by bluewaters | Oct 31, 2017 | Uncategorized
Hooper Bald – This mile-high peak in the Great Smokies in one of nature’s unsolved mysteries. It is a botanical puzzle that has baffled the minds of scientists for centuries. Trees refuse to grow on its summit, and no one really knows why. This peculiarity, however, is not confined to Hooper Bald alone. There are other peaks in the Great Smokies and elsewhere in Western North Carolina that are treeless too. They are bald because of some strange whim of nature, and not because of fire or the lumberman’s ax. They have probably been bald ever since the world suffered the travail and spasms of its youth. Strangely enough, the mountain balds are found only in the Southern Appalachians. This tends to make the mystery more mysterious, rarer and stranger still.
Through the years, theory after theory has been advanced to explain the “bald mountain” mystery. Scientists have pondered the question and cannot agree on an answer. No one has come up with an acceptable reason why certain mountain tops ranging from 2,000 to 6,000 feet in this neck of the highlands will not support trees. Altitude or timber line is not the answer, for Clingman’s Dome and Mountain Mitchell are almost 7,000 feet and timbered to the top. “These balds,” said Arthur Stupka, a retired park naturalist, “do not indicate timber line conditions, for nearby forested summits stand as high or higher. One is tempted to think of them as relics of some former climatic period, now partly engulfed in the prevailing forest but their true explanation remains elusive.”
Dr. B.W. Wells, a retired botanist from North Carolina State College, advance a theory that the Cherokee has created these bald summits. He pointed out the certain mountain tops were favored camping grounds of the Cherokee and that they continually burned off the tops to furnish space for the villages, and also to provide unobstructed lookout points. This, however, is contrary to the findings of anthropologists and archeologists. Their findings show that the Cherokee always built their villages in the valleys and beside streams, never on mountain tops.
The answer may still lie with the Cherokee. They had a few myths to explain these balds. It seems that in the ancient days, Cherokee villages were subject to the incursions of a mythical monster, Ulagu, resembling a gigantic hornet that would swoop down, snatch up a child in its claws and vanish so swiftly that pursuit was impossible. Every possible method of defense and offense was tried with no avail. Meantime, the raids continued, and the villages were fast being depopulated. Finally, sentinels were posted on the mountain tops and were able to trace Ulagu to its lair, an inaccessible cavern high on a sheer precipitous mountain side. While they had found its retreat, the Cherokee were little better off than before. They gathered in a great council and implored for Divine assistance. The Great Spirit heard their pleas and sent to their aid the lightning that split off the whole side of the mountain. When the smoke and dust cleared away, there lay the Ulagu, dazed but still alive. Quickly the warriors feel upon it with spear and ax, ridding themselves of the great scourge. So pleased was the Great Spirit with their initiative in uncovering its hiding place, their piety in appealing for Divine aid in the extremity, and their bravery in the final combat, that it was His decree that in the future the tops of the highest mountains be bare of timber, to better serve as stations for sentries should another such visitation occur.
It is as good an answer as any. But the mystery still remains to taunt the imagination. And no one really knows why trees refuse to grow on Hooper Bald or other similar mountain tops in the Southern Appalachians.
by bluewaters | Oct 26, 2017 | Uncategorized
A tingle runs through the autumn air. The sweet smoke from a wood fire comes down the breeze, and far away a dog barks. It’s one of those days when the morning opens like an invitation. The sun slips over the mountain laurel of the Snowbird Mountains, shooting long lances to catch the forest tree-tops. Along the ridges and in the valleys the explosion of color has begun. Autumn’s glory is spreading across the land. The back roads are calling.
The greatest show on earth is underway. The woods are hanging out their banners among the maple and poplar, red oak and black. The sun shines through its autumn tints. It’s a splendor as American as pumpkin pie. The Virginia creeper is beginning to pour down its molten color. The soft maples are gold above and silver below. The beeches are rustling with gilt flakes. Along the roadside there’s the amazing purple of the blackberry leaf. There’s the russet of turning grasses where the crickets chant. As
October’s skies grow higher and bluer and deeper, the landscape becomes more and more splashed with color. Each day the red and gold and russet patches more brightly the forest walls. The dogwood is red with berries. The viburnums are tinged with purple. The white limbed birches are turning gold. The Sourwood, beloved of the bees for the fine honey it makes, glows scarlet. The white ash is turning mauve and bluish bronze. The wild hazel is putting on a dress of soft salmon and rose pink. The fruit of the pokeberry hangs like so many tiny bottles of burgundy.
The signature of autumn’s hand is showing on every tree and bush. Even the home folks are excited by this festival of color. They are taking to the back roads into the high hills this weekend and each weekend that follows until the frost and wind finally put out autumn’s torch. They follow the color parade as it marches down from the high places into the valleys. They walk in the aura of glory on leaf quilted trails. Already there’s a spark of flame on a thousand hillsides and in a thousand coves and valleys.
There is a tingle in the autumn air that sets the gypsy blood astir!
by bluewaters | Oct 19, 2017 | Uncategorized
Mother Nature has taken her paint brush and quickly changed the season from summer to fall with the brilliant display of color we are beginning to enjoy. With this cooler weather, we at Blue Waters Mountain Lodge begin to think about stews, chilis, soups and other delicious warming foods.
