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This is my fourth year of making images of the Angora goats that are the Baatany Goat Project. The 10-year project's goal is to determine if the goats can control the growth of the Canadian blackberry bushes that are spreading across the mile-high balds.
The goats graze along the Appalachian Trail where it runs along the borders of Tennessee and North Carolina in the Roan Mountain Highlands. They usually graze near Jane Bald (5807') which is halfway between Round Bald (5826') and Grassy Ridge Bald (6139').
Woody
When I hiked to see the goats this July I discovered they were grazing closer to Grassy Ridge. So last week I decided to hike to Grassy Ridge Bald in the dark so I could be there for the sunrise and then hike back down to make images of the goats.
The forecast called for good weather so on Wednesday I drove to Carvers Gap and began the trek. The hike looked very promising. The sky above the Highlands was ablaze with stars, the winds were gentle and the temperature a comfortable sixty-five degrees.
The weather in the Highlands can change suddenly and unfortunately just after crossing Jane Bald the clouds moved in and the fog was so thick I could only see a few feet in front of me. I continued hiking to the top of Grassy Ridge with the hope that the fog would lift. It never did.
Sunrise Over Grandfather Mountain
So I tried again on Friday. This time I was treated to a stunning sunrise and perfect weather conditions and finished my 2011 goat series. I focused on the light again only this time it was how it lit the landscape and the faces of the goats on Roan.
Stephen
Garcia
I decided to take my time hiking back to the Gap. I ate blueberries that grow in abundance along the trail, stopped to enjoy the view from Jane Bald, and visited with a volunteer crew that was making major repairs to the AT on Round Bald, and made images along the way.
Summer on Round Bald
The Roan Mountain Highlands are beautiful even in bad weather, but in good weather they are absolutely stunning.
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