. <br><br>
<iframe width="760" height="428" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2en1qWRODIs" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe><br><br>
Being a State Park, this area is managed for recreation. Camping there is popular at their rustic cabins. Most people come for hiking trails, fishing, and for paddle boats or kayaking on the small lake.<br><br>
<div style="font-size:150%;">Standing Stone State Forest</div><br>
There seems to be a degree of confusion as to the meaning of a State Forest designation. Land management on State Forests often attract criticism due to this misunderstanding. <a href="https://www.tn.gov/agriculture/forests/faq.html" target="_blank">Taken from their own website</a>, this is their stated objective:<br><br>
<ul><q>The Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry has been protecting, conserving, and enhancing our state’s forest resources for over 100 years. The Tennessee Division of Forestry extinguishes 1,000 fires that burn 20,000 acres each year and helps control the disease and insect pests that plague our forests. It provides professional, timely, up-to-date, science-based <a href="https://www.tn.gov/content/tn/agriculture/forests/landowners.html" target="_blank">technical and financial assistance to family forest landowners</a>, <a href="https://www.tn.gov/content/tn/agriculture/forests/urban.html" target="_blank">communities</a>, non-government organizations, <a href="https://www.tn.gov/content/tn/agriculture/forests/businesses.html" target="_blank">forest industry</a>, and others with an interest in the conservation of Tennessee’s forests.</q></ul><br>
<div style="padding:8px;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/49985834448/" title="Clear cut, Standing Stone State Forest, Overton County, Tennessee"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49985834448_65c8ebf05d_m.jpg" width="240" height="148" alt="Clear cut, Standing Stone State Forest, Overton County, Tennessee" align="right"></a></div>
Further the criticism they often draw is due to clearcuts. This is what they have to say about that:<br><br>
<ul><q>Clearcutting is a forest regeneration technique that creates wide, open spaces with lots of sun exposure. This allows the most sunlight to reach tree seedlings that require full-sun conditions to thrive. Clearcutting also creates forest clearings that are habitat for various wildlife species.</q></ul><br>
Often, but not always the Division of Forestry shares some management responsibilities with <a href="https://www.tn.gov/twra.html" target="_blank">Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency</a> (TWRA) and the State Forest will allow licensed hunting and fishing. This is the case at the Standing Stone State Forest. For questions on hunting seasons, please consult this <a href="https://www.tn.gov/twra/hunting/tennessee-hunting-seasons-summary.html" target="_blank">Summary of Tennessee Hunting and Trapping Season Dates</a>.<br><br>
<div style="font-size:150%;">Geography & Geology</div><br>
Standing Stone is nestled within the lower elevations of the <a href="https://chuck-sutherland.blogspot.com/2015/12/tennessees-eastern-highland-rim-part-1.html">Eastern Highland Rim</a> and the upper elevations of the Nashville Basin, as defined by geologic context. Its landscape is defined by rolling to steep hills with few waterfalls and cliffs. The large natural area created by the publicly owned land is a refuge for wildlife, plants, and trees. In all seasons the area shows off the beauty of our region (my own personal favorite season to enjoy Standing Stone is the Spring).<br><br>
<div style="font-size:150%;">Waterfalls</div><br>
While Standing Stone isn't known for its waterfalls, there are a few noteworthy ones within the park and state forest.<br><br>
<iframe width="760" height="428" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xLzxrJcx8gs" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe><br><br>
<iframe width="760" height="428" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-HUX_o6plLw" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe><br><br>
<iframe width="760" height="428" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ppwm9yPeNdk" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe><br><br>
<div style="font-size:150%;">Botany</div><br>
Protection of such a large swath of land has made the wildflower seasons a delight. The sloping hills, with seeps of water at random locations all provide lots of microbiomes for different plant communities to thrive in. Additionally, karst microclimates provide places for plants with cooler preferences.<br><br>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/49985835258" title="Blephilia ciliata, Standing Stone State Park, Overton County, Tennessee 1"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49985835258_8fe502f4ca_n.jpg" width="252" alt="Blephilia ciliata, Standing Stone State Park, Overton County, Tennessee 1"></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/49986604392" title="Matelea carolinensis, Standing Stone State Park, Overton County, Tennessee"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49986604392_9edce894f7_n.jpg" width="252" alt="Matelea carolinensis, Standing Stone State Park, Overton County, Tennessee"></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/49985834608" title="Spigelia marilandica, Standing Stone State Park, Overton County, Tennessee"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49985834608_f9d1dfafeb_n.jpg" width="252" alt="Spigelia marilandica, Standing Stone State Park, Overton County, Tennessee"></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/49986603577" title="Hydrangea arborescens, Standing Stone State Park, Overton County, Tennessee"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49986603577_17fecffc77_n.jpg" width="252" alt="Hydrangea arborescens, Standing Stone State Park, Overton County, Tennessee"></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/41476785411" title="Saxifraga virginiensis, Standing Stone State Park, Tennessee 