by bluewaters | Sep 20, 2017 | Uncategorized
Already, there is a little color in the Smokies! Although it is very early in the fall color season, there are spots of color both high and low. There are the early changers like dogwood, blackgum, and sourwood have begun to show some burgundy reds against a green backdrop. At the higher elevations, witch hobble is offering some nice hues. Experts predict visitors to the mountains can look forward to a vibrant display of color this autumn.
This is due in part to the above-average temperatures that were reached this summer. Rainfall has been slightly less than average during the spring and summer. These are two factors that experts take into consideration when trying to predict the timing and quality of fall leaf color change in the mountains.
It is believed that the formation of ample yellow, orange and red pigments in the leaves seems to correlate with dry weather throughout the year and that the drier the climate, the more brilliant the fall leaves tend to be.
Although peak fall colors typically occur during the third week of October, this may be extended this year, possibly as late as mid-November, due to the warmer temperatures.
The earliest noticeable changes to take place are the sourwoods and dogwoods, which both turn red, as well as the tulip poplars. Then it is the more colorful maples, with hues of red, orange and yellow, and birches, which turn yellow which and will signify the peak period. Finally, the oaks turn orange and red to round out the later color change in the season.
by bluewaters | Sep 13, 2017 | Uncategorized
Hidden deep inside a magnificent cave system, left untouched and undiscovered for millenia, is America’s largest underground lake. Known as The Lost Sea, this body of water is so expansive that research divers have yet to discover its true dimension.
The caverns in which the Lost Sea was found have been known and used since the time of the Cherokee Indians. In the 1800s, the constant 58° Fahrenheit temperature of the caves made a perfect refrigeration system for early settlers. Later, during the Civil War, Confederates minded the caves for saltpeter (a component of gunpowder manufacturing), and one intrepid visitor scrawled the date 1863 upon the cave walls. However, it was not until 1905, when a young boy named Ben Sands wiggled his way through a tiny opening, 300-feet underground, that the underground lake was discovered.
Today visitors are invited to descend trough a small tunnel built into the Lost Sea Adventure gift shop to emerge within the enormous rooms of Craighead Caverns. Guided tours traverse the uneven ground daily (with the exception of Christmas Day) on a roughly 75 minute trek. Tour guides point out not only the storied history of the caverns–from the bones of the prehistoric jaguar that were unearthed here to the moonshine that was distilled in the back rooms–but some of the unique geological formations found here, too. Such as the anthodites, or “cave flowers,” which are so rare that it is estimated Craighead Caverns holds over 50% of the world’s known formations.
At the bottom of the tour visitors are afforded the opportunity to take a glass bottom boat ride on the Lost Sea itself. The visible portion of the lake is 220 feet wide by 800 feet long and is stocked with rainbow trout (leave your rod and reel at home because fishing is not permitted). Beneath the calm waters divers have found room after cavernous room filled to the brim with murky water. Despite using modern mapping equipment researchers have yet to discover the far reaches of the enormous lake.
by bluewaters | Sep 9, 2017 | Uncategorized
The southern Appalachian forests are home to over two hundred species of birds. Birding in the Smokies is a paradise. The spruce-fir forest of the highest ridges is similar to the boreal forest of Canada, and is the southernmost breeding range of the Black-capped Chickadee, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Northern Saw-whet Owl, Blackburnian and Canada warblers, Veery, and Winter Wren. Chestnut-sided Warblers are common in blackberry thickets, the Dark-eyed Junco abundant in the trees, and Common Ravens soar overhead.
The northern hardwood and cove hardwood forests are mixing grounds for northern and southern bird species. A dozen northern breeding species reach their lowest nesting elevation here and nearly as many southern birds reach their highest limit. The northern Blue-headed Vireo, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, and Black-throated Blue Warbler overlap with the southern Red-eyed Vireo, Northern Cardinal, Hooded Warbler and others.
