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