Happy fall! I’m going to start off this first blog post with a little disclaimer of sorts. Photography is and has always been my escape. It’s truly the only time I turn off my brain to all the worry and stress and just immerse myself in nature. Maybe it happens as one gets older, but I prefer to have this time to myself. I’m never “alone” anyway, as most locations this time of year are filled with people and other photographers.  

So where is this little disclaimer going? I don’t mind being a little selfish to go do something that’s my passion. It’s the one thing in my life where I can choose me. I can’t always be where other people want me to be. Since I also get joy in sharing my photos and adventures, there was no way that I could just file this away like it never happened. So yeah, that’s my little disclaimer.

“Nothing can bring you peace but yourself” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson Balcony Selfie Last Night - Galaxy S22 Ultra

I honestly wasn’t sure how this trip would go, although I’ve had it planned for several months. I knew what I wanted to do and where I wanted to go. I haven’t been feeling myself for a long while and I questioned if taking a solo trip like this was the smartest idea. This is an interesting time of life and hormones wreak havoc on one’s anxiety, to name just one thing. When I landed in NC, I nearly regretted my decision. I wanted to go back home. It definitely took me a day to acclimate and feel like I can do this. Day 2 I found myself getting into that photography groove.

Sunset from hotel balcony.

I found myself, however, taking fewer pictures with my camera. I used my cell phone camera far more and it was kind of nice not always having my camera up to my eyeball. I didn’t care if the light was “wrong” or “too harsh.” I traversed waterfalls and took risks to climb up or down them, to really see up close. I immersed myself in the beauty more than I had ever done before.

Hooker Falls - Galaxy S22 Ultra

While there, the weather cooled, a little rain fell and the colors emerged. It was magical. I drove roughly 500 miles, saw 8 waterfalls and hiked/walked over 17 miles! In each gallery, any images taken with my cell phone will be titled as so. This was quite the fall adventure and I’m proud of myself for not giving in to my inner fear. Lots more to come...

Waterrock Knob Trail Summit - Galaxy S22 Ultra