Back to Alabama

In hunting camp with family since last Fri. night. Its been a great trip. A nephew harvested a nice 7 pt., my brother a nice 8 pt., I took a 4 & 5 pt., and best of all my dad and I went out together and he harvested a large buck for south Mississippi. It has 14 scoreable points with a live weight at 190 lbs. Needless to say there will be stories told for years to come. The photo is of a Shenandoah National Park resident of Big Meadows. I'll be driving back home tomorrow to catch a few days of deer hunting and then preparing to begin another assignment for the company in the greater Nashville area through spring. This deployment will put me back home on weekends. Thanks for reading and I'll let you know how the next few days in the field turn out.

Home for the Holidays

Back in the Deep South through Jan. 3. Following 3 days in my favorite deer stands I've seen the typical over population of whitetail does and a few immature bucks. Did see the strangest thing yesterday afternoon. A one antler spike buck obviously a 1 1/2 yr old stood on his hind legs in the green field and walked backwards about 10 feet to rub his preorbital gland on a high limb. This is typical pre-rut behavior but the bipedal action was almost surreal. One can enjoy many strange phenomena in the wild! Can you believe 44 does in 3 days? No I did not practice the recommended QDM by harvesting a few. Mainly because I'm just glad to be spending time with the wife and son following 74 days in north VA. Didn't really want to take the time to process the venison. Hunting Mississippi next week. The Verizon aircard service is very limited here at home these days and uploading photos is quite the challenge. This photo was taken the 1st week of Dec. in Shenandoah NP. These youngsters were giving me a show. I understand there is about 12 inches of snow up there today.

World Class

Count down (2) days before leaving Shenandoah National Park. Finally, a "World Class" buck appeared during mid-day on Skyline Drive. The best that I can possibly determine through the magnification process of the limited photos on the PC: 6 x 4 with a split G-2. He has great mass and beam circumference at the base, awesome spread, good brow tines, very long G-2s & G-3s, palmation of the main beam at the G-2s...absolutely the finest buck I've ever seen in over 40 years in the field. I've been involved with captive deer research programs at Mississippi State University and private ranches in east Texas during my undergraduate work, trophy hunted in west Texas, and I watch the Outdoor Channel shows regularly of the over exploited Canadian subspecies of whitetails. This buck is "top shelf" as a National Park icon for the Dept. of Interior. I will not attempt to field score him in fear of underestimating. Make your best Boone and Crocket score and let me know what you think! The photo sequence is in retro-order. With leaves wet and a slight breeze, I followed him to gain the closest possible position for a broadside or frontal photo. He wouldn't have it! After flanking him until I was breathing hard and the wind changed which carried my scent directly to him, he finally had enough and left the country at full speed. What an encounter indeed! I am content that I have seen a buck of a lifetime. Bucks throughout the Park are now gathering in groups, biologists call "bachelor groups." During the same hour I encountered three bucks browsing in a clearing. The largest was certainly another fine buck.

The Sign Says It All.

