Park It in North Carolina

The South Mountains is an isolated mountain range that rises up along the upper Piedmont in south western North Carolina. These rugged mountains were once the dividing line that separated the Cherokee and Catawba Indian tribes. Early European settlers hunted inside the thick forests of the South Mountains while farming the nearby fertile lands along the Catawba River. In 1828 gold was discovered at Brindle Creek and was mined in the area through the early 20th century.

Today, this mountainous area is home to the 18,000 acre South Mountains State Park. With elevations up to 3000 feet, South Mountains Park contains over 40 miles of trails. Equestrian and family camp grounds dot the trails along with private picnic areas. Horse back riding, trout fishing along the Jacob Forks River, back packing to one of the many back country campsites, and mountain bike riding are just some of the activities found in the park. A  popular hike brings you to the magnificent 80 foot High Shoal Falls. A short drive from Charlotte, South Mountains State Park is another of North Carolina's natural treasures.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks for viewing the Blog and have a great week!

 

 

John

 

 

Web: www.noblecoastphotography.com

 

Phone: 704 905 9403

 

 

Email: noblecoastphotography@gmail.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Season's Last Pick

Who out there doesn't like eggplant? Too bad for those who raised their hands. Didn't you know that eggplant has become a favorite in a home vegetable garden and they are quite delicious!

Also known as "aubergine", "garden egg", "egg apple", or "Guinea squash" the eggplant has it's origins from India and was introduced to the West in the 1500s. Like many "vegetables", eggplant is, botanically speaking, really a fruit. Huh? When picking an eggplant, go for the smaller immature plants. These tend to be less seedy and somewhat sweet. Try to get the eggplant with the shiny purple surface, once the color becomes dull, the eggplant has become over mature. An eggplant should be firm with a smooth skin. Push the surface with your thumb, the flesh should give a little then bounce back to shape.

Sadly, we shut down the family garden a few weeks ago but we were happy to find our last eggplant. I just had to take a few food photography shots of this beauty. Eat your vegetables please! Yum Yum!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks for visiting the Blog and have a great week!

 

 

John

 

 

Web: www.noblecoastphotography.com

 

Phone: 704 905 9403

 

Email: noblecoastphotography@gmail.com

 

 

 

 

 

Double Header with Holy Water

A baptism is an important first step in a child's religious indoctrination into the Catholic faith. A baptism "opens the door of the church" for the child and he or she then become a member of the Catholic church. Godparents are chosen to provide the child with a role model exemplifying good religious and personal practices. The child is dressed in white garments to symbolize a purity of faith.

It was a beautiful family day when both grandsons were baptized at the same ceremony. On a clear and warm autumn day, Harold Stephen Costenoble and Andrew John Costenoble were baptized at Holy Spirit Catholic Church .

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks for viewing the Blog and have a great week!

 

 

 

John 

Web: www.noblecoastphotography.com

Phone: 704 905 9403

Email: noblecoastphotography@gmail.com

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Season to be Thankful

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thankful for Love

 

 

 

 

 

Thankful for Family

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thankful for Friends

 

 

 

 

 

Thankful for Health

 

 

 

 

 

Thankful for Our Country

 

 

 

 

and Hopeful for Peace

 

 

 

 

Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving

 

 

John

 

 

Web: www.noblecoastphotography.com

 

Phone: 704 905 9403

 

Email: noblecoastphotography@gmail.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



Red, White, and Wine

 

After visiting the vineyards of Northern California, France and Italy I never thought  North Carolina  could possibly have wineries that could produce fine wines. Wrong! I recently was invited to tour the Yadkin Valley wine region and was pleasantly surprised. Not only were the wines tasty, many of the the wineries and tasting rooms were world class! I did taste some North Carolina wines that needed some work but there were many wines that had great body, a wonderful bouquet, and a delicious finish.

I've since learned that North Carolina was the nation's largest wine producing state before prohibition and is currently enjoying a major resurgence. North Carolina now ranks ninth in US wine production and is home to over 100 wineries. The North Carolina wine and grape business is a $ 1.28 billion industry employing over 7,600 people.

