LInville Gorge North

 

LInville Gorge North, originally uploaded by Appalachian Encounters.

While hiking on the Mountain to Sea Trail, here’s a view north, looking up Linville Gorge; Roan mtn in the distance.

Linville_Gorge From Wiseman’s View

Linville_Gorge From Wiseman’s View, originally uploaded by Appalachian Encounters.

Linville gorge is one of the most rugged wilderness area’s in the southeast and it’s right here in our backyard. The Linville river has cut an amazing gorge leaving behind world class climbing, hiking trails, and backpacking opportunities. From this vantage point, Table Rock is profound as you look south down the gorge.

Barn on the New River

Barn on the New River, originally uploaded by boonejag75.

This barn is off Railroad Grade Road in outside of Todd, NC. I took this on a great drive this past weekend on one of our first days of sun in what seemed like weeks!

Ice Wall in Virginia

Ice Wall in Virginia, originally uploaded by boonejag75.

I came upon this huge ice wall while driving along hwy 91 heading in to Damascus, VA

New River Ice Flows

New River Ice Flows, originally uploaded by boonejag75.

The last few weeks have been frigid, icy, snowy, and windy, resulting in some horrific road conditions, frozen driveways (mine is a downhill luge), power outages, you know, winter!

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.

Muir Beach Sunset

Muir Beach Sunset, originally uploaded by boonejag75.

After a long hike in Muir Woods, the timing was perfect and the location was close…sunset at Muir Beach; just a little ways down the road from the National Monument parking areas. I, of course, followed this up with a pint and the english Pelican Inn.

Leaves on Mossy Boulders

Leaves on Mossy Boulders, originally uploaded by boonejag75.

 

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

Majestic

Majestic, originally uploaded by boonejag75.

This stream may be small, but at this moment on the Boone Fork Trail, i had a renewed appreciation for the trail. It’s 5 miles take you thru a fantastic mecca of Appalachian perfection.

Up Close

Up Close, originally uploaded by boonejag75.

Boone Fork Down Low

Boone Fork Down Low, originally uploaded by boonejag75.

Boone Fork

Boone Fork, originally uploaded by boonejag75.

Boone Fork as it is headed under the Boone Fork Bridge and Blue Ridge Parkway

Boone Fork Bridge

Boone Fork Bridge, originally uploaded by boonejag75.

Rainy and foggy days are the best to shoot. This Boone Fork Bridge is always a great subject. Great light thru the trees, and rushing creek below it, and plenty of boulders for contrast, climbing, and of course, tripods.

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.

Cross Country

Cross Country, originally uploaded by boonejag75.

We don’t get snow very often anymore, but this week we got enough for the cross country skiers to get out and take some laps around the lake and thru the maze.

Iced Branches

Iced Branches, originally uploaded by boonejag75.

Ice from the lake clings to the tips as the lake starts to melt around it.

Quiet Bench

DSC_3871, originally uploaded by boonejag75.

All around Bass Lake (part of the Moses Cone trails) there are great quiet spots to take a rest, enjoy the lake and soak it all up. It was a bit cold this day to do so.

Weighted Branch

DSC_3891, originally uploaded by boonejag75.

This branch on a hemlock bordering Bass Lake in Blowing Rock is still weighted by snow and ice from Sunday/Monday’s snow storm. On this beautiful sunny day after, the trees still lean and bend from all the extra weight.