1"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/889/41476785411_5e239646c7_n.jpg" width="252" alt="Saxifraga virginiensis, Standing Stone State Park, Tennessee 1"></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/26478534697" title="Trillium erectum, Standing Stone State Park, Overton County, Tennessee"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/870/26478534697_b2e8fab520_n.jpg" width="252" alt="Trillium erectum, Standing Stone State Park, Overton County, Tennessee"></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/26478550807" title="Delphinium tricorne, Standing Stone State Park, Overton County, Tennessee"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/892/26478550807_7343f84991_n.jpg" width="252" alt="Delphinium tricorne, Standing Stone State Park, Overton County, Tennessee"></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/40636168014" title="Silene virginica, Standing Stone State Park, Overton County, Tennessee 1"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/893/40636168014_0a68a2c6ce_n.jpg" width="252" alt="Silene virginica, Standing Stone State Park, Overton County, Tennessee 1"></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/26478552567" title="Trillium grandiflorum, Standing Stone State Park, Overton County, Tennessee"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/802/26478552567_fda2e5e53b_n.jpg" width="252" alt="Trillium grandiflorum, Standing Stone State Park, Overton County, Tennessee"></a><br><br>
<div style="font-size:150%;">Further Resources</div><br>
<div style="font-size:125%;">
<a href="https://chuck-sutherland.blogspot.com/2018/04/waterfalls-and-wildflowers-at-standing.html">Waterfalls and Wildflowers at Standing Stone</a><br>
<a href="https://chuck-sutherland.blogspot.com/2017/09/public-lands-of-upper-cumberland.html">Public Lands of the Upper Cumberland</a><br>
<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fFOz8KLu8BOTWJ9Xr3jkTN0Cmgo_865h" target="_blank">Tri-fold brochure for Standing Stone State Forest</a><br>
</div>
<a href="https://tnstateparks.com/parks/standing-stone" target="_blank">Official State Park</a><br>
<a href="https://www.tn.gov/agriculture/forests/state-forests/standing-stone.html">Official State Forest</a><br>
<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/jA5v2TLuNzBXePXXA" target="_blank">Google Map</a><br>
<a href="https://tnlandforms.us/landforms/" target="_blank">Tennessee Landforms</a><br>Chuck Sutherlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02409762025095859458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9499767.post-50227602070215653152021-09-09T09:34:00.002-05:002021-09-09T09:35:58.003-05:00Window Cliffs State Natural Area<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/4868040816" title="Window Cliffs, Putnam County, Tennessee 1"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/4114/4868040816_836a8b4d88_b.jpg" width="760" alt="Window Cliffs, Putnam County, Tennessee 1"></a><br><br>
<div style="padding:8px;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/33858698842" title="Window Cliffs State Natural Area Map, Putnam County, Tennessee"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/2845/33858698842_37f65f7aa5.jpg" height="300" alt="Window Cliffs State Natural Area Map, Putnam County, Tennessee" align="right" ></a></div>
<div style="font-size:150%;">Geography</div><br>
Window Cliffs State Natural Area is located on the <a href="https://chuck-sutherland.blogspot.com/2015/12/tennessees-eastern-highland-rim-part-1.html">Eastern Highland Rim</a> of <a href="https://chuck-sutherland.blogspot.com/search/label/tennessee">Tennessee</a>. It is a few miles south of Cookeville, and within Putnam County. It is within the Upper Cumberland region of Tennessee, and within Middle Tennessee.<br><br>
Cane Creek flows through the designated natural area before its confluence with the Falling Water River at Center Hill Lake.<br><br>
<div style="font-size:150%;">Botany</div><br>
In the valley alongside Cane Creek one can find abundant flowering patches of phacelia, phlox, and trilliums. Along the rocky ledges and cliffs watch for bright red flowers of columbine. In a few places you'll also see usnea clinging to dead trees and be reminded of Spanish moss.<br><br>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/7046128833" title="Phlox divaricata and Phacelia bipinnatifida, Putnam Co, TN"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/7240/7046128833_1172b777b2_w.jpg" width="380" alt="Phlox divaricata and Phacelia bipinnatifida, Putnam Co, TN"></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/6900031504" title="Phacelia fimbriata, Putnam County, Tennessee"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/7085/6900031504_c6be65b3e4_w.jpg" width="380" alt="Phacelia fimbriata, Putnam County, Tennessee"></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/6900031278" title="Phacelia bipinnatifida, Putnam Co, TN"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/7181/6900031278_9833a9151f_w.jpg" width="380" alt="Phacelia bipinnatifida, Putnam Co, TN"></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/6900030110" title="Aquilegia canadensis detail, Putnam Co, TN"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/7226/6900030110_71051d59f8_w.jpg" width="380" alt="Aquilegia canadensis detail, Putnam Co, TN"></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/6900028856" title="Trillium grandiflorum, Putnam Co, TN"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/7112/6900028856_a51621c3de_w.jpg" width="380" alt="Trillium grandiflorum, Putnam Co, TN"></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/7046127999" title="Usnea, Putnam Co, TN"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/7196/7046127999_d9a5a17185_w.jpg" width="380" alt="Usnea, Putnam Co, TN"></a><br><br>
<div style="font-size:150%;">Geology</div><br>
