Mural Alley /  by Dave Hileman

Not the real name, I think it is called Strong Alley and nicknamed “Graffiti Alley.” Yet it is not really traditional graffiti but art work by a collective of artists. I took this shot early in the morning - still rather dark, so I would like to go back and get some shots in better light and some of the actual art work.

JFG Sunrise /  by Dave Hileman

Along the RR tracks passing through downtown Knoxville is this large sign for JFG coffee prominent on the horizon. A smaller building near to this one has a mural similar to this sign. A note on the history of JFG:

“JFG Coffee has been a staple in many American households for over a century. Founded in 1881 by Jacob F. Gideon, the company started as a small grocery store in Knoxville, Tennessee. Over the years, JFG expanded its operations, and by the early 20th century, it had become a prominent coffee roaster in the region.”

JFG is still roasted in Knoxville. A short distance from this historic area of town.

Labor Day /  by Dave Hileman

Since it is Labor Day possibly we need a mascot and I propose the bee. No creature on earth is more industrious and diligent than the bee. The bee ought to be the visual to celebrate hard work.

This holiday is not often celebrated for the original intent to honor the working folks who provided for the amazing strength of the United States. Signed into law in on June 28, 1894 by President Grover Cleveland making the first Monday in September of each year a national holiday. From the Department of Labor’s website:

“Many Americans celebrate Labor Day with parades and parties – festivities very similar to those outlined by the first proposal for a holiday, which suggested that the day should be observed with – a street parade to exhibit "the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations" of the community, followed by a festival for the recreation and amusement of the workers and their families. This became the pattern for the celebrations of Labor Day.

Speeches by prominent men and women were introduced later, as more emphasis was placed upon the economic and civic significance of the holiday. Still later, by a resolution of the American Federation of Labor convention of 1909, the Sunday preceding Labor Day was adopted as Labor Sunday and dedicated to the spiritual and educational aspects of the labor movement.

American labor has raised the nation’s standard of living and contributed to the greatest production the world has ever known and the labor movement has brought us closer to the realization of our traditional ideals of economic and political democracy. It is appropriate, therefore, that the nation pays tribute on Labor Day to the creator of so much of the nation's strength, freedom, and leadership – the American worker.”

It seems to me that it now is the mark of the end of summer and the start of football. In years past and still in some locales, it is the start of the new school year. Little thought given to the origins of the holiday.

Backroad View /  by Dave Hileman

Here are the four presidents on the Mount Rushmore National Monument seen from a hand-cut rock tunnel accessed by a back road to the monument. There are easier ways to get to the parking lot but this historic old road is the best.

Long Way Down /  by Dave Hileman

In the background of the Grand Canyon shot is the trail leading down to the river. Much of the lower partion of the trail, i just read, is badly damaged and the park water supply is also greatly reduced by damage due to a flash flood a few days ago. Two people died as of a day or two ago and some still missing. Nature is beautiful but not to be taken lightly.

A Balanced Rock /  by Dave Hileman

People at Arches National Park flock to the famous Balance Rock at the cutoff to the most famous arches: windows, double and keystone among them. However there are many rock formations that could use a similar name that attract zero crowds. This one in the right- center of the frame, is about 1/3 mile behind Broken Arch, a two mile walk in the park. Lovely.

Sand Fence /  by Dave Hileman

Along some dunes ran this old fence line that originally was designed to keep livestock on one side but as the farm faded became a line of defense (snicker) to keep the sand in check.

Beauty /  by Dave Hileman

The structure is the San Miguel Chapel in Santa Fe, New Mexico. It is the oldest church in the US built in 1610. Not only is the form beautiful but the function is as well. A feast for eye and heart.

Beauty /  by Dave Hileman

Even in a single flower stalk there is intricate beauty, color, form, grace that allow us to see more than a simple roadside flower.

Beauty /  by Dave Hileman

When you can see how a physical structure that was built into a space fits harmoniously with the natural area - we see beauty. Both in the structure, in this case a bridge and the landscape, the creek, trees et al. This is clearly seen in the several bridges that span creeks and ravines on the carriage roads of Acacia National Park in Maine. This is the Cobblestone bridge near the Jordan Pond house an easy one to walk to and enjoy.

Beauty /  by Dave Hileman

Last fall Jill and I took a drive into the Smokies. Beautiful day, colorful day, perfect car for a nice mountain drive and a beautiful companion who is today celebrating her birthday. What a joyful time. And for this season, happy birthday, gorgeous.

Last One /  by Dave Hileman

No, there are more bears in the world but this Black Bear is the last bear I saw in Alaska. Most of the bear spotted in Alaska were grizzly, this was only one of three Black Bears I saw and, like many of them, this one was eating a salmon. What a great adventure spotting all these animals. A treat for sure. This bear was on the other side of a road, about 50/60 feet from a group of us on a small platform over the stream where it was designed to allow us to see them fishing, none were, but the evidence of a successful catch was clear.

LIGHT Housekeeping /  by Dave Hileman

This lighthouse, Cape Hatteras Light Station, was moved inland a number of years ago as were others on the Outer Banks of North Carolina due to the shifting nature of the ribbon of sand that arcs between the mainland and the Atlantic. It is a wonderful place to enjoy the sea, the culture and the beauty of this once remote now bustling fragile island.