Happy Thanksgiving from Brasstown Bald

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On Thanksgiving, we decided to take a morning hike to Brasstown Bald (the highest point in Georgia) to view the sunrise.  Unfortunately, we chose the cloudiest morning of the year!  And interrupted Furry B's beauty rest....

Cataloochee National Forest

 Cataloochee Valley is right outside of Maggie Valley, North Carolina.  Since 2001, the area has become more popular with the reintroduction of elk in the National Forest.  The elk are an experiment by the National Park Service, to see if they can once again survive in the mountains that were once their home.  It is believed that the last elk to exist in this state were killed in the 1700s.  

 Cataloochee Valley Info & Directions

Info regarding the Elk Experiment

Wild Turkeys....

Nuts & Berries = Bear Poo

We had fun exploring and photographing barns, houses and other buildings from the 1800 and 1900s.

Wide Open Spaces

Furry B's thoughts regarding today's adventure:

The Lost Sea Adventure

The Lost Sea is a national landmark located in Sweetwater, Tennessee.  It houses a rich history that includes the Cherokee Indians, Civil War soldiers, and Cold War artifacts.  But of course the main appeal is "The Lost Sea" itself, which is over 4 1/2 acres and includes North America's largest Rainbow Trout.  And sorry fishermen -- No Fishing is Allowed.

For more information:  http://www.thelostsea.com/

Food and water were stored in the caverns during the Cold War.  Would anyone like a cracker and a glass of water?????

The caverns can recognize objects that are foreign to its environment and try to remove them.  This white, moldy substance is "attacking" the garbage can.

A signature from the Civil War.....

A Great Adventure!!

Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest

Sunday was a beautiful day to get outdoors!  We headed north to a beautful area just outside of Robbinsville, NC.  The Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest was created as a memorial for American poet and fallen soldier, Alfred Joyce Kilmer.  One of his best known poems, "Trees," was the inspiration to create this living memorial for Kilmer.

  

Beautiful Fall Colors!

Some of the trees are over 400 years old....

Photo op

 In order to keep the area natural and to not disturb plants and rich soils, the Forest Service provides little maintenance to the area.  However, there are a few wooden steps and bridges, but they are designed to blend in to the outdoor surroundings.

Cool, clear water....