Sunday, November 3, 2013

Biltmore Estate, Gorgeous Flowers, in Asheville

I've heard of the Biltmore Estate all my life. A bit over a  hundred years old, it's a huge house in Asheville, in the mountains of North Carolina. I've heard of it, but I've never, ever been there, even though I've been to, and passed through, Asheville and the surrounding area many times.

My wife, Robie, and I had the opportunity to spend a couple days and nights at the Inn at Biltmore recently. Expensive, most definitely, but given our service and amenities, the relaxation (did I mention a "couples massage"?), it's definitely worth the time and money. You might want to indulge yourself some time.

All that aside, being a photo buff 24-7, I was duly impressed by the gardens. A couple wows! are in order. Unfortunately, we didn't have enough time to take in everything I would have liked. Needless to say, there's a good chance, a very good chance, that we'll be going back.

At any rate, I'm attaching a few pictures that I liked. Hope you do, too.

Looking Tall



                                                                                                Statuesque
 
Stairs to Up There
 

                            Majestic Tree
 
 
 
  Vivid Color

                                                                                                 Busy Bee
 Nature's Framing        
 
Robie is Planning Something                   
 






 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Photo Blog. The Chesapeake Bay. The Intracoastal Waterway.

I had the distinct privilege and pleasure of accompanying my brother-in-law, Steve, on a run from Lexington Park, Maryland to New Bern, North Carolina aboard his boat, Nighthawk I. The 47-foot cruiser was our home for a few days, as we motored down the Chesapeake Bay into the Intracoastal Waterway, winding our way to New Bern. The photo possibilities were limitless, from before sunrise to post sunset. And, I took advantage of the opportunities. So, here are a very few of the images I grabbed as we made our way south.
Interesting Naval ships in the Bay

Yep. That's a submarine.

I want one of these.

 
 
 

The Chesapeake has a variety of vessels, many headed for the Port of Norfolk
Carnival Cruise Ship in Norfolk
Captain Steve at the helm

Meandering on Norfolk's waterfront

Naval ship in port
Flattops in dry dock
New friends, Ted and Chris, aboard Christine heading for sunny Florida for the winter
Close quarters
                      There's a lot of barge traffic in the ICW
Crabbers working their pots

Time for a fuel stop and some seafood

Net fishermen
 
There's a "lock" in the ICW, where the water levels differ by a foot or so
We thought this lady at the Great Bridge lock was collecting money. Nope, she was handing out candy. Halloween was about a week away.
 
The "locked" boats take off on cue
 
A busy place, this lock.
 
I love sunrises and sunsets. I don't know a photographer who doesn't.

  Flaming sunrise



Ahhhh.
 
Sailing Reflections
Looking for breakfast
In search of breakfast
 
New Bern Dead Ahead!
 
 
Duck!
 
Welcome to New Bern!!!!!!!!!!!
 
Last Bridge
Suzette and Steve. 
Dockside in New Bern