Woods and Water
She's at home in the woods and needed to be near water before winter sets in.
Although, we didn't hike all the way to the Cascades waterfall, we were uplifted by the natural setting, made giddy by the rushing water, and humbled by the randomly placed giant boulders.
Our conversations on life and death ebbed and flowed as walked, picking up leaves and looking up to see which trees they fell from.
I was excited by the fungi growing on an old log. She had me take photos of the pools and creek stones so that she could sketch them later.
At the Inn at Riverbend, where we spent the night, the dog Jackson sniffed around my pocketbook for the egg roll I had stashed from lunch, while the inn host showed her the view from the back deck.
The view was impressive, overlooking the New River. We were continually entertained by trains running on either side of it and the sound of their whistles.
We watched mockingbirds, chickadees, and cardinals. I picked out a favorite tree and watched the shadow it cast on the open field.
Sun, rain, wind, a moon but no stars all brought a sense of peace as we took in the wide canvas of sky from the deck outside our room.
Note: See more of the Riverbend view and hear a train whistle HERE.
Comments
quiet beauty - a rush for the soul I would say
Posted by: sandy | October 26, 2009 3:50 AM
Colleen, I love the view overlooking the New River. I can probably stare at it for hours. :)
Posted by: kikit | October 26, 2009 6:29 AM
Well, as you know, I love your neck of the woods. You live in such a lovely area. Great photos!
Posted by: Tabor | October 26, 2009 7:37 AM
Oh my goodness, that is such a lovely view of the river and mountains and trees. What a beautiful place to spend time with a friend!
Posted by: Beth | October 26, 2009 8:02 AM
My friend Alwyn is a writer, environmentalist, animal rights activist, and former Waldorf kindergarten teacher who I've been close to for more than 20 years. Most of my friends are my age, but I think of Mara and Alwyn as my bookends because Mara is 24 years younger than me and Alwyn is that many years older.
I just added a video of the trains and a more expansive view of the view!
Posted by: colleen | October 26, 2009 9:41 AM
A beautiful place, Colleen. I love your photos.
Posted by: kenju | October 26, 2009 10:43 AM
what a fabulous visit with nature for you and your friend! great photos, colleen. looks like you guys found some pretty amazing gifts during your adventure.
Posted by: sky | October 26, 2009 11:23 AM
I have been to Cascade waterfall over a dozen times. It is gorgeous there. I am sure it was already freezing cold in those mountains by now, though! You are brave women to face that wind and water!!
Posted by: Poe | October 26, 2009 2:20 PM
It's been unseasonably warm here. At the Floyd Eco-Fair I went to this weekend, it nearly hit 80 degrees (or did). The Cascades hike is 2 miles in and out and not an easy one(moderately difficult). Alwyn wasn't up for that much walking. This was my only my third time there and so I had seen the spectacular waterfall (twice before).
Twin Falls is another amazing waterfall right here in Floyd County.
Posted by: colleen | October 26, 2009 2:27 PM
I always enjoy your pictorials. One of them led us to Josh's studio last week. We posted about it briefly tonight.
Posted by: Bumbles | October 26, 2009 11:29 PM
Ahhh Colleen and Alwyn
Posted by: v | October 27, 2009 2:29 PM
Yes - when we met Josh the conversation inevitably found its way to the Sox and baseball in general :0)
Posted by: Bumbles | October 27, 2009 2:39 PM
Thanks for sharing the time you had with Alwyn.
YOU look beautiful and so does the scenery! xo
Posted by: Sherry | October 27, 2009 10:26 PM
BEAUTIFUL Pictures! You had your own natural Sun Dial with that Tree.....
Is that your Momma? She is Beautiful!
Posted by: OldOldLady Of The Hills | October 28, 2009 4:02 AM
what a lovely place to getaway. how restive, and the company as well.
Posted by: Pearl | October 29, 2009 10:55 AM
What a fantastic post. The photos just drew me in. She appears so strong and wise. And your photo was so good!
Posted by: Deana | October 30, 2009 10:25 AM