Tag: West Virginia

Sunrise On the Gauley River

Color Photography

There are spots on this Earth that seem to carry a spirit of their own.

This spot on the Gauley River is such a place. I stood on banks in this spot and a sense of peace washed over me. It was as if the mist rose up front the water and carried my cares and worries downstream. I could visit this place every day.

It’s not a sin to make time for yourself. If you let yourself be completely drained there’s nobody else who can cover all your obligations. One of my church elders told me that a person can be mentally/emotionally drained and be okay. One can be physically drained and be okay… But, if you let yourself become mentally/emotionally drained and physically drained at the same time it’s a recipe for disaster.

Your first responsibility is to make sure that you are capable of handling all your other obligations. That means being fully charged and well rested.

Kimberly Tunnel #2

Color Photography

The last time I posted an image of the Kimberly Tunnel I wrote about how dark places in life could represent a shortcut to where you want go.

The Light At The End Of The Tunnel

Today I’m thinking about completing a journey. You see, the day I took these pictures I was behind schedule to complete other tasks for that day. I really didn’t have time to stop and get the pictures that I got. I could see that on the other side of the tunnel there’s an open area. The light that filtered in through the leaves, gave an almost mystical view to the end of the tunnel.

So far I have no clue what is on the other side. I plan to go back this spring when I can dedicate more time to explore. (A day when there’s no frozen goods in the back seat, thawing). But for now I’ll have to make do with a mystery to inspire my imagination.

Wanderlust 

Color Photography, Uncategorized, West Virginia

My lifetime has been lived between mountains and rivers.  One of the things I love most is that the hills and ridges always seem to have some secret just waiting for us to discover. I eventually found the time to head across the river and explore only to find more questions on the other side.  There are days when I wish I could just load a good ATV up with supplies and see how far down the tracks I can go.

  The mountains in the background were once occupied by the Adena. Our local history says that there was a huge wall that stretched for miles.  I have daydreams about what the landscape would have been in those times. What were they keeping out? What were protecting? Surely a culture that built a huge stone wall would also have buildings.  Is there abandoned temple hidden somewhere in the deep forests? The Adena had copper tools.  Is there also a golden idol tucked away just waiting for Indiana Jones to find? Maybe and maybe not. But I would love to find out.

Taking A Coffee Break 

Color Photography

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. 

Taking a walk 1.11.18

Color Photography, Summerville

I  had an opportunity to venture out beyond my normal routine today.  As I walked along the trail at Salmon Run I found this natural threshold.  There was a homestead close by at one time but the mountains are quick to reclaim anything that isn’t maintained.  Perhaps the threshold here is a warning.  “Beyond this point you must leave the outside world behind”.   As I walked on a little further the forest began to strip away the domesticated part of my spirit.  My feral nature returned.  I could smell the wood and stone.  I could hear the scampering of small feet just out of sight.  The birds are chirping but something caught my attention.  There was a hole in the noise. If one stays very still and listens the forest will tell you what is happening around you. As I tracked the silence a jogger came down the path.  Once he and his dog passed the noise came back.  

It was good to get out of the house even if only for a few minutes.   Today was a good day.