My First Bear Sighting!

This is what we saw as we walked down the path from Clingmans Dome after watching the sun rise...

We saw it from a distance at the same time we heard someone walking up the path shout, "Shoo bear!". I quickly took a picture, and then not thinking fully, Johny and I immediately ran toward it. We couldn't help ourselves. We slowed down as we got closer, and watched the bear glance at the onlookers as if to think, "What, you've never seen a bear in the woods before?" No Little Bear, I haven't, I thought as I kept snapping pictures and watching him graze in the grass.

We moved a little closer, and he lost himself in the tall grass that led toward the edge of the trees. First an awesome sunrise, then a friendly encounter with a bear. What a day!

Oh, there's more fun. We came across several plump wild turkeys...

We drove through Roaring Fork, a one-way winding motor nature trail and found this beautiful rocky creek that meandered along the road...

...and these old log cabins that were homes to the pioneers of the area.

The sun shining on this stone bridge caught my attention,

as did this old grist mill,

with it's ancient yet functioning wheel.

It was a perfect way to spend my last Saturday in the mountains, and a day I will always remember. If you are ever in the Smoky Mountains, a visit to Clingmans Dome is a must.

Thanks for reading my blog, see you tomorrow,
Lise