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.

Full Moon from the Blue Ridge Parkway

BRP_Full Moon_03 19 11_0297, originally uploaded by Appalachian Encounters.

Clouds finally start to break on this Saturday’s big Full Moon rise here in Boone, seen from Thunderhill Overlook on the BRP.

Grandfather_01 27 11_0012.NEF

Grandfather_01 27 11_0012.NEF, originally uploaded by Appalachian Encounters.

A beautiful falling sun lays warm light on Grandfather Mountain. I knew it would be great tonight…had to leave work early to get ahead of it!

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.

The Valley Below

The Valley Below, originally uploaded by Appalachian Encounters.

From the Blue Ridge Parkway looking through the remaining vibrant colors you can see the valley below is still alive with change.

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!

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.

Yosemite Valley from Above

Yosemite NP (18), originally uploaded by Appalachian Encounters.

Every once in a while I get to venture out to the other side of the country and see the grand sites. This time it was to Yosemite National Park. This is a view of Half Dome and the valley from atop Glacier Point during sunset. What a view!

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

Livestock against the Sunset

Sunsets_Boone2010(1), originally uploaded by Appalachian Encounters.

Ridge Road Sunset

Sunsets_Boone2010(5), originally uploaded by Appalachian Encounters.

There’s a fantastic road in Boone that gives spectacular views both east and west. It’s full of beautiful rolling green pastures, fence-lines, livestock, trees, and of course, mountainous views.

Valle Crucis Double Rainbow

Valle Crucis Double Rainbow, originally uploaded by boonejag75.

After a terrible day of pouring rain, high water, cold air and 4 hours of driving in it, I returned to Valle Crucis at the time sunset would normally be. The sky had been gray and now leaning towards blackness, but the sun managed to peak under the cloud cover as it set and revealed this spectacular double rainbow.

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.

Sunlit Clouds

Sunlit Clouds, originally uploaded by boonejag75.

The cloud ceiling in this evening was amazing, causing the sunset light to dance and move all over the sky.

Sun Dog Over Hanging Rock

Sun Dog Over Hanging Rock, originally uploaded by boonejag75.

To the left of the setting sun appeared a sundog over Hanging Rock.

Even the ivy

Even the ivy, originally uploaded by boonejag75.

Even the poison ivy has shown color here in the high country.  Sunset shed great light on this transition tree in Valle Crucis.

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.

Boone Lights

Boone Lights, originally uploaded by boonejag75.

Looking West down a busy night on King St.

King St. Glows

King St. Glows, originally uploaded by boonejag75.

King Street is our “Main Street” and a Main Street project. Our Downtown Development Association is bringing constant improvement. This is a shot just after sunset; still blues in the sky, very little pedestrian traffic and a beautiful light.

Post Office Night Light

DSC_7231, originally uploaded by boonejag75.