2021/10/1 - MT. MITCHELL, WNC NATURE CENTER, BEAVER LAKE
SPIDER FREE THEATRICAL RELEASE

This is the Spider Free Theatrical Release for this album, meaning I have included only the highest quality photos and cut the arachnids. I have trouble culling down even this far - because I get emotionally attached to the memories - but I do it all for you, the viewers. If this isn't quite enough photos for you, visit the longer Extended Edition at MT. MITCHELL, WNC NATURE CENTER, BEAVER LAKE - DIRECTOR'S CUT EXTENDED EDITION.

In September/October of 2021 I took a trip to Asheville, NC and walked my poor feet as much as they could take up and down the Appalachian mountains. Another day driving an hour on the unlit Blue Ridge Parkway well before dawn - but this time I was only looking to waste time watching a beautiful sunrise while I waited for the Nature Center to open. This was my first time visiting the highest peak east of the Mississippi, and I could not have been more awed by the endless expanse of rolling ocean created by the clouds below me. There is something totally incomprehensible about the sheer amount of land that was simply covered over in a thick snuggly blanket. Several others were enjoying the sights with me, including one man, who I had driven past on the way in, who had run all the way up this mountain from another one across the way.

Once the Nature Center was open, I went to see and learn about some of the local wildlife. At this center, they keep animals who have been injured or otherwise can't return to the wild and endangered animals who are part of breeding plans to restore their populations. Some of my favourites: Scruff, the Great Horned Owl who was born well before me in 1987. Samson and Bonita, two Red Foxes who unfortunately had each lost a leg to a trap. Mitchell, a gorgeous cougar who lazed just like a housecat.

Still not satisfied with my thirst for pollinators, I headed over to the Beaver Lake Bird Sanctuary, where I did not see many birds, but I did see many bees. The area was also home to friendly turtles and elegant blue damselflies, large milkweed bugs and fluffy caterpillars, and... the Jaw Squirrel. I did not know what I had captured at the time; it was only when I was going through photos on the computer that I realised this squirrel was casually gripping a set of teeth much larger than his own. Where did he get that? What has he done with it? The mystery of the Jaw Squirrel remains unsolved.