Peaches. They'll be ripe soon...if the rot doesn't get them first. 

Cat and fence. 

Where we are

If you've just discovered this site and want to know more about the area around here, there's a great new site for the new Blue Ridge National Heritage Area, designated by Congress in 2003.

I hadn't heard about this until this week, when a shiny insert about the Heritage Area appeared in the Asheville Citizen-Times. It looks like they're doing some interesting stuff. The site is a good guide to the area, although a couple pages came up empty.

There's a good list of links to sources for more information on the Visitor Information page, including county chambers of commerce around the area. There are also good guides to crafts, agriculture, lots more.

When it's too hot to go out and take photos....

Just a beautiful stretch of road, and very close to home. 

Another misty after-the-rain sunset... 

Dahlia. 

In the path of progress

Old cemetery next to Hiwassee Lake. The path leads to a swimming area. 

These stones are all that's left of a community now covered in water. According to at least one history, some stones and graves were moved by the TVA when the dam was built.

More photos of stones in this cemetery at Cemetery Surveys (thanks, Lynne and Rose).

 

Unusual writing on this stone: how did they ever carve itt? 

Several children in this family.... 

All to turn the Hiwassee River into this beautiful lake. 

Riding the back roads

On a cloudy day. 

Beautiful old barn. 

Green valley. These are all in the Beaverdam/ Hanging Dog area outside Murphy. 

I hope these old barns last forever. 

Garden envy. This time of year I get it, riding around....some people's gardens are spectacular. 

Back in the garden...

Just can't get enough of the flowers.... 

This lily's about 8 inches across. Impressive reproductive organs. Smells good too. 

The only sunny spot in the mountains this morning

Running down the Nantahala River. The dark river gorge only gets sun in midday, hence its Cherokee name. Everywhere else I was yesterday afternoon and this morning was dark cloudy, fog or rain, all the way down the Appalachians from western Pennsylvania.  

Close up. 

This looks exciting... 

Did this river run this high in 1776, long before the dams? If so, did Bartram cross it? How? 

Gathering. 

Drifting off... 

Yesterday morning

One last quick look at Lake Ontario, so blue now.... 

Could be the Caribbean.....