Landscape, Great Smoky Mountains

In the Smokies this year, there is a subdued color pattern. No doubt a byproduct of the slightly dryer conditions over the past few months. Leaves are gone from higher elevations with peak colors in middle elevations in the mountains and on the roadways. Lower elevations are a variation of color pattern depending on where you are in the park with a lot of brown color mixed in. It's still evident where the wildfires impacted the mountains and the lower elevations around Gatlinburg.

Capturing images of the mountain ranges is one of my favorite things to do here. The cloud cover was heavy on this morning dampening the vivid colors. However, I managed to snap this shot just as the light was peaking through the clouds. There's still a good deal of green in this shot, as it's the lower portion of the mountain range just outside of Gatlinburg, just as you are gaining elevation in the park. This was taken with my 55 mm which I normally don't bring along. I wanted to get more of a landscape of the mountain ranges. As I went to snap this image I noticed the stone wall in the bottom left and decided it could stay. I really like it. Back soon. ENJOY!

Seasons

Is it wrong of me to wish for Autumn? With 100 degree 'Real Feel' days, I feel as though I'm ready for Winter. I can't believe I just said that. So in an effort to beckon Autumn to spring forward and bless me with brisk weather and cool breezes, I give you my new header. You see I just can't take this any more. Oh, and with Autumn, or as many of us prefer to call it, Fall comes . . . the kiddos back in school, shorter days, leaves turning beautiful colors of reds, oranges and yellows, pumpkins stacked in piles on roadside stands, corn mazes, All Hallowed Eve, chilly Fall days, vivid blue skies, Harvest moons and least I forget, harvests. Perhaps in the high altitudes, signs of change are already in the air. Perhaps. So I beckon . . . come and bless me with all of those wonderful nuances we so lovingly call Fall. This image I took late last Fall as I drove along the Bluegrass Scenic Byway near Midway, Kentucky. I'm almost certain I never posted it. Don't you just love the red leaves against the limestone.

And yes, I know Summer isn't done with us yet, but with Back to School commercials and hot August days ahead, who can blame me for trying to bring on Fall. ENJOY!

Limestone and Silos, Bluegrass Scenic Byway!

Often I pass this small outbuilding with the silo sitting off in the field behind it along the Bluegrass route I take each trip. I'd never stopped to take a photo before but decided since barns were on the menu, why not this beautiful structure. I gave it a little touch up in my software. I don't know about you, but I love old silos. Have a great week everyone. ENJOY!