Waterfall, Tremont Section, GSMNP

Back from a short trip, first to Atlanta for a business meeting, then to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for some recreation. One of the last things I did before I left today was to drive the route through Tremont in the park. Tremont stands for "tree" and "mountain". In the 1800's Tremont used to be a pioneer Appalachian community and logging town. The government purchased the land in the early 1900's to add to the national park grounds. Tremont present day is a gravel road which meanders about six miles into the park with the Middle Prong of the Little River running parallel to the road. Lynn Camp Prong and Thunderhead Prong of the Little River also both converge in Tremont making for some pretty amazing rushing waters. Today was no exception.

My visit to the Smokies was to work on photographing water. It's not easy to get a great image of rushing water or waterfalls. The composition can be tough. I stood for some time working my shutter speed to get the best waterfall effect. Some compositions that you think would be perfect aren't. Thursday afternoon torrential rains fell throughout the park. Everywhere I went Friday and Saturday the river was gushing over the rocks and boulders, but especialy in Tremont. I'm amazed every time I visit this park at how gorgeous it is. Normally I see more wildflowers on my trips here, but I usually visit in April or May. June didn't find as many wildflowers. Hope everyone is having a great weekend. It's good to be home. ENJOY!

Foal Nursing

In spite of the fact that I'm doing some traveling this week, I decided at the last minute Saturday to make a quick drive to Midway to check out the Bluegrass Region of Kentucky and see if there were any new foals roaming about at the horse farms. As it turned out there were quite a few.

Such a pleasant feeling you get when you see a foal nursing in the pasture. There were five or six foals romping around this particular field, but also making absolutely certain they stayed very very close to Mom. Can you blame them. Mom's got lunch covered. What fun! ENJOY!

Briefly, Great Smoky Mountains

The open road beckons this week. First, I will drive to Atlanta midweek for a work function. Then I stop in the Great Smoky Mountains for a weekend getaway. Ahhh, I can hear the Little Pigeon River as the waters crash over the rocks and boulders making its way downstream. My hotel is at the far end of Gatlinburg, a mere stroll away from the national park, and far away from the major car show in Pigeon Force that weekend. My first actual stay in Gatlinburg proper, so this should make for a nice diversion. Just a few photos today to get you "in the mood". My 'all time favorite image' was captured in Cade's Cove many, many years ago of these beautiful sun drenched, moss laden hardwood trees. You know me, I'm a lover of tree images!

Persian Lilac

Having a little bit of fun playing with the images I captured throughout this Spring of all of the beautiful flowers. I photographed Snowball Bushes, Vermilion, Japanese Magnolias, Dandelions, Crab Apples, Tulips, Wisteria and the list goes on and on. But I especially am fond of the Persian Lilac bush which I captured in almost full bloom situated across from the Pavilion at Bernheim.

Had I not been driving slowly around the perimeter road past the Arboretum, well, I would have missed it. But luckily I caught a glimpse just as I turned my head back and realized it was big, beautiful and purple. With that I stopped on a dime. I drove on over to the parking area for the Pavilion. Walked around taking random photos and after I was finished got in the car and stopped just off the parking lot entrance and walked back to the Lilac bush. Ahhh, sweet smelling. What I like most about the Lilac isn't just the smell though, but just how beautiful each little flower looks with its curled up pedals. Add to that all of the little blooms perfectly bunched together. Well, it's just fantastic. And if all of that isn't enough, oh, but for those beautiful purple hues. A picnic for my eyes. And to take it over the top . . . Persian Lilac . . . what a name. It just exudes exotic. ENJOY!

Northern Flicker and Juvenile

Taking a quick spin around the Auto Tour at Mustatatuck this Sunday afternoon netted me a few quick photos of this Northern Flicker and juvenile. This is a Yellow Shafted Northern Flicker which is common in the East as opposed to Red Shafted in the West.

Yep, you guessed it, it's a life bird for me. This is a female Yellow Shafted Northern Flicker and her juvenile who's sticking close to Mom. If you look close, you can just make out the red on the back of it's neck. How lucky to get a fairly decent image of a Northern Flicker but Mom and juvenile to boot. Enjoy these long days of summer. ENJOY!

Bed and Breakfast for the Birds

Barn Swallow Fledgling

I preface this post by saying HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY and thank you to all of the soldiers, male and female, who have served or are serving in our Armed Forces and those that have passed. Thank you so much for your service.

Yesterday I snapped this image of a Barn Swallow baby having left its nest, yet rather reluctant to fly away. He stood on the sidewalk at the Pavilion at Bernheim calling out, but his mother wasn't responding. I guess it's time to vacate little guy. Hope you're having a wonderful Memorial Day weekend. While the forecast called for rain this weekend, we've had bright blue skies, lots of sunshine and cool breezes. It's been a near perfect weekend. ENJOY!

Crab Apple Blooms