The southern hardwoods in the middle and lower elevations have the greatest number of birds, those typical of similar elevations and latitudes in the south. Some common species are the Downy Woodpecker, Eastern Screech-Owl, Belted Kingfisher, Carolina Chickadee, Carolina Wren, Song Sparrow, and American Goldfinch. In summer add the Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Acadian Flycatcher, Wood Thrush, Yellow-throated Vireo, Black-and-white Warbler, Ovenbird, Louisiana Waterthrush, Scarlet Tanager, Indigo Bunting, Chipping Sparrow, and others. In winter, the Yellow-rumped Warbler and White-throated Sparrow become common.
Open fields account for less than one percent of park land, but these areas provide habitat for Red-tailed hawk, American Kestrel, Northern Bobwhite, Wild Turkey, Killdeer, Eastern Bluebird, Field Sparrow, Eastern Meadowlark, and others. In the summer add the Eastern Kingbird, Barn Swallow, Yellow Warbler, and Orchard Oriole.
The number of birds and diversity of species change with the seasons. Fall is a time of change when warblers and others wear a confusing molted fall plumage. Restless to migrate, many species will leave at night and head south. In mid-September the Broad-winged Hawks begin to kettle-up over the ridges and glide to the next thermal, with a few Sharp-shinned, Cooper’s, Northern Harriers, and others joining. Even as the migrants leave, the winter visitors begin to arrive – Purple Finch, Evening Grosbeak, Swamp Sparrow, and others.
You will hear many more birds than you will see in the Smokies’ dense, tall forests. Learning the common songs of the breeding season will make birding trips more successful. Even if you don’t know the song, you can use the sound to locate the bird and get view of it.
by bluewaters | Sep 2, 2017 | Uncategorized
Parsons Branch Road is an eight mile gravel road leading from the Cades Cove Loop Road to US 129 toward the North Carolina side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Calderwood Dam. Running though an area once called Chestnut Flats. It was a notorious hang out for moonshiners. Many a shootout took place in this area and went on well into the 20th Century. Parsons Branch was originally a main artery among a complex of roads feeding the smaller coves and hollows within Cades Cove. These highlands coves were home to several mountaineer farmers who stood against Confederate raiders. September is perfect time to make take on this adventure since the road is closed from December through mid-March, and no buses, trailers and RV’s are permitted. This route takes approximately one and hour to complete, with opportunities to see wildlife and beautiful scenery. Several Blue Waters’ guests have ventured out on Parsons Branch and have the stories to tell!
by bluewaters | Aug 27, 2017 | Uncategorized
Experience the full grandeur of the Smokies by seeing them from above. Hot air balloon rides over the Smoky Mountains offers a variety of panoramic views. The balloon gently lifts off into the sky, it moves in the same direction and speed as the wind and will afford a safe and enjoyable flight. The distance traveled depends entirely on the speed of the wind. You can even get married on one of these hot air balloons. From the air you can view all of the spectacular lakes with the majestic Smoky Mountains in the background. Early morning flights as the sun rises over the beautiful ridges. Soar quietly at dawn for an hour long ride with commanding views and enjoy a champagne breakfast. Make your vacation a day to remember. Bring your camera, lots of film and prepare for a great adventure.
by bluewaters | Aug 24, 2017 | Uncategorized
Clear mountain lakes, blue sky, green meadows and a light breeze – escape the suffocating heat of the city and enjoy the refreshing summer climate in the Smoky Mountains. Hike through the unspoiled nature of Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest and numerous hiking trails through the Nantahala National Forest, go swimming or a boat ride on pristine Lake Santeetlah, or perhaps just sit back in a comfy lounge chair to take in a beautiful sunset.
In between the hiking, swimming and relaxing, there should be some time set aside for a little dragon slaying. The 318 curves in 11 miles on Highway 129 is well known to motorcyclists and sports car drivers as the “The Dragon”, and offers a special challenge. In addition to the well-known “Dragon”, many other roads in the area such as the scenic Cherohala Skyway offer enthusiasts a great ride with plenty of breathtaking views.
The summer would be a waste if every day was spent in traffic jams or working compulsively in an office, so do yourself a favor and take a few days off to cool down and enjoy Western North Carolina’s cool wonders.
