Friday, June 21, 2013

Happy Couple

Happy Couple by Teckelcar
Happy Couple, a photo by Teckelcar on Flickr.
Ah, here I am again after a lovely getaway with my husband of 21(!) years. We got back Tuesday, but I wasn't ready to get back here until today. The lone post I literally phoned in was on Sunday and it wasn't until now I saw the glaring typo, stupid tiny phone screen and clunky mobile interface.

Anyhoodle, we ran away Sunday, leaving the older boys home to care for the dogs and the younger two with their Aunt Meryl. Max has a semi-complicated medical routine and really needs adult help, otherwise I would have left all four home to shift for themselves. Apart from a few bulletions from Meryl via Facebook and email, we didn't hear a peep from them until Tuesday, about 20 minutes from home, when Nate called to see when we would be home. Not bad for a boy renowned for this check up calls when Larry and I go out for dinner.

Crabtree Falls, mid by Teckelcar
Crabtree Falls, mid, a photo by Teckelcar on Flickr.
As for the trip we stayed at the lovely Afton Mountain Bed and Breakfast. From there we  visited two breweries, we highly recommend The Devils Backbone, George Washington National Forest, and a quick trip to Charlottesville for dinner. We ate too much, drank too much, did some hiking, read books, and had a lovely time, just the two of us. Now on to the pictures.

We got lucky with the weather on Monday when we went hiking. Larry had done some research before hand and picked out Crabtree Falls. From what I understand it is the tallest waterfall in the US east of the Mississippi. The height of the falls is just under 1,400 feet and it is quite a trek to the top. The first picture was taken about 3/4s of thew way up by a very nice fellow hiker with her two teenage children. There are numerous viewing areas along the falls which comprise of a series of falls.

Crabtree Falls, upper by Teckelcar
Crabtree Falls, upper, a photo by Teckelcar on Flickr.
The next picture of part of the falls midway up. It is an impressive torrent washing down the mountain. Throughout the hike there are numerous small signs warning of the dangers of straying off the path and clambering on the wet rocks. The first sign bluntly states 23 people have died since the mid 80's. A believable statistic when you see the sheer drop offs and the rushing waters. In fact the 28th victim was claimed just this past April (so yeah the sign was a little out of date).

The final picture is from near the top of the waterfalls. Larry though this was the most impressive part and I have to agree. What amazes me the most is just how much water is pouring down the mountain side. We didn't get to see the headwaters of the stream, which was located farther back on the mountain's top. However it must be like a fire-hose considering sheer volume of water.

No comments: