A sudden rock slide in the Smokies made me triple check my footing now.

I was collecting samples near a ridge in Tennessee when a small shelf gave way, sending a pile of shale down the slope about ten feet from me, so now I always look for loose material and test the ground before stepping close to any outcrop.

2 comments

2 Comments

rubybarnes3d agoMost Upvoted

Glad you're okay, that's a real wake-up call. I had a similar scare once on a loose scree slope out west. My boot just sank and a whole section started sliding. Now I always kick a toe in first to see if the surface holds. That sound of rocks moving stays with you. Makes you respect the ground under your feet.

kelly.daniel2d ago

Ever tried that on ice? I mean, that sliding sound is the worst. Makes you feel real small real fast.