010114 Rocky Fork hike, Rocky Fork TN

What a phenomenal way to begin a new year - hiking Rocky Fork. Folks, this is pristine wilderness - untouched (think trash) by man, if you don't count that it's TWRA property. We were blessed with a perfect weather day - a bit cloudy to start, then clear blue skies and cold. If you really want to fully enjoy a hike, make sure that Randy Hedgepath (Tennessee's Naturalist) is along. He makes learning so much fun - and he has fun sharing all that he knows about plants - trees, flowers, shrubs - and animals, even down to a bear track.

The absolutely worst part of my day was heading East on State 107E. I came upon several THP cars on either side of this 2-lane road. There were 2 other cars stopped in the westbound lane. The trooper in my eastbound lane was crossing his arms back and forth in front of him (it was quite cold, so I figured he was just trying to keep warm). Then, he stopped moving his left arm and began, what I perceived as, motioning me on through with his right arm. I did not perceive there was anyone being arrested; no one pulled over for a sobriety test, etc. I went through at about 20mph and began to get back up to speed. Then, then I saw flashing blue lights coming behind me - there was no other traffic, so I was the target. My headlights were on, as well as my seat belt; all outside lights work; the radio was on a low volume. By the time he got to my window, my heart was already in defib. He said, "Ma'am, didn't you hear me screaming back there for you to stop." I said, "No, sir, there was no one yelling." "Well, Ma'am, I was yelling for you to stop." I told him I had an absolutely pristine driving record. Then, he asked for my driver's license and proof of insurance. Then he wanted my vehicle registration. I asked what they were looking for - he said they were checking driver licenses. He said to wait just a minute and took off with my ID. I was shaking so badly, I didn't think I was capable of continuing on my trip. He returned to my car, handed over my ID and said to have a great day and to drive carefully. I wished him a Happy New Year. I had to drive about another hour to my destination; that's about how long it took for my heart to resume a normal rhythm.

The moral of the story is... if you decide to go to Rocky Fork, be aware along this section of road - then, have fun.