October 7, 2009 - departed 3:30 a.m. to drive 805 miles to the Best Western of Luray, VA. Duration of this deployment in the contract: (46) days. Writing this on the eve of my departure now (72) days since I've been home. During the first project meeting, weather was discussed by those who have seen the seasons come and go. The term which came up time and again was "unpredictability". This has indeed become evident in review of my daily diaries "for the record": thunder, lightning & hail, days of freezing fog with zero visibility, (3) major snow events, sleet and freezing rain. Almost another month now past the estimated completion date and the contractor has not yet completed Road Rehabilitation Phase I. The shorts and tee shirt I arrived in have not been worn since! In my opinion it appears that the mountain creates its own microclimate. I like it! Talk about an extreme change from my last project in east central Alabama where it was 100 degrees many days in June with high humidity. Trying a diet for the first time I managed to lose 25 pounds in record heat. The contractor has indeed made a diligent effort to pursue the work. The time has come for the winter shutdown also discussed during many weekly progress meetings. The 7" snow event on Dec. 5 has incurred only a few days of above freezing temperatures. The days following with lows near 10F transformed snow into solid ice. In other words, I emailed my project manager in Atlanta, "We're done." I'm headed home for a while to catch up on much needed family and church time, and deer hunting Mississippi and Alabama family properties. Then off to Nashville for a few months before returning to Luray in the spring to finish up. Most of my weekends have involved seeing the sites in Page and Rappahannock Counties. Usually a day in SNP and a day in the Shenandoah Valley. I have blogged before that "the Valley" is one of the most beautiful places I've seen in all the states I've worked. More picturesque than the estuarine ecosystems of south Louisiana, Wildlife Management Areas of Mississippi, huge cotton fields of southwest Georgia, and large expanses of mixed hardwoods and pines of Alabama. Smoke houses, old jeeps, (2) story wooden frame houses with heating oil tanks and stacks of split firewood, fields of corn lined with piled rock fences...all these things I've seen here, this list could go on about the good life in the Shenandoah Valley. To have seen the Valley in all its splendor of fall and dormant state of winter has given me many opportunities to make some photos, now a new hobby, to share with my family. Oh Shenandoah National Park, and meeting the Lord here to renew my spirit! "And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when he was seated His disciples came to Him. Then He opened His mouth and taught them..." Matthew 5:1-2 "He who has ears to hear, let him hear!" Mark 4:9 "When you said 'Seek My face,' my heart said to You, 'Your face, Lord, I will seek'" Psalm 27:8 "For you shall go out with joy, and be led out with peace; the mountains and the hills shall break forth into singing before you, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands." Isaiah 55:12 NKJV I have also met many who arrived and left years past only to return soon thereafter to establish businesses to support other travelers who came to Shenandoah National Park. The animals are unique. Residing are several whitetail bucks I have become particularly attached to. The buck in the photo I will definitely miss. I call him "the Virginian." On this particular date he appeared very tired, old, underweight, and frankly I've worried about him since. I just hope now since the rut is behind him that he'll work his way down to some of the harvested fields to pick up remnant corn to store energy for the deep of winter of January and February. His face is now grey, gaunt, with hollow eyes, much different from other photos (see blogs Dec. 3rd & 7th). The owls, hawks, and falcons are majestic. The black bears are in apparent hibernation now - only one having been seen since the leaves fell from the canopy of the deciduous hardwood climax community. My hat is off to the Rangers who, through their dedication to the Park, patrol and protect the resident wildlife. Thanks for leading me down Tanner's Ridge Road on my first day on board. So long for now Shenandoah. So long friends I have made on this journey and those who have visited this blog so frequently. Spring will bring splendor to Big Meadows and regrowth on Stoney Man and the Pinnacles. Goodbye and be blessed!

Virginian on the Mountain

Decided to attempt my first video upload made Dec. 7. No special equipment. Just a typical Sony 10.1 megapixel CyberShot camera on maximum zoom used for documenting and emailing conditions or issues involving the project. I've missed some great opportunities for still photos not realizing I had the camera on video. The result was a few seconds not worth saving. I must confess that I have become attached to this buck and will miss seeing him when I leave for home end of this week. You may have recognized him from (2) previous blogs. I'll post one more still shot of him on my final blog from SNP, just to say goodbye.

He Frowns on the Mountain

The Lord works in mysterious ways. I believe He also has a sense of humor. When I ask Him for something to write about all I need to do is just observe the mountain. Reviewing my photo log tonight, it became obvious. You see, I do not believe in coincidence. Although I am educated in the field of biological sciences, "scientific anomalies", systematic sampling, and probabilities, as a Christian I believe the Lord is indeed omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent. Therefore, since the Lord is personally involved in my circumstances each day, coincidence does not exist in my life. These photos are of one I have named the "Frowning One". The second was made on November 10. I immediately recognized this buck again this past Thursday. His disposition has not changed in the first photo of December 10. Yes, exactly 30 days and the same hour! This is one of the resident whitetail bucks at SNP which exhibits little concern for visitors. When I stopped, "Frowning One" stepped out onto Skyline Drive just behind my truck. I opened the truck door and walked within ten feet of him for the photograph. After I expressed appreciation for the photo, he turned around and stepped back to the edge covered in snow from December 5 which had become a solid sheet of ice. I observed as he had some degree of difficulty walking as his hooves found little traction. Leaving him to carry on, I drove on thanking God for the encounter. As a result of this day, I am reminded of scripture for all of us who have frowned from periods, or even seasons of unrest. "And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind. For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things. But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you." Luke 12:29-31 NKJV. Dr. Charles Stanley teaches that as followers of Christ, "We can experience peace with God by accepting that He is involved in the daily circumstances of our lives and we may rest in His love and power. Then we will understand the peace of God."

Sleeping In

'Twas the night before Chistmas,

when all through the house

Not a creature was stirring,

not even a mouse.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,

while visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.

Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixon!

On, Comet! on Cupid!, on Donder and Blitzen!

12 degrees this morning with a strong wind. The whole neighborhood went back to bed!

