Trout Lily

Trout Lily, originally uploaded by Appalachian Encounters.

Via Flickr:
One of the first wildflowers to be seen in spring, closes up each night to protect itself from cold night air. What’s really intriguing about this flower is that they form a colony from one seed, or corm. One seed can produce up to 10 plants. That keeps these flowers never with out a whole bunch of neighbors. Some colonies have been found to be over a hundred years old! Call me a nerd, but that is fascinating! You can also call it Fawn Lily, Dogtooth Violet, and Adder’s tongue. These were covering areas of the AT heading north towards Grassy Bald.

Golden Fields

Golden Fields, originally uploaded by Appalachian Encounters.

On a long road trip north, I had the great fortune of coming upon this beautiful field in southeastern Ohio, of all places. I was traveling through the rural areas off highway 33, just over the Ohio/W.VA border and the Ohio River. I don’t normally stop for extracurricular anything during this long trip, but this field was so stunning on this sunny day, I couldn’t help myself.

Full Moon at ThunderHill Overlook

Full Moon at ThunderHill Overlook, originally uploaded by Appalachian Encounters.

While the big moon rise was heavily blocked by clouds, the wind finally blew enough of them away to at least give some dramatic light. From Thunderhill Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway, city lights in the distance, and cars traveling on the Parkway made for a complete scene. It was really a beautiful night.

Bowl of Shadows

Bowl of Shadows, originally uploaded by Appalachian Encounters.

On a little know hike in Boone, I noticed this stand of trees in what looks like a small bowl, casting perfect shadows from an afternoon sun.

AT Through Jane Bald

 

RoanMtn (2), originally uploaded by Appalachian Encounters.

The AT was barely visible in the am, full of snow drifts, hidden obstacles. We made first tracks heading north from Carver’s Gap. This was the first light scene at Jane Bald.

Sunset Silhouette

BRP (13), originally uploaded by Appalachian Encounters.

This perfectly cooperative horse stood still posing for me during a 30 minute sunset along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Shiprock Full Of Color

Shiprock Full Of Color, originally uploaded by Appalachian Encounters.

The Blue Ridge Parkway was on fire last week during it’s peak in the High Country and the colors surrounding Shiprock were no exception.

Ground Level

Ground Level, originally uploaded by Appalachian Encounters.

Tuolumne Meadows absolutely lived up to my expectations. Big sweeping lush meadows meeting the mountain walls and landscape. Glorious peaks topped in snow.

Alpen Glow on Half Dome

Yosemite NP (15), originally uploaded by Appalachian Encounters.

From Glacier Point this fantastic light on Half Dome is possible. This certainly wasn’t the most dramatic evening for the alpen glow, but beautiful nonetheless.

Jack In The Pulpit

Jack In The Pulpit, originally uploaded by Appalachian Encounters.

Under cover of good shade and in moist ground, the pulpit protects Jack. The flowers are actually clustered around the jack, which develop into red berries in late summer.

Boarders Silhouette

Boarders Silhouette, originally uploaded by boonejag75.

Night Lit Skier

Night Lit Skier, originally uploaded by boonejag75.

This short cut off the main run was full of deep fluffy powder and all you could see was the one light shining down from the trees. It was the fav run of the night.

Lift Chair In Motion

Lift Chair In Motion, originally uploaded by boonejag75.

just a little glimpse into hyper-speed on the lift

Golden Gate Thru The Lupine

Golden Gate Thru The Lupine, originally uploaded by boonejag75.

The last of the sightseeing while in San Fran was a walk on the Golden Gate. The views from here are fantastic and the early light on the bridge is a must see.

Fall Escapes

Fall Escapes, originally uploaded by boonejag75.

This small creek meanders along the BRP north headed toward Deep Gap and West Jefferson. There’s quite a few pull-off’s where you can check it out. I was hoping for some fallen leaves still in color, but it was still a beautiful spot on a cloudy morning

Red & Orange & Yellow

Red & Orange & Yellow, originally uploaded by boonejag75.

The pastures and landscapes of this area never stop amazing me. The colors they can produce are irresistible, complimentary, and beautiful.

Linn Cove Viaduct in Fall

Linn Cove Viaduct in Fall, originally uploaded by boonejag75.

Here’s Linn Cove Viaduct two weeks ago, just at peak colors for this area of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Grandfather Under Cover

Grandfather Under Cover, originally uploaded by boonejag75.

On Saturday, Grandfather Mountain and the surrounding high peaks received their first snow of the season! The landscapes covered in fall color really made for an exciting day out.

Drama on Grandfather

Drama on Grandfather, originally uploaded by boonejag75.

Clouds roll over and around Grandfather Mountain.

Sunset Over Mt. Mitchell

Sunset Over Mt. Mitchell, originally uploaded by boonejag75.

Driving away from Mt. Mitchell on the BRP north, we watched the sun set behind it.