Clingman's Dome and Aussie Land

NATURE ARTICLE BY EARL PLATO

GO FOR IT!
A few weeks ago I decided to, "GO FOR IT!" A long time dream and goal of mine was to climb to the top of Clingman's Dome one of the highest mountains east of the Rockies. Nestled prominently in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park it rises over 6,000 feet. We were warned of the fact that there was less oxygen here in the rarefied air and some of us might experience some breathing difficulties.
Here I was, a man in his sixties with heart bypass surgery, wanting to take this chance to meet a goal. Lest I lead you astray it was not easy. We are talking about a mile walk on a paved path. Doesn't sound too difficult, eh? When the slope is steep as it was each step upward takes an effort. I started off with vigorous strides and found myself quickly tired. Like many others I had to rest. Daughter, Allison, and son-in-law, Ken, cautioned me, "Take small steps, dad. Take your time." Their advice worked. I gained a second breath and gradually made my way to the observation lookout. I was thrilled to reach the goal that old teacher friend, Don Michael of Sherkston, had told me about some thirty years ago. Thanks Don for that vision of Clingman's Dome.
I thanked God as I looked out at the panorama of mountain peaks. It was an unusually clear day. To the northeast just off the Blue Ridge Parkway rose the highest peak east of the Rockies, Mount Mitchell, just a few feet higher than Clingman's Dome. Down below were wooded valleys where patches of Flowering Dogwoods lingered on. A cool, refreshing breeze began to dry my soaked shirt.
The walk down was much easier despite my "Bobby Orr" knees. Ken recorded my ascent and descent on camcorder lest any one question my claim to fame. Do you have any mountains in life still to climb? The Lord gave me a second chance. Go for it!
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Fiona McFarlane, our local Ridgeway-Crystal Beach high school student on exchange in Australia, has been faithful in reporting to me about the natural life "down under" in Australia. Unfortunately she prints very small and my excuse has been that her letters were difficult to read. No more excuses I now have a magnifying sheet so here is Fiona's most recent comments.
April 14th - Alice Springs. "Here I am on a "walk about" - a tour around most of Australia. We have visited the Great Barrier Reef, Charles Tower's cattle ranch, Devil's Marbles (Yes, he lost them here in Aus.!) There is much left to see including Ayer's Rock now known as ..... (sorry, Fiona, I can't decipher your printing.)
There are about 60 of us on tour and we are one big family. I am having the best time here and I am sad that my time here is coming to an end. We have 17 companies represented in our group.
Writer's Comment: What follows next is Fiona's open feelings about the "other side" of group travel. "The bus breaks down about once a day and the food is terrible but we survive. You'd never believe this but i awoke this morning frozen as we had to be up at 6 a.m.! It is moving into winter now.
Presently we are at Alice Springs the centre of Australia. We camp out in tents and are responsible for everything - from doing our own washing to packing the buses. (I bet Fiona misses her mom's TLC).
My mates and I have seen more of Australia than we had ever imagined. We will be finished with the tour in about 22 days and so we must entertain ourselves for hours on end. Much love and take care."
This time Fiona sent her report on a beautiful post card, entitled Wildflowers of Australia. In the centre picture was Golden Wattle, above it was Desert Rose and to the left Cooktown Orchid, all of which Fiona has had the opportunity to view in their natural beauty.
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This next account is from a previous letter while she was in Brisbane on the east coast.
"You asked me about marsupials well that one's pretty easy. Brisbane is an expanding city and with that expansion the koalas are being threatened. There is a strong feeling of conservation here for these creatures and that they should be protected. They are debating about building a highway to the coast but it is to be built through a large koala bear habitat."
Writer's Note: Can you picture a cuddly koala bear? Listen to what Fiona reports.
"Yes, they are very cute but they smell terribly. The mother's pouch opens at the bottom so that when they climb trees they don't rip or tear their pouch on anything. The little "joey" is as big as a quarter when born and crawls up into his mother's pouch. They sleep most of the day, not because they are drunk as many people believe, but because the eucalyptus leaves that they rely on for food have very little energy in them. They sleep in the forks of these trees way up high. They prefer living in bush rather than in open areas but I have seen them near the ocean beaches.
They make a grunting noise that sounds like a wild bear. (?) I think that it is a mating call. They can be very heavy."
Writer's note: Fiona made the above observations on her own. She goes on to say," The kangaroos also belong to the marsupiials. Their young are also called "joeys." We will share some new, interesting insights by our "down under" reporter soon.