I always say I’m not a nature person, but today I discovered so many beautiful things as we were hiking along that I just had to keep stopping to take pictures.
The way the sun beam was shining on the damp leaves,
and catching the spider webs.
Or the macaroni looking fungus,
and the early onset of fall colors.
We had a lovely 5 1/2 hours in the Forest without meeting a single soul. I wonder if that had something to do with the fact that we had thundershowers?
We had some heavy rains already this week, so the dam was flowing, creek crossings were challenging, but the view was still awesome.
We were about a third of the way down when the rain came. This time we were prepared. After getting caught in the rain last week, we purchased some rain ponchos and got to break them in today.
By the way, check out those fungi!!!
Incredible, right?
Once we made it back to the car and changed into dry clothes, the sun came out. So we decided to drive across the river to get a view of where we had just been.
Yes, we were on the top of that mountain, right under the power line.
Here’s how I have changed since I started hiking:
- I now appreciate nature (not the bugs, but definitely the plants)
- I’m no longer afraid of heights (I still have great respect for them though)
- I am no longer hesitant crossing creeks
- After a long challenging hike, I start thinking about doing it again
And last, but far from least:
I’ve found something that JG and I both love to do, and what a great way to spend our time together!!
Makes you all want to visit Southwest Virginia, doesn’t it?
The Unassuming Hiker 