Black and White – Page 2

Helton Creek Falls

Posted on January 24, 2016January 30, 2016 by Tim McMurdo

Just north of Walasi-Yi at the bottom of Blood Mountain, flows Helton Creek. Following a gravel road filled with ruts and rivulets leads to Helton Creek Falls. I’ve been to the falls on a handful of occasions, but only in mid summer. During the warm season, the creek is well behaved and though great to visit, the falls themselves are not awe inspiring. However, during my visit in December, the rain was relentless for several days before the sun came out.

With the sun cooperating, Josh and I drove over the blood to see the the water and hike a little on the Appalachian Trail. As you can see, the upper falls were spectacular. The water flew over the top and thundered into the pool at the bottom. Josh pointed out the sun caught in the mist and we both started shooting.

Just as wonderful were the lower falls. While the upper falls are vertical, the lower falls have a shallower slope. However, they were just as amazing as they roared by. We had better access to the lower falls and I could feel the strength of the water as it flowed by.

I’m glad we had the day together.Getting out with our cameras is always something that we both enjoy. Downtown, in the mountains, or in the forest, we always manage to have a great time.

Undeniable Proof

Posted on January 10, 2016 by Tim McMurdo

I’ve worked my entire life to convince other people that I don’t know how to use one of these or that they don’t fit my hand. Unfortunately, my Friend Debbie captured proof that, I do indeed know how to use a mop. I blame it on all of those years I spent swabbing decks in the Navy.

Walasi-Yi

Posted on January 2, 2016October 2, 2016 by Tim McMurdo

In northern Georgia, at the top of Blood Mountain is one of the most wonderful views you will see in the area. The mountain is crowned by Walasi-Yi (pronounced Wa La See Yee and means The Big Frog), a small interpretive center and hiking supply store. It’s the only location along the AppalachianTrail that passes under a roof. The area is also known as Neels gap (originally named Frog Town) and is just thirty miles or so from the beginning of the trail.

Located in front of the store, is a massive oak with dozens of boots hanging from its branches. When I look at them, I wonder about the stories they could tell of the many thousands of miles they have seen along the trail. Some look almost new while others are patched with duct tape and are barely holding together.

If you’ve ever hiked the AT, let us know in the comments.

Night Forge

Posted on December 14, 2015December 13, 2015 by Tim McMurdo

Speaking of Terry

Posted on December 13, 2015 by Tim McMurdo

When you have a conversation with Terry, he spends as much time listening and thinking as he does speaking. Which makes his words all the more interesting to hear when they do come out. He may be soft spoken, but he commands your attention none-the-less.

What I am Thankful for this Year

Posted on November 26, 2015 by Tim McMurdo

So close, and yet…

Posted on November 14, 2015November 14, 2015 by Tim McMurdo

Light as Subject

Posted on September 12, 2015September 12, 2015 by Tim McMurdo

Typically your subject is a person, a scene…something physical. You use the light to contrast your subject from the background or to enhance its form.

Then there are those wonderful moments in which you see the light and tune out everything else in the scene. The light becomes the subject. The light may take the form of a single ray, or the contrast of light and shadow.

Find some light & capture it.

Leaf…Suspended

Posted on August 30, 2015December 6, 2015 by Tim McMurdo

Yesterday, Jim and I went for a nice cool hike in Clifton Gorge. It’s the only spot in this area where you can feel as though you are trekking through the mountains. Of course, the allusion is due to hiking down into the gorge.

We walked along the river, skirting boulders and a fair bit of mud when we came across a leaf, floating on the breeze. It seemed to be suspended. As though it was hovering in mid air. We both took our time and shot frame after frame of the patient leaf. I think we could have continued to shoot for hours, such was the nature of the floating leaf.

Of course, being suspended on a gossamer thread might have had a lot to do with the entire set up. Still, you have to take the opportunity when it presents itself.

Have a great week, folks. I will leave your with a shot of Jim shooting the leaf.

The Tracing

Posted on August 23, 2015August 23, 2015 by Tim McMurdo

Do you remember tracing pictures onto paper when you were a kid? I would take the original and lay a fresh sheet of paper over it and then run to the window. The brightly lit glass was the closest thing I had too a light box. Pencil in hand, I would outline the drawing until I had a near perfect copy. That’s when the crayons came into play. On the table, I would fill in the tracing with color until I was sure I had yet another masterpiece on my hands. That’s when my finished art work would go to the refrigerator to be held in place by a banana magnet…the sure sign of success.

Seeing Jen tracing a drawing using the very same method brought back a lot of wonderful memories for me. Thanks Jen.

Have a wonderful Sunday, folks!