“Wild life surprises you when you least expect it”
― Mohamedibrahim
It’s been a while. It really has, BUT I finally got a job and things are going well. We’re going on a week long vacation in five days to a surprise location! Well, surprise for you all. We know where we’re going. Keep an eye out on the Facebook page and my Insta for photos starting next Saturday. It’s probably the most excited I’ve been for a vacation in a while.
That is not what this post is about though. As most of you know, I’ve been an avid photographer for several years and love photographing many things: food, my adventures, landscapes, people, and of course animals, specifically wildlife. Wildlife photography has been a passive hobby of mine for a very long time. So every time we’re in the Smoky Mountains, I have my eyes peeled for the prize. A bull elk. That’s right, I wanted shots of this majestic and dangerous animal.
Alex and I headed into Gatlinburg again back at the end of August. It was a really fun and relaxing trip. We had this magnificent condo on the top of a summit and got to wake up to the most incredible views.
I’d go back in a heartbeat. After months of just job hunting and stressing over COVID related issues, it was nice for the two of us to kick back while not worrying about anything. We headed into different locations of the park in an effort to find this animal, along with bears. We saw one bear very briefly which was cool. I had previously attempted to find and photograph elk in June while in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park but failed miserably.
I was determined to find them this time.
Mother Nature laughed at me during our trip. So on the last day, feeling defeated, we packed up and headed home. Then it happened. People were parked alongside the road by a field. Curious, we slowed down. And there he was in all his majesty. A bull elk. To our delighted surprise, he wasn’t alone! There was a small herd of cows as well!
Y’all, I am not exaggerating when I say I shook with excitement.
It’s an experience I’ll never forget. I really just wanted to be able to share it y’all. I’m considering entering these in a few photography contests, let me know which one is your favorite in the comments! As usual for 2020, stay safe and stay healthy.
TravelinFoodies 