Scott's long time friend John Galkiewicz lived in eastern Tennessee, a more or less rural area with lots of local history and places to explore.  Though a gentlemen by the name of Thomas Walker actually found and explored the area encompassing the now famous "Cumberland Gap", it was Daniel Boone that got the credit as he blazed the trail north to the famed flatlands of Kentucky.  Though the 100+ mile ridge that the Cumberland Gap nestled in had other numerous such gaps it was only the Cumberland Gap that lined up with a similar gap in its sister 100+ mile ridge just 10 miles to the north.  The buffalo were first to take advantage of this lining up of gaps followed by the area indians.  It was Thomas Walker who then found the well worn trail, followed it, and discovered he had found the way to a new land ripe for farming and raising families.
    A days journey from Cumberland Gap was an outcrop of rock that could be seen several days journey away.  That outcrop is now part of the "Cumberland Gap National Park" and a rocky and very steep trail now leads to the top of that famous rock outcrop.  For those willing to endure the 1:45 hr climb to the top of the ridge was yet another attraction that few were aware of.  Nestled only 30 minutes from the top of the ridge and just down the other side of the mountain was the famed "Sand Cave".  This giant sand stone cave resembled the opened mouth of a 1,000 ft whale.  The centuries of sand particles falling from the top of the cave to the ground below had now left a foot or more of "beach" sand that kids especially enjoyed.
    The round trip journey to the "Sand Cave" and famed "White Rocks" would take approximately 7-1/2 hours so an early morning start was planned for the day's trip.  Jim Krueger, a close friend and neighbor of John's was invited along after he too had showed a distinct interest in the trip.  With water and rations in hand the trio set off early for the day's journey.
    Though the trail to the upper ridge was a steep one, time when by quickly for the trio.  All three were veterans and stories abound through out the entire journey.  About 3/4 the way up to the ridge the steady pace of progress the three had established was slowed a bit by a surprise courtesy of Mother Nature. The night before rime ice had formed on the front portion of everything that the night's ice cloud had blown against.  With the sun now up the 1/2" thick ice was now melting and breaking off, falling all over the place as well as on the trio below.  It was one of those rare experiences of a lifetime.  The ice was gone in about 15 minutes leaving no trace what so ever of the incident even haven taken place.  The memory though was to last a lifetime.
    The ridge was reached and the short 30 minute trek down the other side to the Sand Cave begun.  Though easily seen from the air the Sand Cave was extremely well hidden from man on the ground.  Surrounded by thick Laurel trees that allowed only a 10'-20' sight distance one could only wonder how someone long ago came upon the cave in the first place.  They did and this one-of-a-kind experience was now there for others willing to take on the trek to the sight.
    The trio explored the cave and enjoyed the deep "beach" sand that covered the bottom of the cave.  Along the right rear of the cave were numerous mini caves that only went back in 20' for so.  At the bottom of the cave was a small water fall that provided a scenic setting for lunch.  A small pool had formed from the force of the water and provide the trio with a pleasant place to rest one's bare feet.  For some reason lunch at that time seemed to taste much better than usual.
    With dry and soothed feet the "bonus" of the trip was now put behind them as they climbed the trail back to the ridge line above for the trek to their intended destination, the famed "White Rocks".  The white Rocks lay another 30+ minutes away and though on a slight incline it took added effort on the part of all three to overcome the lackadaisical feeling the rest at the Sand Cave had left on the men.
    At trail's end there was yet another challenge to conquer.  To get to the top of the rocks one had to climb almost straight up for 30 ft or so pulling oneself up with rock or laurel branch.  The path was well worn and made much easier leaving one's pack below.  For all those able and willing to conquer that last final challenge the view was magnificent.  On this day Mother Nature had provided the trio with a clear view for many miles.  As both high time chopper pilots this view was rather special as flying does not really give you a sense of height which is taken for granted.  This view though had been "earned" and did indeed give one a feeling of height.
    As the trio sat and chatted, being thankful that they were there instead of a windowless office in downtown New York City, the magnificence of the setting took hold.  The friendship, the view, and the challenge all added to the experience.  It was at about this time that Scott wished to have a picture taken of him on the edge of the rock ledge.  As Scott posed for the picture Krueger told him to get out farther on the ledge, which would make the picture much more realistic.  What Krueger did not realize was that most high time chopper pilots are not comfortable at all with heights of any kind other than those seen from the seat of a chopper.  At Krueger's suggestion Scott immediately smiled, pointed to himself, and said "You want me to do WHAT?"  Krueger then went out to give Scott the added encouragement he needed to go out to the actual very edge of the rock outcrop.  Though both are seen smiling at Scott's forced accomplishment both were wondering if their added weight would be enough to crack that section of rock off.  With picture taken both hastily moved to more solid and dependable surroundings.
    The trip down the mountain was mostly a quiet one as each reminisced over what they had just experienced.  Each had again taken the path-least-traveled in life and were now the better for it.  Mother Nature has ways of soothing one's soul and on that day she soothed three souls whose effects would last for a long time.  Such is life.

The End
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

.