Oldest? /  by Dave Hileman

This church, but not, I think, this building claims to be the oldest of the Independent Christian church in Tennessee. The congregation began in 1812. Very early for a Christian Church as the Campbells did not even arrive in the US until about 1807. Still interesting.

A mere 55 years ago... /  by Dave Hileman

…Cindy and I were married. We shared a lot of love and life together and many of those times were hiking somewhere. Here she is in Acadia and the two of us a day or two later on the top of Penobscot, perhaps our favorite hike in Acadia NP.

Tide Pool after the Storm /  by Dave Hileman

Along the Atlantic side of Mt Desert Island and Acadia National Park the beauty of the coast after a storm. The sea is not quite calm, the rocks softly glowing reddish in the thin light and the captured pools teaming with life to explore as a cool breeze begins to still.

Deep Breathing /  by Dave Hileman

The air is crisp, clean and scented with the tang of many wildflowers. A lovely day to picnic on the Cherohala Skyway on the NC/TN border south of the Smoky Mountains.

One More Look /  by Dave Hileman

at the John Cooper Cabn

Just a short walk to this the oldest of cabins in the Cades Cove area, built in 1812 by John Cooper and lived in for more than 150 years.

Magpie /  by Dave Hileman

This bird of striking color and song “is thought to rank among the world's most intelligent creatures, and is one of the few nonmammalian species able to recognize itself in a mirror test. Magpies have shown the ability to make and use tools, imitate human speech, grieve, play games, and work in teams.” That if from Wikipedia. This bird was photographed near Banff, Canada. Love to see these birds and hear their songs. Reminds me of my Western trips.

Need Coffee? /  by Dave Hileman

Well, this is a coffee shop (rebuilt, not original) that served the likes of Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry, George Wythe, George Washington and many more well-known people of the 18th century. Today you can get a sample size hot chocolate. Coffee? Well there are several options near but not at the coffee shop. However if you wish to talk about the onerous taxes of Great Britain, this is the place. Or if your subject is the even more burdensome taxes of the Commonwealth of Virginia, well, give it a try.

Sunday Post /  by Dave Hileman

I don’t usually write on Sundays, just a photo, but today is different. My beautiful wife, Jill, founder and director of Knoxville Christian Arts Ministry (KnoxCAM) is stepping down from both roles after 17 years. She has written stories and music, wrestled with schedules and details. worried over access to the prisons, led countless practices, held interviews, produced three movies, and worked hours to make this group the best it can be, drawing out of us a beautiful, inspiring and God honoring work. Thank you Jill. Wow!

“To God be the Glory Great Things He has Done.”

A long and (not so) winding road... /  by Dave Hileman

This is a portion of the original US 40 looking west in the Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania. US 40 also known on this original portion as the National Highway runs from Cumberland, Maryland to Vandalia, Illinois. Here it follows the route that George Washington took with the British under General Braddock during the French and Indian War ( as well as Geo Washington earlier starting said war about 5 miles from this location. ) This first national highway was officially designated in 1806 with toll houses on the route, a few of which are still standing. Later US 40 was re-aligned from Atlantic City, NJ to its end in San Francisco, CA. Now it ends near Salt Lake CIty Utah. I hope to travel the portion from Cumberland to Vandalia sometime this year. Might see why is shares another nickname with US 66, Main Street of America.