life of purpose

The purpose of life is a life of purpose. --Robert Byrne 

This shot here is just a small example of how "Old Salem" operates on a day to day basis. There are tours, and little old shops up and down the streets with people dressed like they did back in the more primitive days. You can enter the shops but you have to purchase tickets to ponder about the stores.

generous harvest

We must give more in order to get more. It is the generous giving of ourselves that produces the generous harvest.  -- Orison Swett Marden (1850-1924) American Writer

Autumn, or the harvest season, is by far my favorite time of the year. After the long, hot Summer, there really is nothing better than the weather cooling, hunting season, pumpkin pie, and the leaves changing. I've rode and rode past countless corn fields and told myself every single time when the opportunity presented itself to stop and grab a quick shot but I kept putting it off. Needless to say, I finally stopped and grabbed the shot I was looking for. So, as the leaves change, I challenge everyone to go out and explore the wonders of Autumn!

live forever

“Dream as if you'll live forever, live as if you'll die today.”

This body of water here is not part of the Congaree National Forest but when I saw this pond I couldn't help myself but to pull over and take advantage of this great shot. Hope y'all enjoy it as much as I do! 

the swamp

Congaree Swamp is the largest remnant of old-growth floodplain forest remaining on the continent! Experience champion trees, towering to record size amidst astonishing biodiversity. Congaree National Park also houses a museum quality exhibit area within the Harry Hampton Visitor Center, a 2.4 mile boardwalk loop trail, over 20 miles of backwoods hiking trails, canoeing, kayaking, fishing and more. Click here for more information.

congaree national park

The primary significance of Congaree National Park is demonstrated through its unique bottomland hardwood forest communities, the overall height of the forest canopy and associated number of national and state champion trees, as well as the presence of a well-preserved, biologically diverse, and dynamic river floodplain ecosystem.

This morning I rose early and ventured out to Congaree National Park. I was not able to be out there long because of work but it was still nice to get out this morning. I can't wait to go back when I get more time; if I get more time.

as we forgive

And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us -The Lords Prayer

Mount Pilot

Pilot Mountain, peaking at 2,421 feet (738 m) above sea level, is one of the most distinctive natural features in the state of North Carolina. It is a remnant of the ancient chain of Sauratown Mountains. The Saura were the earliest known inhabitants of the region. Its original Native American name is Jomeokee, for "great guide" or "pilot” a very useful landmark for the Native Americans as well as later European hunters throughout the region.

This weekend's adventure took me up to Pilot Mountain, North Carolina to visit my daughter. Pilot Mountain is located just outside of Mount Airy, also known as"Mayberry," which is the home of the Andy Griffith Show. Autumn is in full swing up there making for some very pretty scenery!

tinker creek

Deer hunting is one of my favorite things to do during the Fall. This stand here is called the "Condo Stand" here at the Tinker Creek Huntin' Club looking over a peanut field. The huntin' club, Tinker Creek, got its name from the actual creek that runs through part of the property. A few years back I harvested the biggest buck of my life so far. That's definitely a day I won't ever forget. 

Tinker Creek Huntin' Club - Williston, SC

the A.T.

The Appalachian National Scenic Trail, generally known as the The A.T., is a 2,174 mile (3500 km) marked hiking and camping trail in the eastern United States, extending between Springer Mountain in Georgia and Mount Katahdin in Maine. Along the way, the trail also passes through the states of North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, and New Hampshire.

The A.T. atop of Unaka Mountain. You can tell this is the Appalachian Trial because it is indicated by the white trail markers.

old barn

Barn off of Jim Elliot Road located in the outskirts of Johnson City, TN

things unknown

There are things known and there are things unknown, and in between are the doors of perception. -Aldous Huxley (English writer)

I absolutely have no clue how this photo turned out this way but I love it! I think it's really cool how everything seems like it's moving except this one leaf.

Unaka Mountain

This is another photo I shot from Emmanuel School of Religion. In the distance stands Unaka Mountain.

Milligan College

Pictured above is the college I recently graduated from. I shot this photo from the campus of Emmanuel School of Religion because of the fantastic view. It's almost like Emmanuel is watching over us. Through the good times and the bad, Milligan will always hold a very special place within me. I am definitely proud to be an alumni of this prestigious institution.

Williams-Taylor House

The Edmund Williams family, pioneers of the area, owned the original log cabin at this site. Owner, Joshua Williams (1808-1895) enlarged the house and in 1866 gave land to Buffalo Institute, now Milligan College. It was established by Col. G.W. Baker who died here in 1905. In 1908, the house was purchased by former congressman Alfred A. Taylor (1848-1931), known for "Tennessee's War of the Roses" and governor from 1921 to 1923. It was the long-term home of U.S. District Judge Robert L. Taylor (1899-1987), who in 1956 ordered the racial desegregation of Clinton High School. -Tennessee Historical Commission

For more information about Milligan College visit www.milligan.edu

 

Milligan College, TN

far more

In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks. -John Muir

Over 100 years ago, naturalist John Muir founded the Sierra Club to help preserve the pristine beauty of the Sierra Nevada. Since then, we've been instrumental in creating dozens of national parks, saving hundreds of species from extinction, and safeguarding over 160 million acres of wilderness and 8,000 miles of wild and scenic rivers. Help us continue this proud tradition. -Sierra Club (founded 1892)

Unaka Mountain Overlook, Tennessee

unfinished work

Conservation is a cause that has no end. There is no point at which we say, 'Our work is finished.'  -Rachel Carson

Rachel Carson enjoyed a successful career as a government biologist and writer, penning essays on marine life that are still relevant. But, she is best remembered as a reluctant activist and the author of Silent Spring-the landmark book that exposed the ecological and health hazards of DDT. A New York Times best-seller, Silent Spring reached millions and helped shape the environmental movement as we know it today.

Photo shot from Unaka Mountain out towards the east with Roan Mountain in the distance.

second spring

Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower. -Albert Camus (French Algerian author)

simplify

Live simply so others might simply live.  -Elizabeth Seaton

Cabin on Unaka Mountain; Tennessee

the quilt trail

I just love covered bridges. This particular bridge is located in Unicoi, TN going towards Erwin on the back roads. Here in Northeast Tennessee there's a little trail called "The Quilt Trail." It really is interesting to stumble across this neat tradition. Here's a map for all "Quilt Trail" locations. Click

www.appalachianrcd.org/quilttrail/quiltmap.htm

Autumn's fire

Now Autumn's fire burns slowly along the woods. -William Allingham (Irish poet)

Autumn is by far my most favorite time of year. This weekend I am fortunate enough to trek up to Johnson City, TN for an alumni college baseball game. I couldn't ask for better timing! I took this photo just outside the Tennessee line at a small overlook.