Turning Night into Day

Here are a couple of photos taken last weekend at the Carter Mansion in Elizabethton, TN. These candlelit shots would have been very difficult to capture were it not for some amazing developments in digital photography. The challenge of low light photography is that in order to capture a sharp image that is correctly exposed, you need subjects that are perfectly still while the shutter to remains open long enough to capture the necessary light. The higher the ISO (film speed), the more light sensitive the film is (or in the case of digital cameras, the sensor) and the faster the light will be recorded. So why not just use the highest ISO, you ask? Well, the problem has always been that severe 'noise' results with high ISOs -- noise refers to the grain that appears in photos where the pixels are pushed beyond what they can record in the time being demanded. On my old Nikon D80, noise began appearing with ISOs as low as 400. I could get acceptable images at ISO 800, but at 1600, forget it. Enter the D90. The above photo was taken at ISO 3,200, while the photo to the right was taken at ISO 6,400. Click thumbnails to see 100% crops. I took these without using a flash or tripod, just steadying the camera against the chair rail along the wall. While the images contain noise and some of the detail has been softened, these results are still amazing given the high ISOs, the relatively fast shutter speeds, and the fact that the room was completely dark except for the candles you see in the windows. By the way, if you want to reach levels of ISO 25,600 buy the new Nikon D3 for $5,000 (and then let me borrow it for awhile!) :)

Photo details...
Top: Nikon D90 with Tamron 28-75 at 32mm, f/2.8, 1/6s, ISO 3200
Bottom: Nikon D90 with Tamron 28-75 at 31mm, f/2.8, 1/6s, ISO 6400

Carter Mansion

Maybe not a mansion by today's standards...but when it was built by John Carter and his son, Landon between 1775 and 1780, this was the only frame house in what would become the State of Tennessee. The house was built near the Watauga River on 640 acres bought from the Cherokee Indians. Eventually Carter County would be named in honor of Landon and the county seat of Elizabethton named in honor of Landon's wife, Elizabeth. The house today is in incredible shape with its original over-mantle paintings and detailed hand carvings and decorations throughout the home. It's open for tours during the summer months and on special occasions throughout the year. Click Here to visit the website. Pictured above is interpreter Chad Bogart posing in the snow. Below are some photos taken yesterday afternoon and evening at "Christmas at the Carter Mansion." The candlelit tour of the house featured costumed interpreters, Christmas music, crafts and refreshments. I loved the opportunity to talk with the volunteers, to hear their stories, and to take photos by candlelight!

Directions: The Carter Mansion is located on the Broad Street Extension, near the downtown area of Elizabethton, TN. Click here for a map.

Blessed are the curious...

Blessed are the curious for they shall have adventures.
--Lovelle Drachman

Above: Milligan College photography student Michael Kaal at Carver's Gap.

Michael Kaal

Each man has his own vocation; his talent is his call. There is one direction in which all space is open to him.
--Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) American Essayist

As a professor it's always fun to find out what draws students from all over the country to come to a small, Christian liberal arts college tucked into the hills of east Tennessee. This is a photograph I took a couple weeks ago on Roan Mountain of Milligan College photography student Michael Kaal (pronounced "call"). Michael hails from Arizona, but was drawn to east Tennessee for college, wanting to experience life in a different part of the country. And while Arizona is incredible and has mountains of its own - Michael was attracted to our lush green landscapes, rolling hills and temperate climate. To hear him tell it, what sealed the deal for him during his campus visit was seeing a student walk across campus with a fly rod. I'm glad he chose Milligan -- His photography is stunning and his energy and enthusiasm for his art is infectious. He is dogged in pursuit of great shots. Click here to see his work.

Remembering Steven Hunter (1984-2006)

When you remember me, it means that you have carried something of who I am with you, that I have left some mark of who I am on who you are. It means that you can summon me back to your mind even though countless years and miles may stand between us. It means that if we meet again, you will know me. It means that even after I die, you can still see my face and hear my voice and speak to me in your heart. 

For as long as you remember me, I am never entirely lost. When I'm feeling most ghost-like, it is your remembering me that helps remind me that I actually exist. When I'm feeling sad, it's my consolation. When I'm feeling happy, it's part of why I feel that way. If you forget me, one of the ways I remember who I am will be gone. If you forget, part of who I am will be gone. 

"Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." the good thief said from his cross (Luke 23:42). There are perhaps no more human words in all of Scripture, no prayer we can pray so well.
 --Frederick Buechner (American Author, 1926-2022) 

 We remember. And we carry Steven with us. His wide smile, his quick wit, his sweet and gentle spirit, his exuberance for life and love of nature, his faith and compassion -- all are remembered, and when remembered, he lives on in us. For those who knew him, Steven was unforgettable - and his mark upon us, indelible. Click here and here to watch video tributes. Here is my post from last year. 

[The photo of Steven was taken by his friend Autumn Pruitt on Roan Mountain, October 2nd, 2005].

Victory is mine!

Hannah (almost 3) celebrates victory over her father, Tim, after a long day of fun at Grandfather Mountain. I took this last month, but never got around to posting it. But it's the kind of shot I really like because it tells a story. Hannah had been shy all day about having her picture taken -- so I was surprised and delighted when she finally shared her happy, confident grin.

The Skirmish at Zollicoffer

If you've never been to a Civil War Reenactment, it's something I really recommend you check out. The photo above is from my first visit to a reenactment last November. It made me reflect on our great national tragedy, on the sacrifices made to preserve this Union and abolish slavery, and it made me aware and appreciate that there are lots of passionate, dedicated folks who have made it their life's mission to bring history to life and to preserve our national memory. The reenactment, known as the Skirmish at Zollicoffer, takes place near Bluff City, TN usually in the beginning of November each year.

My Redneck Friend Jason

That's how I have always introduced Jason, as in, "Hey, I'd like for you to meet my redneck friend Jason." He has many other titles I could insert in that line besides redneck...firefighter, electrician, lumberjack, landscaper, photographer, carpenter, storyteller, philosopher, Appalachian. And even though he's really more country than redneck, somehow that title just seems to fit. (Maybe it's that he can fit four syllables into the word "go"). Jeff Foxworthy would say we all have a little redneck in us (or at least in our extended families). Jason exudes Appalachia. He's proud of this region, its people and heritage -- but he's also able to poke fun of himself and the many characters he's encountered in these hills. He introduced me to Appalachia and taught me to speak (heck, even pronounce) Appalachia (for the record, it's "Apple-at-cha"). The best tour guide to this region that I know, Redneck Jason has often taken me on backwoods adventures, combing the hills for scenic views and barbecue restaurants. I always say to people, everyone needs a friend like Jason. He's got two trucks, every tool you could ever think of borrowing, and a spirit that asks to help even before you knew you needed it. He lives to serve and to help others. But instead of saying everyone needs a friend like Jason, what I really should say is that everyone should be a friend like My Redneck Friend Jason.

Unicoi County Apple Festival

Here are a couple of shots from the 30th annual Apple Festival in Erwin, TN. As you can tell from the sea of faces above, it's a popular event -- the two day event is expected to draw in excess of 100,000 people to this town of approximately 18,000. There's lots of arts and crafts, food, shopping, bluegrass and gospel music, and games and rides for the kids. The festival is typically held on the first Friday and Saturday in October, with hours both days from 8am to 8pm. To the right is a photo of fiddler Joel Shimberg.

Exchange Place

This weekend is the 35th Fall Folk Arts Festival at the Exchange Place in Kingsport, TN. Located on the grounds of a 1850s farm, the festival features traditional crafts, demonstrations, living-history reenactments, horse rides, and all sorts of other activities. Today is the final day (Noon to 5 pm) - Admission is only $1!

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Exchange Place is a restored farm complex of ten buildings including the main house, schoolroom, smokehouse, kitchen, store and blacksmith shop. The narrow gravel lane running through the property is the original "Old Stage Road," which ran from Virginia to Knoxville. The farm's name derives from its function as a stagecoach stop where horses and state currencies were exchanged. It's open seasonally (May thru October) with limited regular hours: Saturday and Sundays 2pm to 4:30pm. Check their website for upcoming special events for Halloween and Christmas.

Directions: From John B. Dennis Highway (Highway 93), take the Orebank Road exit and travel east (away from town) 1 1/2 miles - the Exchange Place will be on your left. Click here for map.

Soccer Fanatic

A fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject.
--Winston Churchill (1874-1965), British Prime Minister

Last Day of the Fair

Begun in 1926, the Appalachian Fair in Gray, TN is one of the most popular summer events in the Tri-Cities.

