“The mountains melt like wax before the Lord, before the Lord of all the earth. The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all the peoples see his glory.”
Psalm 97:5-6
An Appalachian Mountain view that is as good as it gets! Gooseberry Knob is an iconic spot that is well known by anyone familiar with The Swag in western North Carolina. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park boundary lies less than 100 yards behind where I was standing. Come along and join PJ and me as we do a little trekking in the mountains.
In the garden at 5,000 feet, their first Monarch of the season showed up while we were touring. The common milkweed is a Monarch favorite but this butterfly didn’t mind sharing!
I made one more pass by “the knob” before hitting the trail along the Cataloochee Divide for a 3 mile hike. It was wonderful to have the opportunity to get out and about for a few days!
Let’s head up the trail and take in the scenery as well as get some much needed exercise. I had a few days where counting calories was not part of my everyday living!
A most unusual mushroom is growing from a decaying stump. Everything is lush and green as these mountains get plenty of rain.
I wasn’t familiar with this plant but butterflies were well aware of it! It is known as Turk’s-Cap Lily, and sometimes called a turban lily. I discovered that the bulbs and flowers are edible, however I did not sample!
The tangerine colored flower is really quite amazing. I found them blooming mostly under open spots in the canopy where some sun was getting through but I did see a few in more shady areas. This is the largest native lily. As many as 40 flowers have been recorded on a single plant.
I guess by now you are thinking I was hiking alone, but no way. Not as much fun and it certainly would not be enjoyable eating a picnic lunch without Pam. Does PJ look a little trail weary? She still had the energy to capture some great pics from Hemphill Bald, our resting place before heading back!
Cataloochee ski area straight ahead and Maggie Valley off to the right.
I love old fences. I think this design is to eliminate the need for a gate, allowing people to pass but maybe keeping larger animals from being able to slide through?
With a thunderstorm brewing in the distance, we decided to get a move on since we had no rain gear with us. It was a pleasant low 70’s here while around 95 at home, so zero complaints!
This fungi was so bright in color it was easily spotted from a distance. I wasn’t sure what it was though, until I got much closer. I noticed when viewing the photo later that a lone insect was also getting a much closer look! I believe this is of the family Marasmiaceae which contains some edible mushrooms like shiitake.
We later journeyed into Cataloochee Valley, a very remote part of the National Park. We had never been in this region before. An old footbridge gives a glimpse of how residents moved about in days gone by!
Palmer Chapel was built in 1903, and is one of only a few preserved structures remaining in the valley. We understand descendants of former residents still gather here once each year for a reunion. Some sources give the date of the Palmer family’s land donation and the raising of the church as 1898!
I had not planned to be on record as being in this barn loft but someone took my picture. Cameras are everywhere!
I hiked up a steep trail to an old cemetery that contains graves of those who made the valley their home. Many were marked with only a plain stone while others did have names and dates, some born over 200 years ago. At the edge of the graveyard was an abundance of these trumpet-like mushrooms. As I researched later, I was surprised to find these are probably chanterelles! Chanterelles are very tasty and also quite pricy!
Beech Grove school was also built around the turn of the 20th century. At one time there were about 200 buildings in the valley. Cataloochee was once home to a substantial Appalachian community and Cherokee hunting ground!
Elk once roamed the southeast. We haven’t had elk in Alabama in over 200 years. Through the efforts of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, dedicated individuals, and many other groups and state agencies, elk have been successfully restored to a number of areas in several states and herds are growing in number. We still do not have a population in Alabama but maybe someday! The restoration of elk to North Carolina began 21 years ago with the first elk being released in the Cataloochee Valley.
Since these majestic animals are normally seen in the early morning or late evening, we did not expect to see one in the middle of the day. As we were leaving the valley around noon, this bull decided to step out on the roadside for a bit of lunch! His velvet covered antlers will grow for a few more weeks. Seeing this guy up close and personal was a nice parting surprise indeed!
A view of the valley area. Cataloochee is surrounded by some of the most rugged and tallest mountains in the southeast.
Have a blessed week!
”Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever”.
