Raven Run is a unique, 734-acre nature sanctuary located just outside of Lexington. The park borders the Kentucky River and provides a great place for hiking and wildlife viewing. Over 10 miles of trails pass through meadows, woodlands and streams characteristic of the inner Bluegrass. Historic remnants of early 19th century settlers can also be found throughout the park.
This is the orange loop trail just out of the meadow in the northwest part of Raven Run.
Having grown up in Tennessee, I am a Vol at heart. I will admit though that Rocky Top can become annoying really quickly.
The official mascot is Smokey, a rather pleasant blue tick coonhound that has been on the job since 1953. After a student poll revealed a desire to select a live mascot for the University of Tennessee, the UT Pep Club held a contest in 1953 to select a coon hound, a native breed of the state.
Announcements of the contest in local newspapers read, "This can't be an ordinary hound. He must be a 'Houn' Dawg' in the best sense of the word." The late Rev. W.C. Brooks entered his prize-winning blue tick coon hound, Smokey, in the contest. At halftime of the Mississippi State game, the dogs were lined up on the old cheerleaders' ramp at Neyland Stadium. Each dog was introduced and the student body cheered for their favorite. Smokey was the last hound introduced. When his name was called out, he barked.
The students cheered and Smokey threw his head back and howled again. This kept going and soon the whole stadium was in a roar and UT had found its mascot. The dog is a native breed of Tennessee and a line of dog used for hunting raccoons. The present Smokey is the nineth in a line of such canines and is appropriately called Smokey IX.
Rev. Brooks supplied UT with the line of canines until his death in 1986 when his wife, Mildred, took over the caretaking role. She did so until 1994, when her brother and sister-in-law, Earl and Martha Hudson of Knoxville, took over responsibility for Smokey VII and eventually Smokey VIII. Mrs. Brooks died in July 1997.
The dogs have led exciting lives. Smokey II was dognapped by Kentucky students in 1955 and later survived a confrontation with the Baylor Bear at the 1957 Sugar Bowl. Smokey III compiled a 105-39-5 record and two SEC championships. Smokey VI, who suffered heat exhaustion in the 140 degree temperatures at the 1991 UCLA game, was listed on the Vol injury report until he returned later in the season. Smokey VI, who passed away in 1991, was on the sidelines for three SEC championships.
Smokey IX is accused of biting Alabama player in 2006 at Neyland Stadium. Crimson Tide receiver Mike McCoy fell on the 3-year-old dog during pregame warmups after jumping out of bounds for a pass near where Smokey was standing with the cheerleaders. What the dog did next is up for some debate. Alabama coach Mike Shula says Smokey bit the player. Smokey's owner says he didn't. As for Smokey, he only howls.
"It was over his head and he couldn't catch it, but he came down right on top of Smokey," Hudson explained. "Now what dog worth his salt wouldn't defend himself? "Smokey did not bite him. The article in the paper said he bit the player. He got a little of his uniform, didn't break the skin I was told, but Alabama made a big deal out of it I understand," Hudson said. Smokey IX was the winner in that game 2006, Vols won 16-13 over Alabama. One of the most beloved figures in the state, Smokey is famous for leading the Vols out of the giant "T" prior to each home game.
Smokey VIII was the winningest Smokey having two SEC titles and the 1998 national championship.
The cache is a camouflaged, plastic tube with log only. As always, bring your own writing instrument.
This cache placed and maintained by a Geocky member.
LFUCG approval RR28