We took a brief overnight trip up to the Smoky Mountains. Summer’s over and Autumn is just starting to creep into Cades Cove. The leaves are still green but, the transition has begun.
There’s something beautiful to be found in the Cove regardless of the season. Here on Hyatt Lane the morning haze is burning off while the clouds are still gathered on the mountains. A view like this is certainly a feast for the soul. What a splendid way to begin the day!
Who’s the king of the mountain?
Now, fast forward to the end of the day and the White-tailed Deer are beginning their annual rut.
It’s time to determine the king of the mountain!
Two contenders face off in a ritual that will determine who gets to continue his bloodline.
These bucks may have been best friends for the past 9 months but now they will fiercely battle until one is the victor.
Antlers slam together and heads twist to gain a possible advantage.
In the end, one will “turn tail and run”.
Although the summer has been somewhat dry, there was a storm the day before we arrived. All of the streams were flowing and making that soothing sound that can melt away your cares.
The old Cable Grist Mill has sufficient water flow and is fully operational.
The wheel still goes round and round.
Our short two-day trip to the mountains was a success. We witnessed the awe and beauty of nature, recharged our batteries and are ready to press on.
Hi Bill Amazing pictures! Loved the ones of the Deer fighting. Don’t see how you are able to get those shots. Why is the color on the fighting shots not as vivid as some of the others? Hope your foot is better soon! Take care.
Hi Bill-
I love your pictures too! I also love the picture of the road with the fence and tree. Looks like the one we saw when we were out there with a bear in the tree!
So sorry to hear about your foot! Hope it starts feeling better soon.
Love,
Mackie
The color varies because it was only 30 minutes before sunset (7pm) and there’s only direct sunlight at the top of the hill. The deer started out at the top but, they did most of their fighting further down the hill in the shade. After the fight, they went back up the hill in the sunlight and went away.
I feel like I have been down that road before… Nice light on the Mill and the deer that went over the hill. I never have seen the deer in rut. Wow antlers down. The rest of the time you only see deer eating. These guys look serious.
Yes, we had some beautiful golden light in the early morning and the late evening. It was fantastic getting to see the deer fighting but, they wouldn’t listen to me when I told them to go up the hill and get in the good light. You can’t have everything I suppose.