Parkway early spring

A grey forest, soon to become green.  March 30, 2013 was prior to spring on the Blue Ridge Parkway.  So many more houses were visible.  This overlook is one of my favorites, facing south so there's a nice warm sun to sit and relax and enjoy.

The handicap overlook area is my choice for placing my folding chair and looking at the beauty of these mountains.

Notice the slowly climbing cut of the Parkway across the valley going from left to right as it travels north.

Black Mountain Visitor's Center

Even if you can't read the words on the "artistic sign" you can see the bird (perhaps a grey eagle) out front!

This Visitor's Center has more area attractions' brochures than you could possibly wish for!

When you first arrive

The first decision in Black Mountain is at this intersection...and you probably want to turn right to the Visitor's Center, one block down State Street. (to be featured tomorrow)

May 29 at 11:25 am, the intersection of State St and Montreat Rd has no traffic...so I took a picture!  State St. is also US 70, and Montreat is US 9.  You're looking at the fire station, and the steeple belongs to the First Baptists up the block behind them.

One minute later...

And one week later...

Removal of the wall with painting on it

A summer creek activity

Sculpting with leaves and rocks in July 2011

Submitted to Weekend Reflections meme for this week.

Cheshire Health & Fitness

Just across the street from the Cheshire Village Center, going south on Hwy 9, is the Fitness Club and the professional building (Lakey Creek Health Center)

The Lakey Health Center houses Parkway Medical doctors, and "A Better View" eye care

The "gym" as you drive up the hill

Entrance to Cheshire Fitness Club

You can obtain a guest pass to try out some of the offerings.  (I have been to several free presentations in the classroom, and am not a member at this time.)

Lakey Creek does flow along between Hwy 9 and the health center building.

I'm adding this post to the meme Friday Fences.  Chose one!

The Vilalge of Cheshire, Black Mountain, NC

Retail portion of the village of Cheshire

Village Center

Morning Glory Cafe'

There are homes and condos behind the little retail center.  And look for another post about the health center across the street.

Purple flowers

Incredibly tiny and gorgeous...is this grape hyacinth?

How on earth does this tiny delicate flower remain throughout the years, in really hidden places!

Lake views

This is the scenic part of the walk around Lake Tomahawk

Yellow for spring

Delicate forsythia which has bloomed through many freezing nights with warm days to encourage it.

These daffodils have also endured the same fickle spring

Another contribution to Monday Macros.

Clay Studio view

Fall foliage as seen from the Clay Studio in Black Mountain

Same scene on March 29, 2013...

"Make visible what, without you, might perhaps never have been seen."

Robert Bresson

That's exactly the reason I make art.