Clingman's Dome

Went hiking yesterday up to Clingman's Dome this time. This is what it looks like from the top of the world!

From the parking area it is only 1/4 mile to the top, but it is very steep. I had to stop on the way up about 4 times... okay, really about 5 or 6 to catch my breath, but it was worth it!

We went late in the afternoon - about 5:00 p.m. It was beautiful. I don't usually like to take photos in the direction of the sun unless there is a lot of color going on, but the light and shadows playing on the mountains here just fascinated me. I would have rathered the fur tree limb to the right not be in the picture, but couldn't really work around it and still get the wide angle and the light was best on the nearer hills in this spot. In case your wondering, yes, there is a sliver of a lake in the upper left hand side of the photo. Is it distracting? Unlike the limb on the right, I could photoshop the lake out easily enough. But since I know the lake is there and enjoyed the view of the lake on my hike, it is rather endearing to me.

Mushrooms and Fungi

It has been raining like crazy here all summer, so the mushrooms are very prolific this year. I have never seen so many different varieties. I am not up on my mushrooms so I can't tell you what kind these are except the last one is a "Crowned Coral". If anyone can identify them for me I'd love to know. I looked on-line without much luck, especially for the one to the right here that looks a bit like a flower; would love to know what it is.

These on the side of the tree were the size of large dinner plates! Wow!

Laurel Falls Trail Hike

This past weekend we hiked with three of our grandchildren to Laurel Falls in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. It is a great little hike - about 2.6 miles round trip. The trail is paved - although could use a repaving - so you can even take a stroller along. The trail head and small parking area is along Little River Road between the Townsend Wye and the Sugarlands Visitors Center.

Found this little one armed Salamander at the base of the falls!

Hearts-a-bustin'

Fall is just begining here in East Tennessee!

My First Contest

I entered my first Contest and placed well! One of my photography instructors had been encouraging us to enter the TN Valley Fair Competition and I had a friend that pushed me into doing it as well. I don't know why I held back. I think I was really afraid of feeling that if I didn't win it would mean they really weren't very good. I waited until the very last day to enter. All in all, it ended up being a very positive experience. I learned how to follow the rules in sizing and mounting my photos - I had never mounted anything before.

It was very intimidating when I dropped them off at the Fair Grounds. I could not believe all the photos; there must have been a thousand of them! The girl in front of me - hers were very good! I decided I would be happy if just some of mine were even displayed or if just one might get an honorable mention or something.

We could enter up to eight and I so I did. Three won ribbons; a first, second and fourth places! I am thrilled. Here are my winners and the categories in which they won. I am so proud... not going to be fit to live with for awhile!

1st Place Black and White / Plant or Man Made Objects

2nd Place Color / Motion or Action

4th Place - Black and White / Architecture