Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Wildflowers, Pure Delight

North Carolina Wildflowers
Alongside the road, thousands of wildflowers dancing in the sunshine... Pure delight.

"The temple bell stops but I still hear the sound coming out of the flowers."
~Basho

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Green Curves, NC-151

Over Steven's Shoulder
Another lovely ride up the Blue Ridge Parkway and down the very green curves of NC-151, through Hominy Valley and then home...

The road is alive,
And so are we.

Green Hwy 151
"Keep a green tree in your heart and perhaps a singing bird will come."
~  Chinese proverb


Sunday, May 04, 2014

Spring on the Blue Ridge Parkway

Mt. Pisgah Visibility
There are no words to describe the absolute beauty of today's ride on the Blue Ridge Parkway. We had a made-to-order day--sunshine, blue skies, visibility, and the colors of Spring finally bursting through.

Best way for us to enjoy Spring? Aimlessly wander and soak it all in.
Spring Colors Kiss the Blue Blue Sky

Coming Out of the Tunnel, in the Mirror
Me, in the rear view mirror, taking the shot. I just keep shooting and hope for some magic in the light room. I am always pleasantly surprised.

“The sun shines not on us but in us.” 
― John Muir

Saturday, April 12, 2014

Spring Whispers, Finally

Why does the fowl cross the road?
Spring is finally here and the trees and plants are whispering colors in the bright blue sky.

We rode about a hundred miles in all.

We were on the road early enough to miss the traffic, but the animals were out and about, including this one, crossing the road near Biltmore Lake tennis courts...

In life, there are always unexpected photo opportunities. You gotta be ready.

Spring Whispers, Finally
Steven plotted a great route through Candler and Hooker's Gap to North Leicester to Marshall. From Marshall we rode down 251 along the French Broad River, through Weaverville, up to almost the Parkway then down the very lovely Elk Mountain Road.
NC-251 Along the French Broad River
Riding south on NC-251 is quite lovely, with the river on your right. There were some bicyclists, but few vehicles with us.

Watercolor, French Broad River Near Marshall, NC
We ended up at Marco's Pizza for lunch and a quick stop at the Fresh Market for sourdough bread before heading home.
I Need to Work on Taking Selfies
“The mountains are calling and I must go.” 
― John Muir