It was a much needed get-away from the middle portion of the state. For whatever reason, every time I think about heading east on I-24… my heart skips a beat. I am so very lucky to live so close to such beauty. The mountains in the eastern part of the state of Tennessee call to me. And I am also so very lucky to have a friend that enjoys being in that area as much as me. So Donna and I thought it was time for a little bit of girl time at the Ocoee River. I think she and I may just be obsessed with that area since I went six times last year, and this was my fourth trip this summer. I believe Donna said that this was her fifth trip out there for this year.
After spending several hours on the Ocoee River braving the class four and five rapids with Cherokee Rafting, Donna and I stopped for a bite of lunch at the Dam Deli and then decided to take the scenic route home. By they way if you are ever in that area and want to go white water rafting, you have to give Cherokee a call! Ask for Jake or Dan to be your guide… although I am positive that the other guides are just as amazing!
So the scenic route that I wanted to show Donna consisted of driving through a little town called Coker Creek. Coker Creek is a hidden gem where the residents support themselves through local produce and their art. I try to make it a habit to stop by and visit the Climbing Bear shop, located next to the Coker Creek Welcome Center, each time I am in the area. There is just something about the family that runs that shop that is special and tugs at my heart strings. And I love the idea that my purchase from them helps to support them. We should all support our local businesses and families.
At the Climbing Bear shop, you can find all sorts of beautiful puzzle boxes that are hand carved, signed and dated, by Phil and Martha. They have skills baby! Their children, Nathan, Elisabeth, and George also contribute by designing and creating some of the most beautiful photography, Polaroid transfers, pottery, music, and jewelry! Ahhhhh…. the jewelry! Ms Elisabeth is so talented! The things that she can create by putting a little sterling silver, beads and crystals in her hands is amazing… and I have to admit that she is the reason that I stop in the store every time I am out her way! I now own two pair of her earrings that she designed, and when I was in the shop during this last trip, I spoke with her about custom designing a ring that I want. Not only are they all super talented, but there is just something about the simplistic life that this family chooses to live, and how they use their God-given artistic talents to support their family and their home, that truly makes me stop and reflect on just what is really important.
During a previous trip to Coker Creek with Meagan, Phil shared a place with us that the locals like to go to. He gave us directions to the top of Buck Bald Mountain because he knew that Meagan and I were looking for a place to grab a sunset with our cameras. This mountain is amazing! There is a 360 degree view that allows you to see views of Tennessee, Georgia, and North Carolina! Meagan and I had such an amazing experience on top of that mountain because of a storm that was rolling in behind us while we were shooting the sunset, that this place made a huge impression in my heart. And I knew I just had to share it with my other dear friend, Donna. This first photo is from my trip to Buck Bald Mountain with Meagan… the sunset was just too amazing not to share.
I’m sure that Donna was hearing the banjo music on our drive from Ocoee to Coker Creek. It is about a thirty minute drive into what looks like the middle of nowhere! But she was a good sport about acting interested. LOL! But you see… I know Donna. And I know what she likes. I knew that if I could just get her on top of this mountain that she would be in Heaven. Donna loves anything that she can use her macro lens to shoot. And I knew there would be plenty of flowers and butterflies for her pleasure! And I was right! She loved it! And so did I! I snapped on my 100 mm macro and had a blast walking around the top of this mountain. I even attempted somewhat of a landscape shot of the mountains with my macro, by focusing on the flowers from a distance to get the mountainous view in the background. Little things people… little things! It doesn’t take much to make me happy.
I loved being on top of the mountain with Donna. I always learn so much from her. She really is super talented behind the camera, and really I owe my passion for photography to her. But she is also super smart about flowers! She can point out and name almost everything in existence. Did you know that when the Golden Rod starts blooming, that we have six weeks left until our first frost? For those of us who are so sick of this heat and humidity that Tennessee has been experiencing this summer, that little bit of news was music to our ears! And it served as a reminder that our hot days will begin to shorten, and our cool temperatures will be slowly creeping in!
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