Appalachian State University - Rhododendron Yearbook (Boone, NC)

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— ppRhodo Ihoto The Land The Rhodo photographers picture the beautiful iand of the Blue Ridge . The Land, terra firms - that which shapes identities of men, that which confirms or denies success of civilizations. What is history if not a tally of man ' s struggles with land -- his attempts to claim, conquer, and control it? And what is man ' s future but a cloud formation of questions on matters of environmental integrity? For all practical purposes, man is grounded on this earth, lunar landings notwithstanding. Ashes to ashes. Dust to dust. And though man has challenged the land and natural forces with some success, the fact remains that he always returns to the land. The land has heated, housed, and fed this beast, man, for more years than he can record. Man has the perfect landlord and an open lease. How he chooses to act environmentally will determine whether this lease remains a godsend or becomes a gallows. In a certain natural sense, the majestic profile of Grandfather Mountain represents the landlord of the Blue Ridge. The aged gaze, the rugged features of the face and its full visibility make the Grandfather a bastions of permanence in a world of turbulence and change. From his vantage point the landlord can watch high hill farmers prune and spray their apple trees. He can count the jack-pines bowing to the wind; he can follow crystal creeks from early bubbles to Big Toe Rock. He sees morning leap frog across blue and green mountain peaks and watches its backside slide into night. He plays with morning mists and heavy fogs; he blows them to far valleys and dales. His chosen song is nature ' s tune accompanied by dulcimer and country fiddle. He sings of life and beauty. He sings of day and night. Long may he sing. Long may he gaze. Tater Hill With some huntin ' and drivin ' up around Rich Mountain, one can find Tater Hill -- a small community where some real mountain folks live in harmony with God ' s country. Mountains, valleys, dirt roads, and the lake remain virtually untouched even as they weather each season of the year. The Grandfather - a place for all seasons Summer - the Highland Games. Fall ■ Hang Gliding Exhibition and Competition. Winter - Frozen water falls and 160 mile- per-hour winds. Spring - Flora and fauna again abound. Campers and hikers prowl the rocks and ledges. Truly a place for all BA seasons. 7 Photo Essays

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BW The iceman cometh The end of a fall day, the approaching clouds, and the breeze on the autumn grasses -■ could mean the start of a cold winter. Serenity As the early dawn breaks on the damp mountainside, there begins yet another day. Tiny rumble In the utter quiet of a winter morning, the endless mountain brooks rumble on- ward; ever downward to their union at the river. Photo Essays 8