Memories of Profiles

Big Meadows offers a very unique opportunity to anyone interested in viewing the full gamut of whitetail deer behavior. Like the old cliche', some days it just all comes together. Or better yet, "It just doesn't get any better than this." My typical lunch hour usually involves some type of wildlife observation in SNP. As I slowly approached the meadow today, 4 bucks were tending a small herd of does on the right-of-way of Skyline Drive. Two young bucks started a sparring match while the 3 1/2 yr. old enjoyed some quiet time with the ladies. The lowland of the meadow held three separate herds of does, totaling about 50 head. Surprisingly, I watched a doe submit to a 1 1/2 year old spike. Then even more amazingly, the 3 1/2 yr. old buck saw this at about 150 yards and covered the distance in a matter of seconds. I honestly thought he was going to mow down the youngster and the doe. At the last second the spike "leapfrogged" and ran for his life. The big eight chased him all the way across the bottom to the east, then returned. Today, I can say that I saw the largest and probably oldest doe in all the years of observing or hunting whitetails. Just this week I asked a resident co-worker when the bucks will be dropping sheds. Down south Alabama its mid to late March. This doe was pot bellied and sway backed, and her head was as large as any mature buck I've seen in the Park. I honestly thought it was a buck that had already dropped antlers. At about 50 feet there was not doubt of her gender. Besides, she had her fawn from last spring at her side. Weather must have played a factor in the activity today. 22 degrees with a strong, bitterly cold wind. Snow has transformed to a sheet of ice. Forecast low in Big Meadows tonight, 9 above. These photos reminded of something from many years past. I remember my kindergarten teacher drawing a profile. Each student sat in front a bright light while she drew the profile above the shoulders on construction paper taped to the wall. Funny how things are long forgotten, and return from the deepest recesses of the human mind on a day such as this. It is written: "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them." Mark 10:13,16 NKJV.

Cabin Fever

While logging the conditions of the project on Tuesday, these photos were obviously made from the truck window. Hopes of rain melting the snow last night faded early this morning when I approached a VDOT truck from the rear spreading aggregate on U.S. 211 and shortly thereafter ice conditions at Thorton Gap entrance station. I would guess about 1/4" accumulation on the trees and roadways which initiated a mandatory closure of Skyline Drive. Although a brief warm-up this afternoon may have started the melting process, it will be shortlived with forecasted lows on the mountain at 10-15F the remainder of the week. Last weekend's snow will likely be covered by the next round Saturday through Tuesday, further pushing back the project schedule. Several weeks of this and "Ol' Big Woods" may actually experience the mountain man "cabin fever." Thank the Lord for cameras, computers, and cell phones. Oh yea, I also thank Him for fried chicken! "A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work. This too, I see, is from the hand of God." Ecclesiates 2:24 (NIV)

Day of the Cats

Talk about a flashback yesterday to the "Lord of the Rings" marathon this past Sunday, I had to ask myself if I was dreaming. This must be what Park staff meant in a brief meeting early Monday by "enter at your own risk!" Today the road at the entrance of the tunnel was lined with fifty pound chunks of ice which had fallen from the ledge above. Can you imagine what these would do to a windshield (& the driver)? The Park is expecting sleet changing to rain tonight with the possibility of 2". This event coupled with last Saturday's 6" of snow accumulation will probably result in some flooding. In my career, I never thought I would state this: We need rain so the contractor can go back to work! Rain should melt the snow to give the crew an opportunity to pick up where they left off last Friday. Long term forecast? Snow Saturday and Sunday. More snow probable next week. Loose ends remain that have to be tied up before the winter shutdown. We have to catch the windows of opportunity.

Tuesday has been the "Day of the Cats". Just recently I commented that I had not seen any bobcats or coyotes in SNP. During the early morning drive I encountered a small bobcat on Skyline Drive that jumped up on the cultural stone wall to take a quick look back. It disappeared in a split second. During lunch I noticed another cat near Big Meadows on "the Line". Camera ready, this one turned out to be a feral house cat. I abandoned the photo attempt thinking it was a "left behind" from last fall at "tent city". Then, it disappeared just as quickly as the bobcat. I've seen plenty of these around home. Several years past my wife was feeding (18) barn cats so wild that I had to catch them in a dip net and hold them with welding gloves for the vet to give their annual vaccinations. I've still got scars to prove it! During the early 90s, a "varmint" was getting into the trash can. By the teeth marks I expected a large racoon. The Hav-a-hart live trap revealed the meanest, loudest screaming, and foul smelling black feral tomcat in the world. It truly weighed about 15 pounds. I promptly transplanted him to Bayou Liberty Swamp in St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana, where it probably is living out (9) lives even today. Back to lunch time, on the drive back through I noticed the feral cat again and managed to get a "mugshot." Feral cats have been determined in studies across the globe to cause extremely negative impacts to environmentally sensitive ecosystems such as Shenandoah NP. Feral cats are very efficient predators and do not occupy a niche in the environment. They will adversely affect the food web through competition with indigenous raptors, and mammalian and reptilian carnivores. I plan to forward the photo to Park biologists. Ironically, a fawn whitetail was browsing on the right-of-way early this morning with its right ear in shreds. Cats usually attack their prey in the region of the head. Canines such as coyotes or wolves will attack the rear flank. The snow must have given a larger bobcat an edge, but a futile attempt in the end. Upon arrival to the Park back in early October I asked a Ranger about the number cougar sightings in recent years as the mountain range with an existing over-population of whitetail deer would likely house a big cat. His response was typical of State and Federal agents I have worked with in the past, "We do not acknowledge the existence of panthers in the Park." I'll blog some time at a later date for the reason this response is "so rehearsed" and also of personal experiences and those of family sportsmen on the subject of "big cats."

