LIFE'S BETTER IN THE MOUNTAINS

Monday, October 11, 2010

Not So Much Color Yet

We have a fair amount of color beginning in our community.  That always excites us because it means the color is really coming to the higher mountains.

Color on our street


So we drove up through Pisgah Forest to the Blue Ridge Parkway.  Surprisingly enough, the amount of color didn't change very much as we gained altitude.  The trees were about the same.  But the mountains were gorgeous as they always are.

[NOTE:  I have no idea why these photographs are so dark on Blogger.]


A view of the mountains from the Blue Ridge Parkway


We drove up to Mt. Pisgah and found a larger than usual crowd for a week day.  It seems the top of the tower was going to be replaced that day and folks were waiting to see the helicoptor hovering and placing the tip.  The winds were extremely high that morning so the people had waited in vain.  The tip would not be placed that day.

Mt. Pisgah, a favorite for hiking and camping



We went inside the Pisgah Inn.  While we didn't eat there this day, it is one of our favorite breakfast spots.  We try to get up there often when it is open.  Great food at a good price and a panoramic view of the mountains.

I took a picture of this bench for our fisher/birder blogger friend up in MN.  Even Baron would be allowed to sit on this one.


So we will wait for the color, just like we wait every fall.  I'll bring you some photographs of the changes.

24 comments:

abb said...

I swear there isn't nearly as much color this year as there was last year. A tree here and there is colorful, but not the blanket of color there was last year.
You live is such a beautiful part of the country.

LOVE, MERCY AND GRACE...GOD'S GRACE said...

I am ashamed to say as close as I live near the mountains (less than 2 hours), I have never gone to see the colors in the Fall! Maybe this year will be the time for me to experience what those of you who live there enjoy every year!

~Beth

Karin said...

Thanks for keeping us in the know of the color changes. Beautiful mountain ranges! When we lived in the Berkshires years ago, we simply marveled at the change of colors. A most beautiful sight and photos never quite did it justice. Up here, our colors have come --- and gone and the trees are bare already! Now we're patiently waiting for the white stuff to make everything pretty again. Personally I hope it doesn't show up until Christmas, but that is unrealistic!

Cicero Sings said...

Our color is just about gone already -- so it is nice to watch yours develop.

Just home from a trip to the coast -- catching up!

troutbirder said...

Thanks for the plug Carolyn :) We have friends coming down from the Cities later today for our annual two days of "leaf touring." Things seem to be at their peak this week. As to that fish... if that's a full scale model.... I couldn't even catch one that big in my dreams!

Rudee said...

The colors are just beginning to turn here, so I'm sure it's heading south, soon.

I have to try to make it to the mountains this time next year. I've been in September and in November. Too early and too late. I have to work on just right.

Courtney at SL's No Ennui said...

We're worried they won't be as vibrant this year. It's been pretty dry here.

But it's just started to creep in the last week... we'll see!

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Beautiful pictures, Carolyn.... I want to stay at Pisgah sometime... It is such a pretty part of the Blue Ridge Parkway...

We are headed to Maggie Valley next week with some friends... I hope we see color while we are there.

Have a great week, Carolyn.
Hugs,
Betsy

Barb said...

Can't believe your leaves are slow to change and mine are over! I'll enjoy the photos of yours. That first view showed some lovely red trees. Maples? I like the misty mountain shot.

D.K. Wall said...

We went up to the Craggy Gardens area Saturday (totally crowded) and Richland Balsams on Sunday (less crowded, but still a lot of people). Since we live at 4500', we did not notice the lack of change as much, but we did comment that the colors seem a little muted so far. Here is hoping for a week or so of brilliant colors before it is all gone.

P.S. - And, some day, we are going to run into you at the Pisgah Inn. We are easy to spot - Green Jeep, 6 Siberian Huskies - grins.

Vicki Lane said...

No frost here yet so not the brilliant color we hope for. But still nice.

Ruth said...

Our fall colours have peaked and the leaves will be gone shortly. I love that bench. It would be perfect for my husband.

George said...

We don't have much color here, either, although it is starting to show. Unfortunately we have lots of brown leaves, but hopefully the yellows and reds will show up soon.

KB said...

I can't wait for your color. It is so different from ours. So many reds, oranges... It'll be great!

I'm glad that you had a good day out!

Deborah said...

It sure is beautiful where you live! We don't have hardly any color yet and we live in New England!
xxoo
Deborah

Jayne said...

We're just starting to see some reds but I doubt we'll have much vivid color this year. Heck, it's still in the high 80's here! Cool bench!

Taradharma said...

great photos! I want that bench.

being on the coast of California, we never get much color in the fall - but we do get it! I swear! This has been such an odd summer, and now fall. The seasons decided to trade places this year. The prevailing Halloween costume is bound to be hawaiian shirts and flip flops!

Brenda Kay Ledford said...

These are lovely fall photos. I'm looking forward to the mountains changing colors. I can see in the distance the Blue Ridge Mountains are taking on maroon colors. Hopefully, it won't be much longer until the hills blaze with colors.
I enjoyed your photos.

SouthernSass said...

Thanks for the post on the colors -I am afraid we won't have as much this year in the Southeast due to the hot summer and dry conditions.

Coffee with Cathy said...

I think the color is going to be less this year everywhere -- but every once in awhile here in northwest Alabama we get a glimps of pure fall delight. Worth it!

Folkways Note Book said...

Color abounds in Central Kentucky -- beautiful! -- barbara

Jill said...

Beautiful photos! The Pisgah Inn is one of my favorites as well.

NCmountainwoman said...

Thanks for your comments everyone.

Herd - I tell my husband to help me look for you when we are at Mt. Pisgah or Graveyard Fields or Devil's Courthouse since I know you hike there often. He says we can't possibly miss six Sibes.

Barb - The reds right now are maple and sourwood. The red oaks come a bit later.

Dawn Fine said...

Looks lovely there. Its getting pretty cold here in CT. Hope to be in NC sometime in Nov..hope its still warm then.