That's impressive how sharp that picture is if you were holding the camera by hand.

Yes, gives the picture a warmth a flash wouldn't.

@glatt - I did hold it by hand. Thanks!

@Bruce - I loved the way the color came out. I pretty much never use the flash. I think it has its benefits more in the studio than in nature

The flash is handy outdoors when you have bright sun and want to show what's in the shadows but I agree with you for the most part.

True, True. I have used it to light up tree trunk holes with lots of anxiety.

Reviewing pics from 2 hikes today. I think you have been taking pictures too long when blue skies and puffy clouds bore you :cool:

Carvers Creek State Park. One of two I finished today.

Lower angle blue sky
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Visitor's center and sky
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Not a great picture, but I got the lizard :D
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So, twoish years ago, there was a hurricane that tore out the dam that created the lake at this park. It also destroyed the observation deck (second pic). I just thought it was really cool to see the light brown plant kind of take over where the lake USED to be.
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I took this around a fence that was there to keep dumb people out.
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It would have cost about as much to replace the dam as build that walkway and fence. Oh and the waterfall the water is not falling it is sliding down the rock. The pictures are great bro you are improving.

Just bring in a pair of beavers and point to the dam site. :D

Those blue skies and puffy clouds may get boring after looking at a couple dozen pictures, but they sure as hell are a welcome sight when you're there.

Ok the local dam broke
during Hurricane Fran. It stayed dry for 2yrs. Grass was growing and could see the little creek meandering in a 20' deep cut through the top soil that had been collecting in the 150yr old mill pond/lake. A virtual fortune in dirt. Did the town dig it out and make catfish beds or bass channels? Shit no. They waited until a new dam was built then inquired about a dredge boat. Are they stupid or what? No one is going to dismantle a barge to bring it up to the country to this little lake.

A state man came to check the water quality. He couldn't launch his boat at the new boat ramp cuz the water is too shallow. I told him he didn't need to check the water cuz he could smell it.

LOL - right? I guess it's been like that for 2 years - hence the overgrowth. I think it would be cool to just create a path through it and maybe offer some classes on growth like that.

Actually, just to the left of there, it was black clouds and loud thunder. I went to the dock, packed my camera in ziploc bags and left the same way I came in. I was kind of hoping to get caught in the rain - it was a hot day. No such luck. I could've kept the camera out.

So, I need to go through all my pictures. I am trying to see what I am missing on from the state parks. I believe I owe you Dismal Swamp, Ravens Rock, South Mountains, Chimney Rock, and Gorges. Since I'm off this week, one of my tasks to complete is to go through my pictures. Hopefully, I'll have some stuff for you.

I should make a list of parks I've done on here, but I'm lazy

ETA - nope. I owe you SO much more than that.

From Mount Mitchell in the beginning of October. I chose to drive instead of hike. I just wasn't feeling it.

View from the parking lot
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Line of clouds complimenting the line of mountains
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The view from my picnic table for lunch
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Two views of the same cloud formation. It looked like it was smoke erupting from one of the mountains in the distance. I think I got some ok shots, but I couldn't get one that really demonstrated how big it was.

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Nice. :thumb: