Last Saturday, Mary & I drove to Cleveland, Tennessee for the annual Sandhill Crane Festival.  We arrived about 10:00 an and were surprised to see full parking lots and long lines for the shuttle busses to the viewing area where we expected to see many of the 1000s of Sandhill Cranes known to stop off here for their annual migration.

This year, the flooding and warm temperatures appear to have driven the majority of cranes to other areas as the Viewers greatly out numbered the Viewees.

We did see plenty of photographers carrying a great deal of equipment and watching for just a few more cranes.  All told, we saw a dozen or so and several Great Blue Herons, lots of ducks and one lone bald eagle looking for a meal.

The day was beautiful and we thoroughly enjoyed the displays and vendor exhibits at the local elementary school.  Then we took a 20 minute drive into Cleveland for a fantastic lunch at the Catch Bar & Grill. Mary opted for the grilled Oysters and I got the Jumbalia Pasta.  Great place, excellent food and service.

Just another great day in East Tennessee.