Balsam Mountain - Mile High Overlook

Our mile high "retreat"

Everything was blooming - Blueridge Parkway on the way to Balsam Mountain Camp Ground

Elk at Cataloochee - Reintroduced in 2001 after being decimated by overhunting & habitat loss, they now number 60+
We thought we'd have to wait to see them but they came out just after 4:30 p.m.  There were 15-20 females in the meadow and the males above stayed close to the ranger's home.

Ramsey Cascades Hike - one of the prettiest falls in the park with a 90 foot cascade - well worth the 8 miles roundtrip hike.

Unbelievably steep trail (above). Dennis silhouetted in front
of the cascade (right).

Fall in the Smokies

Dennis on the trail

Me on the "Andrew's Bald" trail on a cold day - 32^o!

The payoff view!  That's Dennis up there (I'm safely below)