Tuesday, September 07, 2010

A Date with Elk

Elk are big.  Really big.

On Monday, I went with a friend to Cataloochee, part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  Elk once roamed freely there before being wiped out in the late 18th century.  A few years ago they were re-introduced and are now flourishing.  And they're big!

The drive over the mountain to get into Cataloochee is on a steep, winding, gravel road that follows the path of earlier tracks.  Imagining what it was like to cross those mountains on foot or horseback is quite a stretch.  Those early settlers must have been made of very stern stuff.  Even today it seems very remote.

Of course, I forgot my camera.  But I got a few shoots with my cell phone which I'll try to download.

And in other news . . . .

Dating is going slowly.  I think I'm too afraid to let myself feel.  Or maybe the man I've seen a few times just isn't "the one."  His company is quite pleasurable (indeed!).  We have fun.  But, I seem to be the kind of guy who just does not make room easily for another person.  I don't think to call, to plan ahead, to do thoughtful things.  I live in the moment in such a way that I don't see beyond the end of my nose.

Plus work and other crises seem to keep getting in the way.  There is a lot of fear running loose in me.  Again.  But I'm working on it.

8 comments:

Neil said...

Good luck in dealing with the crises. You are not alone.

Anonymous said...

Joe, don't overthink the situation. Just enjoy the ride! Your emotions will ebb and flow but the peaks and troughs should become less extreme.

Know you are in my thoughts and prayers!

Benton

Michael Dodd said...

Okay, so the elk were once destroyed, but after being re-introduced, they flourish. I suspect (hope) the same will be the case with your dating skills. And just as the elk were not totally back in one season, so your dating skills and comfort may not be back in one year. But life will find a way!

Frank said...

I can so relate to your comment on dating. "I live in the moment in such a way that I don't see beyond the end of my nose." This so resonates with me.

Sometimes I wonder if I am cut out to be anyone's partner. Gee I hope I am...because I don't want to go through the rest of my life alone....but if I have to then I will.

Ur-spo said...

When it comes to dating, enjoying it and watching where it goes is OK; not to be worrying 'what it all means'

Lemuel said...

Somewhat as was stated above: even as it takes time for the elk to be reestablished and move comfortably in the habitat in which they belong, so naturalists say it is also with Beartoast Joe's. ;)

Cubby said...

O Romeo, Romeo... You know what Romeo's problem was? He wanted to get to the happily ever after part without having to first pay his dues.

Enjoy your dating life Joe. Enjoy meeting new men. Enjoy a few pleasures.

A Troll At Sea said...

BT:

Actually, Romeo's problem was that he kept falling in love with one girl after another.

But my question for you, old friend, is this: if love is not driving out fear, what lack of truth is not setting you free?

Just a thought
Hope to get far south someday to actually see you...
T@C