StarPhoto/Larry N. Souders One-year-old Max has everything he needs, his humans (L-R) Carson Anderson, Savanah and Jon Chapman, and a ball for a great day of playing fetch in the Watauga River behind Fort Watauga and Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park.

StarPhoto/Larry N. Souders With Fort Watauga in the background Jim Sweeny, from Johnson City, and his furbaby Lily enjoy a quiet afternoon at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park.

StarPhoto/Larry N. Souders It’s a hot dog day afternoon for Homie in Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park, perfect for getting her human to take you out and play in the park.

StarPhoto/Larry N. Souders A farmer in West Carter County takes advantage of the hot dry weather Monday and mows his high grass to make bales of hay later in the month.

StarPhoto/Larry N. Souders Six-month-old Clare and mom Laura Hardy enjoy the shade provided by the trees surrounding the paths just outside of Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park on the first Monday of summer.

StarPhoto/Larry N. Souders Christopher Helton, from Johnson City, rides his One Wheel skateboard along the paths near Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park on the first Monday of summer.

StarPhoto/Larry N. Souders Glenna and her husband Berry Blakey who are Harlan, Kentucky natives take a spin on their newly repaired bike on the Tweetsie Trail near Milligan University. Glenna is a two-year lung cancer survivor and says the riding her bike helps improve her lung function post-surgery.

StarPhoto/Larry N. Souders Orange Day Lilies, more commonly known as Ditch Lilies or Tiger Lilies, are blooming along many different roadways and highways in Carter County and are a sure sign summer has arrived.

StarPhoto/Larry N. Souders Summer flowers are starting to bloom all around Carter County, like these roses just outside Northeast Community Credit Union Ballpark.