Color Contrast

Color Contrast, originally uploaded by boonejag75.

I know the winter snap is a few weeks past, but I couldn’t resist putting this one up.

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.

Rough Ridge Colors

Rough Ridge Colors, originally uploaded by boonejag75.

These colors could be seen last week along the BRP while hiking up the Rough Ridge Trail.

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.

Profile Trail Boulder Steps

Profile Trail Boulder Steps, originally uploaded by boonejag75.

The Profile Trail on Grandfather Mountain has many rocks, boulders, and streams encountered when hiking this trail. I think early spring is one of the absolute best times to hike this trail due to great light thru the trees, new growth, and full streams.

Moss Covered Boulders

Moss Covered Boulders, originally uploaded by boonejag75.

Water swirls around rocks in a shallow pool.

Twin Falls

Twin Falls, originally uploaded by boonejag75.

Now that spring is upon us, some rain has filled creeks and rivers, brightened greens, and it’s brought us my favorite time of year to get out and see new life.

Grandfather View

Grandfather View, originally uploaded by boonejag75.

A view of Grandfather Mountain from the top of Elk Knob

Winter on a Stick

Winter on a Stick, originally uploaded by boonejag75.

Winter on a Stick

Viewfinder

Viewfinder, originally uploaded by boonejag75.

I find “viewfinder” to be an ironic name for these quarter-triggered scopes, because the “view” is just as spectacular right where you’re standing!
This view looks south from Boone to Lenoir, then Hickory, and eventually Charlotte, NC.

Frosty

Frosty, originally uploaded by boonejag75.

The frost was so thick, it almost appeared to be sprayed on.

Mile High Bridge

Mile High Bridge, originally uploaded by boonejag75.

The Mile High Swinging Bridge at Grandfather Mountain is just that…a mile high. This day, the trees all around were frosty white.

Leaves in the Flow

Leaves in the Flow, originally uploaded by boonejag75.

Boone Fork Footbridge

Boone Fork Footbridge, originally uploaded by boonejag75.

Ridge Colors

VC Park & BRP 068, originally uploaded by boonejag75.

Show Off!

Show Off!, originally uploaded by boonejag75.

Fall foliage on Grandfather Mountain this past week was outstanding! Great blue skies, great color, and great views.

Loner

Loner, originally uploaded by boonejag75.

This small, struggling fir was standing proud, and perfectly isolated amongst giant granite boulders underneath the Linn Cove Viaduct along the Blue Ridge Parkway. You can find this and many other magnificent trees and boulders along the Tanawha Trail.

Twins

Twins, originally uploaded by boonejag75.

Survival goes to the smartest trees. These roots extended well over 6 feet from the top of this boulder to the soil below.

Linn Cove Viaduct

Linn Cove Viaduct, originally uploaded by boonejag75.

Linn Cove Viaduct is one of the many wonders along the Blue Ridge Parkway, but is the most impressive of the man-made constructs (besides the Parkway itself, of course).