I’ve worn many hats in my life, but one role I am very proud of is my time as president of the Appalachian Anglers Society. This group is composed of men who love the sport of fishing for trout in the waters of our mountains and share a love of the great outdoors. Since 1957, our group has held a three-day event in the Cherokee National Forest near Tellico Plains, Tennessee. The founders of the Society dubbed the gathering Camp II. I spent my 30th birthday at my first Camp II and attended regularly for at least two decades.
Over the last ten years, my attendance at Camp II has been sporadic due to our RV travel. However, I still visit the Cherokee National Forest at least once a year for “mind cleansing” and because I cherish my time surrounded by the unbelievable beauty of the area. There is something about the roar of a mountain stream that shuts out much of life’s noise.
Camp II is usually held during the first weekend of May. For many years we had the event in a group campground. Still, due to a shortage of Forest Service personnel, we were asked to move the camp from McNabb Branch to the Holly Flats campground about six miles further into the forest near the North Carolina border.
I love Holly Flats and have often camped there with the Anglers and my family. Nevertheless, this campground is too small, and the road is too steep and narrow for our trailer. I’m long past my tent-camping days, so I drove down for one day, taking my new dog, Mortimer, with me. I also had a mission on this visit.
The eighteen-mile drive along the Tellico River from Tellico Plains to the road over the mountain to Holly Flats is captivating. The fast-flowing and scenic river heightens the sense of what it means to be alive and in the presence of such beauty. I never tire of it. I paused once to enjoy the stream and give Mortimer his first taste of Tellico River water.
I arrived at Holly Flats just before noon. There was little movement in the campground. This was predictable—many of the campers were out for a day of fishing, and several of the younger guys were still sleeping off the first night’s usually raucous activities. Tucked into one corner of the campground were several friends of mine and veterans of Camp II—guys who learned long ago to pace themselves. I chatted away and enjoyed myself immensely recalling old stories of Camp II’s of the past. Mortimer made several new friends as well.
My overall mission for the trip was to honor one of our members who passed away recently—my brother-in-law, Jimmy Dean. Jimmy, Helen’s younger brother, died in a tragic fall at his home last November. He was a long-time Anglers member and loved every minute of Camp II. Jimmy is pictured below, bottom row, fourth from the left.
His lovely daughters gave me one of his hats and asked that I leave it somewhere in the campground as a tribute and a memorial to Jimmy. I was honored that they asked and accepted immediately. I wrote a short note to go with the hat and had it laminated before the trip to the campground.
I could have stayed well into the evening and feasted on the Prime Rib dinner being prepared on the smoker that a brave Angler towed over the mountain, but I needed to scoot before temptation took over. I spotted a tree in the corner of Holly Flats, overlooking the Bald River, that was the perfect spot to give Jimmy’s hat a home.
A number of the campers asked that I read the note, and another camper brought a ladder over, allowing me to nail the hat high on the tree trunk, away from trouble and perched high above a section of still water. Mission accomplished.
Leaving Camp II is always difficult; this year was no different. As I drove along the river, past Bald River Falls, and back toward Knoxville, I again found myself so grateful for another visit to this blessed sanctuary and that a piece of Jimmy was there, shared with his friends.
In no hurry to depart, I was Easin’ Along…slowly.
Joe, what a beautiful piece to read this Sunday morning. Once again, your storytelling ability shines as you unfold a story of love, connections, and peace. I am sure your buddies, Helen, and Jimmy’s daughters appreciated the heartfelt tribute.
Both you and Mortimer look right at home in those woods and seem to have become great companions.
It must have been hard to walk away from that Prime Rib!
Good afternoon, Suzanne,
Thanks much for the nice comments. I love the National Forest and it’s always a treat to visit there. One of the guys in our group owns a catering business and he feeds us exceptionally well every year. I hated leaving all that Prime Rib. He smoked a grill full of them for us a few years ago and they were divine. Thanks always for stopping by. Happy Mother’s Day!
Joe
I’m glad you were able to join the group if only for the day. What a lovely and touching tribute.
Wishing Helen a lovely Mother’s Day.
Hi, Ingrid,
Thanks! One day in the Cherokee National Forest is not enough, but I grab every opportunity. Thanks for checking in, and have a lovely Mother’s Day, Mimi! Joe
I remember those days from living in Forest Brook!! You guys always had a blast!!! And what a nice tribute leaving the hat and note on the tree!! Nothing like time in the Cherokee National Forest!!!
Luanne,
The fun continues at Camp II and it’s great to see young guys continuing the camping trip. Thanks for stopping by! Joe
Aww, a touching tribute to a dear fellow angler, Joe. Glad Mortimer got to see where you spent your time. Stunning photography–all that spring green!
Good morning, Terri,
Mortimer enjoyed Camp II as much as I did. The green was gorgeous, but most of the wildflowers had disappeared. Nevertheless, I always love spending time down there regardless. Have a wonderful week. Joe
Hi, Joe – This is such a beautiful tribute to your brother-in-law, Jimmy Dean. Very moving! Thank you for sharing it with us.
Hi, Donna,
Jimmy LOVED being around the guys and spending time in the woods. He was a passionate bird-watcher, and was always sharing his finds with the rest of us. He knew every specie of Warbler in our mountains. Jimmy will be missed. Great to hear from you. Joe
This is a sweet story, Joe, and a touching tribute to Jimmy. The camaraderie the Anglers share is palpable. What a privilege and a blessing to have and enjoy it for so much of your adult life! I hope Helen had a lovely Mother’s Day!
Hello, Mary!
Camp II was always a highlight of the year, and a great bunch of guys to spend time with. Jimmy loved it as well. He will be missed. I hope y’all are thawed out up there by now. Please stay in touch. Joe
Joe – Thank you for this beautiful and eloquent tribute to our wonderful brother. He loved his time at Camp II every year, and what a perfect way to honor his love for that place and the special friendships he had with the other men there.
Hi, Cammy,
Jimmy and tales of his bird watching exploits were enjoyed greatly by the guys at Camp II, and Camp II was his kind of weekend. He will be missed. Thanks for the nice comments and have a great week. Joe
Joe, The Cherokee National Forest looks beautiful with all that spring green. Thank you for sharing your Camp II and loving tribute to your BIL, Jimmy Dean, with us. Have a great week!
Good morning, Natalie,
Cherokee National Forest truly is a place of staggering beauty in the spring and fall. You would love exploring the region any time of the year. Thanks for stopping by. Enjoy the rest of your week. Joe
Good morning. Thank you
Oh, Joe…this is beautifully written, and is such a wonderful tribute to your brother-in-law. What a lovely way to celebrate his life, among good friends and in a place rich with decades of good memories.
I love the photo of you and Mortimer by the river. That’s one to frame. ❤️
Good morning, Laurel,
Thanks for checking in and for the very nice comments. I do think that Jimmy would be pleased about the place where we chose to remember him. We had a lot of fun there over the years. I hope you’re getting closer to the move-in date. Please stay in touch and have a great weekend. Joe
What a beautiful tribute and a great group to be a part of! Thank you for sharing.
Good morning, Kirstin,
Thanks for the nice comment and for stopping by! Have a great Memorial Day weekend. Joe