Carver's Gap and Roan High Knob

Yesterday was a beautiful fall-like day with highs in the low 60s and bright blue skies.  I couldn't wait to head out with my camera.  I drove straight to Carver's Gap.  I didn't realize how much anxiety and trepidation I had returning to Carver's Gap.  I hadn't been up there since February's near disaster!  My heart was beating fast, I had sweat on my brow, and I was white knuckle gripping the steering wheel, but all was fine!

A look back down the road after conquering my anxiety.  (from my iPhone)

Looking back over the town of Roan Mountain.

I've never been to the Roan Mountain Rhododendron Gardens and decided to explore the area.  Wow.  I have hiked Round Bald and areas of Roan Mountain State Park, but I've never hiked the actual Roan Mountain.  I loved it! 

The first area I came to was the site of the once opulent Cloudland Hotel. "For more than 20 years, people of means traveled to Roan Mountain to enjoy the healthful mountain air and cool summers. The first hotel - 1 21-room, spruce log retreat - was replaced in 1885 by a grand three-story hotel. The elegant Cloudland Hotel boasted carpets, find furniture, copper bathtubs, and steam heat.  Guests enjoyed bowling, croquet, and golf on the grounds. They relaxed in rockers on the wide porches and dined on three sumptuous meals each day.  All this for $2 per day, $10 per week, or $30 per month.  In the early 1900s, Cloudland Hotel lost its luster and by 1910 it was abandoned and dismantled.  Today, nothing remains on the flat knoll once crowned by opulence."  - From the information marquee.  

View of the site where the hotel once stood.

The view from the hotel site.

And if you are an "Outlander" fan, know that this overlooks the area that encompasses Fraser's Ridge. Diana Gabaldon mentions Roan Mountain (which I am standing on) and Black Mountain (in the photo) in her descriptions of the areas surrounding Fraser's Ridge!

Views from the parking lot.

The Cloudland Trail leads from the parking lot to the rhododendron gardens and to the top of Roan Mountain and Roan High Knob.  It was a magical path, covered in moss and ferns, that made me feel like I was in a fairy forest.  And I was greeted by a large bunny!

There was a great overlook off of the path.

I can't wait to head back up the Cloudland Trail and take in these majestic views.  I also found a rhododendron loop path, but I was too tired to explore it!!  Next time.

September Photo Walk - Roan Mountain

I haven't spent as much time with my camera in hand this summer as I would have liked, so today, I seized the opportunity to get back out there.  I headed to Roan Mountain for two reasons, 1) I know it well and I wouldn't be looking for new stuff, and 2) I love it.

The first signs of fall.

I actually walked down to the Miller Family Farmstead today and I fell in love.  There were a dozen or more hummingbirds buzzing around.  You could hear their distinctive hum and watch them chase each other from feeder to feeder.  I just stood in awe soaking it all in for the longest time.  I might still be there now, but the bugs were eating me alive!

Wounded but still beautiful.

August Photo Blog

This is just a quick blog update of some photos I took in August.

I caught a few butterfly pictures on our tree before the last blooms died away.

Meteor Shower - I sat outside for HOURS trying to get a meteor photo.  I did manage to get one, but it's not great.  I guess beggars can'ts be choosers!

This first photo was taken with our flood light on in the background.  I think it's pretty cool!

The meteor is the streak on the lower right side.

June Photo Walk - A trip to Lynn's Farm

It is with a heavy heart that I write this post.  Deanna, the girls, and I visited our friend, Lynn's, farm two weeks ago.  While there an adorable baby goat stole my heart.  I brought Lil Dude home and sadly he passed away the next morning.  He was premie and we don't know if there was something wrong with him, but it seems the move was just too much for him.  Removing the sadness of the following days, we had a lot of fun at the farm.

Have you ever heard that momma pigs are fierce?  I'm here to tell you they are no joke!  We looked inside the stall as momma pig nursed her ten or so piglets.  Lynn snuck in the stall and told us to stand back.  She grabbed a piglet, it squealed, and momma was on her feet and charging in a matter of seconds.  Lynn barely made it out the door and got it latched it time!  Momma continued to snort and complain for the few minutes we loved on her little piglet.  Here's a close up of Abby holding her favorite animal.  It's so cute!!

Goats and sheep everywhere!  There was never a second of silence.  The goats and sheep all took turns giving our their bleats.  The funny part was to listen to all the different tones.  They each have their unique voice.  My favorite were the ones with the deep voices!

Duckling feeding frenzy!

Tyrone!  This guy is huge, but so lovable!  He ears generally hang down over his eyes, but while Lynn was rubbing his belly I was lucky enough to catch his ear up and this very content smile on his face.

Tyrone nose!

Poor Lynn!  She was yelling at the goats for climbing the trees and eating her fruit.  Meanwhile, Deanna and I were laughing and snapping photos!

This old cabin sits on their property and they are planning to tear it down and salvage as much as they can.  I can't wait to see what comes out of it.  I hear there is some wormy chestnut!!

Watching the storm roll in.