Tired and Haggard

The Skyline Drive "hotline" recording stated no access for the entire length of SNP. I met the contractor at the locked gates and waited for updates. A Ranger supervisor arrived to advise that plows were working but entry would be "at our own risk" and gates were to remain locked behind us. Without a 4x4 I opted to wait until mid-day. In my Dec. 3 posting I stated that it would be a blessing to see "the Virginian" again before I leave for the winter shut-down. The project will not be completed. At some point in the near future, the contractor will say he's done all he can on the mountain until spring. On the sloooooow drive in crossing patches of ice I was astounded at the length of the icicles hanging from the rocks. I'll post them later. Although the Pinnacles Overlook appeared to be totally iced over I eased in just for a quick look at the snow on the mountains. To my complete amazement, up walked the Virginian along the edge of the cultural stone wall adjacent to the overlook. Again, he exhibited no fear of my truck parked nearby. The buck was totally engrossed in browsing on dead grass at the edge of the wall. As he lowered his head I left the truck and crawled up the wall. He appeared haggard, tired, and underweight now from the recent rut. At extremely close proximity to him (in reality too close to any wild animal and I would never advise it), I noticed just how "grey" in the face the Virginian appeared. I crawled away just as quietly and left the ol' timer to continue browsing. Large and small bucks were on the move mid-day. Another buck with a greater spread width was not so accommodating for a photo. Only a fleeting photo of this one running over the crest of the steep embankment. The rack was well outside the ears. Several spikes posed in the snow for a quick picture from the truck window. One doe was drinking the runoff at the edge of Skyline pavement. Snow not melting and only a trickle along the roadside for a drink. The deep of winter yet to arrive at Shenandoah NP is very taxing on the older animals. Any injuries sustained during the rut is costly as well. The Virginian appeared to have held his dominant status for yet another year.

Valley Snow

Quarter size snow flakes continue to fall at the time of this posting. Those of us residing in the deep south do not often see the beauty of landscapes altered, or should I say, enhanced by snow. I am particularly fond of old farms, especially those handed down through generations and still involved in agriculture or livestock production. The Shenandoah Valley has some of the most beautiful farms in America. I plan later in life, perhaps in my retirement years to rotate cattle on a few pastures at home. The key is "home", that is...being there on a regular basis! I am deeply saddened to find the "absolute auction" signs on farms in every state where I have worked. Having an appreciation of the years of continuous work to maintain farms, I can only imagine the devastation in losing land owned for decades. Snow accumulation reached about 4" in the valley. An attempt was made to reach the Thornton Gap entrance of SNP. Not expecting visitors to be allowed to enter the park I wanted to photograph the area of the Panorama. About (2) miles up the mountain past Park HQ I realized I had probably made a mistake as ice patches became more numerous and no place to turn around. Not having a 4x4, engaging the positive traction rear differential on the F-150 enabled me to reach the top and very cautiously make a u-turn in 7" of snow. The drive to the entrance station had not been plowed and the Park was closed. Shenandoah State Park was my next destination. Voted "Best in America", I was surprised to find the roadways plowed and open. The view of the Shenandoah River from the newly constructed wooden deck overlook was breathtaking. I watched a couple placing a canoe in the River during heavy snow. Diehards! I've just got to hand it to them. The view from the water was probably picturesque.

Full Moon Midday Movement

Last time I saw a sky similar to this at sunrise in SNP, next day brought thunder and hail. Forecast noted in the last half hour for the Shenandoah Valley for tomorrow is 80% chance of snow 2-4" accumulation possible with a high in the mid 30s. Wildlife typically change their circadian rhythm or diurnal cycle during full moon phases. During my lunch break today, I drove to Big Meadows hoping to see movement which can occur as a result of the full moon. In a 30 minute period I encountered around 30 does, 4 bucks (one photo inset), and a very large black bear. A young 4 pt. buck ran quickly across Skyline Drive and several seconds later the bear loped across about 50 yards down the road. I expect the bear was on the move midday and just spooked the buck nearby.

