Tag: New River Gorge

The First signs of Spring

black and white photography, travel, West Virginia

The days are noticeably longer in the Appalachian mountains. Mother nature has begun to open her sleepy eyes. The buds on the trees have begun to swell and some of early flowers will be in bloom in just a few weeks. We’re still expected a few cold days and a spring snow is quite common in the end of March or early April. The Southern breeze occasionally peeks up out of the Gulf of Mexico to share warm kisses and hasten the thaw. Soon it will be time to plant gardens and make plans for cookouts and family gatherings. Most of all, there’s opportunity to find a nice quiet spot and just breathe in nature.

The tree in the image above grows in a park next to New River Gorge Bridge. The bridge is over 3000 feet long (924 m) and 876 feet high (276 m)

The catwalk under the bridge is open to the public and tourists can walk out over the gorge. I have texted with and seen pictures of one of the engineers walking the steel beams without a net or safety line. But I digress.

With the weather warming up I hope to bring you some fresh images of West Virginia. Our mountains and valleys are truly beautiful in the Spring.

Cathedral Falls,  A Natural Sanctuary

Color Photography, travel

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.  

Fiery Morning Over The New River 

Color Photography

You never know what you’re going to find on the other side of the mountains in West Virginia.   Move forward in faith and God does the rest.  This beautiful sunrise occurred the morning of October 28th 2017 in Gauley Bridge West Virginia just a short drive from Hawk’s Nest State Park. 

Coin Operated Binoculars 1

Back and White Photography

I love the coin opreated binoculars at Hawks Nest State Park in West Virginia.  When I was a kid they reminded me of robots from a 1950s science fiction movie.  Maybe it’s the chrome in combination with the lenses but I can’t help but think “Take me to your leader” when I see them.

Welcoming 

black and white photography, travel

Gauley Bridge West Virginia is a town of just over six hundred people.  At one time it was a local center of commerce tied to the railroad.  The trains still come to the small village but they don’t stop. As you Enter the city limits this mural welcomes you. It beckons you back to a simpler time along the three rivers area.  

Painting by Nancy Coleman Lane of Jodie West Virginia