Hebrews 13:8
Linking with:
Pieced Pastimes, Between Naps on the Porch, Katherines Corner, Follow The Yellow Brick Home,
Testing comments box
Good Morning Pam and Butch, Looks like a wonderful getaway, enjoying the cooler temps and beautiful scenery! I can’t get over all the pipevine swallowtails congregating on the lilies! How fun to see an elk on your outing too. Happy Sunday ❤️
Thanks so much, Mary. I hope you are enjoying some cooler temps this weekend!
Loved each picture. Thank you for sharing.
I am so glad you enjoyed!
Happy Sunday Pam and Butch! You were in God’s country for sure, thank you for all the wonderful photos. No matter where I go in the world, I always think western NC is the most beautiful spot on the planet. Growing up as a child on the beaches of SC, our summer vacations were always to the mountains. I think that is why it tugs on my heartstrings, so many wonderful memories (and escaping the heat and humidity of Charleston!)
Western NC is beautiful and I love the mountains. Thank you, Roxanne!
Lovely getaway, and it looks like Butch was very much enjoying his favorite past time of a nature hike! Beautiful vista photos and dreamy cool temperatures!
Thank you, Jenna. I could have stayed longer 🥰
Enjoyed every photo. I especially loved seeing the many butterflies on the lily and how exciting to see an elk. Seeing Butch in the barn loft brought back such happy memories as a child playing in my family’s barn loft. Living in WNC is a true blessing. Any and all this beauty is only 30 to 60 minutes away for us. No matter where I travel, my heart beats a little stronger when I see these mountains. Bob and planning a day trip to Little Switzerland this week. Can’t wait to have their fried green tomatoes. See you tomorrow at MMB.
Thank you, Dianne. We love The Swag and gorgeous mountains. Enjoy your day trip this week!
OH, heavens, you were in my backyard!
I think we were. We love The Swag and the mountains!
I love going along on your trips. This hike looked so beautiful. You found lots of varieties of mushrooms too. What a beautiful day that must have been. Thanks always for sharing the beautiful pics with all of us. Have a great start to the new week. xoxo Kris
Thank you, Kris. The mountains are beautiful and we love staying at The Swag!
Great and precious time! Beautiful pictures!
Thank you, Maristella!
We’ve had a condo in this area for the past 14 years. Yes it’s beautiful! But we’ve decided to sell. At age 76 we are tired of the 9 hour trip up there and renting it for the last few years was an even bigger hassle. Through my husband’s career we were transferred in and out of Florida five different times but we’ve never explored very much of Florida itself. That’s our goal now to stay close to home.😀 So I will look forward even more for your pictures of the areas you travel.
Nancy, I understand the long drive. You have been able to enjoy it and now you can enjoy checking out all the fabulous places in Florida!
What a fabulous get away for you both. And a hike up the mountain as well!
I loved seeing this butterflies on the lilies. Wow!
And then an Elk as well… Now that’s awesome.
Happy Sunday to you both!
Thank you, Nancy. It is one of our favorite places. The cabin, food, and scenery were all fabulous!
Pam
Such splendor and revelations…. packed with insights and information. One cannot miss the Glory of God
in these photos. Thank you for opening up these vistas to those unable to climb those mountains… they just
take your breath away, the vistas and the mountains both. You must feel greatly blessed to have partaken
of it all. To have seen that elk – what a gift. The Palmers must have been rare souls and what a legacy of love they bequeathed to all those who followed.Thank you for sharing this Sabbath journey, Pam and Butch.
Mary, we had the most amazing time. I think we needed this getaway more than ever. The cabin, cuisine, and scenery were all fabulous!
Pam ♥️
Well, I enjoyed the hike along with you, in fact, easiest hike I’ve ever taken. :o)) Always enjoy your gorgeous pictures. Blessings for a beautiful new week!
Thank you Lea for your sweet comments. Wishing you a lovely week!
Those cooler temperatures sound great. Sounds like a great getaway. Thanks for sharing the pictures and commentary with us.
I know you enjoyed some great food.
I think that is the same lily I have each year in my garden. I did not know its name.
The accommodations, food, and scenery were all fabulous! Thank you, Bonnie!
