2nd Day Of Spring, South Mountain, North Carolina

I was very undecided as to where I wanted to head out to today. Pondering whether to return to Curtis Creek to see if the Dwarf Iris was up or maybe somewhere else. Spring comes late to the mountains and so there is still not much in the way of wildflowers, insects, or fungi to be photographing, which of course are among my favorites. So, checking the weather for various places around close in the higher elevations, I opted for South Mountain State Park, some 57 miles away from Rutherfordton.

To start off, let me say that this is rugged terrain and in some places, caution should be exercised to its fullest extent. If you think you can't, then don't, is my rule of thumb. Traversing steep and dangerous terrain can result in an expensive Heavy Rescue billing from the state or maybe you might end up not worrying about the bill at all.

Knowing better that spring comes late here, for some reason I decided that I would climb to Chestnut Ridge Overlook. Everywhere one goes in North Carolina, while hiking, they will find all the trails to be going up hill and even so when you are coming back down or so it seems!

The view from Chestnut Ridge Overlook, that is High Shoals Waterfall in the distance, over on the next mountain. That waterfall is some 80 feet high and with all the spring run-off into Jacobs Fork, the waterfalls roar could be heard from where I was at. Next weekend, I may just hike to High Shoals, it is not as strenuous and much prettier as it courses along Jacobs Fork.

Oh, I love your photos. Especially the second and third one. Very, very nice (love "depth" and love nature).

Have you ever thought about blogging here? Your posting resembles a blog entry and is very nice

Ken, this is very timely for me. I have been wanting to go to South Mountains State Park and work on High Shoals Falls. The weather has not cooperated with me for the days that I have been able to go, so I haven't yet. I have been wondering what the terrain looks like, so this really helps me out. Hopefully, I will get out there in the next week or two.

chica wrote:

Have you ever thought about blogging here? Your posting resembles a blog entry and is very nice

Thank you chica When I first joined, Kimberly asked me if I blogged, though it reminded me of some mountain folk dance, I replied that I did not and would not know how or where to begin. Being a nature enthusiast, I like to do more than just show photographs, though I do believe that a photograph, if it is good, should speak for itself. Alas all my photographs are disadvantaged at times and so I must speak for them. However getting back to nature, as I just wrote, I like to share more than just the photos. Sharing what I have learned about nature through photography and writing of it, explaining something about the subject is also a part of what I enjoy and I like sharing that information with others and they in return, maybe adding to what I have already learned. I may attempt one of those "blogs" later on, I must think it over. Thanks again chica

Greg wrote:

I have been wondering what the terrain looks like, so this really helps me out.

South Mountain, in my opinion is probably the most strenuous area one can traverse carrying camera gear, either a little or a lot, LOL! It is beautiful country though and if you want to see High Shoals in all of its splendor you had better get there before the dry summer weather begins to filter in. Take plenty of water and snacks, comfortable shoes, a good staff, and your time besides everything else. Once you hit the falls, it is a long climb up those stone staircases and wooden steps. There is also a deck, that you can walk, right up to the waterfall, so be prepared for that, it can get pretty wet and refreshing after the hike up there. There is also some beautiful scenery at the top too as you hike further and higher up above the fall and that should not be missed either. Heck, do the entire "loop," it is wonderful! Glad to be of help Greg and thanks!