Last Saturday afternoon I had a couple of hours and decided to take a hike into an area I had not hiked before and where the terrain is extremely steep. My hike took me across the mountain on the north side thru heavily covered areas of Mountain Laurel.
I have mentioned in other hiking post that I have been hunting for a cave that was used by soldiers during the revolutionary war and a revolutionary war grave site. There are historical records with articles talking about this cave and grave site. I continue make hikes across the mountain in my attempt to find both of these.
Soon I was standing at the top of a gorge that is about 1500 feet deep trying to figure out if I was going to be able to hike down, trying to find the best path down.
I could hear water running, maybe a small waterfall. After searching for a clearing so that I could look over the Mountain Laurel, I could finally get a look at the bottom of the gorge. I had not hiked down this gorge before but I was determined to get to the bottom.
Almost to the bottom, decide to snap a couple pictures.
It took me about 35 minutes to get to the bottom and it was worth my efforts.
Pair of huge white oak trees!
I checked my compass in the direct the creek was flowing to determine if I could follow the creek. It appears the creek is flowing south which should eventually take me down the mountain. I will continue to watch my compass so that I can easily make my way back to the house.
Animal bones, maybe a squirrel? Was it eaten by a fox, coyote, eagle, hawk, owl maybe?
Moss is growing all along this creek.
The water is crystal clear and cold.
There are several small waterfalls along this creek..
Can you spot the snail?
Moss and ferns growing on rocks.
This waterfall is about 20-25 feet tall.
“The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for new and richer experience.” — Eleanor Roosevelt
Enjoy your day!
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Michael's Woodcrafts 
it’s beautiful. love all the mosses and clear water.
It was a nice hike after getting down the gorge! 🙂
Great work, I love it! I wanted to let you know that I am nominating you for the Liebster Award. You are an amazing person!
Hi Virginia, oh thank you but I don’t really like awards! thank you for your wonderful comment 🙂
I understand completely. It is very time consuming. I just happened to find out the hard way… And your welcome for the comment!
Beautiful pictures and what a great hike! In particular I liked the waterfalls! I can’t wait for warmer whether so I can get out!
Hi Bernice! It was a nice hike, hard getting down the gorge but once I was down and rested it was a great hike! 🙂 It won’t be long I hope that spring comes for you!
What gorgeous photos, Michael! And you have violets in bloom! Just wonderful. Would love to dip my feet in that creek on a hot summer day. Michael, check out the wonderful musician who will be with us in May. http://kpartandale.wordpress.com/2014/03/26/tim-seaman/ Just unfolded last night, and I am thrilled . Best wishes, WG
Hi Elizabeth! I only found one violet plant! The water was very cold but it would feel great on a hot summer day! The musician looks great, you are going to have a lot of fun! 🙂
In just about a month those mountain laurel bushes will be in their full splendor—thank you for sharing this delightful hike—
Julie
Yep, I know, I mentioned that I had found so many Mountain Laurel to my wife and once they start blooming she wants to go see them! I hope to post a picture of their blooms! Bless you Julie!
Thanks for reminding me what spring looks like…we’re still waiting! ha! That waterfall is really pretty.
~Lindy
Hi Lindy, I hope spring is just around the corner for you! 🙂
Wow, Michael, reading this post is like a visit back home. Thanks so much for sharing it with us.
Reminded you of the Tennessee mountains! When we lived in Crossville, TN I hiked all the time, the mountains here look the same as in Tennessee! 🙂
I spotted the snail right away! And you have violets already! (I’m in danger of using too many exclamation points as signs of spring make me easily excited.) It was a beautiful hike. Thank you for taking us along with you. 🙂
Good evening Robin, I only found one violet plant blooming during my entire hike but I am sure in a week or so they will all be blooming! I saw all your snow, wow, spring might not come for you for a few weeks! Have a great evening! 🙂
That was quite a hike with all those ups and downs. Your spring must be on the way with violets… any idea what that yellow flower is?
Hello Cathy, It was quite a hike, there wa only one violet plant blooming and a lot of the yellow flowers. I am not sure what the yellow flower is, tried to Google for it but no luck. They are everywhere but only on the north side of the mountain. 🙂
Thanks for taking me along on the hike Michael. Love the photos, and yes I did spot the snail. Blessings, Natalie 🙂
Hey Natalie!! thank you! 🙂
Very nice descriptions and photographs. I felt as though I was along for the ride (walk!) Fabulous textures and colors. Love the little flowers poking through looking for the light!
Hi Elisa! thank you… 🙂
Wow! That was some hike. Your pictures tell such a wonderful story, I feel like I hiked it with you. Can I count it as my daily exercise?
Yes, it was fun! Sure why not…!! 🙂
What a hike! Looked like a really fun (and steep) adventure. Loved the interesting snail! 🙂
thank you Gloria! 🙂