It looks like you had a wonderful time! The photographs are beautiful! Wishing you both a wonderful week ahead!
It was wonderful and thank you sweet friend.
Pam
Oh to be in my home state and able to hike those beautiful mountains. To even sit on Gooseberry Knob in those chairs would be just fine. I saw a turban lily at my soon to be 103 year young friend here in SD just yesterday. Blooming away at her back door. But we are very dry and would never see that beautiful orange mushroom. Wow! Hope PJ was a good distance from that elk as they are very dangerous. Love old churches and in my younger days Butch I would climb into old barns too. Looks like the two of your were enjoying a cooler much needed
vacation.
Alice, thank you dear one and I know you miss NC. Yes, we were very safe from the elk, actually in the truck. We thoroughly enjoyed our trip, it was amazing!
Gorgeous photography. I just now found your blog, and will be following.
Welcome, Danice! I am so glad you found the blog. Thank you!
Pam
Pam and Butch, I enjoyed tagging along on your hike. It looked enjoyable. That first shot of the Smokies is gorgeous! I’m so glad elk are present again. The orange flowers look like a variation of the single stem lily, I can’t remember the exact name for them. My Mom had them and I transplanted them. The difference is the mountain ones look as though they branch out. They’re pretty regardless of what they are. The church and barn were fun to see. Glad y’all got away for a few days. We’ve had rain the past couple of days which was glorious! We really needed it! Enjoy your week. Clara❤️
Clara, I am so glad you joined us for the hike. It was quite a climb, but worth it! We have been getting rain off and on since last Friday and a bit cooler. Have a wonderful week!
Pam♥️
Hi Butch and Pam!
I loved reading this post!! My husband and I are N.C. natives — have lived here all our lives. We used to travel to a remote corner of western N.C. every summer for about four days. Haven’t done that in several years. The North Carolina Smokies are amazing mountains, and you two saw some things we’ve never seen up there. I am marking the Chatalootchie Valley as a place to visit in future! 🙂 We have photos we took of the Turk’s Cap Lillies while in the Smokies; they are wonderful flowers. Those trumpet-shaped mushrooms were amazing!! I thought Chanterelles only grew in France.
I’m so glad you enjoyed your trip here, and I hope you visit North Carolina again soon! Thanks for sharing your adventures and have a good week. Visiting from Met Monday.
Hugs,
Denise at Forest Manor
Hello Denise, thank you for your visit. The mountains are truly beautiful and we always enjoy staying at The Swag. I hope you make it back soon to that part of your beautiful state of NC. Have a wonderful week!
So many interesting finds on your little getaway. Thanks for sharing your view of all things bright and beautiful.
Our pleasure, Cindie. We loved our getaway!
The mountains are amazing – what wonderful pics! Love the monarch butterfly photo but they are all gorgeous! Butch must have been in his element with all the hiking and it sounds like the two of you had a lovely time with some relief from the heat. Thanks as always for sharing. Happy August!
Kim, we had a wonderful time. Butch loves hiking and I am enjoying it more now than ever! Cooler temps were a blessing!
What a gift to see that stunning elk. It looks like a fabulous day — beautiful sites, fabulous fungi and a marvelous walking companion. I’m glad you could have such a lovely picnic and enjoy such fabulous sites.
Thank you, Jeanie. It is a wonderful place and we so enjoy the mountains!
Un post maravilloso…Cada imagen es una obra de arte de la Naturaleza. Me encanta veros tan activos y tan guapos. Yo ya voy estando más tranquila aunque el tema de vender o alquilar la casa de Majadahonda me quita el sueño. Es muy dificil elegir, todo tiene sus ventajas y sus inconvenientes…no es fácil decidirse…
Ahora estoy en Granada tranquila y feliz. Me encantan los lugares tranquilos y este pueblo llamado Belicena lo es…Tiene mucha historia, este entorno es donde los Reyes Católicos vencieron a los árabes. A partir de ese tiempo 1492 empezó la independiencia de España.
Un gran abrazo, queridos amigos
Being outside in nature is my favorite place to be. I love all the pictures you shared.
My husband and I both love being outside. Thank you for visiting!