One whale of a Mascot landmark

This post was recovered from my former Knoxville Trivia Blog. I have decided to re-post some of the things that I had on there. As I add them to Tug's Life, I'll label them with KTB Vault to make them easier to identify.

I've passed by it hundreds of times in my life, this Mascot landmark. It doesn't have an "official" name that I know of. I've heard it called the fish rock, turtle rock, dinosaur rock, reptile rock, and "that funny rock poking out of the side of the road." You could probably refer to it as the beer bottle bashing rock as well, because every redneck in the county flings empty bottles at it when they drive past. No matter what you choose to call it, it's cool. From one side it looks kind of like a turtle, from the other it reminds me of a whale. My dad thinks that someone was inspired to paint it after the first Jaws movie came out. I'm not sure of the story behind the legend. If anyone reading this has any more information, please comment or send me an email.

Over the years, folks have kept it painted. Normally it's always painted green, the way it is right now. I have seen it painted blue as well, and one time, some light in their loafers dufus, sprayed it pink and white, but that didn't last too long. Folks love using spray paint in this part of town, just look at the railroad overpass for proof. The rock is in need of a new spray job right now, but I'm not gonna do it.

There is a gravel spot just a few yards away, that you can pull off of the road and walk over to the giant landmark, but be careful, Mascot road is very dangerous. The huge mining trucks are always zooming up and down this stretch, and teenagers think that it is the local NASCAR circuit. You might also have to step over a pile or two of trash, where a bunch of worthless idiots have dumped out their garbage.

If you have never seen the famous Mascot rock, then you oughta take a trip over to visit. It is located on Mascot Rd. just about a half mile from McBee Rd., right before the big Mascot bridge. Just follow the Kudzu. Or click here for directions.