It's been an adventure since my last blog. I found it hard to believe it has been more than a year since my last entry! Alas, time flies.
This Easter weekend started off with a visit from my Son, Andrew. I prepared with a few jelly beans, hoping he and his high metabolism would take care of most of them!
This Easter weekend started off with a visit from my Son, Andrew. I prepared with a few jelly beans, hoping he and his high metabolism would take care of most of them!
The plan was a good one! I had my jelly beans and didn't have to eat them, too! Had some grilled steak on a pleasant Friday afternoon and a nice visit before starting to pack.
It was pretty cold on Saturday morning, so I was in no hurry to get up, out and load the truck. I got everything ready for the first trip to camp of 2015 and left around noon. Stopped at my fav little gas station in Weston (easy on and off the interstate). It is not too far before I leave civilization so it is a good place to fill the gas cans and tanks, get some hot fries, pepperoni rolls, an egg sandwich and some milk! Fancy grub by camp standards.
Made it to camp around 3 pm and started the clean up. Things weren't too bad- not too many lady bugs as yet. Got a ham started in the crock pot, got a good fire going and made it out for a ride by 4:30 or so.
There had apparently been a good bit of rain in the last few days as the river was swollen and limited my access. It looked a bit too high to ford at the usual crossings (although I crossed here from the other side on Sunday).
The Beavers have started to reclaim their old dam, now that the railroad folks have been gone for a couple of decades. It looks like some poker runs will need new routes this summer, but the frogs and salamanders are happy!
There were a few signs of Spring on the mountain. A little color was splotched here and there.
I started my trek to Arvondale Falls, a regular and favorite photo spot. The long way around, going at an easy pace, is at least a 30 minute ride, but worth the trip as always. The short cut involves a river crossing somewhere.
Back to camp to check the fire and watch a clear, full moon lit night unfold.
A clear sky equals a cold morning on the mountain. The mercury said 20 in the am, so I was in no hurry to start the day. The morning sky was grey and not very good light, so I waited it out and made preparations for the day. [the temp got up to 60 by mid day]
I decided to take the even longer way to the falls, about a 14 mile ride. The water and winter had done a job on the trail, causing me to walk ahead to scope out options more than once.
As always, there were a few detours along the way, including discoveries of nature like the formations in this rock created by the forces of nature.
There were a number of distractions along the way, making for some nice slo water shots and laurel backdrops.
But finally, it was time to return to camp for Easter Dinner. The ham and trimmings would make a nice end to my short weekend adventure.
Time was getting short, so I decided to try a river crossing. I picked the beaver dam crossing as it had another possible exit down stream about 150 yards in case everything went to hell with the high water. The crossing was a success with only the seat of my pants getting wet. My feet stayed dry!!! So, a short ride back to camp for dinner!
Time was getting short, so I decided to try a river crossing. I picked the beaver dam crossing as it had another possible exit down stream about 150 yards in case everything went to hell with the high water. The crossing was a success with only the seat of my pants getting wet. My feet stayed dry!!! So, a short ride back to camp for dinner!
Until next time...