Page 24 - SMH 2017 2nd edition

by Keith Cameron

Several years ago, as I walked along the OST, I ran into a man
who is very familiar to anyone who has spent any time
on GoSmokies.com or the Hike The Smokies Facebook page.
The Jedi himself, Mike Maples. Yes, I was star-struck. I felt as
though I already knew Mike from reading all his blogs and follow-
ing his pictures and stories online. He probably thought I was a
crazy person but, as fate would have it, we were soon to be hiking
partners.

My first off-trail hike with Mike was quite literally a life changing moment. I recall the exact
feeling I had as we climbed up a steep ridge without any resemblance of a trail in sight... this
is amazing! I admit, I wondered what I’d gotten myself into while trying to keep up but as we
paused for a break, I looked around and at once became aware of the vastness of these
mountains. It was breathtaking to realize the possibilities. It was literally a spiritual moment.
The endless streams, countless home sites where you can feel a presence of the past, ceme-
teries long forgotten by most where the struggles and pain of a time forgotten still linger fresh
in the moss covered grounds. I felt I a new love for these mountains, a new understanding,
and they were now part of me like never before.

I could no longer walk a trail without seeing beyond it. Old roadways... where do they go?
Faint manways leading to who knows where. I yearn to follow these paths; to discover.

I began my journey in the Smokies with the grand idea to hike all the trails in the park and
join the ranks of the 900 miler club. I still intend to do just that... eventually. There's just so
much to see along the way. The real Charlies Bunion, Jedi Point, Bullhead Bluffs, the three
steam engines, standing chimneys, hotel ruins, the Great Wall of the Smokies, home sites,
dams, countless artifacts, secret waterfalls, unmarked graves… the list goes on and on and
I’m just getting started.

I’m a fortunate man to live where I live and to be
able to spend most every weekend in the woods. I
am very thankful for that. I’m even more thankful
for what these mountains have given me.

You see, Mr. Maples not only opened my eyes
to what may ultimately prove to be the greatest
passion of my life, he also became my mentor and
more importantly, my dear friend. He is more than
an outstanding hiker. More than a terrific author,
genealogist or historian. He is a wonderful human
being who loves nothing more than sharing his
knowledge and passion with a little piece of hiker
trash like myself.

Thanks, Mike.
24 Smoky Mountain Hiker