Cliffs of Fort Payne Limestone atop steep slopes of Chattanooga Shale are the obvious geology throughout the park. The base of the valleys is Catheys-Leipers Limestone, but doesn't play a large roll in the story that one sees at the Window Cliffs.<br><br>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/48630582453" title="Geologic Map, Window Cliffs SNA, Putnam County, Tennessee"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48630582453_4dc555e643_c.jpg" width="760" alt="Geologic Map, Window Cliffs SNA, Putnam County, Tennessee"></a><br><br>
In the above recreation of a map made by Hugh Mills, Larry Knox and students in 1984, one can see the distribution of the more brittle silicastone Fort Payne facies that is partially responsible for the arch formation.<br><br>
<div style="font-size:150%;">Geomorphology</div><br>
<div style="font-size:125%;">Natural Arches</div><br>
The silicastone Fort Payne is topped a less brittle facies of limestone along the knife's edge ridge of where the arches are located. This "roof" allows for the brittle Fort Payne to weather away underneith, while still being in place. As the brittle Fort Payne receeds, it leave gaps with roofs, or natural arches.<br><br>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/4869914818" title="Window Cliffs, Putnam County, Tennessee 2"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/4135/4869914818_47c715b9b3_c.jpg" width="760" alt="Window Cliffs, Putnam County, Tennessee 2"></a><br><br>
The recession process is driven at least partially by the oxbow bend of Cane Creek some 80' below the cliffs and arches. The stream carries away sediment, which is replaced from above as slopes gently give way to time, or by the occasional flood and slope failure. As the angle of repose reaches its maximum more sediment is carried away, and more material from above replaces it.<br><br>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/7770959552" title="Window Cliffs, Putnam County, Tennessee 3"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/7770959552_f6b27fe6e4_z.jpg" height="520" alt="Window Cliffs, Putnam County, Tennessee 3"></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/7770963030" title="Window Cliffs, Putnam County, Tennessee 4"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/7770963030_3c2750276e_z.jpg" height="520" alt="Window Cliffs, Putnam County, Tennessee 4"></a><br><br>
<div style="font-size:125%;">Waterfalls</div><br>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/49203490993" title="Window Cliff Falls, Cane Creek, Putnam County, Tennessee 3"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49203490993_8fc2c147f0_c.jpg" width="760" alt="Window Cliff Falls, Cane Creek, Putnam County, Tennessee 3"></a>
<div style="padding:8px;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/28949476723" title="Oxbow Falls, Putnam County, Tennessee"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/28949476723_dfdfde73db.jpg" width="420" alt="Oxbow Falls, Putnam County, Tennessee" align="right"></a></div>
Window Cliff Falls, located on Cane Creek, is a classic <a href="https://chuck-sutherland.blogspot.com/2018/04/fort-payne-formation-chattanooga-shale.html">Fort Payne and Chattanooga Shale contact waterfall</a>, which is very common throughout the region. The falls drop about 30' into a small, swimmable plunge pool. There was once a rope swing there, but I am unsure if it is present since the state took ownership of the land.<br><br>
Other, nearby waterfalls are also formed at the Fort Payne and Chattanooga Shale contact. However, Oxbow Falls, pictured right is formed at a steep portion of the Fort Payne on an unnamed tributary of Cane Creek. It's an unusual area, but worth wandering off trail to see.<br><br>
<div style="font-size:150%;">Further Resources</div><br>
<div style="font-size:125%;">
<a href="https://chuck-sutherland.blogspot.com/2016/09/8-secrets-of-putnam-county.html">8 Secrets of Cookeville and Putnam County</a><br>
<a href="https://chuck-sutherland.blogspot.com/2017/09/public-lands-of-upper-cumberland.html">Public Lands of the Upper Cumberland</a><br>
</div>
<a href="https://www.landtrusttn.org/projects/window-cliffs-state-natural-area-upper-cumberlands/" target="_blank">The Land Trust for Tennessee</a><br>
<a href="https://www.tn.gov/environment/program-areas/na-natural-areas/natural-areas-middle-region/middle-region/na-na-window-cliffs.html" target="_blank">Official</a><br>
<a href="https://tnstateparks.com/parks/burgess-falls" target="_blank">Burgess Falls State Park - Management</a><br>
<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Window+Cliffs+State+Natural+Area/@36.0530275,-85.6192281,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x2358723302354920!8m2!3d36.0530275!4d-85.6192281" target="_blank">Google Map</a><br>
<a href="https://tnlandforms.us/landforms/" target="_blank">Tennessee Landforms</a><br>Chuck Sutherlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02409762025095859458noreply@blogger.com0Window Cliff Falls, Tennessee 38544, USA36.0622641 -85.6099950999999927.7538064304322383 -120.76391962478408 64.370721769567766 -50.456070575215904tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9499767.post-24566137818923645202021-09-08T09:13:00.007-05:002021-12-27T10:34:07.402-06:00City Lake in Cookeville, Tennessee<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/annabelledempsey/51420723204" title="City Lake Falls, City Lake State Natural Area, Putnam County, Tennessee 5"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51420723204_f28c224949_c.jpg" width="760" alt="City Lake Falls, City Lake State Natural Area, Putnam County, Tennessee 5 - Credit Annabelle Dempsey"></a><div style="text-align:center; font-size:smaller;">Photo credit <a href="https://annabelledempsey97.wixsite.com/website/blog" target="_blank">Annabelle Dempsey</a></div><br><br>
City Lake is an artificial impoundment located near Cookeville's Eastlake subdivision. It is within property managed by the city of Cookeville as a park, named <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/City+Lake+Natural+Area/@36.1408271,-85.5157734,13z/data=!4m9!1m2!2m1!1scity+lake+park+cookeville+tn!3m5!1s0x88672329cccf1a01:0xdb48586ee29c6299!8m2!3d36.1310974!4d-85.4440418!15sChxjaXR5IGxha2UgcGFyayBjb29rZXZpbGxlIHRuWh4iHGNpdHkgbGFrZSBwYXJrIGNvb2tldmlsbGUgdG6SAQRwYXJrmgEjQ2haRFNVaE5NRzluUzBWSlEwRm5TVVF3Tm1KZk1rTkJFQUU" target="_blank">City Lake Natural Area</a>.<br><br>