Utilizing seasonal produce is a wise culinary trick that home cookers can apply to their meals. We strongly adhere to the philosophy, incorporating local seasonal ingredients into our menus to create a variety of foods.
Apple pies, pear tarts, apple crepes, or apple/pear muffins are great and simple fall desserts. As a cook enthusiast, tweaking things up and getting creative with seasonal fruits are a way to keep your cooking alive. If you don’t have apples, pears are a good substitution. Peach and nectarines can also keep you at play. Preserve them and make jam for use in the future or offer them as a gift to friends and family. Pumpkin seeds are one of the most nutritious seeds around. They’re sweet and nutty. While pumpkin seeds are available all year round, they are the most fresh in fall when pumpkins are in season. Try baking pumpkin seed cookies for a tasty twist on an ordinary recipe!
Spices that give you warm flavors like cinnamon, star anise, cumin, or chili powder are often used in cooking and baking. Warm flavors bring out the aromas of fall. Poached peach with sugar, cinnamon, and star anise is a great snack for afternoon tea. Or add cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika to your cooking for a fall flavor. As the weather cools, grilling outside isn’t ideal but smoked paprika adds an earthy flavor to many dishes. Use half of a required measurement of paprika and roast food in the oven instead of grilling for easy preparation.
Potatoes, beets, squash, and roots also make a marked appearance. They can be cooked in so many ways from soup to dessert. It sounds crazy but butternut squash cupcakes do exist and are delicious!
Mixing fruit and root produce brings fall flavor to the next level. Combining apple and parsnip makes for a savory silky soup and with a touch of cream and cinnamon — heaven is within your reach.
These fall produce and fruits are available everywhere. Farmers markets are a budget-friendly source and your favorite grocery stores will run a promotion selling these, making them even more accessible. All you have to do is adapt it to your menu. Bring out your all-time favorite potato soup, pie, and casserole recipes and get your hands dirty! Finding non-seasonal produce and paying extra wouldn’t be a cooking pleasure.
Seasonal changes such as leaves transforming into bright, fiery reds and oranges, don’t have to be only observed. Fall can be a tangible, thrilling experience. This includes ingredient and menu changes. Although summer is over, there are great things to look forward to with fall. Let’s indulge ourselves with fall flavors!
by bluewaters | Oct 11, 2017 | Uncategorized
The Smoky Mountains is one of the most diverse temperate rainforests in the world. The rich hardwood and evergreen canopies shelter a large population of migrating and resident birds, numerous mammals, and hundreds of rare plant and insect species. The true native forests are often threatened, however, by clear-cutting, urban expansion and mountaintop removal coal mining. Stewardship by landowners is essential to retain a vital forest eco-system for the future.
The week of October 10-16, 2010 is World Rainforest Week. The goal of this special awareness week is to encourage individuals to recognize the beauty and wonder of the world’s rainforests. It is also a time for individuals around the world to unite in action to help broaden awareness of the threats that the world’s rainforests endure.
In addition to the environmental and social benefits of saving the world’s rainforests, there is also an economic benefit. An intact rainforest is worth $6,280 per acre if sustainably harvested; $1,000 if clear cut for commercial timber ($0 five years after clear cut); and $148 if used as cattle pasture. The global rate of destruction of rainforests is 2.4 acres per second—equivalent to two US football fields.
Rain forests are found on every continent expect Antarctica. They are classified by having an average yearly rainfall of at least 68 inches. Rain forests have very dense and lush vegetation covering virtually all of their area. Trees and plants can grow to extreme heights because of the ample rainfall. Approximately fifty percent of earth’s living organisms are found in rain forests. Rain forests are also important in filtering the earth’s oxygen. There are two types of rain forests, classified by their location and temperature. Tropical rain forests are found in areas between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. Tropical rain forests have high temperatures year round and are very humid. Temperate rain forests are found above the tropic lines. Temperate rain forests have lower temperatures, and most of them experience seasonal temperature changes.
Temperate rain forests, like the Smoky Mountains are found throughout the world; however they are much smaller than the tropical rain forests. The average temperatures of these forests vary because they are scattered around in many different areas. Temperate forests also have lush vegetation and many forms of animals. However, they differ greatly from the tropical species. At one time, the Appalachian Mountains were extremely large, however due to population increases a vast amount of acreage was cut down.
by bluewaters | Oct 4, 2017 | Uncategorized
A guest sat at the end of the dock for quite some time last Friday night; only to later to point out that the view of the stars and Milky Way were just amazing in the clear skies over Lake Santeetlah.