The Virginian

This is obviously a fine specimen of a whitetail buck which has been around SNP for a long time. He exhibits no concern for passers-by. The top photo was taken November 2 which shows yellow staining of the antlers and head as a result of rubbing behavior. Zooming in one can see the antler burrs filled with bark and yellow cambium. Tree shavings rest in the hair of the forehead. The open mouth? Chewing acorns abundant at this location on Skyline Drive. Happened to catch him out on "the Line" again on November 19 in the same general vicinity. We don't see many mature bucks like this in "LA"..lower Alabama. Seeing him just one more occassion before I wrap up my work in the Park would be a blessing! If not, I'll remember him as "the Virginian."

Owl Horseback

Making a very long drive down to milepost 89 in SNP today, this barred owl allowed me to stop the truck and approach within (10) feet, almost at eye level. It is perched on a "horse crossing" sign. I don't think it was hungry enough to "eat a horse"! I like the raptors. The Park has a strong population of falcons, hawks, and owls which probably indicates an even stronger population of rodents. Following a brief photo shoot I actually resorted to talking to this very cool bird. Why not? I honestly don't think there was another soul within (20) miles! Owls have some very specialized features. They are typically nocturnal with very large eyes. All birds are thought to see color even in the spectrum not seen by humans. Owl primary wing feathers are "fimbriate", or lined with specially shaped fringe endings which dampen the noise typically heard in other birds. As a very efficient predator the barred owl can fly silently to capture its prey. I remain amazed each passing day at the difference in the behavior of the wildlife within Shenandoah boundaries. I have noted, however, that whitetail deer seem somewhat more wild in the area south of Swift Run Gap. Perhaps poaching is more prevalent in that area. Wildlife will respond to stressors placed on their populations. Note the "bluebird sky" in the background, a contrast from yesterday's sleet storm in the area of Thornton Gap.

The Tradition

Today's post is in honor of those families who instil in their youngsters the tradition of the outdoor lifestyle. Whether hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, photography, or bird watching, time invested in the outdoors with family and friends is where memories are made for a lifetime. My family and in-laws were gracious by meeting me over this past Thanksgiving weekend down in the Great Smoky Mountains. I was one of the 34 million Americans on the highway late Wednesday following a long day on the project. Highway time (especially the hour wait on I-81) gives me opportunity to reflect on the many years of blessings in the field with my family. Work does not allow much time with friends and family time is my priority. The trip back north yesterday morning was pleasurable with low traffic. As the day progressed, so did the traffic. Just north of Roanoke I began reading license plates of the space shuttles in the left lane running about warp 4 on the Star Trek scale. Let's see: New York, Delaware, Maryland (by the thousands), D.C., Vermont, New Hampshire, you get the picture. No offense! I'm thankful to be working full time in your vicinity! Then, I spotted a Chevy Z-71 that just made my day. He was cruising along in the right lane like me! Red extended cab, dog box, dual exhaust, whining offroad tires, and on the back tailgate was a nice young buck. No, it wasn't one for the T.V. networks. You can be assured this man and his young son were oblivious to the rat race to their left. I was feeling a little lonesome at the time having hugged my wife and son probably for the last time until the project shuts down due to winter. I also was feeling somewhat alienated as the passers-by were giving me puzzled looks after reading my hunter orange cap hanging in the rear window. (My son's school way down south hosts an annual deer hunt fund raiser). At this very moment I recalled my Grandfather's statement to me while we were riding in his '50 Willys Jeep to the deercamp, "Sportsmen should always wave one to the other." Believe me I hit the "passing gear" and moved up along side to give that blond boy, still in his orange vest, a big "Thumbs Up"! I waved to his dad and eased on up ahead. Man, I needed that! You can bet on high fives, hugs, and congratulations for that youngster when he got home! He is the future of the sport and tradition of deer hunting in America. Anyone seeking to enjoy some great reading, research, youth events, and great photography, please look into the Quality Deer Management Association, (QDMA for your search).

