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Wednesday, September 21, 2011

GSMRR Photo Excursion

Grenville posted about our photo excursion ride on the GSMRR from Bryson City to Andrews, NC.

photo train collageThese collages show more of the sights on our day trip.

lake collageFontana Lake is a reservoir impounded by Fontana Dam on the Little Tennessee River in Graham and Swain counties in NC. The lake forms part of the southern border of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the northern border of part of the Nantahala National Forest. Depending on water levels, the lake is about 17 miles long.  

house boats collageThis lake is a favorite with house boaters and has many inlets into coves and many islands formed from former mountain peaks, especially near the eastern end. As with most dam-impounded lakes, the steep banks are visible when water levels are low.

rafters collageThe Nantahala River is considered western NC’s ,most scenic river for whitewater rafting. We saw rafters, kayakers and canoeists and most waved back, luckily without capsizing.smokey mtns collageThe train ride provided beautiful vistas of the Great Smoky Mountains, often called the Smoky Mountains, shortened to the Smokies. These mountains are best known as the home of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most-visited U.S. national park

old housesNC 0918 (2)There were many old homes; Grenville claimed this one just needed a fresh coat of paint, also some windows and doors – but that roof looks pretty good.

NC barns collageThere were lots of barns – a red one was my favorite.

welcome collageOur destination was the town of Andrews, NC. which gave train riders a warm welcome, cake and refreshments.welcome collage2

12 comments:

Anvilcloud said...

Thanks for letting us see a big image of the house although it looks a bit like a doll house form the high vantage point of the train.

Carole Barkett said...

some really beautiful area, must have been an awesome trip

Elaine said...

You had some fantastic views on your train ride! It looks like you had beautiful weather too. The barns and old house are great. I have a suspicion that the interior of the house might need quite a bit of work, and I don't think a coat of paint is going to do it.

Tammy@Simple Southern Happiness said...

You sure take some interesting trips and one I would love to go on. I need to check out some train trips. I wonder how it is to photograph on a moving train, it is smooth or rocky?

Great photos!! Thank you for posting and taking us along.

Allison said...

Well if that house is for sale, count me in! :) I think it's beautiful...

possum said...

Greatshots of some great scenery! Glad you had good weather as it rained back here.
I have to take this ride one day!

MadSnapper said...

I like all the trains in that collage and like the inside view of the trains, but my heart fell instantly in love with the tin roof house. i would like to have it.

Out on the prairie said...

Some lovely shots to share today, you found a great area to explore.

Wsprsweetly Of Cottages said...

I showed this post to Patient Husband and said "can we do this?" He said "never thought of doing such a thing..but we can think about it." Does that mean yes? Is there a train like that in California that goes clear to Maine? OHHHH...I hope so! To see the U.S. and not have to drive..I think I would like that very much. GREAT post.

Connie said...

Great pictures, Beatrice! I like the lake ones especially. Looks really pretty there. :)

Anonymous said...

So beautiful photographs! I think I would love to live in one of those house boats!

I agree with Grenville, a bit of paint and new windows and that house could be good enough to live in, at least during summer :-) I do like all the barns but as You know by now, we swedes love red :-)

Have a great day!
Christer.

Beatrice P. Boyd said...

THANKS, Everyone for your comments.

AC, the old house was somewhat in a valley so it did seem smaller. Interestingly enough there were no apparent roads leading to it. The house itself looked very interesting. It always make me wonder how people can just walk away from what was once a home.

Hi Carole, it was a wonderful trip and yes, Elaine we did have good weather. Sadly I agree with you about work needed on that house.

Tammy & Mona, there are train trips available through Amtrak which offers something like an extended 45-day rail pass. Grenville is already hinting at that for our next train trip. And, Tammy it was sometimes difficult to get the focus correct when on the train, but I took lots of photos and hoped for the best.

Allison, I agree but it's too bad the house was let go to ruin.

Thanks, Possum. We lucked out on no rain both days.

Thanks, Steve & Daisy. We lucked out on some great scenics.

Hey Christer, you and Grenville both would want to live on a houseboat. I prefer land which is why we're trying to sell a boat now. Yes, I know you really like red like in your cottage!