The ancient craggy guardianBy age without comparison,‘Twas old and aged as Alps were bornAnd towered when the Rockies formed!          (R Weisser 2012) Did you know that the Appalachian Mountains are considered to be among the oldest peaks on the planet? Thrust ever upwards by the force of the great Continental Collision, the mountains rose into the tallest and most imposing chain ever formed. Millions of years of weather and gravity have eroded the mountains into their present incarnation. And while they are far from being the highest, the Southern Appalachians are certainly among the most beautiful and eco-diverse mountains to be seen anywhere. Even more so in Autumn, when they explode with color! The mountains are calling. I must answer. Photos courtesy of Richard Weisser and SmokyPh... 10/06/2012

As dark voids ‘midst the twigs and leavesDevouring mast of shrubs and trees,The black bears soon in den will lie,And fat they’ll sleep ‘till Spring draws nigh!                (R Weisser 2012) The black bears of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are very active in Autumn as they make their final preparations before denning for the winter. Once they are fattened up, black bears can sleep for up to a hundred days without food or water. They do not become dehydrated. During their facultative hibernation, bears can be aroused by noises or scents. They may leave the den for short periods of time and then return. With an estimated bear population of about 1500, or roughly 2 per square mile, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the best places in North America to enjoy the ex... 09/29/2012