On Through

 I have been to Laurel Fork Falls many times over the years, but for some reason I have always come in from Dennis Cove and back or from Hampton and back. This time I wanted to go from Hampton to Dennis Cove. I don't even think that it is a distance of 4 miles, and most of it is a smooth, nearly level trail. The weather started off crisp and pleasant. We met several older ladies and older couples out for a stroll. They come here often, using the trail as their local greenway for exercise. One pair declared that they do the hike once a week all year round. They said that they never get bored of it and have come to like it best in winter. What else would you do if you don't have a city greenway to walk on? 

After you walk over a small hump from the parking lot, you drop down into this amazingly flat little floodplain near the creek. The flat abruptly ends on the other side of the creek into this 60' or so cliff.

The trail continues on fairly level ground and crosses the creek twice. The bridges are much stouter than in years past and well maintained. I know for a fact that one of them was washed out several times, so I guess they made them sturdier and higher.

At about halfway to the falls the trail goes steeply up for perhaps 1/8 mile to get around cliffs. We followed the creek to see if it was reasonable to get around the cliffs. You either had to cross the creek, which was untenable in these temperatures, or you had to traverse a short, sketchy section of cliff just above waterline that might get you wet anyway. We opted for going back to the marked trail and going up, then down. The morning sun glowed in the creek far below.

Just one turn before the falls was this cliff that looked inviting for rock climbing. Oh, that I could get someone to come along and try it out with me.

The word gorge in these parts is used with Doe River, but this Laurel Fork Creek is quite the deep gorge as well.

Ah, it is running well.

Notice how high the cliffs are behind the falls.

My friend was steadying his pictures.

I never tire of seeing the beauties of nature. I am thankful that areas of beauty have been set aside. We have plenty of land to farm, construct upon, and log.

As we stood on the last bridge over the creek, perhaps 1/2 mile above the falls, he pointed out an interesting light phenomenon in the water. He called it, rightly I surmise, "lensing". The flow of the creek stirred water from a deep pool causing mixing and eddies in this sandbar.

I did not well catch the view below, which revealed more than lines, but rather formed and moved rows of black dots.

On the other hand, I think that the following video captures a little of the mesmerizing properties of the "Linear Light Lensing". The quality is not so good as I would like, but look for the rows of dots. In the macro and micro, God's creation is fascinating and at time serene, and it always points to the glories of His person and works.

A Few Friends

 Here we are in the after ride group selfie of the guys on a beautiful Saturday at Steele Creek Park.

While we biked, my friend's family played at the playground. He has a beautiful family you must agree. And he looks real cute holding a doll, too. I told him that getting children to all look at the camera at the same time with reasonable smiles is like herding cats. And there is one more cat on the way.

Blessings from God, small and large, are all around us. Thank you, Father, for Your many blessings.

Calloway Peak

At about 6:45 AM we left the Boone's Fork Overlook parking lot to hike to Calloway Peak on Grandfather Mountain. On the Tanawha Trail there is a bridge across the creek. The light was still dim, but the foam of the rapids almost seemed to glow in the pre-dawn light.

Here comes the sun projecting magenta hues across the clouds.

The sign was ~0.7 mile in from parking. It is the easiest approach to the mountain.

Where the trail gains the ridge there are large boulders which afford a good view of the valley below and the Boone's Fork Creek draw. My daughter caught the guys looking fresh for the hike ahead.

She had planned the hike and was ready for whatever, rain if necessary. The forecast called for showers at 9 AM. We were blessed with none all the way to the top and good views besides. She seemed to thoroughly enjoy herself.

I have been amazed this year how healthy and growing the fir trees are.

The next picture gives me a little chuckle. I could swear that they appear to be posing for an outdoor clothing advertisement or travel log.

Stories of past adventures, accomplishments, and mishaps always make the time go by faster. Is it a yarn or a real-life adventure Mr. S?

The trail was a frozen creek in places.

