Cataloochie, Great Smoky Mountains Forest and Elk!

May 6, 2016

The Great Smoky Mountain National Park is a very special place. 
An easy drive about an hour's drive away from Bear Creek, we struck out this afternoon to Cataloochie to see if we could spot some Elk.  Once native to this area, they were reintroduced by the Park in 2001.  They are now a thriving population, wild and unhindered by hunters. 

We took the really windy road and not the really really make you dizzy-car-sick windy road:            

Cataloochie was once a small settlement nestled among the mountains in the valley in the Park and sadly, its inhabitants were bought out in a variety of agreements and relocated in the '90s for the development of the Park.  Some buildings remain and are well cared for.  

Wildflowers change with the altitude,in some places there is an abundance of delicate and hardy purples, in others, yellows:

Along the way to Cataloochie we enjoyed seeing the Appalachian craftsmanship of bridges crossing the clear streams that are well known for abundant trout fishing.  These bridges are sturdy and built to last for decades:

The wood, I was told, is probably Locust, a solid, hard wood that stands the test of time and travel; this river crossing was erected on the original rock bases:

Doug and I agreed there are ghosts there, GOOD ghosts. The displaced families who loved and cared for the land are still there in spirit.  It's comforting to feel their presence. There is a beautiful small community church where many a marriage, baptism and funeral were held:

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The schoolhouse remains and there are a few homes left.  

This homestead was built in 1901 and stands proudly straight and firmly planted with a beautiful rippling stream at the entrance.

The barn is across the road:

When I walked through the cool barn there were elk tracks everywhere.  We thought we were getting close to viewing some elk so we drove on and suddenly Doug spotted 5 elk laying down at the edge of the trees!

We admired them for a while and then drove on as other cars were approaching to see them.  Since they are known to be aggressive and dangerous if approached, we thought it best to hang back and gawk from afar.  Posted signs say not to approach closer than 50 feet.  

Hoping to see more of the old buildings again, we slowly drove along the road and saw this guy, a magnificent elk with full velvet on his antlers, just hanging out by an old barn:

The remnants of his substantial winter coat still clinging to his healthy robust frame, he looked a little rough but it was fantastic to see him.

On the way home, we enjoyed several scenic vistas, including this one.  It was a fantastic and rewarding outing.