Thursday, April 18, 2013

Native Azalea At Stone Mountain

 
 

 

Wow, that is is some flower, huh? This photo was taken at Stone Mountain, Richard and I went there  on Sunday.  As soon as we arrived, it began to rain.  Normally, we might have a shower and then, the sun comes out and bright blue skies are enjoyed. Not on this day, it rained solidly all afternoon.  Did that stop us from walking?  No! We simply got wet and ducked into the Quarry Exhibit and waited there hoping for the rain to stop. Anybody want to know anything about quarrying at Stone Mountain?  HA! Ask me anything, we had quite a bit of time to read all the signs under the shelter!  For our walk in the rain, we were rewarded by the sight of this fantastic showy native azalea which was just at the entrance to the Quarry Exhibit.  Could Richard take a photo even with the rain coming down? You know he can and did!  I have looked this up and I think it is Rhododendron austrinum but hey, I could be wrong.  This bright orange color is just so startling, I love it.  In my research to find the name of it, I noted the following from different sites...

"I haven't met a native azalea yet that doesn't get me all revved up and this is no exception."

"If it could sing and dance on Broadway, it would be called a "show-stopper".

"Native azaleas are some of the most gracious, peaceful and charming flowers of the Southeast. They are the epitome of beauty of the southern wildflowers".  
  Kevin, Georgia Wildlife Federation (I wrote his last name down but I can't read my own writing.)
Anybody recognize this? It's the same place that we have photographed before, and I use it when I leave comments!   Can you see that it is raining? Please note that while normally this would be quite busy on a Sunday afternoon, we are the only ones here! It was quite cool too, but hey, all the more reason to enjoy that nice cup of Yorkshire tea when we got home! (And honestly, rain or shine, Stone Mountain is beautiful!)
 
 

43 comments:

  1. What gorgeous shades and tones in that azalea's colour!

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    1. I know! That color just stopped me in my tracks! So glad that Richard took the photo and I could share it with you.
      xx

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  2. What a beautiful place! And the azalea is so wonderfully cheerful and vibrant!

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    1. Hey Janice! So glad you liked this too.
      And that azalea makes my heart sing!

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  3. I think it is fascinating to visit the same place in different kinds of weather. The atmosphere changes so much when there aren't any people about and it is raining. Done that before with my favourite park (didn't take any pics, though), and it's been a most memorable walk.
    The azalea is beautiful! But what does Kevin mean talking of "peaceful" flowers? Aren't all flowers peaceful in the sense that they don't run about aggressively, shouting and brandishing their arms?

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    1. Perhaps he means "peaceful" in the sense that it makes the person viewing the lovely flower to be at peace. I certainly feel that way when I am around all flowers.
      Just goes to show how great Richard is, can take photos even in the rain, right? :-)

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  4. Oh wow! That is a gorgeous azalea. I do love them, but have difficulty growing them here. Maybe it's too hot and our soil is not great. The color is so dramatic.

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    1. The native azaleas struggle here too. That is why I was so excited to see it and wanted you to see it too! xx

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  5. What a beautiful place and the azalea is stunning, they always look so ezotic to me. Have a good weekend Kay!
    Ivan

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    1. Thanks, Ivan! Hope you will have a good weekend too!
      I will be going to a different State Park for the weekend, hope I can get some good photos!

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  6. Wow, the colour of that azalea is amazing! so beautiful. Your true English heart is showing through - soldiering on despite the rain and a good cup of tea afterwards - that's the spirit! x

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    1. Exactly so, Julie! I don't say I have an English heart for nothing!!
      Ta!

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  7. Difficult to take pics in the rain, the boy did good!
    That woman was in there again I note. Is she his stalker?

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    1. He did, as always!
      That crazy lady, she is always hanging around! :-)

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  8. That's a gorgeous flower, very bright and fiery. I love walking in the rain Kay - it never deters me either.

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    1. Now, in England, I would have made sure I would have had an umbrella. Of course, I didn't have one Sunday, and I got pretty wet but hey, I didn't melt!
      Glad you love the bright native azalea, I was so happy to see it.

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  9. Huh! You are more English than you think! I have lost count of the times that I have walked in the pouring rain, got absolutely soaked to the skin but have thoroughly enjoyed it. It's a very mad British thing to do!! With our climate, if you want to walk regularly then rain has to be ignored. The pictures are just lovely too. Does Richard have a really "posh" camera?

