Roan getaway

If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.
--Harry S. Truman (1884-1972) 33rd President of the United States.  

On the trail to Roan High Bluff Overlook. The day we visited this week it was 92 steamy degrees in the Tri-Cities and a welcome 70 degrees up on Roan!

The Author of Love

Be a little pencil in the hand of God
who is sending a love letter to the world.
--Mother Teresa (1910-1997) missionary

stretch

Enlarge your consciousness. If your consciousness is small, you will experience smallness in every department of your life.
--Robert Pante 

The second of four creek crosses on the way to Rock Creek Falls.

action + vision

Vision without action is a dream. Action without vision is simply passing the time. Action with Vision is making a positive difference.
--Joel Barker, author

simplify

Our life is frittered away by detail ... simplify, simplify.
--Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862) American Essayist, Poet and Philosopher

forgiveness

He that cannot forgive others, breaks the bridge over which he himself must pass if he would ever reach heaven; for everyone has need to be forgiven.
--George Herbert (1593-1633) English Poet and Clergyman 

inspiration

It is not from ourselves that we will learn to be better than we are.
--Wendell Berry (b.1934) Author

On the trail to Rock Creek Falls.

Rock Creek Falls

 

These remote waterfalls are located on the side of Unaka Mountain in Unicoi County, TN. The photo here of the main (or upper) falls doesn't really do it justice. The way the water plunges 50 feet down its two tiers is unique and beautiful -- and difficult to adequately capture. It's one of those that I guess you just need to go see for yourself.  Standing there you also get an idea where most of the rocks in Rock Creek came from. You're surrounded by sheer rock walls on three sides that have been shedding fragments both large and small which have been washed down the mountain over the time. When I arrived a steady rain began. So I didn't get to stay long. On my way back I stopped by the lower falls, which I passed on the way up. The rain had slowed to a mist and I was able to get a better shot of the 30 foot tall lower falls (below, left) -- which is more of a cascade.  In between these two falls are the aptly named middle falls - which would be very difficult to reach.  You can get a glimpse of this 15' waterfall from the trail above.

Though the sign pointing the way to Rock Creek Falls says 2 miles, it seems quite a bit longer than that -- maybe it was the heat, or the rain, or the 1200 feet climb in elevation. The first part is easiest, as the trail takes you around the campground and along the creek.  You eventually come to the first of four creek crossings which have been greatly improved since my last visit to the falls. As long as the water isn't too high, you shouldn't have too much trouble rock hoping these crossings.  The trail gets more steep after the third crossing.  But in all, the trail is well maintained, and follows the tumbling creek the entire distance, giving some nice views of cascades on your way up. (More photos included in my prior post here).  Click here to read Hiking Bill's excellent account of this hike.

The flow of Rock Creek varies a lot throughout the year...from a torrent in the spring, down to a trickle in the late summer. There's a small man-made waterfall near the beginning of the hike, which directs part of the flow of the creek to a man made swimming pool/cement pond in the park. I use this as a guide/indication of whether to continue on up to the falls. If there's water flowing over this waterfall, that's a good sign that the waterfalls above will be worth venturing to.  Here's a pic of this man-made waterfall this past spring when the water level was quite high.  Yesterday, there was only a thin curtain of water coming over.

Directions: From I-26 take the Erwin Main Street Exit (#36), at the end of the ramp turn east toward town and you will immediately arrive at a stop light. Turn right onto Rt. 107 and drive 1/2 mile, turn left at stop light onto Rock Creek Road (Rt. 395) -- continue on for 3.1 miles, turn left at entrance to Rock Creek Park.  Circle through the park making your way to the parking area next to the bath house/swimming area (in the winter months, you'll have to park further back and walk in).  Park here and begin walking north toward the campground.  You'll immediately see a sign pointing to a gravel trail to Rock Creek Falls to the left. Follow it for 1/2 mile and you'll come to a bridge, but don't cross it, instead, dog-leg to the right and you'll continue on the trail to the falls.  It's well marked - and you can't miss either waterfall. The lower waterfall is down a fairly steep and muddy embankment - it's not too bad if you take your time.  The upper falls is about 5 minutes further up the main trail.

wedding day

I dreamed of a wedding of elaborate elegance,
A church filled with family and friends.
I asked him what kind of a wedding he wished for,
He said one that would make me his wife.
--Author Unknown.   

Congratulations to my friends Nathan and Laken on their wedding today!

somewhere out there

Somewhere there is someone that dreams of your smile, and finds in your presence that life is worthwhile, so when you are lonely remember it’s true, someone somewhere is thinking of you.
--unknown

Summer Trail

What saves a man is to take a step. Then another step. 
--C.S. Lewis (1898-1963) British Scholar and Novelist. 

The trail to Crabtree Falls (lined with rhododendron blooms) in Yancey Co., NC.

majesty

There is a serene and settled majesty to woodland scenery that enters into the soul and delights and elevates it, and fills it with noble inclinations.
--Washington Irving (1783-1859) American Writer. 

Click here for directions to this magnificent waterfall located north of Mount Mitchell along the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina.  Of all the waterfalls I've visited in our region, this is my favorite - it's absolutely stunning.  It's a bit of a trek to get there from the Tri-Cities area of TN, but well worth it.  While in the area, visit Mount Mitchell and Roaring Fork Falls and make a day of it.  :)

appreciation

Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.
--Epicurus (341-270 BC) Greek philosopher. 

I thought after all our recent downpours that I'd find more water out at Sill Branch Falls, but it's pretty thin right now. Still, I'm thankful to live in such a beautiful area where my biggest issue when venturing out is which marvelous creation should I visit today?

be who you are

Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.
--Dr. Seuss (1904-1991) American Writer and Cartoonist

simple things

When we recall the past, we usually find that it is the simplest things - not the great occasions - that in retrospect give off the greatest glow of happiness.
--Bob Hope (1903-2003) Actor and Comedian.  

Came across this photo of the old, weathered ramp leading to the lookout platform at the Rhododendron Gardens atop Roan Mountain. It was recently replaced by a snazzier, sturdier platform, which is good -- but I'll miss the rustic look and feel of the old one.

patriotism

Patriotism is supporting your country all the time and the government when it deserves it.
--Mark Twain (1835-1910) American Humorist, Writer and Lecturer.

Tennessee's oldest town celebrates the Fourth this weekend with Jonesborough Days, more info here.  It's such a beautiful old town, a great place to spend the day.  For some really outstanding photography of Jonesborough, check C. David Cook's work.