Survival part 2

Sorry not many pics from Thurs as we had to keep moving fast to keep our chattering teeth at bay and avoid the following inevitable all consuming body hyper thermia 

The tough day was par for the course however, for what we observed in this deep forest. The largest trees we had ever seen east of the Mississippi. Massive Spruce, Fir, and Hemlock 4 to 7ft in diameter. All old growth timber apparently too deep in the mountain to cut and drag out of this difficult to reach gorge. We were walking through a land of giants at least a couple hundred yrs. old. Ever so sad however was not one of these mammoth evergreens was still alive! Every last one had recently died and all were now standing testaments to what once was throughout the Smokey's. 

Although evolution has resulted in the survival of the fittest since the beginning of time it was sad to see it happening so fast. The majority of these giants were still standing and now  covered in heavy lichen making for a sad skeletal formation. Some of  these towers of Babylon however are just now starting to crash down leaving in their wake huge swaths of destruction. We even saw one proud juvenile hemlock some 15 ft tall shooting up for the light. Sadly however it was growing straight out of the top of one of these dead giants so it will too will soon be doomed as it foundations crashes over.

There is some controversy's around the specific source responsible for this recent occurrence. Some say acid rain, others reduction in overall  air quality due to the rapid population growth south and west of the Smokey's and some claim an invasive insect species introduced from Asia. Or as is often the case I guess, a combined effect which recently lead to this  "tipping point" . 

We ultimately came to Lake Fontana which covers the base of the foothills, is several hundred feet deep, and apparently consumed whole former mountain settlements when filled. This lake like so many in this part of "progress". Harnessed to become part of the power network now in existence throughout Tennessee and NC. The system provides for flood management, hydroelectric power in the winter/spring and recreation in the summer fall when the generation of power is all switched over to coal burning plants. This vast integrated network has spurred much population growth across the region due to the highly favorable climate, and outdoor activities available. However as with all "growth and progress" there is definitely a corresponding cost to be levied. A dramatic end has occurred and as sure as the next pending storms on the horizon; these standing dead, and a whole era to soon be whipped away. A wet cold, sad day.

Land of Giants