Laying down

Laying down, originally uploaded by Appalachian Encounters.

Via Flickr:
I have no idea what plant or grass this is, but there was about a 100ft x 100ft area up near Grassy where these lifeless rigid “sticks” stood rigid, but all leaning over. Sort of looked like a graveyard!

Red Forest

BRP_Flora_Red, originally uploaded by Appalachian Encounters.

Via Flickr:
A tiny red forest grows up from moss ground cover along a trail on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

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.

Not so Grassy Bald

Not so Grassy Bald, originally uploaded by Appalachian Encounters.

Grassy Bald was covered in snow, snow drifts, ice, and scalded by the wind when we arrived early in the sunrise hours. We sat hunkered down out of the wind escaping the worst of the wind. This boulder, blasted by weather, was something out of Superman’s home with lengthy frost and ice covering it.

Yin & Yang

 

Yin & Yang, originally uploaded by Appalachian Encounters.

These two trees along the BRP have become quite popular due to their proximity to one another and the fact that the tree on the left seems to lose it’s leaves almost completely before it’s partner.

Okra Flower

Garden (3), originally uploaded by Appalachian Encounters.

The Flower of an Okra plant. What a beautiful color! I had no idea this occasionally slimy, yet delicious, vegetable had such a beautiful flower.

Great Pair

Great Pair, originally uploaded by Appalachian Encounters.

It’s been a fun and interesting season in the garden. Some veggies came up quick, some have taken twice the expected time but all in all, the food has been fresh and delicious, and I’m very excited to have grown garlic! We use so much of it…why not grow it!

Lavender

Lavender, originally uploaded by Appalachian Encounters.

There’s no shortage of contrast and color at the Farmer’s Market.

Eat Your Veggies (but buy them here first)

Eat Your Veggies (but buy them here first), originally uploaded by Appalachian Encounters.

One thing very fun about the strolling the Boone Farmers Market on Saturday is the creativity the vendors and individuals put into displaying their goods. You find some thrown together, some lavishly constructed, and others…simple and attractive.

A Red Play of Light

A Red Play of Light, originally uploaded by Appalachian Encounters.

Sunset a view nights ago left a very red-orange light on everything. It was almost eerie, and really hard to capture on “film” but this wheel barrel gave the best look

Seasons Past

Tree Stump BW, originally uploaded by Appalachian Encounters.

This early in spring in the Appalachians it’s not always easy to find the color, but often easier to find remnants of seasons past.

“Little” Signs of Spring

Finally a beautiful weekend to get out! It’s been a long winter folks. Yes, even here in the south.  I went out Friday in search of signs of spring. I didn’t find as much as I was hoping, but they were there, you just had to look hard high and low. These very little yellow violets were only and inch or two off the ground. It would have been very easy to walk right by them.

Winter Shadows

WInter Shadows, originally uploaded by Appalachian Encounters.

A southern sun, which we were all glad to see, cast great shadows in the snowy pasture behind house.

Beer Eye

Beer Eye, originally uploaded by boonejag75.

I left my porter sitting on the table while I ran an errand and this Lord of the Rings looking eye was what I came home to…couldn’t resist taking a pic.