I know it's cold and you probably aren't getting outside much so I thought I would remind you of something.
It was October and we were in Asheville, N.C.. Due to the vagaries of our schedule we found ourselves with something of a free day in the middle of a trip. We awoke to a lovely early fall day. Somewhere nearby, the rumor of a waterfall hike beckoned.
We loaded everyone up and drove off in search of the trail head which we found in short order. Thanks to the guidance of a helpful sign, we walked over the bridge spanning the Catawba River and started off.
It was only a short walk to the trail head and we were ready for adventure.
And we started off in search of our beautiful waterfall. Of course, we were keeping our eye out for pretty things and places on the way, including whatever fungus Michael found. The first fork of the trail led us to a picturesque and interesting dead end.
Not to be defeated so easily, you led the backtrack to another crossing point. It was a raging torrent of a river. The normal crossing stones were inundated with a deluge of water from the recent downpour. Being of hardy, adventurous stock we didn't let that stop us. We forded that river and continued on our way.
The path continued alongside the river. We wound our way through the forest with the delightful noise of a rushing stream accompanying our walk.
Again we had to cross the river, or more precisely, a tributary river. This time we didn't have to take off our shoes. There was a nice little waterfall here and we took the opportunity for a sit and a snack. It was getting on in the day and we knew there was another set of falls further on but we didn't know if we needed to go up to see it. I scouted ahead and saw that the next falls were nice and not to far, so we went for it. Glad we did.
The trail was arduous but most worthwhile endeavors are. We pressed on and were rewarded with the upper falls and a lovely pool at which we could rest and contemplate whatever needed contemplation.
Enough adventure for one day, we turned around and headed back the way we came with a few stops to photograph a few pretty places we missed the first time.
Back across the torrential rapid covered crossing and we made it back to the car in time to return to our temporary home and watch the sunset.
So, I'm sorry that it is cold and miserable right now. Hopefully this will remind you of warmer and brighter times. We miss you and we are so happy that you came on the trip with us. Love you.
