Saturday, January 19, 2013

Jan 12 Porters Creek Stroll




It's beginning day of Wilderness Wildlife Week. Between the hike sign-ups on Saturday which occurred at 11:30 am and 6 pm, there was ample time for a short walk in the Park. I chose Porters Creek Trail. It is a gravel road for the first mile, which is as far as I ventured. At the turn around spot, it is a very short walk over to the old Smoky Mountain Hiking Club cabin and the Messer barn, pictured above and below. It appears the cabin was built on the site of an old home. Maybe it was the Messer home. There is a small patio and a spring with a springhouse. Both look fully functional today.

I'm told the reason for the cantilevered barns is based on taxation. Apparently, English law which was adapted here, taxed structures on their foundation footprint. I've not confirmed that but it makes for a nice story.


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Oct 28 Edwards-Franklin House

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