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Backbone Rock: “The Shortest Tunnel in the World”

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Backbone Rock

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A while back I posted this short video tour of Backbone Rock and it was quite well received.

Today I’m sharing “the rock” from a different perspective – the perspective of Jim Hayes, my long-time friend and host of the awesome Jim Hayes Hiking & Biking YouTube channel.

But first a little background info for those who might be unfamiliar with this amazing place…

Rural Johnson County, Tennessee is home to Backbone Rock, one of numerous natural wonders that are well-known to locals and absolutely fascinating to the visitors who happen to stop by.

I grew up just a few miles from “The Rock” in nearby southwestern Virginia. It’s always been one of my favorite places to visit.

My family spent lots of time there during my formative years, primarily for picnics and family reunions. But whatever the reason for the visit, it usually ended with a hike across the the rock.

Backbone Rock Recreational Area has long been a haven for picnickers, hikers and folks who just love the outdoors. It’s pretty much the same today except for the addition of a relaxing creek-side campground.

Watch, and enjoy as Jim takes you on a short hike around – and across – Backbone Rock.

Note: You can watch this video at full screen by clicking the little “square” icon in the lower-right corner of the video after it begins playing.

 

Video: Check out the shortest passenger train in North America

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Don’t you just love it when you approach a railroad crossing just as the safety arms start coming down?

You sit there waiting for the train to pass, hoping that it will be a short one so you can make it to your appointment on time. For what seems like an eternity you wait and watch as car after car slowly passes by, making that extremely loud clanking noise every time the wheels roll over one of the joints in the tracks.  [Read more…]

Time-lapse video: Let’s drive the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel – in 3 minutes!

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If you have ever taken the 17.6 mile drive over and through the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel you know how exciting or terrifying it is, depending on your point of view.

I have taken this route on several occasions, and for me it’s a mixture of both. I always enjoy it but I’m also always relieved to reach the shore on the far side.

Have you ever taken this awesome drive? If you haven’t you’re really missing out on a wonderful experience. If you’d like to take the drive but doubt if you’ll ever have the opportunity to do it, here’s your chance to experience it via the wonders of time-lapse video.  [Read more…]

Video: 20 stops you can’t miss on the Blue Ridge Parkway

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It’s no secret that the Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most amazing drives on the planet.

From the gorgeous mountain and cliffside views of the valleys below to the numerous waterfalls you’ll pass along the way (and a whole lot more), there’s plenty to love about this 469 mile drive.  [Read more…]

The Rest of the Story: The poor boy with the out-of-tune guitar

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Paul Harvey

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The late, great Paul Harvey worked in radio and television for decades bringing “news and commentary” to the masses.

A born storyteller, Mr. Harvey just had a knack for touching the hearts and stirring the minds of his audience.

As a youngster, I enjoyed all of his broadcasts, but the ones I loved the most were his short, but always interesting “The Rest of the Story” series.  [Read more…]