It seems that with the moon’s disappearance from the evening sky means that it’s a great time to take advantage of prime fall observing weather. We still have summer’s bright star patterns and the magnificent star clouds of the Milky Way to enjoy in the early evening. Astronomical twilight now ends well before 8:30 pm, and as it fades the stars of the Summer Triangle are passing directly overhead. In the south and southwestern sky the densest star clouds of the Galaxy linger and traces of the river of amorphous light overhead and down to the northeast horizon, panning the view for star clusters and bright knots of nebulosity. By 10:00 pm the fainter stars of autumn begin to invade the south and southeastern sky, while off to the east you’ll see one of the fall’s more distinctive star patterns climbing high. As the Summer Triangle passes west of the meridian, four second-magnitude stars rise to meet it. These stars form an asterism known as the “Great Square” and are part of the constellation of Pegasus, the flying horse of the Perseus and Andromeda myth. All of the characters of this celestial play are located in the northeastern sky at this hour, and as the night moves toward midnight Andromeda, Cassiopeia, Cepheus, and Perseus all climb higher to displace summer’s setting patterns. This part of the sky is a deep-sky observer’s dream, loaded with bright star clusters in the Milky Way and faint galaxies far beyond.
Early evening twilight still offers a chance to see the bright dazzle of Venus in the southwestern sky, but her time to shine in relative prominence is about to end in a big hurry. Look for her shortly after sunset a few degrees above the horizon. On a clear night she should be relatively easy to spot about 20 minutes after sunset. .
Jupiter now dominates the evening and overnight hours, virtually unrivalled by any other object except the Moon. Old Jove is just a week past his closest opposition in nearly 40 years and stands out like a beacon in the star-poor reaches of the autumnal constellations. The giant planet and his ever-changing bright cloud belts and dark zones offer a different palate for viewing every night. It seems as though there’s always something interesting going on out there!
by bluewaters | Sep 27, 2017 | Uncategorized
Autumn can have so many different meanings. A time of harvest and abundance; a time of storing and saving for the long winter season ahead. A time of festivity and reunion. Like every season, autumn has its unique events and sights, sounds and smells. Here are a few of our favorites …
Jack Frost. Halloween. The Great Pumpkin. Thanksgiving. Pilgrim Fathers and Native rescuers. Homecoming and reunion. Indian summer. Two, maybe three Indian corn. Blackberry canes. Fall Back. The State Fair. Oktoberfest. Cornucopia overflowing. Pickling, canning, drying…and nibbling as you work.
The kick-off. First and ten. The Big Game. Let’s Go… Touchdown! A marching band echoing the school fight song from a jammed stadium. The Quarterback Club. The last round of 18. The Turkey Trot. Running through crispy fallen leaves.
Washing windows and stacking lawn furniture. Rakes and snow shovels moving up in status in the shed. Pulling in the boats and repairs to the dock. Rhythmic thwacks of ax through wood; mechanical buzz and whine of chain saws. Mulching, pruning, planting bulbs. The last lawn mow — hurray!
Packing summer clothes. Unpacking the winter ones. No whites after Labor Day. Shorts weather, jacket weather, sweater weather, great coat weather, then boots and parkas. Smell of moth balls and cedar chests. A cuddly warm sweater and thick warm socks.
The taste of hot cider while sitting by a fire. A turkey roasting through the afternoon. Hot apple pie. The hubbub of the Farmer’s Market on a crisp Saturday morning. People making their way across golden brown acreage. Large, round mums. Caramel apples on a stick.
The hazy, cloudless skies of Indian summer. Leaves scurrying down the street before the wind. The cold shiver from an arctic blast. Indian summer. The last warmth of the sun. Chilly mornings and glorious warm afternoons. The Harvest Moon. The Hunter’s Moon. The Rainy Season. Dry corn stalks clattering in the wind. The touch of frost on grass and window pane. The smell of burning leaves.
Warm winds from the south, coat-tightening blasts from the north. Pleasant breeze, cooling wind, chilling gale. The edgy-ness of distant storms brewing. The first flurries of snow, the first white ground cover. Get the shovels ready!
A Vee of geese honking their goodbyes to the land. Birds flocking, numbering in the hundreds…then no longer seen. Wasps and bees drunkenly flitting from fallen fruit to fermented fallen fruit. Squirrels gathering their cache, scurrying from here to there to here. Crows, cardinals, jays and assorted little brown birds, lonely calls wondering where everyone went.
Lake fish diving deeper to the stable bottom waters. Caterpillars feasting on the last of the summer bounty before drifting into a transforming beauty sleep. Flies clustering in barns and attics, seeking the last warm spot away from the winds of winter.
But most of all, autumn means colored leaves: a spectrum of shades between the green shades of summer and the dull browns of winter. Crimson, fiery red, maroon, ruddy orange, pure orange, yellow orange, soft yellows and bright yellows. Red maples, yellow birch, scarlet sycamores, aspen gelds. Mottled leaves of several colors in transition. Each deciduous tree, each bush, strutting its own autumn wardrobe. Naked willows dancing in the wind. In their midst, the smug conifers stand. “Evergreen,” they say to us, “ever green.”
Ahhh, those bright autumn spells that bring out the most vivid of hues. Days so delightful you can almost taste the color. And those cold, crisp nights when the air has its own special vintage to entice us back outdoors one last time. A bouquet matched in no other season — aged in Northern realms and blended just right.
We just love a good season, watching it turn, engendering days of joy and days of melancholy. Sorry, must go. Adventure is lurking outside!
