Kelli Thompson Photography

10/05/2026

ᏲᎾ ᎡᏉᎯ ᎫᎦᏙᎣᏍᎬᎢ

Mingo Falls cascades about 120 feet down a rocky mountainside on the Qualla Boundary, home of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, near Cherokee, North Carolina. Its Cherokee name, commonly written “Yon Equo,” means “Big Bear.” According to the trailhead sign, “Mingo” comes from “mean,” recalling a local story of a mean old bear that repeatedly eluded hunters and disappeared up the mountain.

Fall is here, and the leaves are turning - so go outside and do things.

10/01/2026

Yes - I'm looking at you, and you better be careful.

Many of us have seen the videos of the Bull Elk tossing a guy and then ramming a Jeep - that stupidly tried to ram the Elk. The guy that got tossed wasn't out in a field "chasing" the Elk. He was beside the road - where there were likely quite a few other humans too.

I watched this Elk well over 50 yards away from anyone take off running toward a female cow. Thankfully, he didn't run toward me, but if he did, he would have closed that distance in a matter of seconds.

I've always tried to keep the proper distance, and stay near vehicles for safety. Watching the Elk in the video ram the Jeep - and another video of an Elk busting out a window on another car - makes me rethink my "protection" area near vehicles.

These Elk are not gentle giants, especially right now during the rut. Always watch them, and watch behind you too. Always listen to the instructions of NPS employees and volunteers. Enjoy the wildlife, but be safe.

09/29/2026

I ventured to Cades Cove early yesterday morning with a group of photographers from SANP (Southern Appalachian Nature Photographers). We saw lots of spider webs, beautiful blooming golden rod, and kids participating in the Monarch butterfly tagging. My goal wasn't necessarily to see any bears - although you can always hope.

Nature called so several of us headed around the loop to the visitor's center and got caught in one of the infamous bear jams. I mostly took video, and this still shot is from the video I posted earlier. This mom was small, but she has some white stripes on her chest.

09/29/2026

What's like good corn liquor to a bear? Nuts - lots of nuts.

09/23/2026

09/22/2026

It's Fall y'all! Let the games begin.

Like Spring - the Fall sets off an explosion of color in East Tennessee. For Spring, it is wildflowers blooming in waves UP the mountains. In the Fall, the colors change in waves DOWN the mountains. This shot was taken on October 28 last year at the Cathedral in Big Creek. I hope to time a trip back there to catch the colors at their peak as they were just a tad past peak here. I do love the fallen leaves on the rocks.

Enjoy!

09/21/2026

It's the beginning of a new week, but I don't think I could have asked for a better sunset to end last week. They say College Game Day is coming to town this Saturday, but remember we are and will always be the REAL UT. If Tennessee had not shown why we are the Volunteer state, Texas may have become part of Mexico. Go BIG ORANGE!

09/20/2026

This is Tennessee Football - with a big orange sunset, fireworks, and football. Go BIG ORANGE!