We are traveling east along old, two lane, US 19, heading for the Eastern Gateway of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and Cherokee, NC. The day is cold, dark and rainy; especially cold for mid July. Not a day to be a tourist. But here we are.
The main highways into the Smokies, the most visited national park in the country, these day are four lane divided. But, we being us, tend to take the roads less traveled. This stretch of hilly, winding rain soaked asphalt is perfect, except for the rain soaked part. Our approach to Cherokee was like being dropped-kicked back four or five decades.The old route was lined with motor courts from the fifties, quaint old tourist homes,and trailer parks. The place reeked with nostalgia. Nothing resembling the 21st century. Perfect, just perfect.
Naturally, we stopped to photograph some of those grand old motel signs, in spite of the rain. Actually, because of the weather, the image tells my story far better than the same scene shot on a bright, sunny day. A somber scene of a time past, a simpler time we may yearn for.
Sometimes your photos are better because of bad weather and not in spite of it. Less than perfect weather usually results in better than average images.
How often have I lain beneath rain on a strange roof, thinking of home.
___ William Faulkner
As I mentioned in my previous post, “Details,” I have been interested in the concept of using my iPhone and iPad to create posts for my WordPress blog. The idea is appealing. My first attempt with the “Details” post was frustrating and I’d say unsuccessful. I had to finish the post on my desktop. This post, however, is coming together nicely. I am pleased with the processing I was able to do with the photograph and the app I am using to create the post is working well. At least so far.
My verdict: However appealing the idea of creating awesome blog posts, with just a phone and tablet, while sitting beneath a palm tree on a beach sipping a Margarita may be, the reality is, the quality of the images from a phone is not very good. The apps available are not reliable and robust enough. Admittedly, my expectations are high and my experiment is just that.
redbrickgirl
28 Jul 2014Hey, great images! Have you ever considered selling your images? I work for a photography company called EyeEm and we would like to work with you. If you are interested, please send me an email at cat@eyeem.com. Have a great day!
Eric
28 Jul 2014Awesome Shot would make a great image for a t-shirt with the kids names on it! Mayhew-Demien vacation 2014?
fotograffer
28 Jul 2014Great idea and a good project for you and the kids. I would be happy to send you the file. 🙂
anotherday2paradise
28 Jul 2014This is a really striking image of a bygone era, Ron. Great capture, especially in the rain.
fotograffer
30 Jul 2014Thanks Sylvia. As I mentioned, it took the weather to create the mood.
Madhu
29 Jul 2014Beautiful colours and feel Ron! The weather does add to its nostalgic appeal.
I have been terribly unsuccessful with blogging from my iPad so far. Shall have to give it another go.
fotograffer
30 Jul 2014The overcast sky and dilapidated sign worked wonderfully together. I succeeded getting this post up on my iPad but using my primary computer is quicker and more efficient. I was hoping it would work well while traveling but I am not so sure. As always, thank you for your comments Madhu.
Dalo 2013
31 Jul 2014Taking the road less traveled…I love it. That is the adventuresome spirit that makes your posts so great. This photo is what I would imagine a trip back into the Smokey Mountains and seeing this part of the land would be. Poor weather always seems to make for something creative, well done.
fotograffer
1 Aug 2014Hadn’t thought about it that way. We just try to seek out the more scenic way and, at all costs, avoid crowds. And be in less of a hurry. And often it leads to the ” not a postcard” image. Thanks Randall.
Dalo 2013
1 Aug 2014That is a great way to look at it. I’m back in the Seattle area and driving down to Utah this week, and when I head back I’m avoiding Teton/Yellowstone for the reasons you mentioned and hitting the Idaho/Montana/E. Washington route smaller National Forests… As you say, may not have the post card image but will have the adventure 🙂 Cheers to a good weekend!
Tina Schell
31 Jul 2014Cool image Ron, definitely a rainy day scene waiting to happen! Can’t you just see it opening a Hitchcock movie?! Well captured!
fotograffer
1 Aug 2014Had it thought of that! Maybe a book cover.:) thank you Tina.
Bams Triwoko
31 Jul 2014Stunning pic, Ron… 🙂
fotograffer
1 Aug 2014Thank you Bams and thanks for visiting.
catbirdinamerica
1 Aug 2014I love the nostalgia in this photo: old motor inns under cloudy skies really do harken back to a now lost past.
fotograffer
7 Aug 2014Thank you Cathy. Without the overcast sky the mood would not have been the same.