Yesterday I had to go to Davidson River, the place of so many good times during high school. There was sliding down the big slick rock into cold water, rock hopping the creeks & even making love in the forest once upon a time. It's like an enchanted place for many reasons. The last time I was here was with Barbara, Jennifer & Jason Sierra when I guided them through the area on a sightseeing adventure.
Above is the best picture I've ever taken of Looking Glass Falls. The light was just right & so was my vantage point. The cool mist from the water was blowing gently toward me as I took this shot.
After touring one of the campgrounds, I went to the ranger station & secured a lifetime Senior Pass for $10. That means 50% discounts on camping at all national forests. What a deal! Almost makes getting older worth while (not really!).
At Sliding Rock is was pretty deserted. I talked with some folks from Missouri who had returned to reminisce & it was fun talking to them. No one was sliding, as it was overcast & quite cool. Even on hot summer days that place felt like it was air conditioned. It was - by mother nature.
My camera battery ran low so I returned to the campground to recharge it & did some more laundry while waiting. I won't ever wait 2 weeks to do laundry again!
Still feeling a little restless late in the afternoon, I took off for Bridal Veil Falls in DuPont State Park, only a mile & a half from here. It was a 4 mile hike that took me about 90 minutes walking time. Thought I was in pretty good shape until the last mile or so. It was worth every step.
A major scene from Last of the Mohicans was made there & I could see why. It's a huge, rounded, sloping rock with fast white water tumbling, churning flying downward very quickly. It was so alive! I climbed to the top, but the best view was really from the bottom. Again I got lucky with the light & caught the image of silver on the rock's face. It was quite a thrill.
Mother earth's smell in the forest was most memorable. It is soothing, exciting, and enticing all at the same time. What a fine day to be alive!
(The bottom 3 pics are of Bridal Veil; top is Looking Glass; next is Sliding Rock)
I remember going to Sliding Rock as a kid, too. Wore a hole in my cutoff jeans one time from so many trips down the rock. It is air conditioned for sure. Even in July the water temps are in the 50's; will definitely turn a child blue in no time!!
ReplyDeleteSeems many of us have fond memories of Sliding Rock! Not only will it turn a child blue, it will also turn an adult blue (that would be me). But what fun slipping down the rock on your backside knowing a cold splash is at your destination! A place with lots of smiles, and great memories.
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