LIFE'S BETTER IN THE MOUNTAINS

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

In Only One Week

I cannot recall the color ever bursting forth as quickly as it did this year.  Last week the Blue Ridge Parkway viewing areas gave us the beginning of color in the mountains.  When we went back up this week most of the yellows were gone from the higher elevations and the reds dominated the color.


The color in the higher elevations is still lovely with mostly reds and a bit of yellow.




 A treat for the eyes no matter the season.




Looking Glass Rock, so named because the water on the rock face freezes in winter and the sun makes the mountain shine like a mirror.




At slightly lower elevations, there is more color including the yellows and oranges.




At a drop of a thousand feet the color is more pronounced.  At John Rock the color is gorgeous.




Davidson River delights the trout fishermen and women.  They dot the river all along its way.




We will be making trips up to the Parkway until it closes for the winter.  When our children were younger we used to take them to the Cold Mountain Overlook where the gates keep automobile traffic from entering.  During winter it is such a treat to walk the Parkway in the snow.  Perhaps we will take the dogs up there this year.

18 comments:

Anonymous said...

I wonder how many miles we can in those. The last one with the fisherman looks like a painting. Lovely, lovely, all of them!

Anonymous said...

The colors there are truly beautiful. Around here we see a few trees in fall colors dotting the landscape. I had forgotten what an entire mountain looks like in reds and yellows. It really is spectacular.

Taradharma said...

Beautiful colors. I hope they are still showing on the 24th when I arrive. A drive through parts of the Blue Ridge mts. is definitely in order. Great photos!

Carolina Linthead said...

Thank you for these lovely images! Related to comment elsewhere, sorry about your Brewers...they were a lot of fun to watch, up until the end. I was a huge Packers fan as a kid...still fond of them. To echo Robin above, there is nothing quite like one of our mountains decked out in reds and yellows!

How Sam Sees It said...

How very pretty!

Sam

Cheryl said...

Couldn't these images make you weep.
Such scenes touch my very soul.
Mother natures artwork never ceases to amaze me.

Tku for sharing your surrounding landscape with us.

Ms. A said...

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful! My property has a nice view of Cold Mountain.

Cicero Sings said...

A case of now you see it now you don't. Absolutely gorgeous colours.

KGMom said...

It is plain to see why you picked this place to retire. Just lovely. Thanks for sharing and showing your colors.

George said...

I look forward to seeing more great pictures from the Parkway. I'm not sure we'll make it over there this season, but we have made it to the Smokies.

carolina nana said...

I agree that the colors changed quicker than I've ever seen before. I think our leaves will blow off the trees with all this wind.
Blessings
Marilyn

GOOSE said...

Just beautiful. My MOM like the fishing one best. Fishing is one of her passions. Thanks for shareing
Goose

Busy Bee Suz said...

Such a beautiful area you now live in...JOY. I love all the fall colors and would give just about anything to visit the area in this season.
A few years ago, we thought we would be living up there right now, ....but dang those life roller coasters!!!
I am so glad you are enjoying this now and still loving the memories of when your children were small too.
take lots of photos for the rest of us.
xo

Berts Blog said...

Definately Calander material. What a beautiful place you live in. I love this time of year and we try to get out your way every few years, just for the leaves. well and to see my niece.

So glad that I didn't miss them this year..Thanks to you and your posts.

Bert's My Vickie

Rudee said...

Wow. It's beautiful! Wish I were there. I've only been there in autumn once and had missed the color peak by a week.

Vicki Lane said...

Our reds are coming on strong now and the yellows are blowing on the wind. Wonderful pics and I love seeing the bit of moon in the blue sky!

Wayfarin' Stranger said...

Thanks for the Blue Ridge Parkway pictures. It's amazing how quickly color can change, isn't it. I look forward to seeing your postings from all seasons since we can't get there often. I remember taking our children sledding on closed roads in the Smoky Mountains many years ago. Jim

NCmountainwoman said...

Thanks for your comments, everyone.

Taradharma - There will be some color and for those who rarely see a mountain full of trees, they will still be impressive. Make certain you bring some warm clothing.

Linthead - The Packers are the only NFL team owned by the citizens and fans. If you put your name on the list for season tickets today, they will be available in 2114.

Ms. A - Your property likely saw rime ice on the trees last week. Brr.