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Glenburnine Park - New Bern North Carolina

February 5th, 2023

Glenburnine Park - New Bern North Carolina

Glenburnie Park
Glenburnine is a city park located a few minutes from downtown New Bern. When visiting this site it is easy to forget your in the middle of a residential area. The trees are covered with Spanish Moss adding that special Southern Charm to the visit. A short trail around the perimeter of the facility provides views of the Neuse river. Other amenities include a playground, several picnic shelters, a disc golf course and a boat ramp.

My Visit
I came across this lovely location by accident. My initial destination was the new Martin-Marietta park. On my way back from that park I noticed a sign pointing down a side road. That... (Cont'd) visit the link to read more and to view additional photos.

The Crystal Coast - Down East Carteret County

November 12th, 2022

The Crystal Coast - Down East Carteret County

In late October and early November I made the drive to explore the area for some photo opportunities. I was particularly hoping to find a few quaint, small boats at anchor or deserted in some picturesque locations. The trips did not disappoint. I also visited the Willow Pond hiking trail at the Waterfowl museum... Follow the link below to view the entire article.

Autumn View of the Mill Pond

November 12th, 2022

Autumn View of the Mill Pond

A couple of miles outside of Newport, North Carolina a large mill pond sits next to Mill Creek road. The property is privately owned so access is limited. But there are some lovely views to be found along the roadside. Lovely Bald Cypress trees rise out of the dark, tannin water of the small lake. On a calm day the .. Read the entire article at the included link

Rainy Day Photography

August 22nd, 2022

Rainy Day Photography

As luck would have it my vacation fell during a rainy period in Eastern North Carolina. While certainly not a good circumstance for outdoors activities, roadside photography was certainly an option. I decided to drive “Downeast” in Carteret County, North Carolina, aka the Crystal Coast, to see what I could find. The routine was to explore various backroads and upon spotting a photo-op to hop out of my car, take a few images then move on in search of another potential photo. Perhaps not the ideal circumstance for a photo adventure but certainly better than nothing. Find more stories and photos by clicking on the more information button!

Mountain Scenes in Black and White.

July 31st, 2022

Mountain Scenes in Black and White.

It’s no secret. I love black and white photographs. There is something special about them. Monochrome images are about differences in tone and texture. In some ways color can be distracting to the viewer. Grayscale removes that distraction and allows the viewer’s imagination to take over. So, without further adieu, here are some black and white images of my recent trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.

You can read more and view additional images by following the attached link.

Sunflowers - A Symbol of Summer

July 27th, 2022

Sunflowers - A Symbol of Summer

The Three, No, Four Sisters
You may be familiar with the term “the Three Sisters,” staples of Native American gardens: Corn, Beans, Squash. In addition to these three staples in many of these prehistoric gardens there was a fourth “sister,” the Sunflower, Helianthus annuus. These bright yellow flowers were grown by ancient Americans for food, medicinal and religious uses.

Indigenous Americans would crush and grind the seeds, creating a type of flower used to make cakes and breads. Much as we use the seeds for snacks today, these prehistoric people would also simply eat the seeds. Medicinally the plant was used to treat sunstroke, as a snake bit remedy and for wart removal. Additionally the plant was also used to create yellow and purple dyes for body and pottery painting and for coloring textiles. In some ancient American cultures the sunflower was seen as a symbol of the sun god and used in their religious ceremonies.

The Spread to Europe
Spanish explorers returned to Europe with sunflower seeds in the 1500s. These bright yellow plants were first used in ornamental gardens in Madrid Spain...

click on the link to read more and see additional photos.

Exploring the Back Roads for Fine Art Subjects

July 6th, 2022

Exploring the Back Roads for Fine Art Subjects

I sometimes spend a morning or afternoon exploring country roads in search for old buildings to photograph. Part of my motivation is to create an archive of these disappearing structures. But I also find old, abandoned structures make interesting fine art photography subjects. Images of these decaying buildings can evoke feelings of nostalgia and stir memories of our youth.

On this late June morning I decided to catch the ferry across the Neuse River and head up NC 306 to explore Pamlico and Beaufort counites in eastern North Carolina. In the past I’ve had a lot of success finding interesting subjects in Pamlico county. This was my first photo safari into the countryside of Beaufort county. While I didn’t find a lot of likely candidates, I did find one very interesting old shack and a scenic view of the wetlands. I also decided to revisit an “old friend” for a different composition. Follow the link to see more photos from this outing.

