Among Blue Smoke and Bluegrass: Kentucky and Tennessee Landscape and Wildlife

The beautiful and wild states of Kentucky and Tennessee are at your fingertips with this collection of carefully selected photographs from avid adventurer and writer Joshua Hodge. There is always something magical about the blue smoke rising up from the Great Smoky Mountains, the seasons changing along the Big South Fork River of the Cumberland, and the sun setting along the rolling hills of the Bluegrass. In the spring and summer these places are teeming with flora and fauna creating jungle-like environments. Waterfalls and streams flow in all directions, and the density of plant life is remarkable. In contrast, the fall and winter bring a stillness and quietude to the region that is filled with mystery and wonder. It is a time when the legends of the Cherokee’s distant past could spring back to life, or the realities of the early Appalachian settlers and coal miners could be sought between the barren trees. Since each season reinvents the experience of hiking and photographing this region, this book is organized by season. As a spectator, you will notice the unique artistry each season has to offer. Also included are pieces of writing inspired specifically by experiences in these landscapes, including Hodge’s essays, “The Way Water Flows” and "From the Mountaintop." Turn the pages with a sense of wonder as you explore what one can find among blue smoke and bluegrass. Read more