Smokies!

 Catherine, the kids, and I are on a short holiday from the War College. We headed down to Knoxville to check out the area out. Since we ended up so close to the west end of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, we took some time to go revisit the Cades Cove area - though this was a first for the kids.

I made sure to stop at the waterfall just off the road. We had the place all to ourselves, which was very nice.

The kids and I scrambled down to enjoy the little river and get some selfies.

Leah helped get this one of Ian and I.

From there we went into Cades Cove and drove the loop, making a couple of stops along the way. 

We even saw a bear (and some turkeys - but the bear was way cooler).

Cheers,

Marc

Almost missed this one!

I did not set my alarm, but woke up right at sunrise this morning. The weather forecast was for rain, so I was taking my time.

When I finally got dressed I decided to look out the window through the blinds, and lo and behold, we were having a beautiful sunrise. So I threw my camera stuff together and hustled to this spot. I missed most of the color, but still ended up getting a nice photo.

Cheers,

Marc

Carolina Beach get-away

Catherine and I snuck down to Carolina Beach, NC for the long Valentine's / President's Day weekend. She has a friend who owns a rental less than a block from the beach.

While it was a bit chilly in the wind before the sun came up, it has warmed up nicely!

Edit - I took some afternoon photos at low tide, thought I'd share them here.

These are both from the other side of the pier (top/first photo).

Cheers,

Marc

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year everyone! We wish you a blessed and joyous 2025.

Nothing terribly new here, just some photos of my favorite people.

We will part ways this summer as Ian pursues his welding training and Leah heads to college...all while Marc and Catherine head to Texas (again) - which is simultaneously scary and exciting.

Be well,

Marc

Anniversary

Catherine and I went to Glasbern, PA to spend the night and celebrate our anniversary. It was below freezing with a "feels like" temperature in the low 20's AND there was an outdoor wedding that evening. Glad we did ours in warmer weather - and still glad she said "yes"!!!

Cheers,

Marc

Covered Bridge

I took advantage of the skies this morning to go photograph this covered bridge that I passed several weeks ago.

Cheers,

Marc

Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS)

 Catherine and I stepped outside to see the comet in our neighborhood this evening. So cool to see!

Cheers,

Marc