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BIG SOUTH FORK TENNESSEE: Casting A Long Shadow

By
Real Estate Agent with Tennessee Recreational Properties

Shadow Of Trail Rider Early AftrernoonHere in Big South Fork National Park, late fall days are usually mild enough for trail riding. In fact, it is common here to ride right through the winter, with many days in the 50's and some in the 60's.

At this time of year, it is not the temperature that is a concern but the waning daylight which changes at about 1pm from a yellow morning light to a blue afternoon light. Riders need to plan their route to arrive back by about 3:30 as darkness falls early.

For those who are unfamiliar with the area or the distances they might travel on various trails, it is a good idea to carry a reflective vest, reflective anklets or a reflective browband for your horse or a light stick that you can tie to your saddle, in case you have to make your way back to the trailer or to the cabin in the gathering dusk.

 

For information about Big South Fork Real Estate or horse properties in Jamestown, Tennessee, go to www.trailridersrealestate.com

Comments (8)

Sharon Tara
Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH
Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

Awesome picture, Leslie!  Here in New Hampshire, our "riding" days are coming to an end.  Bike riding that is.  We keep hoping for "one more ride" and this year has been so unseasonably warm we have been pretty lucky. 

Dec 02, 2009 10:52 AM
Leslie Helm
Tennessee Recreational Properties - Jamestown, TN
Real Estate For Trail Riders

Hi, Sharon. The first winter I lived in Vermont, I worked at Killington...seduced by the lure of free sking, of course. I can remember taking the wrong trail and ending up miles from where I'd left my car, after the lifts had already shut down! That was pretty embarrassing and it sure taught me to allow enough time to get back to where I needed to be.

Dec 02, 2009 12:10 PM
Lee & Carol Barbour, REALTORS
Murphy and Hayesville, NC; Hiawassee, Blairsville, Blue Ridge GA - Murphy, NC
Mountain Living Team in Murphy NC and North GA

As winter comes in the day gets away from us and this is a great reminder to plan on heading back early, especially while out on the trails or in the woods. I know your clients must appreciate your knowledge of the trails in your area - I sure would.

Dec 02, 2009 12:12 PM
Gene Allen
Fathom Realty - Cary, NC
Realty Consultant for Cary Real Estate

Shadows are pretty neat but I often don't get to do them.

Dec 02, 2009 01:22 PM
Leslie Helm
Tennessee Recreational Properties - Jamestown, TN
Real Estate For Trail Riders

Hi, Lee and Carol. I passed a group the other day, just past dusk and almost at full dark. They were riding along the side of the state highway, four dark horses and four riders wearing dark clothing; they were invisible until the last minute when the headlights picked them up. It was so dangerous! They should each have had a lightstick in their saddlebag which would at least have alerted drivers to their presence.

Dec 02, 2009 10:01 PM
Leslie Helm
Tennessee Recreational Properties - Jamestown, TN
Real Estate For Trail Riders

Hi, Gene. Thanks for commenting. It's harder to photograph a shadow than it seemed like it would be.

Dec 02, 2009 10:03 PM
Anne Hensel
South Beaches Real Estate Professionals - Saint Petersburg, FL
Realtor - Broker - St. Pete Beach, Treasure Island

Love the idea of a reflective west, never thought about it.

Dec 02, 2009 10:56 PM
Leslie Helm
Tennessee Recreational Properties - Jamestown, TN
Real Estate For Trail Riders

Hi, Anne. I think alot of bicyclists and joggers wear vests with reflective stripes. I try to be back before dark so, rather than take up room in my saddlebag with a vest, I carry a lightstick.

Dec 02, 2009 11:08 PM