First of all, we had been there before. Twelve years ago. And that’s why we hadn’t been back. I still remember the black bears sitting in a great pool of obesity, and the rest of the visit was awash in mediocrity. Later, I talked to Hugh Morton about carrying one of my books for sale in his museum shops. He told me how many “good” photographers come to Grandfather Mountain who don’t need books telling them how to make pictures. I responded by telling him that most of the people who came through his stores were not “good” photographers and know they need help. He didn't like that and told me so. We never talked again. I crossed the place off my list.
Times change though, and twelve years later, we took our twelve year old granddaughter up to the great kingdom in the clouds, and it was really nice. The bears are now fed on schedule with carefully controlled portions and they also have “enrichment” periods which are spectacular to watch and make great photo, and especially good video opportunities. This is also true for the other animals kept in this new Biosphere Preserve. This includes a beautiful Bald Eagle, who sits here now to spend the rest of his days grounded because someone shot his left wing off someplace in Texas. He will never soar again, but he will still look you in the eye. You need to come see him. He has something to tell you that you really need to hear.There is a professional atmosphere emanating from the place now and the people working with the animals seem to know they are lucky to be here. I was impressed all over again and will be back. I urge everybody else to spend a magnificent day - preferably a HOT summer day up on top of this beautiful COOL and enjoyable mountain retreat. We were up there on a day it reached 100° in Hickory and it was COOL up there. We took a picnic lunch, bought some souvenirs and made a lot of pictures. We also took an out-of-town visitor to a place she didn't know even existed, and will remember the rest of her life.
