Blue Ridge Parkway Oct 27, 2017

We stayed overnight at a tiny Airbnb apartment complete with tiny shower, fireplace, elephant wallpaper and mini porch.  Little Switzerland Inn was very close and had a restaurant and mountain view.  We were disappointed that there were no Swiss foods or real connections with Switzerland.  We learned that Emerald Village was nearby, an authentic historic emerald mine.

Little Switzerland Inn

Little Switzerland Inn View

Swiss Flag

Emerald Mine

Looking out from the mine

Emeralds

More emeralds

 Linn Cove Viaduct, an engineering marvel on the Blue Ridge Parkway

 I was hoping for less wind at Julian Price Lake.

Blue Ridges

Sunset

Asheville to Blue Ridge Parkway Oct 26,2017

Our Asheville host suggested a great autumn location when I asked about someplace to photograph with fall leaves and water reflections.  We stopped at Charles Owens Park with a gorgeous mountain view.

I met some local mallard ducks

Willow, part yellow lab and springer spaniel posed for me

Bobbie

Then we drove north to the Blue Ridge Parkway through quite a few tunnels.  This one is Craggy Pinnacle Tunnel.

Glassmine Falls

Sunset

Biltmore Estate Gardens Oct 25, 2017

The Biltmore Gardens were quite beautiful.  I didn't expect to see so much color in late October.

These photos not for sale.

Mums and pampas grass in the Walled Garden

There were many photographic frames that I couldn't resist

Orchids

Conservatory

Ginger

Lady slipper orchid

Orchids

Pitcher plants

Pheasant in the Azalea garden

Azalea Garden

Biltmore by the Italian Gardens

I was sort of annoyed that I missed the boathouse and the lagoon reflection of the Biltmore, since I couldn't find either, even after asking for directions. I did find the Bass Lake near sunset and saw the manmade waterfall.

Sunset

Inn on Biltmore Estate