The black bear you see as my avatar lives on Grandfather Mountain in Western North Carolina.
The wildlife exhibit located in the park has a few black bears, cougars, eagles, otters and more. I fell in love with this charismatic and very photogenic creature you see in the photo as he or she, not sure which, posed for my camera.
We often visit the mile-high swinging bridge and sit atop the mountain rocks as we gaze into eternity. The views at the very top are breathtaking and unlike any I have ever seen. My words could never fully describe the immense tranquility and oneness I feel with the earth when I sit on those ancient rocks.
Take a virtual tour of the park or watch the brief video below.
Wow.. the bear is so big... I never seen any black big bear physically before..
ReplyDeleteIndeed the views from such places are breathtaking, especially after taking a break from the smoky, dirty urban areas, where one finds no sign of trees!
ReplyDeleteSorry, I couldn't watch the video because of bandwidth issues. But the photos are awesome.
And thank you for visiting my blog!! Hope to see you again!
Visor
Hi Atniz and Visor
ReplyDeleteThank you both for visiting. The black bear is a beautiful animal well known in the Appalachian Mountains. They are usually reclusive and peaceful animals. They can be seen in the Smokey Mountain National Park in Tennessee and North Carolina.
I was on Grandfather Mountain over the Memorial Day weekend and have some pictures posted to my Flickr account. I have a picture of the bear lying on her back waiting for treats to be tossed to her.
ReplyDeleteWonderful photos...the subjects look so regal...
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the video very much as I would have a difficult time in person walking the bridge or standing at the edge...I have a motion/balance issue which doesn't allow me to do those things...but I love the view just the same!
Cheers
Aw, I love him. I'm going to have to go and visit. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Lee
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the pictures with us. I wish I would have been there with you on Memorial Day. :)
Hi Azure and Jessica
One cannot fully comprehend the beauty of this place without physically being there; however, the video and pictures provide a glimpse at least. I was unable to go up there this summer, so I wrote this post to alleviate some of my homesickness. Thank you both for your constant visits. They are greatly appreciated.
We use to go to Grandfather's Mountain so many times when our boys were growing up.
ReplyDeleteYour pictures make me want to head north right now.
I would love to go across the mile high swinging bridge. Maybe I can talk Farm Man into a trip next month for our 33 year anniversary!
Black bears used to visit me in my Adirondack garden years ago. They were always welcome and never troubled me.
ReplyDeleteI just LOVE these photos of the bear. Bear energy is so powerful and SO you. You've probably seen all this already but i thought I'd pass it on in case you've not seen it.
ReplyDeleteMy sweetheart is a Mohawk Indian, a professor like you, but he is of the wolf clan not the bear clan. But since the Bear clan is a Mohawk clan he often tells Native American bear stories. He has some great ones. I thought you might enjoy reading some of the symbolism connected with the BEAR.
Bear - Primal power, mother, cunning, healer, gentle strength, dreaming, sovereignty, intuition married with instinct. Nurturing, protective.
Bear Paw - Power, direction, connection to creator.
Bear - Physical strength, leadership,
http://www.whats-your-sign.com/native-american-animal-symbols.html
BEAR ENERGY: Pragmatic, and methodical the Bear is the one to call when a steady hand is needed. The Bear's practicality and level-headedness makes him/her an excellent business partner. Usually the voice of reason in most scenarios, the Bear is a good balance for Owls. The Bear is also gifted with an enormous heart, and a penchant for generosity. However, one might not know it as the Bear tends to be very modest, and a bit shy. In a loving environment this Native American animal symbol showers love and generosity in return. Further, the Bear has a capacity for patience and temperance, which makes him/her excellent teachers & mentors.
BEAR: The bear is one of the most powerful protectors or spirit guides that you can have. If you have a connection with a bear or bears it is thought to give you more power in all the things you do and are.
Also,....reading about this suspension bridge brought back old memories of visiting the Royal Gorge Bridge in Canon City, Colorado...it's the world's highest suspension bridge at 1053 feet and a quarter of a miles long. If you ever get out to Colorado you must see it. I know you would love it as well. You and I both are "view freaks"....looking over blue mountains into forever.... :)
This was such a lovely post Mar, the video, the photos, the text....all of it. Obviously you can tell I was quite inspired and excited when I read it. Thank you. Big hugs, Rob
I lived in Charlotte for 10 years, I while I did take a few trips to the mountains, I never visited Grandfather Mountain. Sorry I missed it.
ReplyDeleteIf you ever get the chance (and already haven't) visit the Carolina Raptor Center at Latta Plantation in Huntersville. They even have programs on certain days where you can talk to the staff and ask question.
They have lovely hiking trails all throughout the Reserve as well.
Although I wouldn't think if risking it, the bear almost looks cuddly (smile). Our family loves the mountains also. But alas! Like Azure, I could never walk the bridge, as I also have height and motion issues. This was nice. Thanks for sharing - Nards
ReplyDeleteHey GAfarmWoman
ReplyDeleteConsidering how close you are to Grandfather Mountain...you should head up for that wondrous and special 33 anniversary. Congratulations to you and Farm Man...God bless you both.
Hi Greg
Thanks for visiting. Yes. I agree with you. For the most part the black bear is docile and I don't feel threatened by them. Unfortunately there have been a few incidents in the NC and Tenn area where people have been injured or killed by a black bear, so my family and I are always attentive to my surroundings as we hike through the woods. But then again, we must also be cautious of the snakes, mountain lions and God knows what other dangerous creatures that may lurk in those dense woods.
Wow Robin
ReplyDeleteI never did my homework on the bear, but I knew it was the perfect avatar/symbol I wanted to use. Your detailed description really touched me because I can see why I am so attracted to the bear.
Now I have to do a little research on the "owl" and see if my husband fits "that" description. hahahaha :)
Hi Lala
Thanks for the tip. Here is the link to the Carolina Raptor Center
http://www.carolinaraptorcenter.org/admission.php
if anyone is interested. I actually know exactly where it is. Our property is just north of the center, so we hope to stop by on our next visit up there.
I have another blog that I'm in the process of getting off the ground about traveling NC...
ReplyDeletehere's my post on Latta Plantation and all it has to offer.
http://northcarolina.overfortyandlovingit.com/?p=10
That's funny you mention the "owl" because in some Native American "astrology" I AM the owl. When I sent you the bear info I wanted to tell you that the Bear and the Owl are highly compatible. Well that's a no brainer because we get on like a house on fire!!! LOL I'd be curious to know if your husband is also an owl? All joking aside.....LOL LOL
ReplyDelete