The Sun Sets Over the Biltmore Estate

I took this last November at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina. The biggest impression I had was of the size of the place, thousands and thousands of acres of lush rolling hills, vineyards and horse pastures for as far as you can see. I think I'll come back here this year and spend a little more time. Or better yet, how about I come back in a different life and live the life of an aristocrat. That probably won't happen. However, after seeing this place I'd settle for the life of a stable boy, just being here is it’s own reward.

I took this last November at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina. The biggest impression I had was of the size of the place, thousands and thousands of acres of lush rolling hills, vineyards and horse pastures for as far as you can see. I think I’ll come back here this year and spend a little more time. Or better yet, how about I come back in a different life and live the life of an aristocrat. That probably won’t happen. However, after seeing this place I’d settle for the life of a stable boy, just being here is it’s own reward.

Click on photo to enlarge

River Valley, North Carolina

This is near Gorges State Park not far from Asheville. There was so much scenery I wanted to stop at every bend in the road and, left to my own whims, I'd probably still be there. The whole region is full of beauty and so collects a lot of artists as places like this do. You can't go more than a mile in any direction without passing some art gallery or artisan's studio. One day I will just have to spend a good amount of time amongst the hills and valleys like this. Then before you know it I'll be sporting a goatee and a French beret and talking like a real artist. In the meantime you'll find me at the local coffee shop, that's the best I can do for now.

This is near Gorges State Park not far from Asheville. There was so much scenery I wanted to stop at every bend in the road and, left to my own whims, I’d probably still be there. The whole region is full of beauty and so collects a lot of artists as places like this do. You can’t go more than a mile in any direction without passing some art gallery or artisan’s studio. One day I will just have to spend a good amount of time amongst the hills and valleys like this. Then before you know it I’ll be sporting a goatee and a French beret and talking like a real artist. In the meantime you’ll find me at the local coffee shop, that’s the best I can do for now.

Click on photo to enlarge

Biltmore Estate

This was taken from the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina. This is one of those old world estates with thousands of acres and vineyards and rolling hills. Now it's open to the public and you could spend a week here exploring and living the life of Riley.

This was taken from the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina. This is one of those old world estates with thousands of acres and vineyards and rolling hills. Now it’s open to the public and you could spend a week here exploring and living the life of Riley.

Click on photo to enlarge

Shadows on the Path

This is part of the path to Rainbow Falls in North Carolina's Gorges State Park. I took this as we hiked out and the sun was a little lower on the horizon thus casting these awesome shadows across the path. I was feeling a little guilty for dragging my wife and her sister on this hike that was a little more than we bargained for. I'd walk up ahead about a hundred yards, stop and turn around with my tripod and then take a couple of pictures until I saw them coming up the path. Then I'd motor on and repeat the process a little further up the way. In this manner I got a lot of shots of the trail and this is one of my favorite.

This is part of the path to Rainbow Falls in North Carolina’s Gorges State Park. I took this as we hiked out and the sun was a little lower on the horizon thus casting these awesome shadows across the path. I was feeling a little guilty for dragging my wife and her sister on this hike that was a little more than we bargained for. I’d walk up ahead about a hundred yards, stop and turn around with my tripod and then take a couple of pictures until I saw them coming up the path. Then I’d motor on and repeat the process a little further up the way. In this manner I got a lot of shots of the trail and this is one of my favorite.

Click on photo to enlarge

Below Rainbow Falls

About a week ago I took this from Gorges State Park, which is nestled in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains. This spot is just below Rainbow Falls, which is just around the next bend. There was a good little hike that seemed longer than it was on account of all the slopes and switchbacks, but was well worth when we finally arrived. I’m so glad we have state and national parks that preserve wilderness and landscapes like this for the public. If not for that much of the lands would be private and inaccessible. But that’s certainly not a problem here as there were plenty of hikers enjoying the last days of fall before winter decides to take over for the duration.

About a week ago I took this from Gorges State Park, which is nestled in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains. This spot is just below Rainbow Falls, which is just around the next bend. There was a good little hike that seemed longer than it was on account of all the slopes and switchbacks, but was well worth when we finally arrived. I’m so glad we have state and national parks that preserve wilderness and landscapes like this for the public. If not for that much of the lands would be private and inaccessible. But that’s certainly not a problem here as there were plenty of hikers enjoying the last days of fall before winter decides to take over for the duration.

Click on photo to enlarge

Gorges State Park

This is Gorges State Park in North Carolina. There is a two or three mile loop that you can drive with a couple of lookouts across the Blue Ridge Mountains. This time of year the mountains are pretty much every other color than blue. That works! I took this after an amazing hike to a waterfall down in the gorge. I'll post that sometime soon.

This is Gorges State Park in North Carolina. There is a two or three mile loop that you can drive with a couple of lookouts across the Blue Ridge Mountains. This time of year the mountains are pretty much every other color than blue. That works! I took this after an amazing hike to a waterfall down in the gorge. I’ll post that sometime soon.

Click on photo to enlarge

North Carolina in Autumn

Just got back from a quick trip up to North Carolina to see the autumn colors and the timing was just right. The Blue Ridge Mountains are in full display and every turn on the winding roads brings amazing scenes.  The rivers and streams are full from a recent snowstorm and the weather has warmed up so fishermen were out in numbers fly casting. North Carolina is indeed an awesome place and now that I know that I'll be planning a longer trip soon.

Just got back from a quick trip up to North Carolina to see the autumn colors and the timing was just right. The Blue Ridge Mountains are in full display and every turn on the winding roads brings amazing scenes. The rivers and streams are full from a recent snowstorm and the weather has warmed up so fishermen were out in numbers fly casting. North Carolina is indeed an awesome place and now that I know that I’ll be planning a longer trip soon.

Click on photo to enlarge