Back on the Trail

We returned to the OVTA trail for another long weekend.  We had a good time finishing up the march; however, in my opinion the end of the trail is not near as nice or pretty as the area we were in the week before.  We camped in the bed of Lee's truck again and we all slept well.  I have to admit is was very nice coming home to my own bed though.  It will be interesting to see how next year goes since Reese will be a year and a half old.... and walking!  

Reese on a real bear hide.  This bear was 600+ pounds when it was killed by the mountain man shown in the previous post.    

One of the monuments that has the name of 1st Lieutenant Reese Bowen, who was killed at the battle of Kings Mountain.

Reese in the bed of the truck.

Big Daddy is Sarah's grandfather (Reese's great grandfather) and will be 86 years old next month.  He is the reason the family is so involved with the OVTA.  Years ago he said he was going on a 200+ mile hike.... we all thought he was crazy.  But he said he had walked all the way from Northern Africa to Italy during WWII.. so 200+ miles was nothing.  My dad and uncles decided they better go with him to make sure he'd be okay and to bring him home when he got tired.  Well, he out walked all 3 of his sons and has been back on the trail every year since then!

   

Here is Lee and Reese throwing a rock on Patrick Ferguson's grave.  This is a tradition at Kings Mountain.  Some like to say the rocks make sure he stays down in his grave.  Others see it as a sign of respect.