Alpha Centauri 2

Community => Recreation Commons => Topic started by: Geo on February 11, 2015, 04:34:31 AM

Title: Appalachian Adventures
Post by: Geo on February 11, 2015, 04:34:31 AM

Some pictures from the areas where my hosts were so kind to drive me to, offering a ton of stories and information on the way. And to put up with my love of hiking around.

1) and 2) A waterfall in a national park called Southern Mountains. Steep climb to the top, with lots of dogs and their persons trying to squeeze past on the way.
3) and 4) If I listened well, a typical Waldensian family house, relocated to a sort of heritage trail display. Waldensians came from an area near or at the French-Italian border a couple centuries ago, bringing their Alpine way of live with them when they settled this area in North Carolina.
5) A nice little waterfall next to a watermill (or the other way around ;) ). Looks inviting enough to climb up the rocks when dry, or take a dive in the pool.

Title: Re: Appalachian Adventures
Post by: Geo on February 11, 2015, 04:55:54 AM

Some of the rugged terrain close to the Blue Ridge Pikeway.

1) Appalachian hillside. Pretty chill winds ln that spot. I'd go so far as to say it was freezing cold.
2) Now, is that another mountain slope, or a bank of clouds coming over the horizon?
3) River carving its way through the mountains.
4) Table Rock. We drove for sure three quarters of the region around this landmark.
5) A rocky slope along the Blue Ridge Pikeway.

Title: Re: Appalachian Adventures
Post by: Buster's Uncle on February 11, 2015, 09:50:48 PM

That there's some mighty fine countryside.

Eat yer heart out, Uno. ;)

Title: Re: Appalachian Adventures
Post by: Unorthodox on February 12, 2015, 05:50:08 AM

Mighty fine little hills ya got there.  ;) 

Does remind me I haven't been up in our superior Rocky Mountain forests for a LONG time.  Lots of desert stuff in recent years. 

June.  Yellowstone. 

Title: Re: Appalachian Adventures
Post by: Geo on February 12, 2015, 06:46:45 AM

Now, no domestic infighting, boys. :nono:

Good to be back on the heimat. 8)

Title: Re: Appalachian Adventures
Post by: Geo on February 12, 2015, 06:52:45 AM

And since there isn't a train for another 15 minutes:

1) Blue, misty mountains indeed.
2) These trees' branches are suspiciously tropically arranged (horizontal instead of wide/vertical).
3) More misty mountains.

Title: Re: Appalachian Adventures
Post by: Unorthodox on February 12, 2015, 11:59:50 AM

Quote from: Geo on February 12, 2015, 06:52:45 AM

And since there isn't a train for another 15 minutes:

1) Blue, misty hills indeed.
2) These trees' branches are suspiciously tropically arranged (horizontal instead of wide/vertical).
3) More misty hills.

Fixed ;)

Title: Re: Appalachian Adventures
Post by: Unorthodox on February 12, 2015, 12:15:17 PM

Quote from: Geo on February 12, 2015, 06:46:45 AM

Now, no domestic infighting, boys. :nono:

Sorry, hard to take a "mountain range" seriously when I live at an altitude higher than it's best peaks and have a real mountain out my front door that is double that elevation, yet only rather average for the range. 

Title: Re: Appalachian Adventures
Post by: Geo on February 12, 2015, 01:24:26 PM

Quote from: Unorthodox on February 12, 2015, 12:15:17 PM

Quote from: Geo on February 12, 2015, 06:46:45 AM

Now, no domestic infighting, boys. :nono:

Sorry, hard to take a "mountain range" seriously when I live at an altitude higher than it's best peaks and have a real mountain out my front door that is double that elevation, yet only rather average for the range.

No problem, I knew beforehand there would be some... discussion... about their size. ;)
One part of the Blue Ridge Pikeway we passed by did have temperatures and wind gusts I associate with alpine weather.

Title: Re: Appalachian Adventures
Post by: Buster's Uncle on February 12, 2015, 02:53:38 PM

You live at over 4,400 ft, Uno?

Title: Re: Appalachian Adventures
Post by: Unorthodox on February 12, 2015, 04:46:04 PM

Quote from: BatUncle on February 12, 2015, 02:53:38 PM

You live at over 4,400 ft, Uno?