While the <a href="http://www.jennieivey.com/newspaper-columns/save-city-lake-before-its-too-late/" target="_blank">history of City Lake in Cookeville is fascinating</a>, I could never cover it as well as Jennie Ivey has. I will simply leave you with a brief explanation of the local geology.<br><br>
The karst spring which feeds the waterfall is formed at the contact of the St. Louis and Warsaw Limestones (<a href="https://chuck-sutherland.blogspot.com/2016/03/tennessees-eastern-highland-rim-part-2.html#StLouis">more about those types of waterfalls here</a>). It is a type of geologic contact based waterfall that is seen throughout the region. Other places include Milligan Road spring, Piper Falls, High Hope Falls, and Peters Falls (all in White County, Tennessee). The reason for this is due to an abundance of chert acting as an aquatard either in the lower portion of the St. Louis, or upper portion of the Warsaw Limestone. This prevents water from moving vertically and forces its lateral flow downhill.<br><br>
While City Lake Falls has one distinctive main spring, the entire geologic contact erupts with waterfalls during high water events. This suggests the possibility of other as of yet undiscovered conduits feeding to this location.<br><br>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/6457352349" title="Janice Curtis, City Lake Falls, Putnam County, Tennessee"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/6457352349_bdba3b24c9_w.jpg" width="380" alt="Janice Curtis, City Lake Falls, Putnam County, Tennessee"></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/8049066608/" title="City Lake Falls, Putnam County, Tennessee 7"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/8174/8049066608_f7b4f604c5_w.jpg" width="380" alt="City Lake Falls, Putnam County, Tennessee 7"></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/48250789722" title="City Lake Falls, Putnam County, Tennessee 8"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48250789722_d45debddbe_c.jpg" width="760" alt="City Lake Falls, Putnam County, Tennessee 8"></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/annabelledempsey/51420199838" title="Main Stream, City Lake Falls State Natural Area, Putnam County, Tennessee"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51420199838_5d0d02f77e_c.jpg" width="760" alt="Main Stream, City Lake Falls State Natural Area, Putnam County, Tennessee"></a><div style="text-align:center; font-size:smaller;">Photo credit <a href="https://annabelledempsey97.wixsite.com/website/blog" target="_blank">Annabelle Dempsey</a></div><br><br>
The lake below the waterfall, City Lake, is currently at the end of its life. Since its impoundment, sediment from the watershed above has slowly been making its way into the lake, and settling out. Sandbars have developed within the lake which are now growing grasses and shrubs. The transition between a lacustrine environment and swamp is well underway. If this continues, it will disrupt some of the recreational uses of the park, like fishing and kayaking. As Jennie's article above mentions, there are those in the community who wish it to be dredged of sediments so that it can resume function as a lake.<br><br>
Others in the local community, and those preferring a more environmental agenda prefer to see that it be returned to its original environment and the dam removed. Dams fragment natural ecosystems and their removal restores the migration of animals, nutrients, and sediments within the riparian system.<br><br>
An argument could be made for either side. Only time will tell how Cookeville chooses to manage this resource.<br><br>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/49966584893" title="City Lake, Putnam County, Tennessee 3"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49966584893_1aa03f9ae4_b.jpg" width="760" alt="City Lake, Putnam County, Tennessee 3"></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/3780235972/" title="City Lake, City Lake Natural Area, Cookeville, Putnam County, Tennessee 1"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/2495/3780235972_bba4d8d125_c.jpg" width="760" alt="City Lake, City Lake Natural Area, Cookeville, Putnam County, Tennessee 1"></a>
Chuck Sutherlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02409762025095859458noreply@blogger.com1City Lake, Tennessee 38506, USA36.1292245 -85.439652799999997.8207668304322375 -120.59357732478408 64.437682169567765 -50.2857282752159tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9499767.post-51397514571094697692021-08-18T13:49:00.003-05:002021-10-14T09:05:30.289-05:00Unnamed Cave 61Throughout a caver's career, certain caves stand out as important, or defining to them. Unnamed Cave 61 is the cave that stands out for me (the cave does have a name, but in the convention of archaeological sites, we do not share its name). I was present when the discovery of its prehistoric art was first made. I initially brought cavers there on a lead by a neighbor. We believed that we were the first to have documented the cave, but later learned that it had been previously described, but the location was wrong. I corrected the error and merged the records within the Tennessee Cave Survey dataset.<br><br>
This cave I have come to think of as "mine" though I in no way own or have any particular claim to it. All that serves to preface my walkthrough of the cave, and its amazing contents.<br><br>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/45629254935" title="Panel, Painted light, Unnamed Cave 61"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/7827/45629254935_6e83d70cf0_n.jpg" width="320" height="213" alt="Panel, Painted light, Unnamed Cave 61"></a>
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In this first image of the panel, one can see it naturally. It was photographed with painted light from a headlamp by a tripod mounted camera at close range. As a cave explorer, the faded charcoal pigment is not easy to see unless you slow down and intentionally look for it.
