Friday, Feb 20, 2026

[Don]

Good morning all. Very mild weather here today, but turning colder by the end of the weekend. Can't seem to make up its mind. 

Just returned from a short visit to the  Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and had an opportunity to actually do a little photography. First time in quite a while.  A couple of old structures that I converted to B&W, and a close-up of a chunk of quartz (I think) with some interesting plant growth. Found that in an old cemetery. Overall a good trip, mild temps and only got rain on the drive back home.

[Dave]

Hi Don and any who follow.

Judging by your very fine photos, it was indeed as good trip. All 3 are winners.

Here's a shot taken a few minutes before sunrise yesterday morning...

   

I wish all a good day or evening.

[Rich]

Greetings all.
Don, same weather here, 60 degrees last week and below zero wind chill this week.
Awesome photos! I would be a little concerned on the cabin location. looks like there is some runoff in a heavy rain.
Interesting door frame with the good luck horseshoe.

Plant almost looks like a bunch of tiny pine trees,

Dave, is that what you call "first light?" Nice!

Here is a shot of the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee from a trip in 2024.

[Don]

Rich, here is another shot of the cabin. If you look closely, you can see that it is actually 2 cabins sharing a common chimney. The second cabin was built to accommodate a growing family. This is the  Noah “Bud” Ogle homestead, settled in the late 1800's. The family originally had 400 acres and grew corn and apples. Also had a mill to grind flour or cornmeal. Nature has reclaimed most of the cleared land. DW and I always enjoy visiting the area.

Your photo looks like you might have visited in the Fall. Some color showing there.

Nice photo Dave. As I was scrolling down, at first all I saw was the black sky.

[Rich]

Don, yes, I see that now from a different angle. They were a good business family with all the crops and mill.

Yes, in the fall, this was in October.