The Biltmore House decorated for Christmas

Since I was near Asheville over the weekend, I took the opportunity to visit the Biltmore House while it was still decorated for Christmas.  I wasn't particularly interested in spending time in the grounds because it was cold and windy.  A better time to spend exploring the grounds would be the fall season.  Anyway, I did want to photograph some of the Christmas decor - I don't think any of these ornaments came from a Walmart!

Heads up for Total Lunar Eclipse later this Month

About this time last year I was getting ready to head out to Joshua Tree, California to watch and photograph the epic super blood moon total eclipse.  Well, on January 20th/21st I won't have to travel further than my back porch because (weather permitting) we will be able to watch the entire show from start to finish here in Charleston.  I love these celestial productions, so predictable now given our advanced knowledge and technology, but mysterious and awe-inspiring nevertheless.  Here are a few photos of the last lunar event, the moon in various stages of eclipse.

Return to Historic McLeod Plantation

I haven't visited McLeod for awhile and today was the kind of day suited to photographing this special place.  Contrary to what one might think, it's challenging subject material, notwithstanding the beauty of the ancient oaks and grounds.  I have spent countless hours there over many years, and always go back, trying to find something I may have missed before, or an opportunity for some unusual lighting conditions, etc.  These images are nothing special, I'm not really sure what I am trying to find here, but just for the record ..

Wild Evening at Folly Beach

Today we saw wind gusting up to 40mph, and at the beach you can count on experiencing the full force of the weather.  This evening was no exception as I fought blasts of blowing sand and rain squalls.  Still I needed the fresh air and exercise and this desolate iteration of Folly is infinitely more interesting than the crowded Summer version.  Unfortunately it was distracting enough for me not to notice that my cellphone dropped out of my pocket somewhere along the way.  I missed it as soon as I returned to the car and retraced my steps in an effort to find it in the increasing darkness.  No luck, so I'm incommunicado for at least the weekend.  Gosh, I won't even know what time it is!!

Evening Walk Downtown

I don't get to spend too much time downtown these days.  It is just too crowded for me most of the time.  The off season is better though, just like I prefer Folly Beach in the winter.  These are a couple of shots from this evening's wander.

Christmas Spirit

Seems my blog skipped from Halloween directly to Christmas.  Lots going on, but on this rainy day I went in search of some Christmas spirit in downtown Charleston.  I found the model train display in the Charleston Place Hotel, and spent some time happily photographing the engines as they traveled around their enchanting fantasy world.  Children of all ages were captivated.

BOO!!

OK, so I'm a day late, but this was from last night.  Hope y'all had a fun Halloween.