Someone New in the Neigh-bear-hood!

Bill and I have been visiting the Smokies several times a year for the past seven or eight years. Like most visitors, with each visit we hoped for a glimpse of a bear. We didn't see one in Cades Cove or during our many drives through the park. None while we tent-camped with the kids or stayed in cabins near Bryson City. We never spotted one while hiking the trails in the Cosby campground or while walking the Greenbrier area. But last week while spending a week at our cabin, it happened.

It was mid afternoon when Bill noticed an animal coming into the clearing in front of our cabin. At first he thought it was a very big black dog. Then he noticed the animal had no tail. The black bear was probably between 200 and 300 pounds. He came within 20 feet of the cabin, in direct view of the living room windows. He stopped briefly, surveyed his surroundings, and rambled on up the hillside next to the cabin.

The bear and I shared the same path up the hill that I use when walking our dog Sadie. Sadie and I were not out at that time, but we could have been. I doubt our American Pit Bull Terrier would take kindly to sharing the path with a bear. The experience has caused me to rethink how I need to prepare before walking in the woods near the cabin.  Both neighbors, Cindy and Barb, have told me to carry a whistle. I read up on how to react if you spot a bear. I understand not to turn and run, but to carefully put distance between yourself and the bear. However, I've not read how to handle an encounter if a dog is part of the picture.

One option might be to carry bear size pepper spray. The internet is full of videos and testimonials claiming its effectiveness. The truth is we'll probably never see another bear up close and personal, but its best to be prepared.  Our cabin is very close to park land and we need to expect wildlife visitors from time to time. We can learn by observing the bear's behavior just how to handle ourselves while in the woods - be watchful and aware of your surroundings. Keep and ear and an eye out for what might be coming down the trail!

Why a blog on retiring in the smokies?

Planning for retirement involves more than money. Yes, a steady stream of income is important, but equally important is where you plan to spend your time as well as money. Location is everything. Through this blog, I hope to share with you what led us to our decision to choose east TN and more specifically Cocke County as our place to settle in for the "final frontier". I hope to share information that may be helpful if you plan to embark on your own long distance building project. Building a cabin in TN while living in GA had its pitfalls. I also hope you'll enjoy reading about some of the folks we've met, places we frequent and things we do in the area. I welcome reader input about your own experiences in planning your retirement location as well as your experiences in the Smokies.

By this time next year I hope to say that Cosby is our new permanent home. I plan to be out the door with our 2011 graduating class from Thomson High School in Thomson, GA. Will I miss my job there as counselor? Of course. The kids in Thomson are great. My co-workers are the best and I understand from others that once you leave a job you've been at for some time that you actually dream about it! Probably so. Still, I look forward to the changes that will come with our move to the mountains.

Thanks for spending a minute or two with me. Come back again and we'll talk colors: bluegrass music, clear blue streams, yellow wildflowers, smokey blue mountains and green hillsides!