Saturday was a special day for me!  We checked on all the bunnies, new litters & mothers finished chores and then packed a  picnic and the family into the van and drove to the Green River area outside Tuxedo NC.  The day was sunny and hot when we were in SC but  the air cooled off as the road led up the mountain. We turned off the  air conditioner and opened windows to enjoy the fresh air  of the wooded countryside.  At a bridge  several miles into the wilderness we stopped and parked on the roadside. It was fun  setting up a portable table & chairs in the wilderness by the river where we could eat together and visit awhile! Have you ever noticed how good food tastes outside? Ham & Colby cheese on home made wheat bread with "the works"  and honey mustard was fine dining!! We played Password. When is the last itme you thought of a clue word for the word vamp or fan? We enjoyed the scenery (taking pictures) and hiked about. The men all took a jog down the road and so Gloria & I slowly followed in the van (after we had our turn walking). We caught up with Glenn first. Wasn't but minutes later Ben came into view with Ronald...headed back. Ben had seen 3 bears and watched them a few minutes  while the 2 young bears climbed a tree-and then he noticed no one had caught up with him yet so he headed back. I did not try to get their pictures!  I haven't forgotten the bears at Cades Cove.  The one I did get a  picture of (a midsize black bear 50 ft. away) is enough for me.  Knowing how fast a bear runs, how strong they are and unpredictable they can be is why I keep my distance and  gladly return to the van for the next venture!
 The birthday cake Gloria baked was delicious and a wonderful way to complete the day!