Keeping The Bears Wild

Chris and Bethany set the bear trap for our neighborhood bear. He was caught last night. As of this morning, the park bear biologist is on his way up to give the bear his "health check". I will say that in the eleven years I have been here, these "health checks" work. Once the bears are set free, they do not return. They want nothing to do with us humans. This program is a good program. I can assure you it has helped save more bear lives then you hear about. I also want to add that the lodge staff does an excellent job at educating our guests and day hikers. We try and teach people why it is important to make sure these animals remain wild and what we can do while being in the backcountry to make sure that happens. It is important for us all to do our part and leave no trace when we are exploring the wonders of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Now on to other topics. You were asking about the rest of the crew and their winter off. I know Nathan has not decided what his plans are. He is still working on figuring that out. Courtney and Beau will be traveling with us and then they are relocating to Colorado where Courtney will take over as General Managers of the Smith Fork Ranch. They are extremely excited about their future plans. Austin is planning on sticking around the Nashville area. Matt and Brad are still hammering out their winter plans. The two of them are planning on returning for season #2. Caroline has made arrangements to spend two months in Peru. She is super excited and has been researching the different animals she hopes to find. And last but not least, Bethany will be hanging out in Knoxville earning some extra cash to help with her Appalachian Trail hike that she will be starting in March. We are so happy for her and feel this is going to be an amazing life adventure for her. So, some memories will be made this winter. We are all counting the days for some well deserved r&r.