Great Hiking and Photo Ops

You just never know what you can find when you are not really looking for anything.
We stumbled upon a beautiful area for hiking less than 3 miles from our backyard. We were out checking out a place a neighbor told us about and found a new destination for hiking and taking great nature shots.

There is a rushing stream that you can hear as soon as you enter the protected area, way before you can see any water. The stream is cascading over huge bolders and river rocks at a tremedous rate of speed but then there are protected areas behind huge boulders (2 or more stories tall) that are perfectly tranquil and the water is crystal clear. Gorgeous spot to take photos.

The trail is wide but very rocky and it leads to a waterfall about 1.5 miles up the trail. We were unable to make the journey today as it was about 7 pm and too late to make the trip before sundown. But you can bet I will return as soon as possible to investigate the waterfall and take all the photos I want.

I just can't believe we have not found this little paradise before now. When I need a little alone time, a place to relax and contemplate life, this is where you are going to find me.

Watching the Birds

It is Spring, the birds are just so happy. I step outside and all I can hear are the birds singing in the trees.
We have an Eastern Blue Bird nesting in our bird house just outside the front door. She is tending to her nest and we can watch her from the window.
The only problem is we can not sit on the front porch in the evening now. If we sit there she will chirp at us and stare until we leave. I sat there for over 20 minutes last evening waiting on her to go to her nest, she refused to go to the nest but she would not go away either.
Guess who gave in an left the porch.
I can't wait to see the babies when the leave the nest.

Great Waterfall Abrams Falls

Well, I just returned from another great waterfall adventure. We went to Cades Cove, in the Smoky Mountains National Park, and hiked the entire 5 mile round trip trail to Abram Falls.

Yes, it was worth the uphill climb that took 4 hours. Along the way there is so much to keep your interest that you really don't have time to realize how hard you are working. The trail is considered a moderate trail, about half uphill and half downhill. The trail is very well defined so you can not get lost and as I mentioned there is a lot of nice opportunities to take photos.
This is the falls at the end of the 2.5 mile trek. It is a beautilful place to relax before heading back down the trail to the car.
The trek back somehow seems much longer than the trek to the falls. We brought a small snack for energy and lots of water. Without the water you will not make the long trip, so if you plan to go don't forget the water.