Two days ago my wife and I decided to go look at a a piece of mountain property tucked away in the edge of the Smokey Mountains. I put the coordinates in the GPS and headed about 50 miles from our present location. The country was beautiful however when we got within 2 miles of the site we were stopped due to a bridge being closed across the river. The map showed no alternate route without going 100 miles around the mountain so we decided to scratch the idea.
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| View from mountain top. |
After heading back about 5 miles I saw another bridge across the river so we crossed it to see if the GPS would recalculate another route, it did and about 3 or 4 miles later we turned onto a small dirt trail. I decided to follow it to see where it would lead and the GPS now said we were within 4 miles of the destination. The road wound back and forth and up the side of the mountain, about the time we decided it was not worth it it was too narrow to turn around. The road had turned into a pig trail with 2 wheel ruts and was almost an impossible slope for my 2 wheel drive Dodge truck. The road was so narrow I was parting the trees with the truck and on the drivers side was a straight drop off. My wheels were inches from the edge. The slope had gotten so steep I could not stop because I knew I would have no traction to move again. I don't think the brakes would hold on that steep slope anyway. At one point I looked down and saw the trail we had just traveled a few hundred feet below us. I was starting to worry I might have to attempt to back down the mountain. The trail was almost impossible, in the curves I could not see more than 20 feet, I risked taking my eyes off the road for a second to glance at the GPS and it had totally lost track of the road.
When I though it could not get worse I had to slam on brakes to avoid hitting a rock climbing jeep head on. My heart sank. We looked at each other and he started to back up. He backed up for over half a mile till we came to a curve near the top of the mountain where I could squeeze by. I asked him if the road came out anywhere and to my surprise he said there was a paved road a mile or so further.
We came out on the hard top and never did find the property we were looking for, I had to drive a little out of the way to avoid going back the same way. I think I will wait till the bridge is repaired if I decide to go back.
It's a good thing you carry a roll of toilet paper in the truck.
ReplyDeleteAnd a gun or two or three or four. I had the theme song to Deliverance playing in my head.
DeleteLOL. Had a mountain drive like that in a Deuce-and-a-half once years ago in southern West Virginia. (Should've stayed on the highway...should've stayed on the highway...) Only I wound up nose-to-nose with a Bronco full of college kids who did NOT want to back up...until I gave the Deuce full throttle and started inching it forward.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean, By the time I decided it was too rough it as too late.
DeleteDuke, you need to go back, and find that place, it might be just what ya'll wanted!
ReplyDeleteI would like to find it, Who knows, thanks.
DeleteWell a retreat that nobody could find would be very safe. Of course it would also be safe from you as well.
ReplyDeleteI think there is a better road, I just didn't find it.
DeleteI would still check on property up there in those mountains. I would just avoid anything that required a "bridge" to get too. I also recomend avoiding ever using GPS. My ship almost ran aground (U.S. Navy) in Spain due to faulty GPS readings. Since then, I dont trust GPS. Give me a sextent, or a map.
ReplyDeleteGPS is not all its cracked up to be and in a SHTF situation, I would expect complete GPS failure and so I rely on maps and other tools.
I agree, I only relied on GPS because I had no other detailed map. I would never rely on it in an emergency. From experience I can tell you it is not accurate in back woods locations.
DeleteROTFLMAO! I'm sorry, but that is just a hilarious story!!! Of course I'm SURE it was not funny at the time, but GPS is not real smart... Glad to major injuries/damage occurred in your little jaunt though. And from the sound of it, glad ONE of you could back up! Kinda sounds like a freind's place down in NC... :-)
ReplyDeleteI wish I could have taken pictures but he situation was too serious to play around with the camera.
Deleteoh it sucks to be in scary situations like that, Dear Duke - i laughed when you said you had the song from Deliverance playing in your head - i'm sure i would too. GPS doesn't work for crap here - it can't even find the main roads let alone all of the little dirt roads and whatnot. it does work in the big towns and our one city. i am glad cuz google maps doesn't zoom in around here either - very private! it does sound like an interesting property and i hope that you go back to see it when the bridge is fixed.
ReplyDeleteyour friend,
kymber
Kymber, I don't think I will mess with it again I think this was a sign of some sort. Thanks my friend.
Deleteoh that stinks! On the other hand, My Aunts mountain property is for sale, 16 acres, A-Frame House, Apple orchards and lots of game. Its in Franklin, NC near the GA border.
ReplyDeleteI may get some more info on that. Thanks JUGM
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