Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Vacation Part 7 - Rockbridge

While we were in the town of Rockbridge we had to go see the natural rock bridge.
We were told where to park and that it would be
a walk along a farmer's field.  Then a trail to the actual bridge.


1.75 miles.  Should be easy, it's along a field.


Even had a few boardwalks along the way.

We walked for what seemed like forever and then the trail turned into the woods.
Then we walked another span of forever up and down steep terrain.
Dwayne jokingly said, "Let's go see the rock bridge, she said...
It would be fun, she said."
Then the boys joined in on the fun.
I began to wonder if we'd made a wrong turn somewhere.


Then we came to this comforting sign.
Apparently we were heading in the right direction.


We never looked at a clock to see what time we started or how long we'd hiked...
let's just say it took a while.
We finally came to this view and we were somewhat disappointed.
You can barely see the natural bridge through the trees.


You can see it a little better.


The bridge was quite narrow in one spot and we walked quickly to get to the other side.


Here you can see the straight drop.
That drop starts about a foot from where I'm standing to take this picture.


Not very wide!


Another view below.
This picture does not show the depth very well.
Let's just say the fall would be very unpleasant.


We liked the view under the bridge much better!




There are two ways to see this rock bridge.
The hike we took or by canoe and a short walk.


The boys insisted I take this caterpillar's picture.
It it kind of cool looking.
Reminds me of a coat someone would put on a city dog.


The first attempt at a family self-portrait.
Turned out great except we completely missed Connor!


The second attempt.
Connor definitely made sure he was in it this time.


Some of the steep terrain...
that's a lot of change in elevation for us Hoosiers!
All of the wooded portion of the trail was like this.


I decided the man on this post has a walking stick and an oxygen tank!

Vacation Part 6 - Old Man's Cave

On Tuesday of our vacation we went to Hocking Hills State Park.


The roads in the area were very narrow but very pretty.


We decided to go to Old Man's Cave and hike the trails.


It was more like a giant crevasse between two enormous rocks than a cave.
Still had gorgeous views.


The lighting was shadowy on one side and very bright on the other...
made for interesting photos.


Inside the "cave".





Cool looking stone bridge.




There were a couple of rock tunnels.





Interesting exposed roots on this tree.


The boys' favorite tunnel.






Two bridges with contrasting architecture.


Truth be told, I didn't think this was a bridge at first.
From a distance I thought it was something under construction, until I saw someone crossing it.


I wasn't fond of this bridge.
No rails to keep you back (not that it was a long fall).


This was the main reason I didn't like it... the gaps in the steps.









Very cool stone steps.



The upper falls.


Nolan took this picture for us.
We asked if the falls were behind us.
Yep, right on Dwayne's head!



Looking down on the upper falls.