Flame Azalea

A wild rhododendron in bloom on Grandfather Mountain in the first days of June.

Black Bear in his Water Pool

Grandfather Mountain was originally privately owned and Mildred came to live there. She has a fabled story and was deeply loved, she had many cubs and lived to be 29 years old. The park refers to it's kept animals as living in wildlife habitats., and the bears have their own pool for refreshing dips.

Black Bear After a Dip in the Pool

The wildlife habitats are just that, they are natural land but the animals are kept in by ravines or fencing. It is always sad to see an animal caged in any way, but these bears live forever and the children and adult visitors adore them.

Buttercups on Grandfather Mountain

I have never seen buttercups growing in such numbers. The mountain is home to numerous wildflowers indigenous to it's alpine environs.

Catawba Rhododendron

Early June finds these ethereal blooms all over Grandfather Mountain. They start at lower elevations in May and by late June have made it to the top. A seductive lavender pink color they appear to float through the forests.

White Tailed Deer

This doe was very serene. I did not see any fawns, bucks or family groups. It was the season for fawning. White tailed deer range over North America, Central America into parts of South America.

White Tailed Deer

This doe was very serene. I did not see any fawns, bucks or family groups. It was the season for fawning. White tailed deer range over North America, Central America into parts of South America.

Digging Chipmunk

I grew up seeing these little creatures all over Brooklyn. In time I noticed their absence in New York. Happily they appear alive and well in Grandfather Mountain. I doubted my ability to catch him with my camera, but here he is.

White Tailed Deer, Evening

White Tailed Deer in environmental habitat in the Grandfather Mountain state park. The park has huge boulders. The literature says the confines are built around the habitat, I am not sure about this particular rock.

Flame Azalea Buds

I'd never seen an azalea bud before, I found these riveting for their beauty and design.

Flame Azalea Buds

I'd never seen an azalea bud before, I found these riveting for their beauty and design.