Been on the road and have not really had an opportunity to post.

Winter in Florida may be on its way in and it’s time settle into the cooler weather.

The garden is planted and the new plants are peeking out.

However, I have had a taste of winter in the mountains and it was sweet.  Snow on the trees, mountain top clouds, and being fall, the colored leaves, a visual delight, begging to be captured by the camera.

Asheville is heaven for artists, there are so many art galleries and art events in the city (or should I say community).

We were walking through the building housing the health museum and wandered into a reception for the local photography society. They welcomed us and even offered us wine and cheese.Their art was excellent.

Asheville, what a great place. On every corner a coffee shop, book store or art gallery.

Mountains along the east coast are older and possess a spirit that can be felt, experienced, and increase energy and spirit.

John Muir visited Roan Mountain in September 1898. His journey had a great deal to do with his health, he had been ill and wanted a chance to visit the mountains and perhaps regain his health.Roan Mountain is famous for its Rhododendrons and John Muir wrote to his wife:
“The open broad ridge top for miles is covered with Rhododendrons about 5 foot high, which in flower must make a glorious show….the temperature is distinctly alpine and for the first time since leaving home feel like my old self…. this air has healed me.

It was the same with me. Hiking on Roan Mountain, traveling the Blue Ridge Parkway, and Beech Mountain with its snow and deer crossing the road on our arrival, aroused my spirit and made me “feel like my old self”.  Like I did when my parents brought me here in my youth, when my Boy Scout Troop hiked the Appalachian Trail, from Davenport Gap to Fontana Dam.

For an artist, there is a bounty to paint, shoot or sculpt.  And there are plenty of friendly people to point out the best places to encounter the wonders.