"Brynn, Theodric, and Oren have been tasked with the retrieval of an ancient chalice. In their possession is an old map, that only once atop the highest peak of the range will direct them to its hidden location. The Rangers ascend the highest peak." On October 28th, 2023, we visited Mt. Mitchell, NC. The highest peak of the Appalachian Mountains, and the highest peak of the entire eastern half of the North American continent at an elevation of 6,684 feet. I was able to get two other Rangers to join me for the trip. The travels up the mountain range in late October presented wonderful fall colors, which faded into the alpine mountain elevation, and saw us hiking through dense old-growth forest and moss-coated trees. The temperature began as about 60 degrees and dropped by 10 by the time we reached the summit.

james lloyd cole

A shot from behind myself amid my fellow Rangers. A collection of pics from a shoot I took this past weekend while in upstate SC near Greenville with other members of the Weekend Warrior LARP.

john thatcher

Ferns

"Peace and freedom, do you say? The north would have known them little but for us. What roads would any dare to travel, what safety would there be in quiet lands, or in the homes of simple men at night, if the Rangers were asleep..?"

While unable to join my fellow Rangers of Olaran this year at Weekend Warrior, I did make my way to the North Carolina Renfaire this Saturday. Not the most scenic place for photos, but it was my first outing with the new cloak. Looking forward to going out to the bridge and mountain soon!

nothing is every truly against you

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chasing the fog somewhere in Switzerland   Instagram | Etsy shop  

Thrilled to finally be going to Mt. Mitchell, NC, this month after wanting to for years for photos and videography. Highest point in the US east of the Mississippi River. 6,684 feet above sea level. Which I've heard that for every 1,000 feet above sea level you travel, the climate and ecology more mimics that of a location about 200 miles north from where you are. Which means that despite being in NC, just over the SC border, the climate and plant-life is supposed to be akin to the Canada wilderness. In just two weeks I'll be making a trip up there with another Ranger or two or three to do some photos and video footage. Excited to see some real pines/firs again after having been away from Michigan for 17 long years. Going to try and spend as much daylight time as possible up there to get as much footage as possible and without being too rushed.

A mossy scene by a lake