Butchart Garden, British Columbia, Canada
All plants do not have the privilege of growing up in a botanical garden where they are cultivated by skilled horticulturists. Most plants must grow and bloom where they are.
Some bloom where much stronger trees have fallen and died.
Some grow between a rock and hard place, because they are planted by the rivers of water.
Some even grow in the charred places.
But wherever we are, we can grow, bloom, and be fruitful. Don’t give up.
The white waters of the Nantahala River rush through the Nantahala National Forest. The cool mist, fresh air and excitement of the rafters made this a wonderful stop on my trip to the Great Smokey Mountains.
Nantahala River
Nantahala National Forest
North Caroline
Mingus Mill is an old water driven mill near the Oconaluftee Visitor’s Center in the Great Smokey Mountain National Park. The setting evokes a sense of peace and history.
Mingus Mill
Great Smokey Mountain National Park
Cherokee, NC
I love photographing old barns. Hundreds of barns advertising Rock City may be seen along country highways in the South. The kudzu vines and weathered appearance of this barn give it character.
Bryson City, North Carolina
During a recent visit to the Great Smokey Mountains, the setting sun tinted the overcast skies with tinges of orange, and cast a golden glow across the valley. This area is located near the Newfound Gap parking area.
Great Smokey Mountains National Park
Swain County, NC
This brightly colored abandoned building caught my attention because of it’s color and odd shape.
Hawthorne, Florida
The festive spirit of this old town along the Blackwater River in Missouri is evident in it decorations. The tiny town has a population of less than 200, but the few people there swell big with pride over their little town.
Downtown Blackwater, MO
A lone saman tree sits high above a valley between Acarigua and Barquisimeto.
Autopisto Barquisimeto-Acarigua / Hwy 4
Venezuela
Vines drape the side of an old warehouse in Evergreen, Alabama.
Evergreen, AL
United States
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Steven's Travels and Thoughts 