The A-Team of Tree Service

Yesterday morning Sam Lett (above) and his partner Rich Thomas came over to take down two huge trees in the woods in my back yard. One tree was completely dead - an enormous yellow pine killed by the beetles that have wrecked havoc on so many of the trees in this area. The other was a red oak that loomed over my neighbor's property and which had a base eaten up by black ants. Sam is a character. I didn't ask his age, but he did tell me he's been at this for twenty five years. Watch the video below of Sam holding onto the swaying oak after he topped it. He then shuts off his chainsaw and says, "Man, I love it when a plan comes together." After I showed him the video he said with a laugh, "I can't let my wife see that." I really appreciated that Sam and Rich went to great efforts to protect the smaller trees in my woods from damage as they brought these two down. Completely fearless, professional and funny. Thanks, Sam and Rich, for your humor and your help.

Bass Lake

In 1901 textile magnate Moses H. Cone, also known as the Denim King, built a summer home outside of Blowing Rock, NC. Known as Flat Top Manor, today it houses the Southern Highlands Craft Guild, which sells and displays crafts from the region. The home can be accessed at mile #293 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Twenty-five miles of hiking and horse trails wind through the 3,500 acre estate of rolling hills, orchards, forests and two lakes (Bass Lake and Trout Lake). Click here to read more of the history of the park. To see my previous Bass Lake posts, click here.

Bass Lake (pictured above) is easily accessed on Route 221 south (a.k.a. Yonahlossee Road) just outside of Blowing Rock. Lined with rhododendron and mountain laurel, the lake offers a 0.7 mile loop, perfect for an evening stroll or jog -- or a great place to take the grandkid fishin'. Click here for a map of the area.

If you're heading that way, here are some places to consider visiting...
Grandfather Mountain
Linn Cove Viaduct
Rough Ridge Overlook
Beacon Heights Overlook
Price Lake
Moses Cone Estate
Bass Lake
(If you have other places in the area to recommend, please leave us a comment below!)

Blue Plum Festival

The annual Blue Plum Festival which features music and the arts (along with plenty of food) concluded in Johnson City last night. I've always wondered why it's named "blue plum." I suspected it was chosen to draw attention to the blues/jazz music that is often featured. Perhaps, I thought, it's also a subtle nod to the fact that Johnson City was once referred to as "Little Chicago" (which is known for its blues music). However, standing next to Fountain Square downtown I looked over and read the historical marker which says the following...

Johnson City
Incorporated - December 1, 1869

The town was formerly known as Green Meadows, Blue Plum, Johnson's Depot, Haynesville, then Johnson city. It is situated on land grants of 1782 to Robert and Joseph Young and in 1792 to Joseph Tipton. The town charter was repealed in 1879, but reincorporated in 1885. The name honors Henry Johnson, prominent merchant and postmaster. As industrial and educational center, it is the home of Milligan College, East Tennessee State University, and Steed College.
So now I know. But then another question arose, what the heck is Steed College?!? From the few references I could find, it was a business college that existed in Johnson City from 1940-1982.

Click here for a site detailing the history of Johnson City, TN.

Leadership

I don't think a manager should be judged by whether he wins the pennant, but by whether he gets the most out of the twenty-five men he's been given.
--Chuck Tanner

Bluegrass & Honey

As you leave Grandfather Mountain (see yesterday's blog), turn left onto Hwy 221 going toward the Blue Ridge Parkway and Blowing Rock, NC. You will immediately come to a fruit stand on the right side of the road. Odds are Floyd Gragg will be there selling honey and jam. Pull over. You'll be glad you did. Floyd and his family have been selling here since the 1950s. That's him on the left (above) with his friend Mr. Dellinger (I didn't get his first name). If he has his instruments out you might ask for him to play a bluegrass song from the Carter Family like "Wildwood Flower" or "Keep on the Sunny Side." Floyd is an amazing talent and quite the entertainer. Stopping at this little fruit stand may just be the highlight of your day.

Remembering Steven

Steven loved Tennessee. After he moved here from Ohio, he couldn't get enough of the fly fishing, hiking, camping, and bluegrass. His favorite places included Roan Mountain, Dennis Cove, and South Holston Dam. When he died a year ago today, he left us confused and saddened, but also thankful -- thankful for his smile, his wit, his gentle spirit which called us to live each day, appreciate the little things and to enjoy life.

Other tributes to Steven here, here and here.