Feb. 17, 2018

I needed a weekend away, after working 6 days and a bunch of hours, we decided an overnight trip to the beach. The hike along Flytrap Trail to Sugarloaf Dune is pretty and finding Venus Flytraps makes it worth the hike (thanks Clay and Kay for the eagle eyes)

These are small plants, both these are 1:1 macro photographs.

As we reached the Intracoastal Waterway it was low tide and we could board and explore the US Navy BK-7947 – some kind of barge, but you can climb into the holds and has some cool rigging. (Video to come)

 

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Jan. 7, 2018

I woke up with no plan for the day, as I ate breakfast I decided, look for frozen waterfalls. I looked at mountains in Boone or Highlands, but decided Hanging Rock State Park.

I started at Window Falls, because I knew I could walk behind it.

Self timer behind the falls.

Window Falls through the window.

The front view.

Photo of me by my student Khadejeh at Lower Cascades.  I ran into a couple of students on my last waterfall of the day… when I think back to my college days and all the chasing I did for photographs (and I still do) I am thrilled when I see students doing more than just my assignments. PS like the hat? Deb knitted for me!

After the waterfalls, I mountain biked the trails at Moores Spring (MST) what a fun ride!

 

Dec. 26, 2017

Hike #51 #52hikechallenge Boone’s Cave Park in Lexington. Kodak remembered the last time I took her to a cave, she had to swim out, so she waited at the opening as I explored a bit.

This is a pretty little park and the caves are what most people come for. The caves are more hole in wall type, but cool. There is no proof that Daniel Boone really lived in the caves as his family built a home as legend has it, but he and other family did live in the area, so maybe….

As I said, it is a small park. I hiked all the trails, (except the Back Country Trail, it is closed) and double hike a couple in 2 hours or so.

The view of the Yadkin River from Baptism Rock

Cave opening, it is less than a 1/4 from parking lot down stairs, but we walked the long way over Boone Peak trail and Cottonwood trail

Wetland Trail boardwalk

1940s care taker cabin ruins.

 

 

Nov. 26, 2017

Write

The drive home, 13 hours, but we made a day of it. We stopped at the dog park for Kodak, lots of traffic on I-95, shopping at Wegmans, and visited the Manassas National Battlefield Park, site of First Battle of Bull Run. Walking around the battlefield, the park also has miles of hiking trails, so we headed into the woods for Hike #50, #52hikechallenge.

Another historical site that is worth the time too visit!

Nov. 5, 2017

Hike #48 #52hikechallenge

Hanging Rock State Park

Really thought the fog would burn off.

The edge of Hanging Rock

Window Falls

Oct. 22, 2017

I headed to Moore County for a road ride with friends then stopped at Bear Creek Trails in Robbins for a hike. #44 #52hikechallenge

My series, Clay taking pictures of things got an upgrade, no more cell phone as Clay upgraded to the Sony A6000

Oct. 15, 2017

A sign along a morning bike ride on gravel and dirt roads.

Then off to find a waterfall I looked for before, but didn’t get to.

Thunderhole Falls – Hike #42

The trail to the falls is unmarked and requires a little bush whacking.

But worth the effort.

This is only the top, it has a lower fall section too.

Remember the bushwhacking part? This is the climb up, I don’t know if we could have made it without the rope!

after the hike we went driving looking for color and dirt roads. Old NC 105 follows a ridge and includes this overlook of Linville Gorge at Wiseman’s View.

 

Oct. 8, 2017

Hike #40 – #52hikechallenge – Bass Lake and Carriage Trails Blowing Rock, NC

I woke up to heavy fog, but no rain, so off to the trails.

It started raining as I headed back, so I stayed around the trail head for extra pictures.

Back to the mountain house, help my brother winterize it and then say goodbye.

Rather than head home, I spent some time exploring, revisiting past dirt roads and looking at new one.

 

 

 

A fun day, hiking short trails, driving down dirt roads to find gates or barns, and taking the home way home.

Oct. 7, 2017

An early start on the Blue Ridge Parkway

early there was no traffic, but some fog.

I turned around at the Linn Cove Viaduct since it was covered in fog and took the long way home through Blowing Rock

Then Hike #39 of #52hikechallenge – Crab Orchard Falls

It’s a very long series of cascades.

A lovely walk in the woods!

Oct. 1, 2017

Hike #38 of #52hikechallenge

The family headed to Eno River State Park, the dog still doesn’t like the cable suspension bridge.

Saw 2 black snakes, must be getting ready for winter.