Highlands, NC 

Did you enjoy the 4th?

I took a little time-out from city life and met a friend up in Highlands, North Carolina. She has access to a little house in the mountains, and it's beautiful up there. 

Atlanta usually has an uptick in neighborhood fireworks around the 4th.

I don't mind it, but my sweet little pup, Bauer, is not a fan. It goes on for days and there have been even more fireworks than usual this year. 

The protests and large gatherings have also continued. It's a time of necessary unrest, and I understand the protests, but it seemed like a good time for a weekend away.

The 4th of July is one of my favorite holidays, and it had me down that everything was canceled. 

No chance for fireworks photos at all. 

I was so excited back in March to get going with the festival season. My sister and brother-in-law gave me a small tent/booth as an early birthday gift, and I was signing up for some festivals so I could show my work. 

Atlanta is a huge festival town from March through October. There's something every weekend. COVID ended all that for this year. 

Although Georgia has opened back up somewhat, the COVID cases are rising again. Corporate events have been canceled, so...no photo jobs there. 

Anyway...I got out of town for the 4th and reconnected with my friend and nature, and we had a wonderful time. We did lots of walking and a couple of hikes.

Being at altitude always makes me feel out of shape when I'm hiking but it felt so good to be surrounded by trees.

I felt calmer up there. 

We got up pretty early on Sunday to go to Whiteside for a hike. It was a beautiful morning, and we only saw a few other people. We had masks with us in case we needed them, but they turned out to be unnecessary. 

We didn't make it to the top in time to catch the morning Golden Hour, so I wasn't crazy about my photos, though there was an interesting haziness from the threatening rain. It rains on and off all the time up there. 

It was cool alternating with hot all weekend which was nice. I looked at Atlanta's weather and was glad I wasn't there - 90s.

I was sad to read of all the violence that happened in Atlanta over the weekend too. We have to do better. 

I hope you and yours had a wonderful 4th of July weekend, and I hope you're staying healthy and happy. 

See you between the raindrops - of which there have been many this summer so far!

xoxo,
Susan