Rodeo
North Carolina is thick with trees. Viewed from above, it's green from edge to edge. We cross the border from Georgia, 'Welcome to North Carolina, Clay County'. Ahead, Hayesville (pop. 311) is the last place large enough to trouble the map makers. We head northeast into the Nantahala National Forest, looking for a corral.
A corral! A rodeo, a world so far outside the experience of this south London boy. I wonder, had I seen a live cow before I left school? I must have, but I can't imagine where or when.
It's early evening; the Tusquittee Creek Road takes us deeper into the forest. Before the sun goes down, we catch a glimpse of the beautiful Hiwassee River on our left.
The river winds its way through the trees; so many trees. Sections of the river have names from simpler times. We pass Schoolhouse branch, which leads to Mull Cove and just ahead is Greasy Creek.
Through Tusquittee. "Smaller than Hayesville", the directions say. "Take the bridge on the left, over the river, and the Cutworms Corral will be just ahead,” it was.
If you head this way and it's rodeo time, a cowboy will be at the gate to welcome you.
This gallery includes shots from Rodeos in Haysville, NC and Dalton, GA. There are posts about both shoots on my blog.