The Viking

During the last two weeks of project management at Shenandoah National Park I have kept a keen eye on a certain area of Skyline Drive where a very large rub is being hit on a regular basis. I knew the buck was large by the size of the rub, see first photo. I had all but given up hope of ever seeing this deer. Then, within a hour of leaving the Park on Thanksgiving Eve, there he stood. Of about (20) photos I never got a facing shot. He absolutely would not allow it. This buck is a smart old guy. I hope Brad got a photo of him today with his high-end equipment. The old monarch was not happy that I attempted to follow him. Initially, he exhibited "piloerection" or in southern terms, all his hair stood up on end. It actually created an illusion that he was 50 pounds heavier. Then, as you see he posted his threatening posture with ears layed back. I gave him plenty of area at this point. I did not see any does during this encounter. The buck just wanted to be left alone. In over 40 years afield, I've heard deer blowing, snorting, grunting, mewing, grunt-snort-wheezing...but I've never heard the sound this buck made when he had enough of me. Turning around and looking straight in my eyes, he let loose a "black angus bull snort" and fog blew from both nostrils. You know, like in those Viking movies where the black stallion draft horses the warriors are riding would terrify the victim with snorts and nostril blasts. How ironic, I just watched "Pathfinder" last week with this very scene. (Too violent for the youngsters, use parental discretion. Great footage though.) Down in the Great Smokies for the holiday weekend. Word of advice: Check those road condition reports regularly. Nothing posted last night for US 441 across Newfound Gap. Encountered blizzard conditions, 21 degrees, and down right scary winds last night late on the way back from Gatlinburg. The Christmas lights are beautiful downtown. Take the trolley "Tour of Lights" or just make the round in the truck late after traffic lightens up. Heading back to SNP tomorrow afternoon to beat the Sunday traffic. Everyone please travel safely. Let's all count our blessings!

"In John Deere Green"

Speaking of John Deere tractors, this bad boy delivers 530 horses with 18 forward speeds through a power shift transmission. Can you imagine the monthly fuel bill running 12 hour non-stop days, week after week? In tow are 2 fixed blade scraper "pans" with 21 cubic yard capacity each. Top speed about 35 mph. Talk about movin' the mountain! I shot this photo with the cell phone on my previous project located in east central AL. The far horizon is across the Chattahoochee River which forms the border between AL & GA. The irony is prior to this deployment and about 100 miles south, I spent 27 months in a rented camper on the bank of the Chattahoochee on the Georgia side. Yes, I've been blessed to see different colored soils and different colored tractors. So far, its all been south of the Mason Dixon Line. Meeting the family late tomorrow night down in the Great Smokies. To my friend and his son looking for that perfect photo of a "muy grande" buck in Shenandoah NP, I hope you enjoy the trip down and also hope the dense fog on the mountain clears for you. To my extended family in the Deep South, I'll be home for Christmas.

Nothin' Runs Like a Deere

Believe me. This was a real "outdoor encounter", and a very expensive one! I don't recommend hunting shed antlers this way. A close friend of the family was mowing the pasture in September and called to say she had two flat tires. Yes, I said "she" and yes there were two flat tires, the right front and rear! She, name withheld to protect the innocent, enjoys driving the tractor. I enjoy my wife and her friend mowing the pasture so I can do other important things like sit in the shade and drink a Mountain Dew. Its my wife's '72 John Deere 2040. Yes, I said my "wife's" tractor. Talk about getting excited when I saw the mass of this shed antler. It measured 5 inches at the base with a 9" G-2. The tip of the main beam also punctured the tire. We took many photos and now the shed antler is placed on the wall of deer camp. Back to the tractor, I remember the first time I went to the "parts house" to pick up an oil filter. When the man brought it out I noticed the box was rather large. I told him it didn't look right. He replied, "You told me a John Deere 4020." Ahhhh...make that a 2040 please!

Rugged Country

I would like for you to meet a friend of the family. It is a '74 model 12'x60' mobile home which was purchased and placed on family property located in south Mississippi in late '80s. With the addition of a supplemental gas space heater and wooden deck it served as our hunting camp until March '97. Many family get togethers, holiday meals, and every single weekend and winter days away from work during the MS whitetail deer season were held here. Memories were made and will remain for a lifetime. My father still tells the story of how all of the water line traps were found frozen solid inside the camp one Friday evening when he arrived even though the lines had been drained the week before. He used an electric hair dryer to thaw them out. Lightning hit the kid's treehouse one very stormy night and the concussion knocked all the deer antler mounts and memorablia on the shelves on the floor. The girls awoke to no power and screamed thinking they were walking through skeleton bones. That's another story for another day! This old camp stood her ground until the family outgrew the space and a larger rendezvous was placed up the road. Simmon's Park was its next destination adjacent to Mary Walker Marina located in Gautier, Mississippi on the Gulf of Mexico. Salt water fishing became its mission and served well for much needed hot showers and cool air conditioning following long days of fishing around offshore oil rigs south of Gulf Islands National Seashore's barrier islands. Fish fries, crawfish boils, and listening to the summer rains on the tin roof became the tradition for eleven years. They don't make mobile homes like they did back in the '70s. The proof is in the following. I researched the National Hurricane Center's archives this a.m. to determine just how many tropical storms and hurricanes "the fishcamp" endured. There were many days following a major hurricane that I became resolved with the fact that the camp probably did not make it and a month would pass before Emergency Mgt would allow residents back in the area to survey the damage. Amazingly, the camp survived five named hurricanes and five tropical storms until I decided to bring it home following Hurricane Katrina in August, 2005. Again, I expected to find nothing more than the frame. Days after Katrina passed the NOAA website published aerial photos of Mary Walker Marina and to my astonishment I saw the camp surrounded by a storm tide heavy debris line. The knoll of ground was just high enough. The hurricane tide pushed water to historical heights mid-way up on the frame just literal inches below the subflooring. This old camp was supporting a large oak tree resting on the edge of her tin roof. Others were laying on the ground as if One had guided the pathway of the fall just missing a devastating blow. It was at this moment I decided to move our "old faithful" to the farm. The photo above shows her final destination. In the back corner of our property she rests now. Thanks to my brother and nephews for making the drive and building a nice large deck within (1) day. Our son's birthday parties, Easter egg hunts, and of course hunting the Alabama rut in late January keeps the family together in "Narraburra", a name earned through years of service. The ancient culture of the Aborigenes in Australia use this name to describe their "Rugged Country".

