It was 11-11-2016 today in Asheville North Carolina and the mountains were beautiful as usual. It is getting a little chilly out, but the great outdoors are simply gorgeous this time of the year, so that is warming in itself. Do you live in Asheville or visit the area regularly? If so, we encourage you to get outside, take a deep breath, and experience everything these mountains have to offer.
Today is the day that we woke up to leaf season in Asheville North Carolina! Yes, the leaves have been changing here and there lately, and a little on the slow side. But this morning you can see the vibrant colors coming on display and the leaves covering sidewalks all around town. Leaf Season has officially begun here is Asheville, so for all of you leaf peepers, this weekend on the Blue Ridge Parkway will be beautiful.
Remember, we do not know how long these beautiful colors will last. Last year a storm came through only a week or so into it and stripped the trees of its leaves and colors. So catch it while you can, take photos, make some memories, and share them with the world; grateful that you live in these gorgeous mountains!
See The Fall 2016 Leaf Season Guide
Yes, Western North Carolina is in full bloom! Have you been out taking photographs of the wildflowers or perhaps just enjoying them? If so I have a great resource for you on how to identify them!
Considered to be the classic botanical handbook inside you will find color images of hundreds of flowers, trees, shrubs, etc. As a photographer I use this book during the year to identify the stunning plants I capture and share online. It is a must have for anyone who enjoys being out in nature and wants to learn more about the flora of the region.
If you are unsure of where to find the gorgeous displays of flowers in the area pair this book with Kevin Adams “North Carolina’s Best Wildflower Hikes-The Mountains.” In it you will find directions, maps, descriptions of trails, the types of flowers blooming and when; accompanied with beautiful visuals.
Both of these volumes will keep you busy throughout the spring season here in the mountains and for many more adventures to come!
See Wildflowers of North Carolina 2nd Edition on Amazon
See North Carolina’s Best Wildflower Hikes-The Mountains on Amazon
Blog Post by Sabrina L. Greene
If you go back into anyone’s past far enough, no matter where your ancestry lies, your ancestors practiced stone age skills. There was a time all our ancestors used stone, bone and wood tools. So, in a sense, it is the past that unites us all. To some it would seem a little impractical or even useless to practice skills like these in modern day times. Why practice the skills of ancient man? I find a deep connection each time I practice and teach stone age skills. Each time I breathe in the smoke of a fire created by rubbing one stick against another, I feel as if I am breathing in the air of the dawn of all time. Each time I crack two stones together, it is as if I rejoin the brotherhood of man and a past that unites us all.
You would think it was a very small group of people that even would be interested in stone age and survival skills but in reality these skills are of interest and use to many people for many different reasons. Some are interested in how ancient peoples lived from day to day. Outdoors enthusiasts are interested because these skills are also skills that would apply if thrust into a survival situation with loss of modern gear. All find that learning and practicing these skills give them an appreciation and enhances their enjoyment for what nature and the outdoors has to offer.
Think about it. We are surrounded by modern conveniences, so much so that we take most of them for granted, until we don’t have them. From the knife and fork we use to the more complex machines we have built to serve us such as computers. I’m not against having modern conveniences. They make life easier. But the individual who will survive cannot become so much a slave to luxuries that they cannot do without them. It is a fact that disillusionment and the paranoia that follows it are the biggest killers among people thrust into a survival situation.
What about you? Are you a survivor? In a survival situation, whether it be a collapsed economy, or stranded in the wilderness will demand courage, determination and the skills to survive. It could happen to anyone. In Western North Carolina we are rich in opportunities for outdoor lovers on all levels. Safety and preparation should always be a consideration. Wilderness first aid and survival skills training should be part of every outdoors enthusiast’s preparation. Be prepared. The life you save could be your own or someone close to you. You may also find that a survival skills course opens up a whole new world and appreciation for the outdoors.
Let me know how I can help and direct you to the training that suits you and your group. You will have a great time, meet new people and gain useful knowledge. I have books I have written on survival. I also teach survival skills at Blue Ridge Community College and on a hire basis. Visit my website for useful information, links, books and information. My website is WayoftheRaven.net. Let me know how I can be of service!
