Almost Smokey's Birthday

How Many Hummingbirds do you see?

Last time I left you we were a few weeks away from Smokey's Birthday Party. Well the day has come, Smokey turns 68 on Saturday, and I can't wait! There will be games and prizes, goodie bags and cake! Okay now on to what I have been up to.

I have been doing the usual stuff, conference calls and emails. I also have been working with Carmen, another intern, on creating a brand for region 8 this involves finding out our best practice programs, and how to implement what’s working in the areas that are having less success. So far it has been a challenge, but it has been interesting, we are also creating new uniforms, which is fun, designing a logo and such. We are looking at polos and sweaters for folks inside and t shirts for the folks outside.


Last weekend was Train History day I learned about the old 1914 climax logging locomotive, it was really interesting to hear about how they laid out track and what the logging train meant to the people of the mountain. The Asheville Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society members brought scale models of trains and a train yard to show how trains move and switch tracks within the yard. They also brought memorabilia of 1950s trains including lanterns and pictures. The kids really enjoyed it.

Wild Blue Berries on the hike to the top of Mount Pisgah

Last weekend was also Bele Chere a music and art festival in Asheville. Thousands of people gather in the streets of Asheville to participate, they have all the streets blocked off and people are just everywhere. During the festival there are four stages set up with different national and local bands, it was definitely a site to behold. The people watching was incredible. Before we went to Bele Chere, Rachel and I hiked to the top of Mount Pisgah (5,721 feet) the 1.5 mile and 746 feet elevation change was pretty strenuous but the view from the top was amazing.

Trail to the top of Mount Pisgah



Wild black berries. not very ripe just yet.

 

Asheville from Mount Pisgah



Tuesday July 31 we had a conference call about "made in USA" which is a new program region 8 is starting to promote the sale of items in gift shops that are made in America, very interesting call where people from around the region voiced their frustration with buying within the US. It was interesting to see that Smokey bear is licensed and trademarked to company in china.  Most gift shops from our region only have about 20% of there items made in America.





 

 

Answer to above question. There are 5 Hummingbirds!