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/45819007714" title="Panel, Painted light - D-Stretch, Unnamed Cave 61"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/7898/45819007714_e3ca98bf3f_n.jpg" width="320" height="213" alt="Panel, Painted light - D-Stretch, Unnamed Cave 61"></a>
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In this image, a D-Stretch version of the panel has been made. Local contrast is provided by color. Individual parts can be made out, but the whole panel isn't clearly visible. Detailed processing of the D-Stretch image may improve panel detail.
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/44725378470" title="Panel, Painted light - D-Stretch - B Channel, Unnamed Cave 61"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/7917/44725378470_ed9160db6b_n.jpg" width="320" height="213" alt="Panel, Painted light - D-Stretch - B Channel, Unnamed Cave 61"></a>
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This image is the B channel of a LAB color space image, and provides a nice contasted image by which to see the panel's detail.
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/44725377860" title="Panel, Longwave light, Unnamed Cave 61"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/4857/44725377860_c0ef7d497e_n.jpg" width="320" height="213" alt="Panel, Longwave light, Unnamed Cave 61"></a>
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This is an image of the panel shot with longwave light (365nm). The experiment was to see if using this, or any of its possible color spaces would provide additional information or detail to the panel.
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/45819003414" title="Panel, Longwave light - D-Stretch, Unnamed Cave 61"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/7831/45819003414_5d0fd54fd6_n.jpg" width="320" height="213" alt="Panel, Longwave light - D-Stretch, Unnamed Cave 61"></a>
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This image is the D-Stretch version of the longwave light image. The "stars" visible are likely bacterial colonies on the rock.
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<br><br>
Chris Morris made this lovely 3d model of the panel that can be viewed here
<br><br>
<div class="sketchfab-embed-wrapper">
<iframe title="A 3D model" width="760" height="600" src="https://sketchfab.com/models/b18fb95ea9564572ad57740c8cd65ace/embed?autostart=0&ui_controls=1&ui_infos=1&ui_inspector=1&ui_stop=1&ui_watermark=1&ui_watermark_link=1" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; fullscreen; vr" mozallowfullscreen="true" webkitallowfullscreen="true"></iframe>
<p style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; margin: 5px; color: #4A4A4A;">
<a href="https://sketchfab.com/3d-models/unnamed-cave-61-b18fb95ea9564572ad57740c8cd65ace?utm_medium=embed&utm_source=website&utm_campaign=share-popup" target="_blank" style="font-weight: bold; color: #1CAAD9;">Unnamed Cave 61</a>
by <a href="https://sketchfab.com/kywaterfalls?utm_medium=embed&utm_source=website&utm_campaign=share-popup" target="_blank" style="font-weight: bold; color: #1CAAD9;">Morris</a>
on <a href="https://sketchfab.com?utm_medium=embed&utm_source=website&utm_campaign=share-popup" target="_blank" style="font-weight: bold; color: #1CAAD9;">Sketchfab</a>
</p>
</div><br><br>
This first panel has some spectacular interpretation, which I will attempt to provide you with. The main panel has a geologic feature called a styolite (8) that runs across it. The artists appear to have used this naturally occurring geologic feature to separate the underworld with the land above within the context of their art. Knowing this about the styolite one can clearly discern the three realms of Native American mythology: The heavens, Earth, and the underworld.<br><br>
In the heavens, one can see a star shape (1), likely representing the sun. In the underworld one can see a cresent moon (2), and a pack of quadrupeds (4). The right-most quadruped is turned vertical approximately 90 degrees (6). Around the corner, is the warrior (3) with a headress on and bow drawn.<br><br>
The Earth portion of the panel includes a figure, dubbed "Touchdown man" (5) who has his arms thrown to the heavens. Another quadruped (7) is visible and deep scratches (10) which mar a portion of the pictograph. The scratches are believed to have been from a later Native American that visited the cave. Perhaps they disagreed with the symbology, or wanted to have their own conversation with the cave.<br><br>
Returning to the warrior, his placement is important within the cave. He is hiding around the corner from the entrance of the cave, weapon ready. He is guarding the cave with his pack of quadrupeds - or perhaps they are dogs. The last dog, the one turned vertically is drawn that way because it is metaphorically on the steep slope at the entrance of the cave. This spirit warrior, drawn by a Native American is believed to be the cave's protector.<br><br>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/51387006283" title="01 - Star"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51387006283_3ef75042d5_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="01 - Star"></a><br>
