Fred First, Nature Author and Photographer

I first met Fred First, a Floyd County resident, as we trudged up a hill in Rocky Mount to hear noted Civil War historian Bud Robertson speak. As we huffed and puffed our way to the lecture, I learned that Fred and his wife were restoring an old house, that he liked nature, was a photographer, and that he loved his dog--a Labrador retriever, I believe. And because I like all those things, I immediately liked Fred.

On Thursday, May 5, Fred delighted a large crowd at the Moneta/SML Library. Fred read some of his essays and selections from his two books. A nature writer and photographer, he inspired me to stop and look at the treasures nature has given us.

Fred First in the photo above and the one below.

Now I want to sit on the ground, study the insects, learn more about the plants I previously tried to eradicate. If my yard has more "weeds" than normal, blame it on Fred! And if I collect more ticks than usual, it's Fred's fault.

Yesterday I took some pictures of a few wildflowers, tried different settings with my camera. Remember to click on the pictures to enlarge.

This wildflower and the one below are the same. I think it's gorgeous, just don't know what it is.

I've been seeing the weeds below (or wildflowers--which is it?)

for years, usually plucked them from the earth.

This plant was trailing off a leaf-covered bank.

I don't know my wildflowers. I have only one wildflower book, which I perused a little while ago. I couldn't find any of those pictured above. Guess I need to invest in a good wildflower book. Any suggestions, y'all?


Fred's first book, Slow Road Home: a Blue Ridge Book of Days, ". . . invites the reader to join him on a field trip through time and place." I read this one several years ago, thoroughly enjoyed it.



What We Hold in Our Hands: a Slow Road Reader, ". . . directs our vision back for a closer look at the where and when of our lives." I'm looking forward to reading Fred's second book. By the way, did you know that Fred is Fred First the second?! I think that's so cool.

Below is one of Fred's breath-taking photos. Besides his two books, he has photo-notecards with this picture and many other equally gorgeous ones for sale.



Be sure to visit Fred's blog fragmentsfromfloyd.com and book web site www.SlowRoadHome.com.