Fall Is Delayed A Few Days

Fall in North Carolina is something to behold. The late days of September and most of October usher in a carpet of radiant color everywhere you look. Nowhere more than in our High Country mountains. The colors aren't just vivid they're down right blazing.

Most of you are experiencing the heavy rains from Hurricane Joaquin and from where I'm sitting, it's the topic of conversation in our parts as well. We need the rain for sure but after 9 days I'm ready to hang up the raincoat and grab the camera. I was able to get out a bit just before the dam broke and catch these few images. The weatherman says we're going to see some pretty nice forecasts in the very near future so I'm gearing up to catch up with my fall photography here in the High Country.

I'm pleased with the results of my photographic trek in one way but really don't feel like pixels capture the true radiance. My home office has beautiful views of our mountains and it's windows are only three feet away from me so I'm forever comparing the image on my computer screen with the reality I'm so fortunate to be a part of.

Plan on coming up for a few days or a lifetime. We've got plenty of NC mountain cabins waiting for you and your family.

October is really the best time to experience the beauty of our fall foliage. I hope you do carve out some time to take the short drive up to see us and let the mountains of North Carolina show you why the High Country is the place to be this time of year.

Crispy Weather Can Only Mean One Thing

You can count on it every year about this time. The weather in the High Country just gets even better (if you can imagine that). The mornings have a crisp feel to them with temperatures in the 50's with low to no humidity. Clear blue skies and miles-long views are the daily fare.

There's also a hint of change in the color of the leaves. The locust have been showing off for the past several weeks but now other varieties start to chime in as well. Appalachian State University came out with their leaf predictions for our area and it looks like we're in for a spectacular fall season. You can visit their website for more information: Fall Color Indicators for the High Country

If you're planning a trip up to visit then the next seven weeks should guarantee ideal temps and ongoing leaf change. The best leaf peeping times are in October so start your plans today.

On another note... I've started my new website, NC High Country Homes. The site is chocked full of useful information for those wanting to visit the area or have an interest in buying into our corner of heaven: NC High Country Homes

Play golf more often than every 7 years

Golf is one of those sports that I enjoy. Golf is a game of skill and strategy. Playing golf gets you out into the fresh air. Golf is a great way to meet other people. Golf should not be played every seven years.

Jim, a good friend of mine from Blowing Rock, NC called and wanted to know if I wanted to play a round of golf. Not having played in a long time, I was a bit reluctant but quickly gave in and accepted the invitation.

I knew about Mountain Aire Golf Club in West Jefferson and suggested that we play there. Jim hadn't played there either and agreed that Mountain Aire would be the venue. We met at 8:30 for a 9:00 tee time and before you knew it we were well into the game. The game for Jim was as it's supposed to be, size up the shot, hit the ball in as few strokes as possible. I, on the other hand, chose a different approach. My plan turned out to be hitting the ball as many times as possible before eventually landing the wayward ball, if I could find it, into the cup. Remember, I said I enjoy golf.

I'm not going to bore you with my first 9 hole score nor my back 9 hole score. I will tell you that I was offering my old set of clubs to any takers for a song on the first 9 but I did much better on the back 9 (glad no one sang for my old clubs).

I learned some valuable lessons. Play golf more often than every 7 years. Play the game to enjoy it no matter how good or bad you actually play. Play golf on a beautiful course like Mountain Aire. The most valuable lesson I learned was how great it is to live in the High Country of North Carolina.

I'm getting ready to kick-start my new website. The website will showcase hand selected mountain properties in the High Country as well as offer up information for buyers and sellers, financing, and a look at market conditions for our area.

The main emphasis for the site showcases hand selected mountain properties. These will include homes and land that I've researched and found to be exceptional values both from their price point and quality of listing. This selection provides you with some of the best listings and highlights the property as 'one to keep an eye on' thereby saving you time and resources in your property search.

The website will go viral mid-September and an announcement will be forthcoming.