It’s August 10 and elk near the Oconaluftee section of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park graze and forage low hanging leaves. A calm before the storm. Yearling and new calves romp and play. About a month or less from now, there will be battles. Sharp polished antlers will take the place of the soft velvet. Who will win out as dominant Bull.

Intermittent drizzle, a constant nemesis of our photo equipment is becoming more regular now. The herd seems more directed, moving with more vigor, and I sense an opportunity to catch them crossing the river. One doe has already moved into the woods. Then I spot another doe and fawn already foraging near the bank. I set the tripod and wait. How lucky could I get.

About ten minutes and the first doe is chest deep against the swift current. Then another, then a yearling, almost hesitant…