North Carolina wineries grow the native muscadine grapes or the European vinifera grapes. The vinifera grape varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay and Viogner. Highly tolerant to North Carolina's weather, soil and insects, muscadine grapes produce red and white blends from very dry to sweet. Muscadine grapes contain an unusually high dose of antioxidants, over 40 times more antioxidants than the typical American or European wine grape! So go ahead, drink wine, it's good for you!

Raffaldini Vineyards & Winery

 

Sanders Ridge Winery & Vineyards

 

 

 

Grassy Creek Vineyard & Winery

 

 

 

Thanks for viewing the Blog and have a great week!

 

 

John

 

 

Web: www.noblecoastphotography.com

 

Phone: 704 905 9403

 

Email: noblecoastphotography@gmail.com

 

 

 

 

 

 




Season of Colors

Autumn in full display along the Blue Ridge Parkway is an overdose of colors and natural beauty. To be able to enjoy this great country's park lands and open wilderness is one of life's simple pleasures. Please enjoy the colors and join me in a continued commitment to protect Mother Earth and our National Parks.

Cascade Falls

The Blue Ridge Parkway

 

 

Trail to Cascade Falls

 

 

Price Lake

 

 

Trees along the Blue Ridge Parkway

 

 

Cascade Falls

 

 

Thanks for viewing the Blog and have a great week!

 

 

John

 

 

Web: www.noblecoastphotography.com

 

Phone: 704 905 9403

 

Email: noblecoastphotography@gmail.com

 

 

 

 

 

Birthday Girl

Every year for her birthday, I get to photograph one of my favorite little models, Rylee. Rylee turned 4 this year and this marked my third birthday photograph session with Rylee. This year, on a beautiful autumn Saturday afternoon at Jetton Park Rylee gave me some great moments and many smiles. Happy birthday Rylee!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks for viewing the Blog and have a great week!

 

 

John

 

 

Web: www.noblecoastphotography.com

 

Phone: 704 905 9403

 

Email: noblecoastphotography@gmail.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Blue Ridge Life

When planning the Blue Ridge Parkway in the 1930's, the idea was to maintain a rustic pioneer look. Today, as you travel along the Blue Ridge Parkway you find beautifully preserved cabins and farms that let you understand life as it once was in the mountains of Virginia and North Carolina.

With the sun shining and the autumn leaves filled with color, it was a great day to photograph these historic sites.


The Mabry Mill was constructed in 1903 and is one of the most popular attractions on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Mabry Mill

Old shed and wagon at Mabry Mill site

 

 

Puckett's Cabin was home to the famous mid wife, Orlene Puckett (1844-1939) and her husband John. Travelling through the Virginia country side, "Aunt Orlene" lived to 102 and helped deliver over 1000 babies. Most amazing, Orlene was unable to have a child of her own. Orlene gave birth to 24 infants and none survived. Yet the + 1000 births she assisted, all survived! 

 

 

Puckett's Cabin

 

Puckett's Cabin

 

 

Built around 1880, Brinegar Cabin was home to Martin and Carolyn Brinegar. Inside the cabin is Carolyn's original loom that she used to make clothes for her family.  

 

Brinegar Cabin

 

Brinegar Cabin

 

 

The Jesse Brown Cabin was built around 1840 and was home to several families for close to 90 years. In 1905 the cabin was relocated to this small valley near Tomkin's Knob.

 

 

Jesse Brown Cabin

Jesse Brown Cabin

 

 

 

 

Thanks for viewing the Blog and have a great week!

 

 

John

 

 

Web: www.noblecoastphotography.com

 

Phone: 704 905 9403

 

Email: noblecoastphotography@gmail.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Southern Entry

The day began early and the idea was to photograph the classical architecture of Charleston, SC. And why not? Vintage Georgia, Federal, Greek and Victorian architecture is featured block after block. Nowhere in America can you find so many distinctive homes in one place.

As I wandered the streets that morning, I was drawn to the distinguished doors and entry ways found on so many of the homes in Charleston. Most entries were uncomplicated and neat while others would dress themselves with small plantings and floral arrangements. Each street had several homes that would offer a unique charm of it's own. Simply one of the most beautiful cities in America and certainly worth a visit if just to walk through a door and enter into the historic southern culture of Charleston.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks for viewing the Blog and have a great week!

 

 

John

 

 

Web: www.noblecoastphotography.com

 

Phone: 704 905 9403

 

Email: noblecoastphotography@gmail.com