Wild Horses Of Beaufort North Carolina

June 30th, 2022

Wild Horses Of Beaufort North Carolina

Beaufort by the Sea, a small community in eastern North Carolina, has recently been getting a lot of attention as a travel destination. With good food, historic places and a short drive to the Crystal Coast beaches, it’s little wonder. Of course the area also offers some wonderful fishing and kayaking opportunities. But perhaps not as well known, there is a herd of wild horse living across the creek that forms the town’s waterfront! The Outer Banks is well known for its wild horses. There are herds located at Corolla, Ocracoke, and Shakleford Banks. A lessor konw, more recently established herd also exists on Cedar Island. Perhaps even less well known is are the horses living within the boundaries of the Rachel Carson Estuarine Reserve. Unlike North Carolina’s other coastal horses, which are true Spanish Mustangs, this herd is a mix of domestic breeds and Banker horses. The islands can be reached by boat, kayak or ferry. When visiting the horses it is important to give them space. It is illegal to get closer than 50 feet to any of these wild animals. That’s roughly the length of a school bus. Respect their freedom, recognize their wildness and observe from a safe distance. Follow the link for the full story: https://carolinafootprints.com/a-morning-at-the-rachel-carson-reserve/

The Waterfalls of Jackson County North Carolina

June 26th, 2022

The Waterfalls of Jackson County North Carolina

The Trip
I paid a visit to a friend that recently bought a business and home in Jackson County, North Carolina. Specifically, she settled in Glenville, a small unincorporated mountain community. Other, better know towns in the county include Cashiers and Highlands. If you’re familiar with this part of Western NC you probably recognize that the area is well known for it’s waterfalls. As such, in between socializing with my friend or just being a lazy bum, I set out to photograph a few of the area’s falls. I also managed to work in a little mountain stream fishing during the “harsh light” periods of the day.

The Waterfalls
I wasn’t there long enough to visit all of the fall I’d have liked to, but did manage to visit a few. The tallest of those that I visited was probably “High Falls” just outside of Glenville. While a short hike down to the falls (emphasis on DOWN), it was also the most strenuous trek. The upper trailhead is found across the road from Lake Glen and is a short 0.6 mile walk. Expect steep stairs of native rock on the way down and back up. The waterfall is well worth the effort. After returning home I discovered there is another route to this falls. An easier, flatter but longer hike. Find the trailhead near the junction of NC 107 and Shoal Creek Mountain Road. On my next visit I plan to give that route a go. It has the benefit of there being a second waterfall to be seen along the way!

“Silver Run Falls” is one of the easiest to access. It is a short 200 or so feet, easy, flat walk to this pretty little falls. This is a favorite swimming hole for locals. If you want to avoid crowds visit early in the morning or in the evening. The falls drops about 25 or 30 feet into a sandy bottom pool before continuing on as a typical mountain stream.

I made the drive along US 64 to visit “Bridal Veil Falls.” This popular waterfall is literally located next to the road. There is no hiking or scrambling involved. There is a short loop of road the runs under and behind this waterfall. That loop was closed when I visited. Due to the roadway I found this falls a bit difficult to get an acceptable image of.

A bit farther down the road is the parking area for “Dry Falls.” There is a use fee of $3.00 when visiting this lovely waterfall. Bring correct change. There is a QR code for paying the fee online at the site but cell coverage there is, at best, sketchy. This falls has an accessible viewing platform for those that might not be able to make the hike. The hike its self leads down some stairs, with some nice flat lengths, finally passing behind the falls before ending.

I did visit “Bust Your Butt Falls” but it was late in the afternoon and the harsh light made it difficult to get an acceptable photo. Perhaps on my next visit my timing will be better. This waterfall, as well as some others, are right along the road which follows the “Cullasaja River.” To find the various waterfalls along US 64 look for the one or two car pull-offs. Be prepared to do a bit of scrambling over large boulders to get a close look.

I also came upon a couple small waterfalls or cascades which, as far as I know, are unnamed. Sometimes these little mini-waterfalls are quite picturesque. One of them is located on my friend’s property. The other little falls was a few hundred yards up “Shoal Creek Mountain Road” where the creek crosses under the road.

That’s my list of falls visited on this trip. There are many more waterfalls to be seen in Jackson County. So many I may end up being a pest of a guess to my friends new home! Other area waterfalls and cascades include, Cullasaja Falls (Upper and Lower), Glen Falls, Sliding Rock, Whitewater Falls, Turtleback Falls, Rainbow Falls, Moore Cove, Looking Glass Falls and Courthouse Falls. I’m sure I missed naming a few! Plus several unnamed falls I may be lucking enough to stumble upon!

The Circle of Life in the Forest

June 2nd, 2022

The Circle of Life in the Forest

While visiting the New Bern Civil War Battleground Park I came upon this scene. I thought the fallen log surrounded by young ferns quite fetching. There is something more vivid about the greens in the Spring! The forest floor is a perfect example of the circle of life. A demonstration of new life arising from old. Placards designate locations were Confederate and Union forces clashed. A cypress swam borders one side of the park. There is a loop trail that runs adjacent to part of it. This first class recreational area provides the perfect mixture of history and nature. The park is located on the edge of New Bern, the first capital seat of North Carolina. There are several trails leading through the native forest. The paths are well maintained, many surfaced with fine gravel, and features wooden bridges and boardwalks crossing streams and wet areas.

 

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