Singing Behind the Plow

Todd and I drove to Jackrabbit Mountain in southern North Carolina (right along the Georgia border, about 90 minutes from our house) this weekend to go hiking with his father and stepmother.  The weather was a balmy 82 degrees and sunny both days, and trees everywhere had leafed out into that vibrant green color of late spring that all tree leaves have before darkening to their true shades. Meadows were choked with wildflowers. In the distance the Blue Ridge Mountains were a deep purple color. 

I've decided that even though upstate South Carolina isn't where I'd like to permanently settle, I really love this region for natural beauty.  Everywhere we saw bogs...

...lakes...

...or streams.

We hiked through both woods...

...and meadows.

The ground under the trees was completely covered in ferns.

We saw lots of trillium...

...ladyslippers...

...and many other woodland plants, including ground violets in three different colors.  Even the weeds had an attractive look!

The trees were full of songbirds, and I saw evidence of other little creatures.  Here dew is gathered on an empty ground spider web...

Someone had a turkey dinner very recently!

Todd spotted this black rat snake, who was sunning himself on a log.

Don't worry...they're completely harmless!

We visited the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, North Carolina, where they offer year-round classes in photography, gardening, nature studies, writing, dance, cooking, craft, art, and dance. I would love to take classes here!  The school is situated on 380 acres of beautiful farmland and woods both, shot through with walking trails.  Here we go!

The sign above says, "I sing behind the plow."  It's definitely a cheerful, bustling place (although I neglected to take photos of the actual school)! 

It was nice to get away for a weekend, and Borga is a changed dog when she gets a nice long walk.  Look at those happy faces!  :) 

Have a great week!