Flower Photos

I really enjoy taking pictures of flowers. I have not decided which flower I enjoy the most but I enjoy roses a great deal.

There are several good places nearby that have a great variety of roses. I can get a wide selection to choose from and this makes it easier to get a real good shot.

To me a red rose seems to be the most difficult rose to capture. It is difficult to get the definition and the correct color. My red roses often come out to dark and they appear surreal. When I do get a good shot of a red rose I know I have had a great day.

Smoky Mountains Visit

We just took a great short trip over to the Smokies this week. There is nothing I love more than a trip to the park.

The spring flowers were gorgeous and the weather was nice and cool. We got some pictures of the wildflowers along one of the various "quiet walks".
Have you ever noticed as you walk into the woods how everything else just slips away? There is peace and quiet and you just kind of slip into another dimension, no problems, no worries just you and nature. There is simply nothing better for the soul.

After we walked for about an hour or two in the woods I was ready to come back to reality feeling refreshed and ready to deal with life all over again. Plus, I got some great photos to take home and look over.

When you need a little quiet time, head out to the Smoky Mountains and take the time to venture into the woods, you will be surprised at how much better you feel when you leave.

Great Hiking and Photo Ops

You just never know what you can find when you are not really looking for anything.
We stumbled upon a beautiful area for hiking less than 3 miles from our backyard. We were out checking out a place a neighbor told us about and found a new destination for hiking and taking great nature shots.

There is a rushing stream that you can hear as soon as you enter the protected area, way before you can see any water. The stream is cascading over huge bolders and river rocks at a tremedous rate of speed but then there are protected areas behind huge boulders (2 or more stories tall) that are perfectly tranquil and the water is crystal clear. Gorgeous spot to take photos.

The trail is wide but very rocky and it leads to a waterfall about 1.5 miles up the trail. We were unable to make the journey today as it was about 7 pm and too late to make the trip before sundown. But you can bet I will return as soon as possible to investigate the waterfall and take all the photos I want.

I just can't believe we have not found this little paradise before now. When I need a little alone time, a place to relax and contemplate life, this is where you are going to find me.

City Scapes

I spent the afternoon waiting for the sun to set just so I could catch a nice cityscape. I really love the images of cities as the lights are just coming on and darkness is just beginning.

The weather was cool and breezy, but not cool enough for a sweater. Perfect! Just hanging out waiting for the perfect moment to take that shot. I had the old tripod stationed just right and the camera charged and ready as I waited for the right light.

The evening was perfect and I think I got a couple of great shots. But even if I didn't I had a wonderful time trying.

Spring Flowers

There are some gorgeous spring flowers in bloom, blues and bright yellow everywhere. We took a little hike near a stream and I was amazed at the beautiful wildflowers I saw. Of course all the new blooms have the butterflies zipping all over everwhere!
I got busy with my camera shooting every flower I could spot. It is amazing how time flies when you are concentrating on the flowers and shooting pictures. We started out about 3pm and the next thing we knew it was after 6pm and time to head home.

I captured as many blooms as I could and took them home to look at the results. It is a lot more fun shooting the pictures than looking at them on the computer. I did post a couple to my website so I could share the beauty.

Watching the Birds

It is Spring, the birds are just so happy. I step outside and all I can hear are the birds singing in the trees.
We have an Eastern Blue Bird nesting in our bird house just outside the front door. She is tending to her nest and we can watch her from the window.
The only problem is we can not sit on the front porch in the evening now. If we sit there she will chirp at us and stare until we leave. I sat there for over 20 minutes last evening waiting on her to go to her nest, she refused to go to the nest but she would not go away either.
Guess who gave in an left the porch.
I can't wait to see the babies when the leave the nest.

Great Waterfall Abrams Falls

Well, I just returned from another great waterfall adventure. We went to Cades Cove, in the Smoky Mountains National Park, and hiked the entire 5 mile round trip trail to Abram Falls.

Yes, it was worth the uphill climb that took 4 hours. Along the way there is so much to keep your interest that you really don't have time to realize how hard you are working. The trail is considered a moderate trail, about half uphill and half downhill. The trail is very well defined so you can not get lost and as I mentioned there is a lot of nice opportunities to take photos.
This is the falls at the end of the 2.5 mile trek. It is a beautilful place to relax before heading back down the trail to the car.
The trek back somehow seems much longer than the trek to the falls. We brought a small snack for energy and lots of water. Without the water you will not make the long trip, so if you plan to go don't forget the water.