From the Sea to the Mountains

Every fall I try to spend time in Western North Carolina. I am like a child in a wonder world when surrounded by the brilliant colors of Fall. I don’t always time it right, but this time everything came together and I hit the peak for this area. I like to base myself in Brevard, because from here it’s a short run up to the Blue Ridge Parkway and elevations of 6,000 feet (where the trees are already bare) or I can wander around further down the mountains. Right now I’m socked in for a couple of days by a front that’s moving through and bringing a lot of rain, but here are a few from the last couple of days. No saturation added, in fact I had to back off the colors because they were almost an assault on the eyes! My favorite time of year.

Couple more images from the mountains …

Before moving on to other things, here are just a couple more memories from last weekend in the hills of Western North Carolina, one of my favorite “Happy Places”.

Cascade on Carson Creek
Forest Ferns Abstract (a happy accident!)
Dupont State Forest, Cedar Mountain
Sunrise at Fred Symmes Chapel, YMCA Greenville county (Pretty Place)

Transylvania County, NC

View of Gwynn Valley from Connestee Falls

For me this area has become a magnet. Over the years I have visited the Brevard area many times through different seasons and have been seduced by its many beautiful attributes. This time, some friends and I rented a cabin in the woods of Connestee Falls. You don’t have to wander much beyond the borders to immerse yourself in scenic streams, cascades, lakes, forests, and mountains. Also, it is a sure refuge when the heat and humidity of Charleston become unbearable!

Lake Atagahi, stars and fireflies, Connestee Falls
Cascade on Carson Creek, Connestee Falls
Raymond working Slick Rock Falls
Chickens at Gwynn Valley Farm