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

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

Kolo Hates to Be Left Home Alone

I love to ride, but it is always hard to leave our dog Kolo because she always looks so sad to be left behind. This morning, while getting ready, I took a selfie, then turned the camera on her.

See what I mean?

Selfie, Getting Ready to Ride

Kolo's reaction to my getting ready to ride

She has such an expressive face.

Pond Road, Asheville, North Carolina

Pond Road, Asheville, North Carolina

We were able to ride around Asheville, even though it was a bit chilly, a bit windy, but still nice to be out on the motorcycle, soaking in the blue sky. I took several nice photographs, including this one from Pond Road, just off of Sardis Road, very near to my house. I loaded the photo onto a new iPad program called Waterlogue and it created this watercolor.

Suddenly I am a better watercolor artist. I like it very much.