HEADS UP: POACHERS

'Tis the season.

Ginseng 

With fall here in the favorable mountain elevations, ginseng or " 'sang" is heading into tell-tale red berry season.  Truth be told, it has many wonderful medicinal properties, ginseng, the roots of which bring a pretty penny these days.  And with that lucrative lure comes the poachers that will do whatever it takes to find and dig up the plant.

That means trespassing and not giving a tinker's damn about your property and your rights.  And right here in Apple Creek.  Sadly, it's an annual event, but there IS something each of us can do.

When you see a strange vehicle in a location that is not normal, get the tag number and call the Haywood Sheriff's office.  If you see strangers walking on or near your property and you don't know who they are, be observant with descriptions and call the Haywood Sheriff's office.  Our Community Watch program is only effective as our diligent observations and awareness, and there is an officer dedicated to Apple Creek Acres.

Haywood Sheriff's Office: 828-452-6666

Put it in your cell phone if you haven't done so already.

PAVING DATE CHANGE

What was September 8 for a day of paving on Apple Creek Road has now been shifted to Tuesday September 13.  Pass the word.


Bob

PAVING: SAVE THE DATE!

(The following is from Jeff Hintzman)

Our road paving is going to take place Thursday, September 8th starting at about 8:30 am. They should be able to finish in a day, but it could run into the 9th.  A sign will beat the bottom of the hill in a few days to this effect.  

Keep in mind that this is all 'weather permitting'; please plan ahead knowing the road will be closed in places at that time.

Bob

QUICK UPDATE: MEETING, BEARS

It takes a quorum of 64 lots to hold our annual HOA meeting and we had exactly that Saturday morning.  I volunteered to be secretary, so once I type up minutes and have them looked over and approved, I'll pass them along here.  Too, you will get a hard copy with your dues later this year.  As well, it was good to meet and greet some new full-time residents on our mountain at the meeting!  Thanks to all that turned out (or turned in proxies).

One area of discussion that affects us in ACA (read "especially those with bird feeders") was about the bear or bears currently hanging around ACA. As Keith Patton reminded us, "A fed bear is a dead bear" and he provided a video link that drives home the point: minimizing opportunities for bears to get food at houses, be it bird seed, pet food, unsecured garbage, etc. They'll move on naturally, hopefully sooner as opposed to later.  (NOTE: The video link was designed for WY residentsl; while it's over the top for here, the basic principles are the same for all bear-human contact.)

And apologies to any neighbors of mine within earshot that hear an air horn go off in the dark of night (like last night).  I've found it to be the most effective way to get one to move away from the house if it doesn't do so on its own.


Bob

HOA ANNUAL MEETING REMINDER

8-13-16 Sunrise from the end of Staymon Rd.
(click to enlarge)

I apologize for not posting this in advance...slipped through my swiss cheese brain!

2016 Annual HOA Meeting

Saturday August 13

9:30am - until

The Vine, Depot Street, Waynesville

I will post official minutes once they become available and sent to me.


Bob

CLEVER BEAR...

Molly by cantilevered deck support (read "bear ladder")

Goodbye, trusted feeders...

It wasn't too long before dawn that a sudden noise had the pups in an uproar.  I looked out the window to the closed deck gate and the un-tripped booby-traps I set up....a railing climbing bear would have knocked over some loud items coming onto the deck and retreated.

Alas, I went on the deck around 630am and for the first time for me here (heard it done lots before), the bear climbed up a cantilevered deck support and in one fell swoop pulled a two-feeder solid metal pole over almost 180 degrees. It's a feeder damaged a couple of years ago by another bear, and I remember trying to straighten a far more modest bend using a large vise and my 250 pound weight...and it took a serious amount of effort on my part.

So the moral of this story is if a passing bear wants something, they will try many ways to get it.  I didn't expect a climbing attack so left the feeders out given the prior successes of my noisy traps.  Note to self: feeders go in at night.



Bob

HEADS UP FOR BEARS

Bull Elk #16 from the Cataloochee herd

This is really more for visitors and new residents in Apple Creek.  Bear sightings are a part of life here, and the majority come and go, moving on.  While I've not laid eyes on the most recent activity, some residents have passed on they've seen a mama bear and twin cubs, which explains my dogs' behaviors the past few days.  Protect any feeders you have out, pets, etc., and please make sure you don't provide them any food sources to hang around.

I hope everyone is having a good summer!


Bob