1 - Star<br><br>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/51387006258" title="02 - Moon"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51387006258_bcc4c4257b_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="02 - Moon"></a><br>
2 - Moon<br><br>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/51387006223" title="03 - Warrior"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51387006223_8477ec3b6e_n.jpg" width="320" height="316" alt="03 - Warrior"></a><br>
3 - Warrior<br><br>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/51386759616" title="04 - Quadrupeds"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51386759616_432dba3165_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="04 - Quadrupeds"></a><br>
4 - Quadrupeds<br><br>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/51387006183" title="05 - Touchdown Man"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51387006183_99897f6ab3_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="05 - Touchdown Man"></a><br>
5 - Touchdown Man<br><br>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/51386000747" title="06 - Vertical Quadruped"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51386000747_a47d54c6bd_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="06 - Vertical Quadruped"></a><br>
6 - Vertical quadruped<br><br>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/51386759556" title="07 - Above Ground Quadruped"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51386759556_ffd54c2c3b_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="07 - Above Ground Quadruped"></a><br>
7 - Above ground quadruped<br><br>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/51386000722" title="08 - Styoloite"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51386000722_73ccc0dde6_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="08 - Styoloite"></a><br>
8 - Styoloite<br><br>
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9 - Stokemarks (not pictured)
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/51387006128" title="10 - Petroglyphs"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51387006128_bfcd2ebbee_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" alt="10 - Petroglyphs"></a><br>
10 - Petroglyphs atop pictographs<br><br>
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Chuck Sutherlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02409762025095859458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9499767.post-57228717222250516162021-08-13T11:03:00.004-05:002021-08-13T11:19:27.948-05:00ConcertsFor my own records, and for anyone interested, these are the concerts I have attended.<br /><br />
<a href="https://www.concertarchives.org/concerts/white-zombie-reverend-horton-heat-the-melvins" target="_blank">1995 06 06 - White Zombie, Reverend Horton Heat, The Melvins at Starwood</a><br />
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<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51375578116_a6030218d2.jpg" width="500" /><br />
<a href="https://www.setlist.fm/festival/1996/edge-of-the-cumberland-1996-7bd78e1c.html">1996/05/04 - Toadies, Brother Cain, The Nixons, God Lives Underwater, Lounge Flounders at Edge of the Cumberland</a>
<br /><br />
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51375809893_5a8d9dc170.jpg" width="500" /><br />
<a href="https://www.cure-concerts.de/concerts/1996-09-07.php" target="_blank">1996/07/09 - The Cure at Starwood</a>
<br /><br />
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51374814402_b14580506c.jpg" width="500" /><br />
<a href="http://onesecondbush.com/bush/tour/razorblade-suitcase-tour-setlist/1997-March-29/">1997/03/29 - Bush at Nashville Arena</a>
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<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51376586155_f1b2590be3.jpg" width="500" /><br />
<a href="https://www.tourdatesearch.com/tourdates/artist/1014/descendents?p=14">1997/04/04 - Descendants and Suicide Machine</a>
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<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51376586080_90f215c41a.jpg" width="500" /><br />
<a href="https://www.newspapers.com./newspage/113402917/" target="_blank">1997/05/17 -Better Than Ezra, Sponge, The Verve Pipe, Tonic, Cowboy Mouth, The Honeyrods at Edge of the Cumberland</a>
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<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51374814377_b2f5204132.jpg" width="500" /><br />
<a href="https://www.concertarchives.org/concerts/rage-against-the-machine-wu-tang-clan-atari-teenage-riot-27fd66ad-fb76-4aa9-bdbe-a0a458b133de">1997/08/12 - Rage Against the Machine, Wu-Tang Clan, and Atari Teenage Riot at Starwood Amphitheatre</a>
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<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51375809988_c530c53ffb.jpg" width="500" /><br />
1997/09/13 - BB King at Nashville Fairgrounds (?)