4,600 and some change.  Hard to get the precise measurement for my specific house. 

Title: Re: Appalachian Adventures
Post by: Unorthodox on February 12, 2015, 05:00:11 PM

According to here: http://www.daftlogic.com/sandbox-google-maps-find-altitude.htm (http://www.daftlogic.com/sandbox-google-maps-find-altitude.htm)

I'm at 4823.  Town average is 4600 and change. 

Mt Ogden behind me sits at 9570, which is rather pedestrian when peaks regularly top 11000 in the rockies.

Title: Re: Appalachian Adventures
Post by: Unorthodox on February 12, 2015, 05:14:12 PM

Interesting that link.  My little nature trail I like to walk drops 300ft down.  Wonder if they'll connect it to the new trail down there at 4400 ft...

Title: Re: Appalachian Adventures
Post by: Unorthodox on February 12, 2015, 06:00:46 PM

All joking aside, I really want to go see the hills in fall one of these years. 

Title: Re: Appalachian Adventures
Post by: Buster's Uncle on February 12, 2015, 06:22:28 PM

Here or there?  Geo posted the most rugged mountain terrain I know of in the region, but I'll put these hills up against anywhere for pretty when there's leaves on the trees.  A good autumn will blow your mind just driving down I-40 here in the valley at the eastern edge of the range.

Quote from: Unorthodox on February 12, 2015, 12:15:17 PM

I live at an altitude higher than it's best peaks

Mount Mitchell is close by and 6,684 ft.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Mitchell (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Mitchell)

-Also, it's "its".  The possessive of "it" doesn't have an apostrophe.  You don't get to make mistakes while talking smack. ;nod ;)

Title: Re: Appalachian Adventures
Post by: Unorthodox on February 12, 2015, 06:45:08 PM

Quote from: BatUncle on February 12, 2015, 06:22:28 PM

Here or there?  Geo posted the most rugged mountain terrain I know of in the region, but I'll put these hills up against anywhere for pretty when there's leaves on the trees.  A good autumn will blow your mind just driving down I-40 here in the valley at the eastern edge of the range.

I'm sure they are pretty hills.  Like I say, I'd love to spend a fall there sometime.  We don't get much in the way of fall, usually.  Typically transition from boiling heat to snow in a week or two. 

I'll post some pretty Rockies country in June. 

Quote

Quote from: Unorthodox on February 12, 2015, 12:15:17 PM

I live at an altitude higher than it's best peaks

Mount Mitchell is close by and 6,684 ft.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Mitchell (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Mitchell)

Most the range doesn't top 4500.  An abberation here or there, sure. 

Quote

-Also, it's "its".  The possessive of "it" doesn't have an apostrophe.  You don't get to make mistakes while talking smack. ;nod ;)

Maybe I need to put the warning about attempting to run things I type through a spell/grammar check back in my sig.  Could be hazardous, has been known to fry computers in the past.   

Title: Re: Appalachian Adventures
Post by: Buster's Uncle on February 12, 2015, 06:51:01 PM

Ah, I'd be in danger of getting kicked out of the nerds if I didn't give you a hard time for that, in the context.  :P

Title: Re: Appalachian Adventures
Post by: Unorthodox on February 12, 2015, 07:03:35 PM

Was looking through what photos I have online, 2 things jump out:

1:  I DO NOT take many landscape pics.  Which is wierd, that's what originally got me into photography. 

2:  Both my tools and my skills have so vastly improved over the last 5 years it's not even funny.  Man does some of that old stuff look crappy, comparitively. 


edit:  Rephrase.  My tools and skills at DIGITAL photography have caught up to my abilities with film, finally. 

Title: Re: Appalachian Adventures
Post by: Buster's Uncle on February 12, 2015, 07:07:47 PM

I used to be a pretty decent photographer, but I ain't touched a quality camera in quite a few years, and my eyesight's gone to pot since...  I really ought to get the last roll out of the old 35 millimeter and get those renfair campground pics from 1997 developed.

Title: Re: Appalachian Adventures
Post by: Buster's Uncle on February 12, 2015, 09:01:50 PM

Quote from: Geo on February 12, 2015, 06:46:45 AM

Good to be back on the heimat. 8)

I don't doubt THAT for a second.

