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Snow Much Fun
Written By: Jenny King | Issue: 2019/01 - Winter
There were so many excellent photos submitted for our Winter Cover contest, but we were particularly captivated by this dazzler by Sharon Elder of the Mirror Lake community in Highlands. Her prize-winning photo was taken with her iPhone.
Sharon and her husband retired to Highlands full time but have been coming up from Alabama for decades. Sharon and Phil have a long history here and even honeymooned in Phil’s family cabin 42 years ago.
So many people, when considering a full time move to Highlands, are intimidated by the weather. They envision being trapped on a mountainside, having to contend with foot after foot of snow.
The photo taken by Sharon does show a snowy scene, but she encourages others to, “Just come and try it!”
She says, “You will be hooked! Winter in Highlands is like living in a Hallmark Christmas movie. The outdoor ice skating rink, the community Thanksgiving Dinner, the lighting of the town’s Christmas Tree; it’s just such a precious town.”
The Elders, like so many others, love the tranquility of the town in winter and a large part of that includes bird-watching. Their favorites are Cardinals, Chickadees, Tufted Titmice, Nuthatches, and their favorite, the Carolina Wren.
When asked if they feed the birds all year round, she emphatically said, “No!” They love their Mirror Lake bears and don’t want to cause bear problems. Sharon and Phil start feeding the birds several weeks after the last reported bear sighting (usually in December) and continue until they see evidence of bears out and about in early spring.
“Our first sign of bears this past spring was when a mother bear started climbing up to our second story balcony! She and her cubs left when they saw us. The feeders were immediately taken down.
“Generally, we feed the birds from December through February. We also provide a heated birdbath for a winter water source. Even when we are winter feeding the birds, we bring the feeders in at dusk each day so we don’t tempt the raccoons to climb up. Our little Havanese dog, Boots, has barking fits when he sees raccoons, squirrels, or bears!”
If ever there were spokespersons for living in Highlands all year round, it would be Sharon and Phil Elder, who have obviously done their homework. Thanks for the words of wisdom and keep those photos coming, Sharon.
