On a lovely autumn day, neighbor Joyce asked if I’d like to explore a nearby mountain. Neither of us had been to Cataloochee Ranch above Maggie Valley, and the leaves were beginning to turn. A lovely scene unfolded near one of the eateries, so we walked down the hill a little way. There was a tiny stream feeding into the pond, and Joyce saw a fish jump out of the water.

We settled in wooden chairs next to a fire pit and soaked up the sun and the beautiful scene. I turned to her and noticed that her back was straight. I mean, really straight! I wanted to record that, since it’s what I aspire to after having physical therapy for weeks. Most people are not thrilled to have their picture taken, but Joyce is a good sport about it. I would have erased it if she hadn’t liked it.

On the way out of the Ranch, we saw a bee keeper taking honey from the hive. We had spotted it from the hill above, although I couldn’t tell that there was a hive there.

Joyce learned to ski in that area when she was young and knew where to go. I took a photo blindly, but I missed the snow machine. We can see at least one slope from the other side of the mountain when we go on the highway toward town. It shows up well at night when the lights are on.