The Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina.

 Several years ago I drove the entire length of the parkway, 469 miles, from Shenandoah National Park to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It was spring and it was raining with snow in many places. I didn't stop and wished I had. So on my recent road trip, I made it a point to stop along the Blue Ridge Parkway and camp,  primarily in the North Carolina section.

 Linville Falls at Milepost 316 was such a pretty spot. The campground was wide and spacious, with well kept sites and huge trees. The Linville River begins at Grandfather Mountain and flows over 2000 feet through a deep gorge. I hiked down into the gorge and was captured by the waterfall, flowers, trees and steep cliffs.

 Further up the parkway I stopped at this old log cabin built by the Brinegars in 1878. At one time, the cove in which they lived was a community of 20 families with a store, church and school. The family and those living nearby, raised their own food, built their own homes, and made shoes and clothing for themselves and their neighbors. An amazing way of life.

 In 1916, torrential flooding caused mud slides that destroyed everything but this one home.

 I believe these are the orange azaleas one of the old timers was telling me about. He kept going on and on about the different flowers that grew along the parkway, as well as telling me stories of the old days, when he grew up in these mountains. Even though he had no teeth, I was spellbound by the way life used to be for him.

 At Milepost 294 I found these cows grazing on the hillside, right outside of the Moses Cone Memorial Park.

 In the 1890's and early 1900's Moses Cone and his brother made a fortune in textiles, denim to be exact. He had this gigantic, 23-room Colonial Revival mansion built as a retreat from his work.

 He and his wife Bertha, planted thousands of apple trees on the estate and built 25 miles of carriage roads. After the Cone's death, the remaining family members donated the property to the Parkway. Now it is a place that everyone can enjoy, a place to hike, ski and ride horses. The Parkway Craft Center also uses the building to display local crafts and artists in residence.

 Even though I only camped in two different places, I must have stopped dozens of times along the Parkway to hike and take pictures. This view is of Devils Garden, a compelling look deep into the valley below.

 So many gorgeous flowers along the way. Not sure what this one is.

 This flower is a Mountain Laurel, often sung about in the Blue Grass songs we sing back home. Here in the Parkway, I actually experienced so many things we sing about. It makes the songs come to life.

 I spontaneously stopped at this pond and walked around towards the back when I noticed the reflection. Me and reflections, cant get enough.

 At Milepost 217, I stopped at Cumberland Knob and took a short hike. It was beautiful, right into the forest, and along the creek. I kept waiting to see the Knob, but never did. I even backtracked and tried to find it. I don't know what I was expecting, some strange formation of rocks I guess. Disappointed I walked back and found out that this was the spot where construction of the Blue Ridge Parkway began in 1935! Still not sure about the Knob part.

 Right after taking that picture of the tree, I nearly stepped on this jet black snake. He was just ready to cross the trail and laid there perfectly still as I passed by. The perfect gentleman. Then as soon as I was by, he crossed the path and went into the dry leaves.

 Near Blowing Rock, I found this spot called Rough Ridge. I took a chance and started up the trail. At first the trail crossed the bridge over a rushing stream.

 Closer to the top, the views were spectacular.

Rhododendron bloomed all along the path. So vibrantly alive with color.

 I always find shadow pictures fascinating, probably because I like reflections so much. The forest is filled with ferns here along the Parkway.

 That would be me at the top, happy as can be.

 After leaving the parkway I got lost on this dirt road that went on seemingly forever. I wasn't scared because it was all so interesting. I passed this deer-donkey-horse proudly displayed in someone's front yard. Finally I stopped and asked a man where I was and he kindly pointed me to the freeway.

This old barn has definitely seen better days, but I love her just the same, even more so than a new barn. So much color and texture written in her sides. Reminds me of a very old woman with wrinkles and lines in her face, and laugh lines around her mouth, features that tell the story of her life. To me that is true beauty. I hope to embrace my age and my God-given body as the years take their toll. At times I get discouraged, but then I encourage myself and remember that even though my outer body is growing old, my inner self is growing strong, confident and wise.

Ft. Jefferson in the Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida

 During my time in Key West, Florida I took the Yankee Freedom Ferry out to Dry Tortugas National Park, located 70 miles off the coast of Key West. Ft. Jefferson was built on Garden Key, one of the shoals and islands that make up the Dry Tortugas.

 Fort Jefferson is a sight to behold and is one of the largest all-masonry forts in the United States. The fort was nearly thirty years in the making and was built between 1846 and 1875. Even though the fort was never finished it served its purpose in protecting the United States ships patrolling the Gulf of Mexico and the Straits of Florida.

 The water surrounding the Dry Tortugas is a gorgeous shade of aquamarine and is crystal clear.

 I was thrilled to see a group of large Magnificient Frigate birds soaring high over the island. Their wingspan is over 7 feet long and they can soar for days at a time. They have difficulty landing and taking off again, so they make their living snatching food off the surface of the ocean as well as stealing food from other birds; thus the nickname, "Pirates of the Sky."

