Today, I drove up to Caesar’s Head, Table Rock, and Pretty Place to snap some photos. To my surprise, the sunny weather down in the valleys changed to a thick fog. As I motored up the winding narrow road, the weather would dramatically change from sunny to a mist and back again. When I entered a deep ravine, it actually started raining, but cleared up as soon as I topped the hill. Altitude is an amazing thing, isn’t it.
After driving for about an hour, I reached Caesar’s Head, which is a granite outcropping about 3300 ft. up that resembles…what else…Caesar’s Head. The thick haze cut through my denim shirt, like Pyrite through a miners fingers as he realises its fools gold. Oh, have I ever mentioned that this area is lined in gold, along with Pyrite? Just don’t come running to my streams with your gold pans! 
I walked down a path or two, snapped a few pictures, and headed down the road a bit to Table Rock, which has two lakes. But, the main attraction to all visitors is the big arse rock that protrudes from the mountainside. The sad thing is that it has been abused by graffiti artist over the last few years. Although, some of the pieces are quite humorous. The fog had lifted a smidgen by the time I approached the edge of the rock to take some photos. The wind had settled as well, but it was still a biting autumn day in South Carolina.
I was running out of time, so I started back to my truck. I hadn’t realised it, but there was a boiled peanuts stand on the side of the road selling boiled and roasted peanuts. I walked up to the chap, asked how much, which he replied to by saying, “If you’ve got to ask, they are too expensive, right?”.
We laughed, I took three bags of boiled peanuts, and just as I was about to leave, he turned and asked, “Have you ever been up to Pretty Place?”.
“No, I’ve always wanted to go, but I’ve never been able to find the darn place”, I answered, whilst laying down the armful of peanuts.
“Well, take Highway 11 here up almost to the North Carolina line, and you’ll see a sign that says “Camp Greenville”, which is where Pretty Place is.”, He retored, with a congenial smile.
“Thank you, sir…I really appreciate the help”, I replied, as I shook his hand and began to walk away.
So, after about a half hour of driving, I pulled into pretty place, and it is a gorgeous little chapel that overlooks the blue ridge mountains. It’s a splendid spot to sit and reflect. Even with the mist rolling in, it was beauteous. Normally, most of the trees would have already transformed and began to shed their brilliantly coloured leaves, but mother winter is taking her sweet time this year.
While sitting on the edge, gazing at the fog tumbling across the bluish-green ridge tops and into the valleys below, I pondered about the people this land used to belong to, and how we’ve ravaged their land and sacred sites.
It’s not that I’m always looking at the bad end of things, it’s just that I have a conscious. You know, I may be of European/Celtic descent, but I am also 1/8 Cherokee, which I’ve discussed before. I mean, you certainly couldn’t tell it, if you ever met me. Yep, being speckled in freckles, strawberry-blond haired, and blue-green eyes doesn’t exactly match the criteria of being Native American.
My grandfather, which was half Cherokee and half Irish ,was a lively tall man. Both of his parents died, when he was young, so he had to fend for himself. Because of that, he was physically and emotionally strong, but cuddly at the same time. Anyway, he taught me all about the Cherokee Nation and the Trail of Tears. If this interest you, then “Trail of Tears; The Rise and Fall of the Cherokee Nation” is a must for your collection. It is a fascinating book that will even make a soulless person think twice the next time he or she crosses o’er a bridge named after a Native American Chief or passes through a city named after a Cherokee Chieftain.
After all of that pondering, I came home and plopped on the couch.
So, without further ado, here are today’s Phoctober shots. Thanks everyone.
Now, go eat some boiled peanuts!
Yet another whacky, off the beaten path, post by Jefferson Davis. You can find a multitude of my photos on my flickr page, if the mood suits you. Thanks…
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Those photos are completely and utterly stunning, JD! Evocative, beautiful, haunting and lovely.
Am I waxing lyrical?
I’m not sure about those boiled peanuts though…
By the way, you’ve been given a “sweet award” over at my place
Wonderful pictures my freckled friend.
Are we related? I was covered in freckles as a child and my hair was a very rich auburn, alas the grey is taking over now.
Jd do you mind if I steal one of those pictures for my screen saver? I like to change it on a regular basis. The autumn colouring and the reflection in the water is just right for this time of year.
JD I am sooooo coming to South Carolina. It looks lovely . . boiled peanuts? Now there’s someting new. One thing we don’t see much of here is autumn trees. Gorgeous shots, you are a fine photographer my friend. Picture paints and all that . . .You should load up on Dreamstime then I can pay you to use you’re shots.
I’ve read a good deal about the trail of tears and about the five civilised tribes, though I never really understood if this somehow meant the other tribes were uncivilised.
Our experience in Ireland had something in common with the the Native American experience and, indeed, the Choctaw people are well respected here for helping during our disastrous famine in the 1840s, though they were poor and could ill afford to give anything.
I’ve flown over from Baino’s blog
You have some fine shots here and I especially like the black and whites! However, those Autumn or Fall colours are just amazing! Like Baino said we don’t get trees like that down under … or boiled peanuts!?!
Once again, just stunning work. I have really grown fond of your shots.
Vanilla, thank you ever so much. You are the sweet one!
Grannymar, part of my family is from county Down – Donaghadee, I believe. So, you never know.
And, feel free to steal what you like. 
Baino, you’ve got to visit South Carolina! The descendants of the original settlers to this area are very friendly and hospitable. It’s a lovely area in which to live or visit, especially the mountains! Up there, the woodlands have never been touched and it rains almost everyday. I live down in a big valley. And, boiled peanuts are awesome!!!!
Bock the Robber, thanks for visiting. The Native Americans, like so many other civilisations that were enslaved are downright abolished by more powerful civilisations, are a very strong people. My gramps was 6’3″ and had a warriors temper. Indeed, a very dangerous, yet lovable character.
Anonymous, thanks for stopping by. I’m going further north next week to really capture some colour, so just wait until I upload those shots!
Boiled peanuts are fantastic!!! 
Thanks Maht. That means a lot.
Hi JD!
I *LOVE* the first one, the fog in the trees. I could spend a lot of time looking at that one. It would be a great one to start writing about… poetry, prose, haiku, story… it’s absolutely fantastic. Best one of the group, but only barely. Definitely my favorite here.
I really liked the barn by the side of the road; it made me laugh, I’m one who likes to stop and take photos of barns and old time worn things. Great shot. I’d have stopped there too, it’s a beautiful barn!
The autumn on the lake shot could be put right into a calendar… practically magic, that shot. Very, very good.
…boiled peanuts? Is that a regional thing? What are boiled peanuts? Eaten hot or cold, alone or with another dish? Do they lose their crunch? So surprised! I blinked and thought ‘whahuh? boiled peanuts?’… please explain.
Thanks!
Scarlett & Viaggiatore
~ oh, PS, I really dig these photos but I didn’t want to sign up for anything on yet another website… so you have a vote, just not a number. ;o)
WS, thank you for the kind words. Autumn is my favourite time of year. Boiled peanuts are usually served warm, but you can eat them cold as well. They are soft, if they are cooked correctly. Some are even spiced up a bit. Hot boiled peanuts and a cup of hot cocoa are a must on brisk nights.
If you are ever in the southeast, you should give ‘em a try. 
Thanks again, and I hope you’ll continue visiting. 