One of the things that Tom and I really enjoy about the Tri-State Area is all the opportunities we have for hanging out.  We recently had a ranger who left because of “Appalachian Isolation.”  He had some reasons to feel that way, but it isn’t something that Tom and I have experienced.  We are more …

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Last weekend we had a teacher workshop on Saturday at Cumberland Gap National Historical Park.  That, alone, would have made the weekend busy, but there were many other things going on as well. On Thursday the Levitt Concerts in Middlesboro returned.  This is a 10-week series of free concerts held in downtown Middlesboro.  This first …

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I recently had a visitor tell me she was so glad to be here in Cumberland.  Could I please tell her how to get to the tunnel that had a canal through it?  This part of the world isn’t known for its canals, so I asked a few questions, hoping to understand what she wanted.  …

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In July, Tom and I worked at the Tri-State Outdoor Fest as representatives of Cumberland Gap National Historical Park.  We had done this two years ago, but our job was a little different this time. The Tri-State Outdoor Fest is a celebration of all the things there are to do outdoors in the Tri-State Area.  …

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One Saturday in June, Tom and I joined Ranger Layton in a park vehicle to drive to Boonesboro, Kentucky for the finale of the Boone Trace Commemoration.  2025 marked 250 years since Daniel Boone and his axemen cleared and marked the trail leading into Kentucky. The Boone Trace Commemoration started on April 23 in Kingsport, …

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Last week I wrote about the work Tom and I are doing at Cumberland Gap National Historical Park.  This week I am writing about relaxing.  Relaxing and doing chores.  Relaxing, doing chores, and hiking.  Well, you know what I mean. One of the really nice things about coming back to Cumberland Gap is already knowing …

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After a month at Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, Tom and I are getting settled and developing our routine.  It usually takes us a month before we feel like we are in the groove.  Even though we usually work the same basic days at each park where we volunteer, finding the right balance of work …

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About a month before we came down to Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, the volunteer coordinator called us to let us know there had been a water line break.  The break affected the buildings in the area where we were supposed to stay.  Because of the budget cuts, they were fixing the break in the …

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What are your favorite national park sites?  The National Parks have been on my mind a lot lately.  I feel like President Trump is basically trying to demolish the National Parks, along with a lot of other things.  And working in the National Parks, even as a volunteer, is pretty stressful right now.  I have …

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Tom and I have been pleasantly surprised by how many people come to visit us at Fort Frederica National Monument.  But it is a great place to visit, especially in the winter.  We have enjoyed everyone who has come to see us while we have been here. This year, however, we haven’t had many 2025 …

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