A Special Place

“I believe that each person has a favorite place, a tree, a mountain, or a beach which they want to come back to, even if the return can only take place in the boundaries of their imagination.”
― Sana Szewczyk

I have several places that I return to again and again to photograph.  Roan Mountain is one of those very special places.  One of my favorite times to visit Roan Mountain is

when the rhododendrons are in bloom.  This typically happens anywhere from the beginning to mid- June.

This year I was able to make three separate day trips to Roan during the bloom.   Each visit presented different conditions and photographic opportunities.

On two of the trips, I hiked the balds to find an abundance of rhododendron blooming.

During two of my visits, I also spent time in the rhododendron gardens.  This area typically blooms later than the balds.  The first week there, I concentrated on photographing the enchanting forest area.

During my last trip to the park, rain was scheduled throughout the day.  We got absolutely drenched in the garden area.

Although the rain made things difficult and uncomfortable for a while, when the rain stopped, magic happened.

These three trips required waking up at 1:00 a.m. each time, a total of 21 hours riding or driving in the car, and about twelve miles of hiking.

I was able to create two images that I love from the  trips.  In addition to great photographic opportunities, I was thrilled to spend  time enjoying the peace that nature provides with my husband and great friends.

I look forward to my next adventures on Roan Mountain.