How's your mother done at stuffing you full of food so far?

Title: Re: Appalachian Adventures
Post by: Geo on February 12, 2015, 10:37:39 PM

Quote from: BatUncle on February 12, 2015, 09:01:50 PM

Quote from: Geo on February 12, 2015, 06:46:45 AM

Good to be back on the heimat. 8)

I don't doubt THAT for a second.

How's your mother done at stuffing you full of food so far?

That will be delayed for a day. It was one of her days at the museum.
Seems like I lost 4 lb more then I thought. And that's even after your mother filled me up. ;)

Title: Re: Appalachian Adventures
Post by: Buster's Uncle on February 12, 2015, 11:07:36 PM

She was on her best behavior - I ate better than usual, myself, this week.

Title: Re: Appalachian Adventures
Post by: Geo on February 12, 2015, 11:18:05 PM

Quote from: BatUncle on February 12, 2015, 11:07:36 PM

She was on her best behavior - I ate better than usual, myself, this week.

Get more visitors? Or even more family passing by? ;)
I did notice I only had to mention some kind of food, and next meal it was available.

Title: Re: Appalachian Adventures
Post by: Buster's Uncle on February 12, 2015, 11:20:50 PM

Buster's coming Saturday...

But no, this month is unusual.

Title: Re: Appalachian Adventures
Post by: Unorthodox on February 12, 2015, 11:50:48 PM

Fun! Pictures!  How old is she now?

Title: Re: Appalachian Adventures
Post by: Buster's Uncle on February 13, 2015, 12:27:02 AM

She'll be 11 in June.

I honestly can't remember how long since I've seen her in person - several years...

Title: Re: Appalachian Adventures
Post by: Rusty Edge on February 14, 2015, 07:14:56 PM

Quote from: Unorthodox on February 12, 2015, 06:45:08 PM

Quote from: BatUncle on February 12, 2015, 06:22:28 PM

Here or there?  Geo posted the most rugged mountain terrain I know of in the region, but I'll put these hills up against anywhere for pretty when there's leaves on the trees.  A good autumn will blow your mind just driving down I-40 here in the valley at the eastern edge of the range.

I'm sure they are pretty hills.  Like I say, I'd love to spend a fall there sometime.  We don't get much in the way of fall, usually.  Typically transition from boiling heat to snow in a week or two.

I'm ex-Appalachian. I miss them. I think they're God's greatest invention in terms of displaying trees . Such a wonderful mix of species. Actually, glorious as  autumn may be when the weather hasn't been to wet or too dry and the first frost is well timed, I love them more for the spring.

The chartreuse of the maple blossoms, the redbud trees, the dogwood, the crabapple, and all of the other hues of green as the various less flashy species come back to life.

Title: Re: Appalachian Adventures
Post by: Unorthodox on February 14, 2015, 07:50:56 PM

Spring is so full of life and promise, though.  Disgusting season. 

Title: Re: Appalachian Adventures
Post by: Buster's Uncle on February 14, 2015, 07:57:08 PM

Oh, I really like my mountains the very best in full summer - all green and fertile like a rumpled carpet.

Title: Re: Appalachian Adventures
Post by: Rusty Edge on February 15, 2015, 09:34:17 PM

Quote from: Unorthodox on February 14, 2015, 07:50:56 PM

Spring is so full of life and promise, though.  Disgusting season.

  :D  Yeah, that's a great part of the appeal. The tree pollen, not so much.

Title: Re: Appalachian Adventures
Post by: Geo on February 16, 2015, 06:24:04 PM

Quote from: Rusty Edge on February 15, 2015, 09:34:17 PM

Quote from: Unorthodox on February 14, 2015, 07:50:56 PM

Spring is so full of life and promise, though.  Disgusting season.

  :D  Yeah, that's a great part of the appeal. The tree pollen, not so much.

Forests contain much less grass, so they're heaven to me. ;)

Title: Re: Appalachian Adventures
Post by: Rusty Edge on February 17, 2015, 12:36:22 AM

I'm allergic to grass, too. :'(

Title: Re: Appalachian Adventures
Post by: Buster's Uncle on February 17, 2015, 01:38:24 AM

Me too.

