This hike was only about a half mile but it is very popular and the path is paved because so many people trek down to the falls and parking is at a premium. I went under the back of the falls (which is fun) about 200 feet to get past the crowds and found this perspective of one small part that I liked with the bright ball colors.
Wet /
Western Carolina is a wonderful place to visit for a lot of reasons and if you like to see, hike to or photograph waterfalls it is the place to go in the Mid-Atlantic. There are tall ones, wide ones, graduated falls full of kids sliding down the falls. I really liked this photo from nearly behind one that was gushing into a river. It just screams “You’re goona get wet.” And I did. Keeping the lens dry between shots was a challenge.
Refreshing /
As we continue to explore water - this photo was made in the Smoky Mountain National Park but I forget which falls. It was on the southern side of the park near Bryson City but there were three we visited that morning. Anyway, it is a small detail that I liked with the leaves clinging on to the rock and the water streaming on both sides and just lightly in the middle.
Welcome to Spring /
Today we feature a salt-water spash as the waves roll in along the Atlantic shore. Is there anything more mesmerizing than watching the waves roll in and break near the shore time after time. You know you might need a raincoat this week!
“Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!” Psalm 46:3 NLT
Splash Too /
We continue this morning with our splash theme. This is a shot from Watkins Glen State Park in New York state. A wonderful park in the Finger Lakes region. We camped here for two days but I am looking forward to returning for a couple more or maybe a week. Such a beautiful and historic area. The walk through the Glen is visible on the right side of the photo. Narrow, rock lined paved pathways lead you for more than a mile. We were there after a rainy week and it showed in the falls and our wet feet.
Falling /
Another different waterfall, this one in Alaska was at least a hundred feet high for the final drop and the water spread out in a very delicate display.
Another View /
This is a view of Old Faithful from a path rather than the prime viewing area in front of the visitor center. We were on our way to other geysers when we stopped to watch.
Have a Super Green Day /
Every year I think I will shoot something for St. Patrick’s Day and every year it sneaks up on me. At least I am consistent. So, what do I have in the files? This shot which has some nice green and features falling water will have to do this year. It is a shot I really like that feels lacy and cool. And it is actually where the leprechauns hang out.
But next year, watch out I will have a killer St. Patrick’s Day photo. Maybe. I recommend this a lot but if you really want to see why it is worthwhile to remember St. Patrick, read “How the Irish Saved Civilization” by T. Cahill
Overhang (2 photos) /
This is the rock that is the namesake of Raven Rock State Park about 50 miles south of us in North Carolina. We did a quick afternoon hike there last week with two of our grandkids. Nice place. When you descend the 140 plus stairs to the level of the river (Cape Fear River) you can see the rock formation and it runs about 150 yards along the river, or at least that is the accessible portion. The rock extends into the water at each end of that stretch. Interesting place and worth the trip. The overhang was pretty impressive.
Caution 12% Grade Ahead Use Lower Gears /
The learning curve for carving, at least my learning curve, is steep. These are numbers 51, 52 and 53. The Leprechaun is the second one of those I have tried, the little farmer guy is the second “person” attempt and the penguin, well, it is another going off to some unsuspecting victim. There were a few weeks this winter that I could not carve, darn pain in the hands! Then there was the sticking a knife into my palm and that did not help either. However, gradually, working on these is therapeutic. The two figures are the first that the legs are separated and the shoes (on the farmer) actually look a bit like shoes. So, I take progress where it occurs. Staring on another two people figures and something easier as well. I like to carve more than one at a time.
Soooo Helpful /
“Wait, I see it on the other side of this little creek.” Raven Rock State Park along the Cape Fear River.
“When he heard this, he sighed deeply in his spirit and said, ‘Why do these people keep demanding a miraculous sign? I tell you the truth, I will not give this generation any such sign.’” Mark 8:12 NLT
Close (three photos) /
Exploring an abandoned parking lot near the Raleigh -Durham airport. How near?
Fence Line /
Bo Duke, aka John Schneider, has a most unique fence on his Louisiana property. The 100 plus acre spot has two or three studios, props, old buildings, fields and houses, an rv park and much more. In this line up we see an early 60 Caddilac, a mid-fiftys version model 62?, a 65 or so Olds 442, a 66? Dodge Charger, a VW bus, an MG is hidden in the parade somewhere and a ss396 Chevelle.
Turn Two /
A GT-40 Ford leads out of turn two at Virginia International Raceway. A second Ford is just a bit behind but actually in second place in this event. In 2020 plans for attending VIR and Pittsburgh Vintage Gran Prix were canceled and no word yet on either of these two places holding events in 2021. I really hope to get some place this year, a car show, or rally or race, just miss it.
As Expected /
Folks who check out Two Lane Touring are smart and very good looking. The animal yesterday, i have been informed, is a Mandrill. I never heard that name or if I did it clearly did not make an impression. So, thanks to those who let me know.
Today’s Image is located near the tigers in the Animal Kingdom Asian walk and are to represent the prayer cloths that are used in some countries. They remind me of the colorful cloths I have seen in two locations out west where the Native Americans tie them on trees as a kind of prayer to their ancestors in special locations. We saw them at a battlefield in OK and at Devil’s Tower.
Not Sure /
I really don’t know what kind of primate this is, no idea. But the photo came out pretty well jostling down the road on the Safari. Anyway, most interesting facial colors and patterns.
Rise Above /
What ever challenges or issues you are dealing with this week, may you stay ahead of the curve. And look cool doing it!
Cheetah /
What a magnificent animal. You can see the coiled strength in his legs and the tail used to assist in balance. Fast and deadly.
“In that day the wolf and the lamb will live together; the leopard will lie down with the baby goat. The calf and the yearling will be safe with the lion,and a little child will lead them all. Isaiah 11:6 NLT
I know not a leopard, but the point is spot on:)
I have taken the Safari ride usually first thing in the AM and last ride I can get on each time. The seats are hard and slick, the road bumpy and twisty but this time with these settings I got better photos. ISO 3200 1/2000 f/5 and practice right after a bump!
Morocco /
At EPCOT you can visit, shop, eat and stroll through the parts of countries they wish to showcase and I really enjoy the walks around these places, the food at several is very good to excellent and the pastries at France, well, not quite worth the price of a ticket but once you have said ticket - do not miss.
Why is this kind of permenent world’s fair not presented in other places? Or expanded here? Mr Gates, spend one of those billions on a 25 or 30 country exposition in Texas - we will come.
Royalty? /
Well it did not feel like it. It was raining hard now and the wind was much sharper on the shore than inland even a quarter of a mile. We walked the boardwalk over the dunes but chose to turn back when this Royal Tern landed a few feet away and sort of said, I’m done too. We walked back toward the shelter of a bathhouse and the high tree canopy right past this tired bird who did not move.
