It would be hard to say which held a warmer spot in Pete’s heart, the Smoky Mountains or Pisgah National Forest.  With Camp Mondamin nestled between these two spectacular mountain areas, Pete led week-long hikes with campers in both.  The original of “Staying Alive in Bear Country” came out of one of these expeditions during which Pete claimed to have scared off a black bear with firecrackers, all to the astonishment of his campers.   

Pete loved the scenic views with their layering of hues of blue and purple and gray. He loved teaching his children about the variety of trees and plants found in this area.  He loved the memories of earlier hiking journeys and the retelling of them. Pete loved the folklore of these isolated communities, along with their music and dancing.