We took a terrific hike on the Boone Fork Trail last week. The trail starts on the Blue Ridge Parkway about 10 miles from home. It follows along Boone Fork and then Bee Tree Creek. There were beaver dams and beaver chewed trees all along the creeks!
There were several waterfalls along the way, too.
We were shocked to see some trees already changing color. It turns out, it's not autumn color--the trees are actually dying from the drought.
Look how wilted these rhododendrons are!
Not to worry, though. The remnants of Hurricane Fran reached us about half way through the hike. It rained for the rest of the day and two more days after that! I hope the forest wasn't too far gone.
It was a long hike, and very steep in places, so you can imagine how welcome this little cove with two waterfalls was. Those are some happy feet!
The rain continued to get heavier. We were thoroughly soaked!
The raindrops looked quite pretty on the trees and ferns, and we weren't cold, so we didn't let it spoil anything.
Near the end, the trail left the forest and entered a pasture area. There were several cows on and near the trail. I felt a little intimidated at first, but they paid us no attention at all and we walked right around them.
There were lots of gorgeous wild flowers in this area, too. This one is called "ironweed" and the butterfly is a silver spotted skipper (I think!). 
This thistle was very tall--pretty, but I didn't want to get very close to it!
Changing gears here a little, this cleome is what I looked at through my window at work over the next couple of rainy days. Wiley said he could almost hear the vegetation saying "ah-h-h" during the three days of showers.
We did a lot of cooking during the rainy days. Wiley's garden has just been fantastic! These are some stuffed tomatoes and a squash/tomato medley. Yum!
Last (but not least) here are a few shots from our kayak trip on the New river last Wednesday. We had a lovely, lazy day on the river. We just floated with the current all day, pulling over in the shade periodically to fish (Wiley) and read (me). This barn was the biggest and fanciest I've ever seen!
What a gorgeous river!
That's it for another installment of Joyce and Wiley's Great Adventure! The welcome sign is still out if anyone wants to join us!
4 comments:
That thistle looks like it could do some serious damage! You have so many beautiful photos. The water is so very clear and beautiful. Did you do another "set camera and scramble like mad" to get that photo of you and Wiley? It's a good shot but Joyce, I feel compelled to remind you that walking on rocks and stones around water isn't necessarily your forte -- take care of those wrists. You have only two, you know.
In the one photo, I must say you two look rather wet and soaked to the skin. It's a good thing the weather was still warm. I enjoy walking in a warm, Florida rain but I'm not sure I'd enjoy hiking as thoroughly wet as you both obviously are.
I think the photo with the drops of water all over the flower (can't remember what you called it) is one of my favorites in this batch. Although, the kayak on the river is so inviting, too. Thanks for taking the time to post all these photos. I have looked at this blog already three times. Even though I'm sitting here in my air-conditioned La-Z-Boy armchair, I like to imagine I'm there with you guys.
Yes, Julie, I set the camera and walked into the picture. But the rocks weren't wet, and I set it to give me plenty of time to get into the picture.
The water drops on the cleome is my favorite photo, too. And I took it right outside my office! We're so lucky to live and work in such beautiful places!
Joyce, those river shots, especially the one of you and Wiley standing on the rock, reminded me of how we hiked on the Suwanee years ago when we were attending the Florida Folk Festival. I could have just sat on that rock and watched that water for a long time!
I'm not a bit surprised that you and Wiley just kept on trekkin' through the rain...a little shower stop Joyce Dykes? Heck, no!
And that barn! I thought it was an inn! I wouldn't mind spending a night there, I don't think.....
Gosh--I'd forgotten all about going to the Suwannee Folk Festival with you, Lucie! We're both in pretty good shape from all the hiking in the California and NC mountains!
Post a Comment