My Daily Smile

Life is short - begin every day with a smile!

Does lightning go up or down? This high speed video gives us the answer.

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Lightning bolts are both fascinating and frightening. And truth be told, there are few things in nature that intrigue me more than these awe-inspiring demonstrations of light and sound.

I’m sure you’ve seen plenty of lightning bolts over the years. Have you ever wondered whether lightning travels up towards the sky or down towards the ground? It’s really hard to get a definitive answer when viewing it with the naked eye.  [Read more…]

Backbone Rock: “The Shortest Tunnel in the World”

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Backbone Rock

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A while back I posted this short video tour of Backbone Rock and it was quite well received.

Today I’m sharing “the rock” from a different perspective – the perspective of Jim Hayes, my long-time friend and host of the awesome Jim Hayes Hiking & Biking YouTube channel.

But first a little background info for those who might be unfamiliar with this amazing place…

Rural Johnson County, Tennessee is home to Backbone Rock, one of numerous natural wonders that are well-known to locals and absolutely fascinating to the visitors who happen to stop by.

I grew up just a few miles from “The Rock” in nearby southwestern Virginia. It’s always been one of my favorite places to visit.

My family spent lots of time there during my formative years, primarily for picnics and family reunions. But whatever the reason for the visit, it usually ended with a hike across the the rock.

Backbone Rock Recreational Area has long been a haven for picnickers, hikers and folks who just love the outdoors. It’s pretty much the same today except for the addition of a relaxing creek-side campground.

Watch, and enjoy as Jim takes you on a short hike around – and across – Backbone Rock.

Note: You can watch this video at full screen by clicking the little “square” icon in the lower-right corner of the video after it begins playing.

 

Awesome time-lapse video: Storms moving across the countryside below

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It’s no secret that a powerful storm can be destructive, leaving behind devastation and sorrow in its wake. But when viewed from afar they can also be breathtakingly beautiful and intriguing.

The short, but awesome video below shows a series of powerful storms moving and dancing across the landscape below.  [Read more…]

Time-lapse video: Gorgeous imagery from Spain’s highest mountain

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It’s no secret how spectacular the views from high on most any mountaintop can be.

The short time-lapse video featured below offers some of the most beautiful mountain views I have ever seen. Check it out and you’ll be gorgeous sunrises and sunsets, the night sky and the tops of clouds, all from a mountaintop perspective.  [Read more…]

Video: 20 stops you can’t miss on the Blue Ridge Parkway

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It’s no secret that the Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most amazing drives on the planet.

From the gorgeous mountain and cliffside views of the valleys below to the numerous waterfalls you’ll pass along the way (and a whole lot more), there’s plenty to love about this 469 mile drive.  [Read more…]