winter cheer

In winter we lead a more inward life. Our hearts are warm and cheery, like cottages under drifts, whose windows and doors are half concealed, but from whose chimneys the smoke cheerfully ascends... 
--Henry David Thoreau, 1842.

Stopped by Wilbur Dam yesterday and found Little Laurel Branch Falls (left) nearly frozen over. The hills and trees are beautiful covered in snow. The road to Watauga Dam is gated in case anybody was wondering.

dare greatly

Laugh at yourself, but don't ever aim your doubt at yourself. Be bold. When you embark for strange places, don't leave any of yourself safely on shore. Have the nerve to go into unexplored territory.
--Alan Alda (b.1936) American actor

Another photo taken at Wilbur Lake with fellow photographer Michael Kaal venturing out into Wilbur's frigid waters and posing for me. He really does love to fish -- so while this was staged, it still accurately reflects Michael and his love for all things outdoors. Michael recently graduated (embarked?) from Milligan with a photography degree - his work is outstanding, I encourage you to check it out. And if you know of anyone looking for a wedding photographer, Michael is your man. :)

reflections

The outer conditions of a person's life will always be found to reflect their inner beliefs.
--James Allen (1855-1942) New Zealander Statesman

A canoe on Wilbur Lake as the fog rolls in. The waters found there are cold all year round as they are drawn from the bottom of Watauga Lake by the Watauga Dam which is located immediately upstream. Wilbur Dam was the first hydroelectric dam in Tennessee, constructed in 1912 and then subsequently made part of the TVA system of dams in the 1930s.

Little Laurel Branch Falls

I originally had this labeled "Big Laurel Branch Falls", but with the advice of Randy Gardner and looking more closely at my own map, I realized that this is really "Little Laurel Branch Falls." Both of the Laurel Branches spill into Wilber Lake, but I don't believe the "Big" branch has a waterfall (maybe someone who's explored in this area will leave a comment and confirm this). Located on Wilbur Lake, you can almost drive directly to Little Laurel Branch Falls. It's directly across the lake from the picnic area (which lies between Wilbur Dam and Watauga Dam). It was too sunny when I visited to get a really good shot (click here to read the waterfall photography advice I didn't heed), but what I like about this scene was that the waterfall was completely covered with ice. I could hear the water rushing down from behind a shield of ice. Click here to see a photo of this 50' waterfall at high flow.

Directions to Wilbur Dam: There are different ways to get to Wilbur and Watauga Dams from Elizabethton, TN. I think the easiest way is to take Highway 19E toward Blountville and take the Stoney Creek Road exit (Hwy 91) and travel approximately three miles. You'll come to a red light with a BP on the corner, turn right onto Blue Spring Road -- After one mile, you'll want to bear right onto Steel Bridge Road. Take this for 3/4 mile, and you'll cross a very unique one lane bridge. After crossing the bridge, the road is called Wilbur Dam Road (aka Horseshoe Dam Road, Lookout Road). Follow this road for two miles, you will come to Wilbur Dam and Wilbur Lake. The picnic area described above will be on your left side. Continue on for three miles further and you'll arrive at Watauga Dam Overlook. Click here for map.