Berry Beauty

What kind of lunatic chooses the first freezing day of the year to go hiking and take pictures in the mountains? That is obviously a rhetorical question!  And to be fair…I didn’t choose the weather…and at least it wasn’t raining…if you don’t count that wee bit of morning sleet that clinkled on my windshield. At any rate, not one to be deterred by the frigid forecast (there is indeed a fine line between lunacy and an adventerous spirit) I headed out dark and early Saturday morning and made my way to Berry College by way of Dunkin Donuts, picking up a medium coffee and two double chocolate donuts to fortify myself for the day ahead.

Let me back up a minute. The reason I was Berry bound was because my daughter is a freshman there and one of my birthday gifts was an overnight stay in one of the campus cabins. (By the way, when I say cabin, think cozy bed and breakfast, not summer camp and sleeping bag.) The goal was for she and I to traipse around some trails together and for me to have fun playing with my camera. I am happy to say that both goals were accomplished.

One thing you should know about Berry is that the only thing richer than its history is its scenery. The architecture, the landscape, and the wildlife (I’m talking animals, not students) all compete to be captured by the lens.

So, without further commentary, prepare to be bombarded by pictures from my excursion.

Tucked away down a gravel lane, this Old Mill was built in 1930. The iron hub was moved to the college courtesy of Henry Ford and then students constructed the rest of the structure. It was used for many years to grind corn into meal, and is still used to do so on special occasions.
Tucked away down a gravel lane, this Old Mill was built in 1930. The iron hub was moved to the college courtesy of Henry Ford and then students constructed the rest of the structure. It was used for many years to grind corn into meal, and is still used to do so on special occasions.
A view of Swan Lake, and yes, there really is a swan.
A view of Swan Lake, and yes, there really is a swan.
Here is one of the swans that glides about majestically on the lake.
Here is one of the swans that glides about majestically on the lake.
Don't let their graceful appearance fool you. Swans can be rather fierce. This one is letting a couple of geese know that they have worn out their welcome.
Don’t let their graceful appearance fool you. Swans can be rather fierce. This one is letting a couple of geese know that they have worn out their welcome.
I got up early Sunday morning and saw this deer meandering about. I think the campus has more deer tham students.
I got up early Sunday morning and saw this deer meandering about. I think the campus has more deer than students.
This handsome fellow was enjoying his morning meal, and I was enjoying watching him.
This handsome fellow was enjoying his morning meal.
The Ford Complex, also known as "the castle" was built with funds donated by Henry Ford. It contains a number of residence halls, including the one my daughter lives in.
The Ford Complex, also known as “the castle” was built with funds donated by Henry Ford. It contains a number of residence halls, including the one my daughter lives in.
katie 1
…and speaking of my daughter…who happens to be a kindred spirit…and a willing participant in any adventure I come up with…and one of my favorite friends…here she is.

Okay….I still have more pictures to post…but consider this a brief musical interlude without the music…okay…interlude over…time for more pictures…

The castle is not only home to students, it is also a Purple Martin palace.
The castle is not only home to students, it is also a popular hangout for the Starlings.

 

More Starlings standing guard at the castle.
More Starlings standing guard at the castle.
The Barnwell Chapel was built in 1911. This beautiful, rustic building is one of three campus chapels. The college motto "Not to be Ministered unto but to Minister" is engraved above the front door archway.
The Barnwell Chapel was built in 1911. This beautiful, rustic building is one of three campus chapels. The college motto “Not to be Ministered unto but to Minister” is engraved above the front door archway.
The Cabin in the Pines is one of the oldest buildings on campus. It is commonly called "The Kissing Cabin" because in years past gentlemen were not allowed in the women's dorms and had to say their goodbyes here.
The Cabin in the Pines is one of the oldest buildings on campus. It is commonly called “The Kissing Cabin” because in years past gentlemen were not allowed in the women’s dorms and had to say their goodbyes here.
These geese were self-proclaimed guardians of the lake. Boy were they noisy!
These geese were self-proclaimed guardians of the lake. Boy were they noisy!
This one was just showing off a bit.
This one was just showing off a bit.
Beautiful tree near my daughter's dorm.
Beautiful tree near my daughter’s dorm.
One of a zillion lovely scenes on mountain campus.
One of a zillion lovely scenes on mountain campus.

You know how when God was creating this beautiful world, He looked at the work of His hands and “saw that it was good.” Well, I’m pretty sure He thinks the same thing when He looks at this campus. I know I do.

When I got home, I told my husband that he had created a monster in giving me this getaway. He smiled and said, “I didn’t create the monster, I merely fed the beast.”

I’m already planning my next overnight stay, but until then, I’ll close with one more picture.

morning deer 2

 

Published by kathydoremus

Amateur nature "photogriter." One who still marvels at majesty.

16 thoughts on “Berry Beauty”

    1. Thanks Alan. It is even more lovely than the pictures convey. If you are ever visiting Georgia, you should definitely visit the campus. And I passed along the complement to my daughter. 🙂

  3. Very nice post Kathy, your photos are terrific, the campus is beautiful and your daughter is gorgeous! Thanks! 🙂

  5. What a lovely place. I wonder how the students get any studying done with all this natural beauty around them. I think those are Starlings in your Purple Martin palace, by the way.

  6. What a wonderful place to go to school and if you’re a mom, to visit. I think your husband will have to feed the beast often. Wow, beautiful scenery, wildlife and your lovely daughter. Wonderful post Kathy.

  8. Fabulous post and gorgeous photos! Looks like it was a spectacular get-away. I especially liked the chapel in the trees, but they were all lovely, especially your daughter. (Daughters are definitely special blessings.)

    1. We have now made it a tradition that I will spend the night on campus once in the fall and once in the spring so we can have fun adventuring together. 🙂

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