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    1. Hey Pat!
      HA! I knew you would like this post!!
      Let's go walking in the rain and let folks think we are mad!
      NO, Richard does not have a really posh camera, he just has a Canon point and shoot, a Canon Powershot C130.
      He is just a very good photographer and is a very gifted person. (So smart, he married ME, didn't he?) :-)

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    2. Smart and good taste, Kay!
      I like that last photo - another one that is really YOU.

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  10. Rain only adds to the beauty! We love the azaleas, they are one good excuse to live here (like i need excuses!).

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    1. Azaleas, the name even SOUNDS southern, doesn't it? ;-)

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  11. This azalea is exquisite in a remarkably exuberant way. It's so full of life. I'm thrilled that Richard was able to take these photos and you shared them!

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    1. "Exquisite in a remarkably exuberant way", I love your way with words!
      So pleased that you liked this too. :-)

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  12. I haven't been there in so long - it is so beautiful! sandie

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    1. Hey Sandie!
      Get yourself to Stone Mountain, let me know and if at all possible, we could walk up the mountain together. I stop now and then to enjoy the view (catch my breath!).

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  13. beautiful photos and that flower is amazing. very pretty colors.

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    1. Thanks, Doreen! So glad you liked it too. Hope your flowers are just as colorful, or soon will be! xx

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  14. Oh dear, Mr anon has arrived. You may have to take action here. Or get 20 a day!

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    1. Oh, I know! I have been away since Friday morning and only just got back home. Those pesky spammy messages had really collected! I usually get rid of them quickly. It's like sweeping your floor, you must do it every day!

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  15. I love azaleas! They only bloom for a short time, but they are so beautiful when they do! I have a very vibrant red one on the side of my house that hopefully will open one of these days...if Spring would just make up it's mind to really come and stay. We had 80de. temps on Thursday and early this morning it was snowing! Yikes! Anyway, your photos are great and sometimes I think rain and clouds make everything look clearer! Beautiful place that you live and enjoy!

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    1. Hey! Make sure we see that bright red azalea when it does bloom, you will be so glad to see it, I am sure!!
      Snow! Wow, our Spring has been a bit strange but no snow, thank goodness!
      We have a lot of signs and traffic too, but I won't show you that on my blog, beauty is the main focus for me!

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  16. I haven't visited Stone Mountain in a few years, must go again soon.Thanks for sharing your photo's.

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    1. Oh, you MUST go, it is so beautiful!
      I LOVED your photos of Callaway Gardens!!
      THAT is a place that MUST re-visit again, I LOVE it so much and I have not seen it in many years. And the azaleas there...I know, they really are incredible!!

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  17. I so love that color. It just makes me smile. Orange, yellow, pink all at the same time. Loved your words about you knowing all about quarrying. :<) I know you must have said but how long a walk is it up the mountain? Steep? Gradual? Just for the fit?

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    1. Hello Nan! So happy to see your name beside your photo of your goat! YAY! I am hugging myself like Snoopy!
      Yes, honey, I am telling you, I read ALL that info while we were there!! HA!!
      It is about one mile up the mountain and it takes about 30 minutes. It is just an uphill walk really, but towards the end, it gets quite steep. You are walking over rock which can become slick in rain. Others may disagree but I think you must have some level of fitness to climb it. There is a lift that goes to the top and of course, that is very popular!

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  18. Wow, that flower is such a showoff!!!!

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    1. TA-DA, It seems to be saying! Can't tell you how nice that color was in the pouring rain! xx

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  19. Several of your comments are spam, Kay,,,,You should delete them and don't follow any links in them.

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    1. Oh yes, Kristi, thank you! I have been away and those horrible comments had stacked up! Wait til you see where I have been, it will knock your socks off!

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  20. How did I miss this one, Kay? Gorgeous photos ~ beautiful rain, rock, and azaleas! You were rewarded for toughing out the weather!

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    1. Thank you! And the nice thing about the rain, it meant we had the park almost all to ourselves!

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  21. beautiful blooms of many colors!

    thanks for stopping by today and leaving a comment! really appreciate it!

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  22. The mountain looks like a large lump of rock!

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