 I skipped the formal tour and instead struck out on my own to explore the fort.

 A large moat surrounds the fort and at times is filled with all kinds of sea life.

 Walking through the fort is like walking through time. The fort was built with decorative brickwork throughout and has 2000 arches, making it a work of art.

 In 1825, a lighthouse was constructed at Garden Key before the fort was even built. Hundreds of shipwrecks along the the shipping lane prompted its construction.

 As an artist, I appreciate color, line and form. All the beautiful arches delighted me and I ended up taking hundreds of pictures. Obviously I only posted a few to the blog!

 Up at the top, the view was incredible, almost breathtaking.

 Ft. Jefferson is one of a chain of costal forts that stretched from Maine to California. Although the fort was never attacked, it  served its purpose in protecting the peace of our young nation.

 After exploring the fort, I could hardly wait to jump in the ocean. Our ferry not only provided breakfast and lunch, but also provided tours of the fort and free snorkel gear! Here is the link to the National Park Website and the ferry info. https://www.nps.gov/drto/index.htm

 That would be me after my swim in the clear blue waters! Temperature and visibility were great.

A picture perfect moment, from the inside looking out into the moat surrounding the fort and the ocean and sky beyond.

 A seaplane that brought the more affluent passengers over to the Dry Tortugas! It sure created a ruckus starting up its engines.

Goodbye to the Dry Tortugas and the clear ocean water. Thank you Lord for protecting me on this journey. Thank you for helping me in time of need and watching my back.

The Florida Keys

I am on a massive road trip and wont get home for a while. Very fun. Very eye-opening.  After my visit to the Everglades, I headed down into the Florida Keys. What a journey! So many bridges to cross, so much water everywhere. I stopped all along the way and found so many interesting things.

At Robbies Marina in Islamorada Key, there were a few guys cutting up bait for their fishing trip. Every now and then they would toss a piece of the raw squid into the water and the pelicans and fish just swarmed to get their share. 



From alligators in the Everglades to crocodiles in the Keys!

You gotta love this bird, styling in his sleek white coat and bright yellow feet! He kept inching closer and closer to the guys cutting up the fish.

The beach at John Pennenkamp Coral Reef State Park where I swam every day.

Mangrove trees grow in the brackish water along the Keys and thrive in the harsh growing conditions. Their roots are phenomenal and extend outward like an octopus and also shoot down from the branches. Both the roots and the bark are able to absorb oxygen, and when they are covered in water the cells close to keep them from drowning! They also have the capacity to filter 90% of the salt from the water they absorb which keeps them alive and happy. I am always amazed to see how God created such a variety of life and so many ways for people and plants to survive. Our God is an amazing God!

I love bridges and piers, and love to photograph them from underneath. This was at Key Largo, in John Pennenkamp Coral Reef State Park. I camped there for two nights and loved every minute, but did get nearly eaten alive by mosquitos.

Iguanas are everywhere in Key Largo. These green ones were walking around all over the place. They walk so strange as their back feet are so big. Almost like an exaggerated step, each time.

 This iguana was huge, and walked right by me while I was on the beach. I watched him for quite some time as he slowly made his way into the water.

In Key West I found so many unusual sights and met some awesome folks. These kids seem to have grown up on the beach, and were skateboarding and riding scooters all over the docks.

Colorful buoys that reminded me of the colorful people and quaint houses in Key West.

Lovely color, weathered wood and interesting windows.

The guy on the left was sitting on a stoop when I passed by him. As always I had my camera with me. He jumped up and said, "Take my picture with these guys." I said, "Where is your camera?" He had no camera, he just wanted me to take his picture. So I did. Then the guy with the belly tried to fix me up with Dreadhead, telling me what a great guy he was, and how I would really get along well with him. I just smiled and then he started asking me to post the picture on the Internet and let it fly through space and bring a smile to peoples heart. So here it is!



Supposedly the OG Jimmy Buffet Margaretville!

Old boats intrigue me. Where have they been? What have they seen?

This guy was dressed up as an Indian of some sort and played the drums so terribly. He had a fierce look on his face, and I thought he might jump me if I didn't give him money. I did not, and got away without a hitch.

The water is so clear that you can look right down and see the Tarpons!

This is Larry and he makes candles. I took his picture and told him to email me so I could send it to him. I am not sure he knew how to use a computer but he got all excited and said how he would print it and place it above his candles. There are lots of Larry's in the world who just need to be accepted and acknowledged. That is one thing I like about traveling; meeting people who in many ways are just like me.

The iconic Key West Rooster. I didn't understand how he was related to Key West until I walked through the city and saw roosters roaming the streets everywhere!

Goodbye and goodnight to one and all. Be at peace. God is in control. Susan Little