Half way there

Howdy everyone! It's been a few weeks, but I'm back with another blog post to catch you up on some of my adventures the past couple of weeks. Because most of my weeks are the same, I will write one paragraph that summarizes how my week goes.

I have settled into my lab space nicely since the job has been consistent. Each week I drive to work, badge into campus, swipe into the first door, clean my shoes in the shoe buffer for lab cleanliness, swipe into the big sliding glass door, and finally make it into my desk. Just making it to my desk was a big deal at first, but now it is easy normal routine. I've been working with my coworkers in the UVDL (unmanned vehicle development laboratory), and each and every one of them is kind and crazy smart. I get to take a tour each week of one of ORNL's major facilities, and there are typically two talk sessions each week where I get the chance to learn about interesting topics from 3D printing to the total eclipse to the affect of stress on the body.

Two weekends ago I went down to Chattanooga which is about two hours away. I began by hiking around Rock City which was a mystical and fun piece of nature, even if it was being strangled in the grips of a tourist trap. I then walked across their long and famous bridge, had some terrible coffee, and watched a rubber ducky race. I finished off that day by going to Chattanooga'a art museum.

Small fall in Rock City

7 States can be seen from this point

Falls in Rock City

Fish from Uncle Larry's

Bridge in Chattanooga

Rubber Ducky Race

Canoes are prepared to see the winner

Clean up

Art from museum

Last weekend I went kayaking and hiking in town. When I went to rent a kayak, I asked the man if there were any good places to paddle to. He mumbled something inaudible, waggled his finger toward the road and said "eh, a lot of people like to go under that bridge." So I went. When I went just a few feet under the bridge I was surprised. What are all of these things lining the top of the bridge...
That's when I realized. It was hundreds of nests. A hoard of birds who were startled by my presence panicked, and swarmed just over my head before flying out. While it was scary at the time, it ended up fine, and the birds didn't bother me any. On the other side of the bridge, I found a deep grove of channels and ponds that was entirely surrounded my forest and isolation. I even gave the birds a nice salute on my way back out.

Isolated ponds after bridge

Benefit of squinty eyes is that you're already squinting when looking into the sun

Beautiful Reflection

Baby ducklings following their mama

Finally this weekend, my good friend Lyla came in town. We've been drawing, and hiking, and having a  good time catching up. The hope is to go to Knoxville on Tuesday and watch the fireworks there. This weekend was also my first time going to church since I joined the church choir. I went to practice before service, had my sheet music, and sung on stage. I have helped bolster their small bass section, and I'm having a great time.

Clean chamber in facilities

Till next time everyone wear your seat belt, bring extra socks, and never forget to get lost just the right amount.

-Tad Kile

This title is the only Ten-I-See

Hello to my consistent six readers! I'm back (you're welcome). I am writing this post because A. I wanted to keep you updated on my adventures, and B. Because I have a lot of cool pictures to add. So from Tennessee to the world, let's jump into it.

The car was loaded, and the food was being prepared. My dad and I said our goodbyes, as we jumped into the car on the Saturday before Memorial day, ready for our two day drive to Oak Ridge, Tennessee. You see, I was fortunate enough to get an internship with Oak Ridge National Labs for the entire duration of the summer. While I didn't know anybody in Oak Ridge, and I didn't know anything about what I would be working on, I was excited none the less.

After driving on our first day, my dad and I stopped in Memphis, Tennessee. While some towns are a pretty bland city that seems like it could be any old city, Memphis has flair. As we pulled in and parked our car, we were instantly greeted with the smell of barbecue and the sound of jazz. Looking just over the railing of the parking garage, you could see a crowd of people sitting at a restaurant, enjoying their Saturday evening. We ate dinner at the famous Rondevus, walked through the Peabody hotel, and walked up and down Beale street (and boy was that something). All throughout the town, you could smell food, hear laughter, and see... trash. Flair is not always tidy.

Dad in the Peabody Hotel

Beale Street

Stage in Memphis

Upon arriving in Oak Ridge, we drove up to my rental house for the summer. It is a beautifully restored house that was built when Oak Ridge was first founded (around WW II). Dad and I unloaded the few possessions I carried in my car, and jumped right back in to go hiking. We went to Haw Ridge Park for a brief hike, and would return for more time the next day. Haw Ridge is a 30 mile bulb-peninsula sticking out into the river. Eventually, my dad left and I prepared for my first day of work.

Oak Ridge's River

Same spot, but turned right

Haw Ridge on the River

My Living Room

My Kitchen

My bookshelf and desk (sorry no bed its too messy for a pic)

Fun fact: Oak Ridge is one of North America's most desirable locations for rowing competition.

On my first day working at Oak Ridge National Labs (ORNL), I left early to be there with plenty of time to get lost if needed. I didn't get lost, and after passing through the guard gate and arriving on the main campus, I was amazed at the beauty of the lab. It looked like a college campus, and one of the good ones on top of that. A large quad, beautiful grass and buildings surrounded me. I met my mentors, and even a few other interns. However, most of this first week was training, so we'll skip over that.

Green bug friend

Haw Ridge Park

Cool picnic spot

My semi-attempt at the picnic spot using pastels

I drew some water

I left my clock out in the sun

On my second week, I truly began my work on my project. I drove far down the road from main campus into a stout stone building, where I began my work with the drones department. Walking into the lab was like being the kid in a candy store if the candy was worth thousands of dollars a piece. My coworkers are all nice (and beyond intelligent), and I have learned so much in the small amount of time I've been there.

9 of about 50 geese surrounding me

Oak Ridge in the fog

Calhoun's

A delicious dinner I made (don't ask about the whole pizza I ate the next night)

This past weekend has been filled with adventures too. On Saturday, I drove south two hours to the Smokey Mountains. I drove down the scenic path in Cades Cove, and stopped to hike to Abrams' Fall. This was a beautiful 5 mile round trip hike down the mountain-side to find an incredibly voluminous waterfall. When I arrived, there was only one other person there. By the time I left, the area was packed with people, young and old.

Scenic drive in Smokey Mountains

I think this is a google stock photo

Beginning of the Abrams' hike

This hike is apparently the 9th deadliest in America

Abrams' Falls

The crowd when I left

This brings us to today. I went to church, ate lunch with three of my new friends Lois, Charlene, and Merriam, and now I'm writing this. My experience these past two weeks has been amazing. I've seen beautiful sights, met interesting people, and have learned a ton. This isn't to say it's been all good. I've been lonely, and frustrated. I've felt fear. However, sometimes you've just got to keep pushing for the good so the scale will tip back in your favor.

Thanks for the love. Keep your cookies close. Never forget to wash behind the ears.

-Tad Kile