Blue Ridge blog

Hiking the Roan Highlands....

The last two days I have spent a large portion of my time on the grassy balds of the Roan Highlands photographing hikers and the environment. These 3 photos are a few of my many out takes: The top photo is of a rare Gray's Lily poking out through a field of grass. In the center are the Catawba rhodos are at their peak, if not just past it at the gardens on top of Roan. The final image is the descent from Jane Bald back to Round Bald.

I would blog much more, but Typepad is moody and I'm not willing to put up with her anymore.

Blazing new trails....

I might fall asleep before I finish this post...
On my second holiday I ventured up Hwy 143 in Carter County, Tn., line to the border of NC @ Carver's Gap. I was hesitant to hike the grassy highland balds alone, but couldn't find a hiking partner. I really missed Harley...but was armed with my camera, backpack and taser. I mounted Round Bald and went all the way to Grassy Ridge Bald. On Jane Bald I stopped and ate an apple and contemplated absolutely nothing of importance but do remember asking myself why anyone needs drugs when they can get high on a mountain? Seriously, the feelings of being so close to what truly is large compared to how immeasurably small one is, seems easy to see on the Appalachian Trail.

The above photo is a familiar blaze marking the northward trail towards Jane Bald and Grassy Ridge.

Lingering snow on the fraser firs frame the Black Mountains and Mount Mitchell (far far right) in the background.

Checking back southwest from atop Jane Bald towards Tennesse looking at Round Bald and Roan Mountain.
I ate my apple on this here rock.

Looking Northeast I have attempted to note from left: Stone Mtn, Ashe County, Hump Mtn (foreground), Beech Mtn, Sugar Top and Grassy Ridge Bald.

Mark VanDyke schools me with his seasonal images from the Highland Balds. Go see. He's got some phenomenal images.
Wanna know more? Here is a wiki on Roan Mountain

Oh and if you are at all curious about what happens when you accidentally fire a taser: When test firing it without reading the instructions or watching the DVD, I found that not only are you left with a potentially electrocuted body, but also with a metal hypodermic needle attached to at least 40 feet of trout fishing line and a room full of confetti.
My husband was not nearly as amused as I was. But that is a story for another day:)