Northwest Flank of Grandfather Mountain

Grandfather is such a spectacular mountain! It just looks different from almost all other mountains in the Southern Appalachians. The rocky spine adds drama at any time of year, but in the winter, the ice and snow that accumulate on the granite slabs and fissures lend a Western flavor to this mile-high peak (5, 837').
I didn't have time to take a hike this trip, but a year-long season pass is only $30 for this private Biosphere Preserve, and well worth it!

It's January, So...Winter Arrives!

After too much mild weather, we finally have some cold and snow. Looks like the long-term pattern is returning to "normal." This means a boost in spirits for all those who love the views of snow-covered mountains, for skiers and hikers wanting to play in the snow, and for plants that depend on cold weather to keep from blooming too early. Folks down in the Eastern part of North Carolina almost lost their entire strawberry crop due to the warm weather. Fortunately, it got cold just in time to prevent early budding. After the freeze in California's central Valley citrus farms, the last thing we could use is another killing of a favorite seasonal American fruit!
This is a pic from near Roan Mountain, Tennessee.