Confused

Sorry, last night I made my post for this blog on my other one.  So click here and you'll see North Cove Overlook and Altapass Apple Orchard

The trees start to show

Though the further trees remain green topped, closer ones have great variation of colors.  Taken Oct. 9, 2013, Blue Ridge Parkway

We're still in business.
The National Parks are back running again, meaning the Blue Ridge Parkway is open for camping, Folk Art, Information etc.

The government has hurt many small businesses that operate near the national parks...and this is the peak season for tourists here in the mountains who want to see our beautiful fall folliage.

Please remember if you are going to spend a dollar, why not use it to support your neighbors, the small businesses and those owned locally (anywhere, or here in Western North Carolina.)

If you want to enjoy life, it's much lighter if you can share other's enjoyment as well.  Last week I was in a restaurant where something was returned to the kitchen, where I was told it would be promptly thrown away.  I thought of all the WIC families and those on Food Stamps, and those relying upon practically empty food pantries...food is precious.  People need help...and they are the kids on that school bus, they are the families who live in those mountain mobile homes, the ones you might prefer to call trailer trash, but many of them are struggling to survive, which is certainly not a quality of trash.  NO people, NO children, NOBODY IS TRASH.

Whatever your religion, there's a voice that asks you to share, to love one another.  Listen to it please.  Help all the people who you can...in whatever way you can.

Thanks.

Quote for today:

The future is not some place we are going, but one we are creating. The paths are not to be found, but made. And the activity of making them changes both the maker and their destination.

John Schaar

Altapass apples

A pit-stop, as is said in some quarters, enjoying the pretty decorations of the ladies' stalls.

Apples, sold a peck at a time, which are raised right here on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Various other apple products, as well as lots of other fruity jams and sauces.

While waiting in line, we perched our peck of apples as part of the display.

Helen was promoting my entering the photo contest.

The winner of the photo contest could have a hay ride...like the one arriving here at bottom of hill.

I don't know who certifies these roadside farm markets, but I saw several such signs throughout the area.

Looking down from the parkway, those are apple trees.

A very old tree, which may not be bearing much fruit any more.

Ah ha, caught the picture taker in the mirror.

The moth

Yesterday I showed a picture of the fuzzy caterpiller of the hickory tussock moth  (Lophocampa caryae).  So here's the actual moth!  It won't be around till springtime, as the larva will overwinter in leaf litter on the forest floor.

The larva, a caterpillar, is completely covered in long, hairlike setae arranged in spreading tufts. Most are white, but there are black tufts along the middle of the back, and four long black hair pencils, two near the front, and two near the back. These hairs cause itchy rashes in some people.^[2] They are microscopically barbed and may cause serious medical complications if they are transferred from the hands to the eyes.^[3] There are black spots along the sides, and the head capsule is black.

Small fuzzy friend

Well, not so friendly, as the fuzzy hairs can be very irritating to skin, the ends have barbs which penetrate and cause rashes.

Probably hickory tussock moth caterpillar (Lophocampa caryae).

Quote for today:

Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.

Marcel Proust

 

Linville Falls part 3

Water seeks the lowest possible level.

Fact.

Performing around rocky outcrops is delightful.

Quote for today:

To the dull mind all nature is leaden. To the illumined mind the whole world burns and sparkles with light.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

More Linville Falls

This lovely pair of falls from yesterday's post, smooth out into a nice big pool, which is completely fenced off.  As you walk into the large rocky outcrop of the viewing area, you soon see why.

There are chutes of white water flowing around the peninsula of the viewing area.  What a nice way it ends up so you can see in three directions.

Yes those are full size tree trunks over there wedged into the rocks.

The entire river rushes through and around corners, and of course I wondered how many people survived it when trying to be dare-devils.

More tomorrow...these falls were wonderful, and we didn't hike to the second (or more) viewing area.


Quote for today:

Memories of loved ones are like songs in our soul.

Margaret Wakeley