Flying Squirrels

Flying Squirrels

I met a young couple today as I was cutting logs for future water bars and steps to be installed later in the season. They had just photographed a flying squirrel in flight, which is gliding from one tree to another. A sighting I have not had in 12 seasons as Ridgerunner in the Smokies.  I had never seen these nocturnal animals, but one other time in my lifetime of 73 years and enjoyed the photo. At night I have seen their little red eyes glowing high up in trees back home in Kentucky.

   Only one time had I spotted several up in a dead tree while hiking our woods above our house in Fairdale, Kentucky 15 years ago.   My wife and I were enjoying a pleasant summer afternoon, taking in the wildlife on beautiful sunny day.

A friend used to say if you retain just one little golden nugget from his Sunday school class then all his studying and preparation was worth it. I feel that way as I hike along daily in the Smokies, or anywhere, as a Ridgerunner or just hiking on a quiet nature path.  A chance sighting of a big owl sleeping in a tree, a coyote trotting through the woods, a bear on its back sleeping, or a big
Pileated woodpecker making that hollow sound while searching for bugs in a dead tree or a huge raven gliding into a tree near you; these are some of those golden nuggets like that little flying squirrel so seldom seen.

   If you notice looking for the picture of a squirrel, there is none. I am sorry to say that I inadvertently erased the email sent to me for this blog and I do hope the young couple who graciously sent it to me will do so a second time and I will try again.
Keep Hiking,
Carl, aka Greybeard

4/14/14   ENCOUNTERS

   I often meet interesting people as I hike the Smokies. Part of my job as a Ridgerunner is talking with those I meet to learn of problems or concerns and help them with park policies and mostly for conservation of the resources, just a term for keeping the park as pristine and natural as possible for now and the future. I am blessed to have the opportunity to share with those I encounter a unique and beautiful place. I counted 44 northbound thru hikers as I hiked south to the Fontana trailhead, finishing another week of the 2014 season, my 12^th.  I spent a sunny and warm week, ending on a cool morning, spitting rain, the beginning of a wet and cold period predicted.

   I met a family of four thru hikers entering the park for that section of the AT often anticipated by those who would challenge its 70 miles Often with concern for its challenges of difficult terrain and weather, while looking forward to the wildlife in the park, so diverse and beautiful.  Of note for this family was their two children, ages 7 and 9 with their smiling faces and the little fitted packs on their backs coming up to their father, who was graciously listening to my normal spiel. They gave all appearances of simply taking a walk in the woods, not on a 2180 thru hike of America’s most notable National scenic trail.

   Some might look hard on parents dragging such young ones on such an arduous journey but I saw two young people blessed with parents who were joining them on a journey that for most of us is a dream seldom realized but cherished by the few who do it. My own dream began at age 25 on my first trip in the Smokies and first sight of that white blaze my hiking buddy told me, “this goes all the way to Maine”.  My dream stayed with me until I retired and hiked the trail in 1999. I have heard countless stories and I can only imaging the memories these children will have and the education they will get. I went to a summer camp as a boy once and that week experience remains one of the most memorable and genuine learning experiences for me.

   I have since learned that the parents' home school their children and I believe this year will be a very good school year  A chance encounter is an educational experience, but thru hike is an encounter with life that is hard to beat.