Great Smoky Mountains (Photos of some of the destruction from last years fires)
Apr 25, 2017 16:46:24 #
Hi Folks, I just got back from a long trip to Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and Mount Airy North Carolina. While in the Smokey's, it was sad to see all the damage from the fires last year. Much of the man-made parts (buildings, roads, homes, etc) has been cleaned up leaving only concrete foundations or empty lots. However, it's going to take awhile for Mother Nature to do her job. These photos are of Campbell's Overlook along Hiway 441. I shot the "before" image in the fall of November 2011. The "after" image is the same Overlook after the fire (April 2017). The after shot shows the entire top portion of all three peaks and the ridgelines between has been completely burned and destroyed. The darkened areas are the scared remains of what was once beautiful pines and hardwood trees.
Apr 25, 2017 17:56:11 #
James56 wrote:
Hi Folks, I just got back from a long trip to Pige... (show quote)
That's sad, and this makes it even sadder: "Two juveniles have been charged with aggravated arson in connection with the wildfires that ravaged two East Tennessee resort towns last week, killing 14 people and leaving nearly 150 others injured and damaging or destroying more than 2,400 properties."
Apr 25, 2017 18:26:03 #
Apr 25, 2017 22:37:23 #
James56 wrote:
Hi Folks, I just got back from a long trip to Pige... (show quote)
Such a shame, James, and had been wondering what the status was, but hopefully the vegetation has already started the slow renewal process.
Apr 25, 2017 22:49:36 #
Swamp-Cork wrote:
Such a shame, James, and had been wondering what the status was, but hopefully the vegetation has already started the slow renewal process.
Yes, it has Swamp...the forest floor was a brilliant green, almost iridescent with new life. A few trees that had mild damage may still succomb to disease. Then there is those with major burn damage still standing. Those will fall someday to become nourishment for future growth. It's just going to take lots of time for these areas to heal. We saw lots of damage along the Gatlinburg by-pass route. I also was lucky enough to see the damage from the air by helicopter. Thankfully, the aerial perspective showed the damage was contained to small areas. To my delight, major portions of the Smokey's was untouched.
Apr 25, 2017 23:00:11 #
Apr 26, 2017 08:22:58 #
Apr 27, 2017 00:49:08 #
Apr 27, 2017 02:27:48 #
James56 wrote:
Yes, it has Swamp...the forest floor was a brillia... (show quote)
I think you have become the resident reporter from the south. Another outstanding job Mister. Thank you!
Phil
Apr 27, 2017 14:35:27 #
Sad to see the damage, but it will heal in time. Always does.
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