[Smoky Mountain Split Rail Fence, Nikon D40. October, 2013. full-size]

I think this is a pretty good photo (with a bit of digital antiquing) of a split rail fence inside the Smoky Mountain National Park. I’ve visited this Mountain Farm exhibit at least 10 times over the years but I never tire of soaking my city mind in the calming, pastoral scene.

For every beast of the forest is mine, the cattle on a thousand hills. I know all the birds of the hills, and all that moves in the field is mine.—Psalm 50:10-11

This, however, was the first year I’ve seen a bull elk roaming the farm. These huge animals were extinct east of the Mississippi, but were re-introduced to the Smoky Mountains several years ago by conservationists. The photo below of this magnificent bull is, unfortunately, a fairly dull record of a thrilling moment. I’m glad he was on the other side of the fence.

[Bull Elk by a Fence, Nikon D40. October, 2013. full-size]