It's a (not so good day) for a hike!

After our stop in Granville, we made our way towards Cookville to Burgess Falls State Park.  As we entered the park, I noticed they had a butterfly garden, so I hoped that I could get some good photos.  Needless to say, when we first pulled up, the butterfly garden wasn't very impressive, but I decided to walk around anyway.  Though the garden didn't have much beauty on its own, I certainly made some new friends along the way.















After my exploration in the butterfly garden (and getting eaten alive by mosquitos), I decided that I wanted to walk to the falls. 

It was 3/4 of mile one way, so I figured that was nothing!  I drug my parents with me, because I didn't think it would be safe to go alone.  Well, just a tidbit of advice... A hike in flip flops on a 90 degree day with what felt like 500% humidity isn't a very good idea!  We didn't make it to the "big falls", but I did manage to capture some of the scenary along the way.  Guess I'll be going back to Burgess Falls also!



 
The path at the start of the trail...
"This doesn't look too bad, come on"



Granville

Something that is kind of a tradition is for my parents and I to take little day road trips.  Usually its on a Sunday afternoon when there is nothing else to do and we just get in the car and go.  Yesterday we headed towards Burgess Falls in Cookeville, TN. 

We took a small detour and rode out to Granville, TN.  A few weeks ago, I caught an episode of Tennessee Crossroads and they featured Sutton's General Store and I just had to go check it out!  Unfortunately it was Sunday and everything was closed, but I hear there is a festival called Granville Days in the fall!

Here are some shots from Granville....



T.B. Sutton Store



Using Sepia, to give it the aged look.



I love and old Coco-Cola sign!






Water lily....

This is another one of the photos that really sparked my interest in photography...


Water Lily from the Biltmore Estate, Ashville, NC - Cousin's Trip 2008

Ava and Max...

Grace and Ava came to visit yesterday...  Here are some snapshots of Ava and Max playing...


Max giving Ava some sugar....


I think she's about to pounce!



Or, maybe not....



... and now they're friends!



The child is ticklish, just like her Momma!

An afternoon visitor....

When the devastating flood hit, this little guy made his way to the lakes edge near my parent's house...


He was not frightened by me at all.  I would inch closer and closer and finally captured this great shot... 
I hope he survived the following days....

Happy Fathers Day...

These pictures have been taken over the years of my Daddy... Happy Father's Day Pop! 


One of his favorite hobbies... Go Titans!!!!

 
The Grill Master!!!!


Oh my!!!!  This is a blast from the past...  Nice hair Dad!


Oh how he loves his Grand-Dog


... and his wife.....


... and his daughter. 

Happy Father's Day to the best Daddy a girl could ask for! 
Love you very much!

Natures Beauty....

I cut some hydrangeas to put in my office and I couldn't help but snap a few pics...

How pretty....