This past Sunday was a perfect day for a short trip to Isaqueena Falls in nearby South Carolina. I've been here several times, and it's always a fun place to walk and relax, especially on a warm January day! The historic Stumphouse Tunnel is also located in the park, so you can visit both places [...]
If you go to Oconaluftee, you have to see the Elk. I keep seeing them but don't "see" the herds as much as the people, who live in the area. By that I mean, there's a whole group of people that follow the Elk (and now the eagles) around and report where they are at [...]
We were pretty much "earth-bound" on this last trip to Western North Carolina. Rain and then snow fell but our spirits were bright. The Blue Ridge Parkway was closed. Big Sigh from me. I wanted to hike to the upper falls at Graveyard Fields but that did not happen. We did find a couple of [...]
Since I was in college, I have been driving up to Mountain Crossings on or near New Years Day. Sometimes, I would drive to Fort Mountain and walk out on that platform to enjoy a late day view. This year it was Neel Gap, without the "s," that got my attention. In recent years, the [...]
It was the day after Christmas and I wanted to photograph winter woods but did not want to go far from home. It was already late in the day, so I decided to drive to the trail head for Panther Creek, which is the infamous "back way" to the popular Panther Creek Falls. This alternate [...]
I have gotten fairly close to the wonderful people who watch over and run Travelers Rest. Recently, it was open to the public for a small fee, and I can never resist visiting the Inn for a "step-back-in-time." What a blessing it is to know Sandra Fisher and her team of volunteers and to meet [...]
On this Sunday, we decided to stay close to home and take Chip to see CeCe. While she was super sweet, he lost his brains and barked at her. Poor CeCe; she had to settle for us petting her through the fence. She's grown and still beautiful—just so much bigger! The babies watched us from [...]
Waterrock Knob holds a special place in my heart. It was my first "real" over 6,000 foot hike after cancer and chemo! Looks like I could have chosen another hike to begin with; but looking back, I feel like this was the place God had for me. Made for the Mountains! . . . as [...]