Nostalgia

Avoiding the wildlife theme today for a reason. This same Saturday in 1970 was the beginning for me, being included in a perpetual Sullivan tradition having been carried forward through literal generations. Today being the first ever missed "opening day" of the whitetail deer season in the Deep South, all for a higher priority. In this case to pursue the completion of Recovery Act Road Rehab Phase I in SNP. Although actual work is not allowed during the weekends, I wouldn't want to obscure the views of the Alleghenies on the horizon to the west with heavy equipment and those stop/slow signs we all know. At least my brother sent the modern "text" that he harvested a nice one on the "gasline" stand early this a.m. before the rain set in. No, today I reminisce of the weekends of this past summer with my family, my wife and son who are missed much on this overcast afternoon. The photo is one of the rare moments in our lives when you drop everything, even my fishing rod and grab the cell phone for a quick shot of the secondary rainbow before it disappeared. I've only seen this phenomenon one other occassion in Sevier Co., TN in '99. Ol' River is the location with Ono Island in the background. Only (5) minutes inland through Perdido Pass at Orange Beach, AL, connecting the Gulf of Mexico. Although this area is probably the most populated during peak season, renowned Cayman Is. marine biologist and author Guy Harvey, PhD states that due to the concerted efforts of the local conservation clubs and the charter fishing industry, it remains a premier fishing destination in the U.S. I can personally attest to this as truth! Near the opposite shore is a shallow sand bar where we set anchor and wade in knee depth clear water to view abundant inshore marine life including hermit crabs, stingrays, schools of mullet, speckled trout, and the occasional jack cravelle racing in as an efficient predator before disappearing back into darker water on the shelf of the bar. The beach has its cold days as winds seem unrelenting during the winter months. It will be late spring before we revisit this area known in the tourism industry as the "Emerald Coast".

Do Deer Copy People?

I've arrived at the conclusion that the over abundant population of whitetail deer at SNP get bored. Late October brought thousands of visitors from Florida to Maine seeking the majesty of colors from the overlooks during peak season. During the last few weeks I've also noted bucks using the same overlook day after day. Shazaam! Do you think these guys are viewing the tourists from the rock outcroppings above "The Line" and giving the tourism thing a a shot themselves? Following yesterday's encounter with this young guy I'm now convinced! Unfortunately for this buck, he has a case of fibromatosis. The raised areas in his coat are wart-like growths. What you cannot see which stunned me for a second was the fibroma in the area of the tear duct on the right eye. It protruded upward toward the pupil and surely was obscurring his vision. For reasons unknown to biologists, young bucks are more susceptable more than does. It is also unknown how the condition is contracted. Fibromatosis is caused by a virus and will eventually lead to immunity to reoccuring infections. My opinion is that it is nothing more than a nuisance. I've never harvested a buck with the condition but understand the concern of other hunters who have. It is known that fibromatosis does not infect humans and poses no threat by consuming venison. This guy became a little nervous when I walked slowly within (20) feet. Another note: I noticed his demeanor changed from concerned to totally relaxed when I knelted below his eye level, in this case his (1) eye. He resumed browsing on the grass and looking at Luray, VA in the Shenandoah Valley below.