These mountains have to be respected. Storm and cloud and miscalculation can be fatal as someone found out in 1978. It is sad that this has happened many times over the years.

Moss doesn't seem to mind ice as long as there is continuous moisture.

There are fewer and generally shorter ladders on this side of the mountain. One other ladder was quite treacherous with ice though.

A little break in the trees reminds us of the populace below.

A view toward the southwest and MaCrae Peak.

Calloway Peak is just over there says he as he surveys the valley munching on a snack.

I wanted a picture with all of us together, but who was to take it? I nestled my gloves and phone into some branches of a fir tree. Of course, my aim was undiscernible, but we all got in the picture.

A view north into Virginia. We feel confident that we could see Mt. Rogers to the northeast.

The old guy, happy to still be coming along with the younger crew.

Is there such a thing as perfect rot? I know some of you may say you've heard it, but have you ever seen it?

I pre-fir bark. Oh, not really. I think Spruce bark is nicer looking.

Strolling down the muddy trail one day, I spied a solid bolt of lightning, say, what could it be, but a quartzite dike intrusion, see, in the middle of the muddy trail.

Galax is an evergreen understory plant that has a strong astringent smell when the sun dries it out. The winter color of the leaves is, how should I say it, almost haunting. I guess the old leaves remain on and do some little photosynthesis until the Spring leaves arrive.

There are two varieties of ground cedar in these parts. One has flattened leaves and the other has rounded leaves. Both indicate poor soil quality because they can outcompete other species on nutrient poor soils.

They are not cedars but clubmosses, and thus they reproduce via spores rather than flowers or cones.

Same creek 5 1/2 hours later

Once again a challenging and pleasant hike. God gave us health, companionship, and no more than light rain and drizzle. We should make a point to be thankful regardless of the circumstances, because God is good and provides so much for us. And even more so our Creator is worthy.

Laurel Falls

 A quick text after church, a quick lunch, a meet up, and a short hike to the falls. The creek is in such a narrow, deep draw and given orientation that the winter sun doesn't reach the creek or creek bottom in most places. Given it was nearly 3 PM by the time we started, you could feel the cold drainage and the snow was persistent while gone other places.

If you care to look it up, you can find where this hike is.

I had intended to take several pictures of my son and daughter-in-law, but they turned back before we reached the falls due to prior engagements.

Most of the hike was a nearly flat stroll creekside, but a little at the beginning and more so one place about 2/3 in was rather steep up over cliffs. The following picture shows how fast the trail rose above the creek in an 1/8 of a mile. The little ridge was narrow, rocky, and steep on both sides. Just where we were supposed to turn down, my hiking partners decided that they needed to turn around. I understood and was glad that they think it important to be on time to things.

I like to hike with people, but I also like to hike alone. The light was getting a bit dim, everyone else had headed towards their cars, and the creek was the only sound to be heard. The solitude allowed me to think about life beyond the immediate and pray about many people and circumstances. The water, snow, and shadows added a chill and melancholy air to the surroundings and soul. Reflection and quiet are good for the soul and the body. Nowhere to be, no need to hurry, no one to answer to save my Lord.

The trail is quite near the creek at times. Only on the hottest of summer days would I venture into that water, and even then, I would look for a sunny rock upon which to warm up afterwards.

This section of trail has a few problem areas. As you can see from the following picture, the water would not need to be very much higher to cover the trail.

From the heavy rains the day before and snow melt, the falls was higher than usual.

You can see from the dark of rock and white of icicles on the right that the water had been much higher.

The spray and splatter in the splash zone coated many a branch and twig.

One of the reminders this few hours in the woods gave to me was that not all that chills the body chills the soul. In fact, the beauty and solitude can quite warm one to deeper consideration. I am thankful to God for these little jaunts in the forest. I am never alone because He is near, and I must confess that my most lonely feelings, though infrequent, occur in crowds where everyone's a stranger. The trees, sky, and ground are supposed to be quiet, but they resound with the glory of their Creator.