The railroad bridge at Gauley Bridge, West Virginia is one of my favorite photo subjects. I stop there occasionally and raise my camera to get a feel for lines and angles. The petina of the rusted steel and texture of the vine covered masonery works well with the water and foliage. Just a few feet away the Gauley River joins with the New River to form the Kanawha River. The water here is clean. It’s a great place to fish, kayak or just sit back and watch the river. On this particular morning I stole back about 10 minutes from the daily grind to enjoy some coffee and watch the fog lift. Anytime we have the opportunity to take control over the clock and enjoy our own lives it’s a good day.
Tag: Gauley River
Pretending
Today circumstances colluded to prevent me from participating in the corporate Monday. (I’ll try to hide my disappointment 😁) My moment of freedom allowed the opportunity to drop by Cathedral Falls and catch an image of the frozen waterfall. The winter scene awakened the child in me and soon I could imagine myself as some Paleolithic hunter tracking a woolly mammoth on the ice. Never lose your ability to pretend. Adulthood doesn’t always mean that can’t play hooky and have an adventure.
Escaping From Winter
Free me from this frozen prison!
Loose theses bindings layers of wool and down.
Let me feel the warmth of the Sun in place of icy winds.
Show me green leaves and let me breathe in the scent of rose.
Kindle a fire deep in my soul and set this prisoner free.
Waiting for the thaw.
I’m Setting here in my recliner with my dog and we’re dreaming of warmer temperatures. The Arctic blast has turned my mountain into an icy prison. We’re looking forward to the smell of the moss covered forest floor and a game of chase in the yard. On days like this I like to go into my archive and pull out pictures of warmer times. The image of ground pine here was taken in August at Carnifex Ferry State Park in West Virginia. The trail that leads to the Gauley River passes through a stand of virgin timber. It’s been a little over a decade since I was all the way to the river. Perhaps when winter is over I take you dear readers on a virtual tour.
Cathedral Falls, A Natural Sanctuary
About one mile East of Gauley Bridge West Virginia is Cathedral Falls. The cascade of water is about 60 feet high and the stream that feeds the falls is call Cane Branch. The little roadside park is easy to access so I stop by often. The path to the base of the falls is left in what is best described as a natural state. If you are sure-footed it’s no big deal. I water is only ankle deep in most places and if you can avoid slippery rocks you can walk right up the stream. If you can be there in the right light it’s one of our best photo ops. The image here was taken in the Spring. The air at Cathedral Falls is highly oxygenated due to the cascade. It’s a good place to go and just quietly exist as part of God’s creation. The cascading water seems to carry away the stress and anxiety that clings to the soul after a day of making modern life work. Green ferns and moss grows everywhere in the canyon. Birds and butterflies are often present. The birds sing their songs and butterflies seem to dance to the tune.
Cathedral Falls is one of God’s special spots. I’m happy to share it with you but you should see it for yourself.
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