I started up Brushy Mountain Trail along Porters Creek and soon meandered off trail to look at some rock piles. That is where I ran into this doe along with a few friends nearby. She took an interest in me, approaching to within 30 feet but never any closer. Here she is stamping her right foot at me. I don't know what that means, but she seemed to do it several times.
Her vigil continued until I grew tired and moved on by the small herd.
This stone staircase leads to an old homesite. Further up the trail is a cemetery, remains of an old car and many more homesites. Where Porters Creek trail branches off Brushy Mountain Trail is the old road turnaround loop. A short distance from here is the wonderful cantilevered barn below. Close inspection will show, the barn was constructed without hardware. The hinges are wood, the beams are pegged and the only nails are those from a recent renovation.
Just past the barn and over a small creek is the original homeplace. During the 1930's, the Smoky Mountain Hiking Club was permitted to build a cabin with sleeping quarters on the old homesite. Today, there were daffodils blooming along the yard. The springhouse is still intact with running water.
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