Wildlife Sculpture, Fine Art, Nature, William Bartram inspired, bird sculpture,

Despite the elevation, I quickly ran and hiked 2 miles to the top of Rocky Mountain via the Stanley Gap trail from the Deep Gap trailhead off Aska Rd. While the morning was nice and cool, conditions were difficult. The trail was rocky, hence the mountain name, and slick from previous rain. Also, I was enveloped in the forest canopy by a foggy, mountain mist, which made it feel more like a semitropical rainforest. Instead of seeing great views, I was able to hear the awe-inspiring calls of a pileated woodpecker and barred owl.

After 2 1/2 miles, I reached the famous Benton MacKaye Trail (http://www.bmta.org), which goes 300 miles into Tennessee and N.C. and is the longest trail in the Smoky Mountains. As I descended the trail, the fog lifted. I passed a beautiful field of lush green ferns with white flowers. In fact, I almost stepped into a pile of bear scat! I also explored a pretty side trail appropriately called Spring, where I should have gotten water. Of course, later I would run out. I took the main mountain trail all the way to Scrogg Knob and up and down another mountain. At this point, I was tired and slowing down. Consequently, I stopped and noticed interesting wildflowers, insects, birds, stumps, and trees. 

“Holy.......!” is what I heard when an approaching group of hikers saw me. These trails are so remote that I hadn't seen a person for hours. I heard hunters' gunshots in the distance, but felt safe on the trails. Well, that was until an insect bit me! A wasp flew right into my leg and stung me. Being allergic to them, I knew I had to get back quickly. As a result, I ran whenever the trail wasn’t too steep or dangerous. As my leg was swelling, I contemplated taking a Benadryl; however, I was fortunate that my breathing wasn’t obstructed and that I could still continue. Four and one half hours and approximately 15 miles later, I made it back to my car. I was okay, but humbled after the mountains kicked my butt.

The art exhibition begins October 3rd and runs until November 13th. That means I’ll get another chance at these trails when I pick my work up. Also, I will have work exhibited at The Plantation Wildlife Arts Festival (http://www.pwaf.org) in Thomasville, Georgia, November 13 - January. Stay tuned, as later this Fall, I will have a holiday sale! Thanks for reading my blog.