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<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51376586085_3ae15cea62.jpg" width="500" /><br />
<a href="http://www.dmbalmanac.com/TourShowSet.aspx?id=453054738&tid=21&where=1998">1998/08/07 - Dave Matthews Band at Starwood Amphitheatre</a>
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<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51375578026_9ecd10a51a.jpg" width="500" /><br />
1999/02/23 - Sunny Day Real Estate, Heroic Doses, and MK Ultra at 328 Performance Hall
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<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51375578071_372c88b33e.jpg" width="500" /><br />
1999/11/05 - George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic at 328 Performance Hall
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<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51375809958_1fdb3d96c2.jpg" width="500" /><br />
<a href="https://www.setlist.fm/festival/2000/1029-buzzfest-2000-23d644bf.html">2000/09/14 - Buzzfest 2000 at Amsouth Amphitheatre</a><br />
Cowboy Mouth, Dynamite Hack, Eve 6, Everclear, Everlast, Fuel, Nickelback, P.O.D., Sum 41
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<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51375578036_29bd13e3e8.jpg" width="500" /><br />
2000/10/13 - Counting Crows and Live at Amsouth Amphitheatre
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<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51375578086_2bea3de59c.jpg" width="500" /><br />
2001/05/19 - The Toadies at 328 Performance Hall
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<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51375809903_d2808151ea.jpg" width="500" /><br />
2001/05/20 - Finger 11, Drowning Pool, Boy Hits Car at 328 Performance Hall
Chuck Sutherlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02409762025095859458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9499767.post-16814536549223905072021-08-10T14:20:00.005-05:002021-08-13T09:00:27.524-05:00Bee Rock in Monterey, Tennessee<iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=1fQ0Sk_kHPsOZpeBlzmT3bkJ82BBkvX0J" width="780" height="600"></iframe><br><br>
Bee Rock is a spectacular, east-facing overlook and is managed as a city park in Monterey, Tennessee. Like it's counterpart, Meadow Creek Park, it is a great place for rock climbing. Because of its aspect, it's an excellent photographic destination for sunrises for most of the year. In the map above, sunrise angles are shown with geographic context related to Bee Rock. The two angles facing east represent the Summer and Winter solstices (north and south respectively). The green shaded area shows the "viewshed" from the observer's location.<br><br>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/49882998698" title="Bee Rock, Putnam County, Tennessee"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49882998698_f7b843b813_c.jpg" width="760" alt="Bee Rock, Putnam County, Tennessee"></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/49883531626" title="Verble Hollow, Putnam County, Tennessee"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49883531626_31bb01b37f_c.jpg" width="760" alt="Verble Hollow, Putnam County, Tennessee"></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/48439376061" title="Bee Rock overlook, Putnam County, Tennessee 8"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48439376061_8451b3bcde_c.jpg" width="760" height="437" alt="Bee Rock overlook, Putnam County, Tennessee 8"></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/33237063506" title="Kathie South Ferrari, Jason Lavender, Bee Rock, Putnam County, Tennessee 1"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/743/33237063506_3280139d2c_z.jpg" width="380" alt="Kathie South Ferrari, Jason Lavender, Bee Rock, Putnam County, Tennessee 1"></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/33237083926" title="Warren Wyatt, Kathie South Ferrari, Bee Rock, Putnam County, Tennessee"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/3821/33237083926_8097ef83cb_z.jpg" width="380" alt="Warren Wyatt, Kathie South Ferrari, Bee Rock, Putnam County, Tennessee"></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/15278630620" title="Bee Rock overlook, Putnam County, Tennessee 4"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/3928/15278630620_0123efc14e_c.jpg" width="760" alt="Bee Rock overlook, Putnam County, Tennessee 4"></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/8271373698" title="Campground Natural Bridges, Putnam County, Tennessee"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/8489/8271373698_ed1864b61b_c.jpg" width="760" alt="Campground Natural Bridges, Putnam County, Tennessee"></a>
Chuck Sutherlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02409762025095859458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9499767.post-37996958512731857102021-08-10T11:18:00.006-05:002023-02-17T20:45:04.232-06:00Meadow Creek Park in Monterey, TennesseeIn the late 1980s, the Town of Monterey embarked on a search for a new water source and eventually found a suitable 300-acre tract of land on the Clarkrange Highway, about five miles east on State Route 62. The property, previously a coal mining operation, was located near Meadow Creek and had a terrain that was ideal for a 100-acre lake created by a strategically placed dam on the stream. Despite having 200-plus acres of shoreline, the lake went largely unnoticed until 2015 when the town council realized its potential and authorized the development of a master plan to transform the property into a remarkable park and outdoor enthusiasts' paradise.<br><br>
Meadow Creek Park is still in its early stages, but it has already garnered attention from professional trail builders and volunteer groups with skills that align with the overall plan's objectives. The support of passionate individuals and influential businesses such as the Perdue Foundation and Signature Health has been crucial to the park's progress. In November 2020, the Upper Cumberland Southern Off Road Bicycle Association opened almost two miles of trail that will eventually encircle the entire lake. Meadow Creek Park's future goals include more hiking and biking trails, designated rock-climbing areas, wilderness camping sites, kayak and boat rentals, and a fishing pier.<br><br>
Additional Resources:<br>
<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/dir//Meadow+Creek+Park,+19195+Clarkrange+Hwy,+Monterey,+TN+38574/@36.1156902,-85.1900032,17z/data=!4m8!4m7!1m0!1m5!1m1!1s0x886743799f8aa073:0xb2041105dc2e1552!2m2!1d-85.1878092!2d36.1156902" target="_blank">Driving Directions</a><br>