Calm Before the Storm

Yesterday morning Big Meadows held more deer than usual at daybreak. Even with heavy fog encountered midway up the mountain on Tanner's Ridge Road, familiar forms of browsing does were dispersed throughout the area once used by Native Americans for tribal meetings. Working my way north to Upper Hawksbill, I glimpsed this image to the east. Backing up to an opening through the trees I stepped out of the truck to gaze at this phenomenon I've never seen before. I'm learning much from following the blogs of the "PA Posse" about photography. This shot was made with my work camera, a 10.1 meg CyberShot at full zoom. Nothing special. Just something to upload shots of problems on the project to email to the contracting officer in a matter of seconds. I'm sure Stephanie Abrams would describe this as some "stratoshorizontalcoralinterspersion". Whatever...it was indeed a soul searching moment again in my experience on the mountain at SNP. I'll go as far to say that it was the calm before the storm. Conditions on Skyline Dr. this a.m. were thunder, lightning, and hail. Back home in the Deep South I would search for a large tree to park the truck under. Not so in SNP. Park staff Wilderness Weekend educators state the trees are actually a climax community. Must be from the short growing season. In any event the beautiful head of the mountain reared-up today. Nothing to do but watch marble size ice bounce on the truck hood. I couldn't help but wonder how deer react to hailstorms. I've sat through a few in my favorite shooting house but have never seen deer during the fiasco. Surely that sixth sense puts them in heavy cover to hunker down. I am reminded of scripture, Romans 1;20 "For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse." Viewing this yesterday begs the question: How can anyone deny the existence of the Creator?

Bear Rain

October 16 - Conditions at Skyland, elevation 3680, were fog with zero visibility and forecast for snow after midnight with accumulation of one inch. Working my way through the project was very difficult at best, especially for a "flatlander" from south Alabama. The idea of making a few photos seemed like a great way to wait for the weather to break. To gain the best perspective of "designated wilderness" I decided to pass the typical paved overlooks. The roadway shoulder at the foot of a section of guardrail of Skyline Drive was large enough to accomodate my truck. Walking some 30 yards, I paused for a shots of golden leaves against very heavy fog. Rustling in the leaves above my head caught my attention and a thought passed through my mind that it must be one of the thousands of squirrels one can see on any day in Shenandoah. To my surprise, and I must say dismay, was a 250 pound black bear perched on a 6" limb about 12 feet above my head. It seemed startled as I was at that moment and began the typical blow/snort to warn one that he is too close, and perhaps, in imminent danger. In reality, I heard drops of saliva hitting the leaves around my feet. While giving the bruin plenty of width, I mouth called "rodent in distress" which gave me a second to take a photo. The bear made a slow decent down the trunk of the tree. I continued the rat squeals. It eventually made his way upwind and surprisingly did not beat a fast retreat when he caught my scent. My calls gave me opportunity for several more photos. This close encounter reminded me of a trip to the Great Smokeys in my youth. Following a horseback trail ride, I asked an ol' timer who was chewing plug tobacco in a rocking chair at the stables if he had seen any bears lately. He replied, "Yep. That bar, he wuz s'close he wuz a'blowin' slobbers all over me!" Yea, right! Now I know exactly what he meant! A "bar" can make rain.

You Just Never Know

You just never know what a day will bring forth. Last October 13 I drove in early to the Dundo Overlook at Shenandoah National Park for a project kick-off meeting with the contractor and his subs. Watching the sun illuminate the brilliant colors of fall on an adjacent mountain was absolutely a humbling experience. Conditions were blustery and in the low 40s. Bundled up with the truck window rolled down, movement in my side mirror caught my eye. From the steep slope below the overlook, two rather wooly girls with backpacks emerged from heavy brush. Upon a second look, I convinced myself that indeed, one of the girls was carrying a nude and very ripped (Misssissippi jargon) GI Joe doll. The doll was wearing a Ronald McDonald mask. (Yep, this is a true story. I had not been on the mountain on this deployment that long and I couldn't even make this up if I tried.) I decided it would be safer to evacuate the truck and prepare to hightail it down the road on foot as I would not have time to find the keys in my pocket. Anyway, they appreared as though they needed the truck worse at that moment than I did. As I stepped away from the doll yielding leader, she spoke in somewhat broken caveman pseudo-American, probably actually German, "Tok pic?" She handed a 10.1 meg CyberShot digital cam. "Uhmmm.......o.k.", I replied. They stepped to the edge of the overlook and smiled as I nervously spoke the typical Western, "Cheeeez!" The leader replied, "Thonk", and I watched as they placed "Ronald Mc-GI" on a rock for his photo. Both gals waved goodbye and within a few moments they disappeared down the mountain. I thought my friends will never believe this...Oh yea. As "Lil Rocky" was posing for his picture I asked, "Is his name Wilson???" Just a puzzled look from the visitors...Immediately my conscious said Gomer would not even have asked that!