Shadow of the Bear

The Shadow of the Bear

On our way back to Cashiers from Highlands, NC( with my husband, daughter and son in law) we noticed several cars and a group of people enjoying the view overlooking a valley (Rhodes big view overlook in Jackson County.) The fall leaves were at their peak so we surmised that the view at this particular spot must be spectacular. We wanted a family photo, so we stopped. The view was beautiful but it was similar to driving the winding roads. We later learned that two times a year (mid October through early November and a few weeks in mid February) the shadow from the mountain formed the image of a bear and the people gathered were waiting for that event. The best time to see it is on a clear day starting at about 5:30 pm.  Unfortunately, we left the view about 15 minutes before the sun would have been at the exact point to see the bear form. I looked it up and was disappointed that we missed it. Nature is awesome!

                                                 Photo by examiner.com  Oct. 26, 2010

                                                                  Jackson County, NC

                                                  Nothing like a photo on the side of Hwy 64