Fall Foliage in Asheville, NC

I wanted to photograph some fall foliage this year, so I headed to Asheville, NC and drove along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

I was probably about a week too early but the color was very beautiful in the higher elevations.  The portion of the parkway from Grandfather Mountain to Blowing Rock was stunning. 

 I listened to satellite radio, and just enjoyed the drive through the beautiful countryside, stopping at just about every overlook to take a few shots.

For those on bikes, what an enjoyable ride they must have had!

The Blue Ridge Mountains made such a beautiful backdrop against the vibrant colors of the fall.

  

"Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine." 

Anthony J. D'Angelo

"Sometimes I do get to places just when God's ready to have somebody click the shutter." 

 ... Ansel Adams

Hot Air Balloon - Asheville, NC

When in Asheville for my fall foliage weekend, I took a hot air balloon ride at sunrise.  Fantastic!

But first, we had to inflate the balloons.  The baskets were tipped on their sides, and the balloons were stretched out in front of them.

Check out these videos:

Inflating the balloons

A little flame...

And... we're off!

Then we slowly drifted up, up and away.  You just have a feeling of weightlessness and drift lightly over the grounds below.