Title: Re: Appalachian Adventures
Post by: Buster's Uncle on February 18, 2015, 06:19:38 PM

Geo, it sleeted enough Sunday night to build up about an inch, and it's snowing as I type.  Your timing was perfect.

Title: Re: Appalachian Adventures
Post by: Buster's Uncle on February 18, 2015, 09:32:58 PM

The snow let up after an hour or so of flurries without accumulating, and the sun's back out.  -For now.

Title: Re: Appalachian Adventures
Post by: Geo on February 18, 2015, 11:04:27 PM

Quote from: BatUncle on February 18, 2015, 06:19:38 PM

Geo, it sleeted enough Sunday night to build up about an inch, and it's snowing as I type.  Your timing was perfect.

Yeah, I was starting to wonder after seeing a news item yesterday where a camera team was almost overrun by a slipped car in Virginia.

If its any consolation, its dry here but with a stiff breeze at around 30-34 °F - and the heater at work malfunctioned, and after repairs the technician announces the fuel tank was empty - cause of the pump that broke down.

Title: Re: Appalachian Adventures
Post by: Buster's Uncle on February 18, 2015, 11:33:30 PM

I take no comfort in you being cold, too. :(

Title: Re: Appalachian Adventures
Post by: Geo on February 19, 2015, 12:43:50 AM

Thank you.  ;b;

But whatever they say in Westeros, Spring will come.
Which reminds me. You should've seen the clear sky here. Then you'd realize how much better views you have. I couldn't even spot Mars tonight. :'(

Title: Re: Appalachian Adventures
Post by: Buster's Uncle on February 19, 2015, 12:45:18 AM

It's more cloudy than not this week, and colder than there, apparently; I haven't seen Mars either...

Title: Re: Appalachian Adventures
Post by: Buster's Uncle on February 26, 2015, 08:01:17 PM

It snowed 4 inches overnight.

Title: Re: Appalachian Adventures
Post by: Buster's Uncle on February 26, 2015, 08:03:01 PM

It's more than half melted now.  These were taken just after dawn - and the snow cream was delicious.

Title: Re: Appalachian Adventures
Post by: Rusty Edge on February 26, 2015, 11:25:26 PM

Beautiful!

Title: Re: Appalachian Adventures
Post by: Geo on February 27, 2015, 12:00:13 PM

I missed the snow? :D
Snow creme? Had a change of breakfast? ;cute

Title: Re: Appalachian Adventures
Post by: Buster's Uncle on February 27, 2015, 03:15:51 PM

Snow crème = sort of  a thick vanilla milkshake stirred together with snow.  I gather city people don't do this for lack of clean snow.

Title: Re: Appalachian Adventures
Post by: Rusty Edge on February 27, 2015, 04:59:22 PM

Quote from: BUncle on February 27, 2015, 03:15:51 PM

Snow crème = sort of  a thick vanilla milkshake stirred together with snow.  I gather city people don't do this for lack of clean snow.

We used to do this, too, when I was a kid.  I think it was made with sweetened condensed milk, among other things. Stirred with a hand cranked eggbeater. Topped with Hershey's chocolate syrup. You had to eat it quickly because it would melt quickly, but that was never a problem. :danc:

Title: Re: Appalachian Adventures
Post by: Buster's Uncle on February 27, 2015, 05:21:40 PM

Never had a good chocolate snow cream - and I do love my chocolate.

Title: Re: Appalachian Adventures
Post by: Rusty Edge on February 27, 2015, 05:30:50 PM

Well, that could become  a quest. These days there are various coffee and cocktail syrups, etc.

Title: Re: Appalachian Adventures
Post by: Geo on February 27, 2015, 05:56:44 PM

Quote from: BUncle on February 27, 2015, 03:15:51 PM

Snow crème = sort of  a thick vanilla milkshake stirred together with snow.  I gather city people don't do this for lack of clean snow.

Never heard of this.
But it would be unwise to use snow here in western Europe. Chances are the rain/snow is too polluted.

Title: Re: Appalachian Adventures
Post by: Buster's Uncle on February 27, 2015, 06:06:53 PM

As I said.

Title: Re: Appalachian Adventures
Post by: Geo on February 27, 2015, 06:31:11 PM

Its not all city here, you know... :P