Problems, Predicaments, and Technology

Rough Ridge Trail in North Carolina I am currently on a trip as I start this article and enjoying the cool weather. It has been unseasonably cool for this time of year but I can't complain because I'd rather have the cool weather over the other extreme of too warm, which is increasingly looking likely for the remainder of this year.  The first part of this trip is taking in the Blue Ridge Parkway, although it is still not fully open yet. Worse still, most of the attractions along the route are also not open. Something unusual that I have never witnessed before; all the picnic grounds/areas that we have passed so far are closed off. The only ones open were located near the start of the parkway in Virginia. I don't know if this is because of government shutdowns, the elimination of so many park jobs, or what the issue is. I'm used to various attractions like restaurants and campgrounds being closed for the winter, but in previous years, picnic areas were open even when it...

  Beacon Heights Overlook, North Carolina

  Beacon Heights Overlook, North Carolina

  Middle Fork Falls, Joyner, Tennessee

Early October morning at Hills Creek State Park

Looking at Sewanee Natural Bridge, Tennessee

Ludington North Breakwater Light

  An early morning picture at Black Rock Mountain State Park in Georgia

  Popcorn Overlook, Lake Burton, Georgia

  Gum Gap Overlook, Grandview, Tennessee

Cliff View Park, Alto Pass, Illinois

  Recently, I saw a comment from John Robin Strohl that really struck home, quote: " We are here for conversation, not conversion. " I see it the same way; that most everyone wants change, but nobody wants TO change. People are consistently looking for external change but don't seem to realize that external change can only come about from internal change. Another set of facts about change is equally important: Here's the thing...changing behavior isn't really as difficult as it may seem, but it does require a desire to change and the commitment to follow through. Most people really just don't want to convert (change), thinking that, "Why should I do it if I don't have to?" Most of my regular readers will understand that in reality, it isn't optional. If society doesn't change our collective behavior, then nature will force behavior change upon us and those who don't comply will perish. Of course, people are going to perish regardle...

  Falling Spring Falls, Falling Spring, Virginia

  Lover's Leap Overlook, Virginia

  The chairlift at Natural Tunnel State Park, Virginia

Mountains as seen from Tennessee Welcome Center

  Lake Juniper at Cheraw State Park, South Carolina

Green anole at Hoop Pole Creek Nature Trail, North Carolina  

  Trail at Bell Smith Springs in Southern Illinois

  Lake Murphysboro State Park, Illinois