Appalachian Mountains

Mississippi Kite grasps insect prey

Moving north through Alabama, we knew there wasn't much time to see the Mississippi Kite that we desired to find.  Driving through Uriah, we saw 13 birds hawking for insects above the road.  We were able to find a place to safely pull off and get some photos.  Success!!

We then drove through a corner of Georgia into North Carolina to pick up the Blue Ridge Parkway.  We stayed at Moonshine Creek Campground before starting our adventure.  This campground is beautiful and full of birds flowers and many critters worth a photo.

Moonshine Creek Campground near the Great Smoky NP

Mockernut Hickory blossom 

Water Strider - walks on water surface

Bull Frog Tadpole - 3 inches long

Sphinx Moth

Dobsonfly

White Dogwood

Eastern Newt adult - aquatic dwelling

Red Trillium

Carpenter Moths - smaller darker male

Blue-headed Vireo on nest

Dusky Salamander

Rhododendron in bloom

The Blue Ridge Parkway is wonderful, a slow ride through the Appalachian Mountains, none stop,  with lots of great things to see along the way.

Carolina Chickadee

Pisgah National Forest

Painted Trillium

Slimy Salamander

Snail at Linville Falls

Ruffed Grouse runs in front of us

Cucumber Tree

We stayed at one of the National campgrounds near Linville Falls,  a quiet, break along the way.

The next night we spent just across the Virginia border at Meadow of Dan.  Very quiet here as we were the only campers in the park.

Honey Bee swarm at Meadows of Dan

Miami Mist

For the next 6 days we visited friends, Art & Betsy Cavanaugh near Lynchburg, VA.  An enjoyable time, and Ty was able to help with some Spring planting and yard work.

Eyed Click Beetle

Wood Duck hen with ducklings

Rhododendron 

Five inch long Millipede

Ground Beetle

Baltimore Oriole at Paradise Lake

Before rejoining the Blue Ridge Parkway north to the Shenandoah National Park, we stopped at Paradise Lake Campground to take care of RV duties that are necessary to do.  Then some stocking up of food and fuel before heading out.

Tufted Titmouse checks out the camera

American Redstart

Pink Azalea - Rhododendron 

Black & White Warbler

Eastern Newt - Red Eft  terrestrial dwelling

Red/Purple Trillium

Black Bear at Shenandoah National Park

As we head north, we are experiencing Spring all over again, each leg of the journey.  Always looking for evidence of God's Creation at every turn, as we head through Pennslyvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine and into Canada.

We are blessed to be starting our eighth year on the road.
Love & Prayers,
Ty & Ida Baumann