A few weeks ago, Pat and I discovered this little field of Asters in North Carolina. At the time, I refused to photograph it because I know that Asters are Anne’s favorite. We were able to revisit the area recently, and this time Anne came along. (Smile) It’s located in the Standing Indian Gap area—on the way to the AT and the Albert Mountain Fire Tower.

The mountains of North Carolina are still “green,” but fall is coming. Later summer flowers are being replaced by asters and golden rod and the changing colors of the trees.

So, in this lovely little field, we found all kinds of small animals! Moles, snakes, birds, hawks and bees! Yikes. Pat found each one! I would have stepped on the snake and Anne would have run! The trail in this photo led to a lovely stream where we stood for several minutes—just taking in the beauty of this far away place.

Anne’s in heaven with this field of Asters.

Hamming it up for the camera! Silly girls!

Why didn’t I bring my tripod?! The question haunts me! I ask myself this all the time!! I forget it and then can’t really do the slow shutter speed thing. This river runs through Standing Indian Camp Ground, and in a couple of weeks, the area around it will be glowing with fall color.

Funny photo! Lost in a field of Asters!

I couldn’t stop taking photos of the field and the beauty that was around us. Then someone reminded me that we were supposed to meet up with Beth in Franklin!

Quiet. After we had explored the field all the way to the stream and back, we headed off to our main destination: Laurel Falls. “Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset.” —Saint Francis de Sales

Once again, I needed my tripod. This is the upper falls, and it is really quite beautiful.

And here’s the lower falls. These are just short walks and smaller than the ones we normally hike to, but they were very nice and there was plenty of water! We’ll return with a tripod!!

 

 

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