We thought the storm-filled skies would rain out this trip, but we were blessed with warmer-than-expected and dry, though grey, weather. After so much damage from far-reaching tropical storms it looks like we'll never get really intense fall color.

Learn about this huge man-made lake here: http://ci.lake-lure.nc.us/History-Early.htm

After months of trying to love my Canon Rebel, I do have to admit that editing these pictures was a heck of a lot easier! I still adore my 717!