<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bqV-ZvD87rRinVRJGif7E5RSoEVDCMDg/view?usp=sharing">Meadow Creek Park Trifold Brochure</a><br>
<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bG87P-FC68xTwJCHr0PxLTY8_uABRq8Y/view?usp=sharing">Meadow Creek Park - Hi-res Lidar Topographic Map</a><br><br>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/51369686546" title="Meadow Creek Park, Monterey, Putnam County, Tennessee [Map]"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51369686546_80f49410c7_c.jpg" width="780" alt="Meadow Creek Park, Monterey, Putnam County, Tennessee [Map]"></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/51369686486" title="Meadow Creek Park - Trail, Monterey, Putnam County, Tennessee [Map]"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51369686486_6602152ec0_c.jpg" width="780" alt="Meadow Creek Park - Trail, Monterey, Putnam County, Tennessee [Map]"></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/50734110592" title="Meadow Creek dam, Meadow Creek Park, Putnam County, Tennessee 8"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50734110592_b4837d0dde_c.jpg" width="780" alt="Meadow Creek dam, Meadow Creek Park, Putnam County, Tennessee 8"></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/50733278563" title="Meadow Creek Lake, Meadow Creek Park, Putnam County, Tennessee 5"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50733278563_55111aede0_c.jpg" width="780" alt="Meadow Creek Lake, Meadow Creek Park, Putnam County, Tennessee 5"></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/50734112677" title="Meadow Creek Lake, Meadow Creek Park, Putnam County, Tennessee 3"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50734112677_0efe255772_c.jpg" width="780" alt="Meadow Creek Lake, Meadow Creek Park, Putnam County, Tennessee 3"></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/32435335874" title="Meadow Creek dam, Meadow Creek Park, Putnam County, Tennessee 3"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/3698/32435335874_300b80f4eb_c.jpg" width="780" alt="Meadow Creek dam, Meadow Creek Park, Putnam County, Tennessee 3"></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/50896694677" title="Trail, Meadow Creek Park, Putnam County, Tennessee"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50896694677_20b4598850_c.jpg" width="780" alt="Trail, Meadow Creek Park, Putnam County, Tennessee"></a>
Chuck Sutherlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02409762025095859458noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9499767.post-64061566223020688152021-08-10T10:47:00.004-05:002021-08-13T09:00:11.364-05:00Winding Stairs in Lafayette, Tennessee<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/51369612256" title="Winding Stairs, Lafayette, Macon County, Tennessee [Map]"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51369612256_3856a11fd5_c.jpg" width="760" alt="Winding Stairs, Lafayette, Macon County, Tennessee [Map]"></a>
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The Winding Stairs is a unique waterfall located in a city park of the same name in Lafayette, Tennessee. It is a narrow and short limestone canyon formed in the upper Ordovician units of the Nashville Basin physiographic province, with the watershed being mostly within the lower Mississippian Fort Payne Limestone. The waterfall begins in the Ordovician units whose thinly bedded stratigraphy resemble stairs.<br><br>
The park has access for wheelchairs, and has easily accessible overlooks for children and elderly people to enjoy. The trail beyond the paved portion gets steep and rocky very quickly.<br><br>
Steep, rocky terrain with intermittant seeps makes springtime at Winding Stairs an excellent time to find plenty of beautiful wildflowers.<br><br>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/29977881277" title="Winding Stair Cascade, Winding Stairs Park, Macon County, Tennessee 7"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/1910/29977881277_dc32fd9405_w.jpg" width="380" alt="Winding Stair Cascade, Winding Stairs Park, Macon County, Tennessee 7"></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/31041417738" title="Winding Stair Cascade, Winding Stairs Park, Macon County, Tennessee 8"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/1945/31041417738_60983f99ff_w.jpg" width="380" alt="Winding Stair Cascade, Winding Stairs Park, Macon County, Tennessee 8"></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/29977882677" title="Winding Stair Cascade, Winding Stairs Park, Macon County, Tennessee 9"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/1912/29977882677_3684fd3757_w.jpg" width="380" alt="Winding Stair Cascade, Winding Stairs Park, Macon County, Tennessee 9"></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/44001795475" title="Winding Stair Cascade, Winding Stairs Park, Macon County, Tennessee 11"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/1931/44001795475_ffd793b97b_w.jpg" width="380" alt="Winding Stair Cascade, Winding Stairs Park, Macon County, Tennessee 11"></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/33317776104" title="Winding Stair Cascade, Winding Stairs Park, Macon County, Tennessee 3"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/2814/33317776104_211d5e547f_w.jpg" width="380" alt="Winding Stair Cascade, Winding Stairs Park, Macon County, Tennessee 3"></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/33317775474" title="Winding Stair Cascade, Winding Stairs Park, Macon County, Tennessee 4"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/2911/33317775474_65088c72dd_w.jpg" width="380" alt="Winding Stair Cascade, Winding Stairs Park, Macon County, Tennessee 4"></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/34029603801" title="Winding Stair Cascade, Winding Stairs Park, Macon County, Tennessee 1"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/2948/34029603801_cee80e62ea_c.jpg" width="760" alt="Winding Stair Cascade, Winding Stairs Park, Macon County, Tennessee 1"></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chucksutherland/31041420098" title="Winding Stair Cascade, Winding Stairs Park, Macon County, Tennessee 12"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/1903/31041420098_ae8f46eca6_c.jpg" width="760" alt="Winding Stair Cascade, Winding Stairs Park, Macon County, Tennessee 12"></a>Chuck Sutherlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02409762025095859458noreply@blogger.com0