Mountain Wilderness

My last afternoon at camp had a nice cool breeze, so I went on a second hike to see what I could see. 

Outside my cabin,  these beautiful wildflowers offer a splash of red. 

No lawn to mow here!

I tried a different trail. This one was tougher. My Keens got soaked through as I tromped through a mini-swamp to get to continue along the trail. 

This trail has many twists and turns, and necessitates a steady uphill climb. 

I continued for another 45 minutes, but the heat was starting to get to me. Plus, I had to be sure to appear in time for my afternoon duties. 

View of the camp from my trail. 

The view through this tree reminds me of some kind of fantasy children's story, like The Hobbit.

I half expected a gnome-like creature to appear. 

Mountain wildflowers. 

Fowl and Fawn

This turkey was strutting outside my cabin yesterday afternoon. 

Squirrel squirreling away some dry grass for its den? 

I saw some quail, too. These were outside my cabin.

This morning, I took off again on my hike. 

The trick is to go early and to go quietly.

Four deer ran a distance when they saw me; then they turned around and watched me as I watched them. I think they stood there a full minute. 

I came along this one a little farther on. It heard me, but it didn't seem too concerned. 

It resumed nibbling on grass. 

I didn't know deer hopped and pranced like this. I had thought they run as horses do. Now I know why the song names one of the reindeer as "Prancer." 

At the end of this trail, there is a cold stream.

It is very quiet out there in the early morning, but I could still hear the birds, gobbling turkeys, and the rushing waters. 

This is the waterfall at the end of the trail. 

Deer and Turkeys

Guides took us on a 15-minute bus ride to see some wild deer. We saw at least twenty in a herd. 

Beautiful sunset...

In the morning, I headed out alone on another trail near camp. 

I came across this turkey. 

and then.. . 

This deer came out to say hello. 

Truly gorgeous. And the weather was so nice and cool, too. 

I thought these trees looked haunting and interesting.