I talk alot about how much I enjoy being deep in the mountains with nobody else around (except George of course) enjoying a beautiful waterfall. I feel God's presence all around ---and can just sit there and meditate for hours. One of these waterfalls that comes to mind is a little-known one in a remote, mountainous area near Franklin, NC.
We visited here (about a mile hike) on November 10, 2006. The falls are named after an Episcopal priest, Albert Rufus Morgan. He was quite a hiker--and hiked to Mount Le Conte in the Smokies 172 times. He lived to be 97 years old--and died in 1983. Here are some pictures from that hike. Above is Rufus Morgan Falls. You can see that this waterfall is divided into two distinct sections.
I loved this hike WAY up in the mountains. There is laurel and rhododendron everywhere!
This is the upper falls. What a beautiful setting!
George got fairly close to the falls.
Now see me holding up the rock???!!!! SURE I am!!!! ha
Now we are closer to the bottom part of the falls. Note the top part in the distance. This is such a neat area!!!! We had a wonderful hike up that mountain.
On our way back down that mountain, we could see Mrs. P (our Prius) waiting for us at the bottom... Can I tell you that the hike down was easier than the hike up?????? ha
Here we are at the bottom of the mountain. But--our sweet Prius keeps asking us WHY we make her drive us all over the mountains while we search for new waterfalls????.... She's better than a 4-wheel drive vehicle for sure since she drives us on many gravel and dirt roads in those mountains!!!!!
IF you enjoy hiking in the woods and are ever near Franklin, NC (this is for you, Peggy)---check this beautiful area and waterfall out.
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Today is 9/11.... Please fly your flags today in memory of all of those Americans who died on 9/11/01. God Bless those families ---and God Bless the USA. Let's show our Patriotism today---and all of the time.
Hugs,
45 comments:
I see we are both up early!
I enjoyed the mountain climb and waterfalls! One day I'll catch those rhododendrons in bloom :)
Aris and I are contemplating going to Grandfather Mountain with the boys, Ms. Betsy, or to any one of those famed Appalachian trails. any recommendations? Do you ever go for a dip under the waterfalls? I just think it's so much fun!! Hurrah for Ms. Prius!!!
I think you and George should write a book about waterfalls. You have an amazing collection of photos.
Thanks for your 9 11 01 thoughts...
It is really incredible how many wonderful places you have both visited, all the waterfalls you have seen. WOW... I am thank ful for the camera otherwise we would not be able to see what your eyes see, what a treat!
We definitely are thankful for our Jeep, it gets us places where a lot of others cannot and helps to get out folks that attempt to get in and cannot get back out =)
I read your blog on Google reader most often because of your background colors and your print colors affect my brain/epilepsy and that is why I may not comment as often.
Hugs and kisses to you both. Hope you are all doing well and continue chasing waterfalls!♥
~Michele~
You always add just the right amount of history!! Gorgeous photos....Let's DO Remember!!
Thank you for the pretty tour this morning Betsy.
We will be flying our flag today - God bless America.
Can you imagine having a gorgeous place like this named after you?
I remember.
I agree with Pam. It would make a lovely coffee table book.
The pain of 9/11 doesn't get much easier does it. God Bless.
I find it amazing that you all are able to make to the top of so many falls!
Another lovely falls.Before I forget again,your new header is gorgeous.Hope this day will be full of love and joy for you.
Blessings,Ruth
I can see why you love this area Betsy..so pretty and peaceful.
Poor Mrs. P..she needs a vacation. :)
...beautiful waterfalls and scenery. Ohh....I would love to travel around and see all the waterfalls you have!
I have my flags out...lovely memorial.
Hi Betsy, that is really a lovely place. We don't have many waterfalls in this area--too flat;)
I've been thinking about 9-11 all week. Something none of us will ever forget.
Marnie
I love all of your waterfalls. Some day I hope to see in person some of the falls in your blog. Until then, thanks for shareing yours.
Betsy,
These are beautiful falls. Hikes with a purpose makes them more fun.
Betsy: What a neat waterfall with a fun look at the mountains.
Very beautiful falls, Betsy. Looks like you were having a good time!
This was a gorgeous hike! And I agree w/ Pam - you should write a book on waterfalls! And I think you should have a waterfall named after you! :-)
Hugs,
Shelley
I have been to the falls (many years ago) and in fact met Rufus Morgan. He was a delightful man with a smile on his face that was felt all the way through your heart. A co-worker from the hospital rented a cabin from from him. I was visiting when Rufus stopped by. Think I will have to take Rusty on a hike to the falls. Thanks for the reminder!!
Hi Betsy;) Sitting here in a very hot African city in the desert, this was a lovely cool hike for me (as I followed you cyber-style) throught the trees to the waterfall. yes, and I pray for all who died or lost loved ones in 9/11. (((Hugs)))
Oh Betsy, you make me SOOOOOO homesick for the mountains and It doesn't look like I will make there this fall as I've done for 30 years! :( Just too much going on here and I'm expecting it to be a early ruff winter there! At least you can take me with you :) xoxo
I would love to come to your neck of the woods and visit some of these gorgeous waterfalls and to see all the rhodendrons, something that we only see planted in gardens here. How gorgeous the spring must be with everything blooming! Thanks for taking me along on your hike. Flying our flag daily with pride!
Love the waterfalls! Glad you *collect* them to share with us.
I could almost smell the forest and hear the falls in this post!
Is there a waterfall that you haven't been to? he-he!
I always enjoy your photos!
We fly our flag everyday. God Bless America.
Sunny :)
I love the mountains too!! Fall is a beautiful time too.
Beautiful photos of a wonderful place. I love the one of you holding up the rock :)
Betsy,
I didn't know Rufus Morgan Falls was located so close to my home. These falls are so beautiful with the laurel and rhododendron. I can imagine how peaceful it is here. Thanks for sharing the beautiful photos. Yes, I remember 9/11 and the families in my prayers.
Have a marvelous weekend.
Beautiful, beautiful waterfalls. I agree that you two should be the ones to put all your photos and stories into one fabulous coffee table book!!
Our grandson turned 12 years old today - and yes we remember 9-11-01! He may not recall that particular birthday, but we all do and he is totally aware now of what happened! May the Lord comfort and sustain you all - our dear friends to the south!
Hugs!
That really DOES look DEEP in the mountains - Like nobody could possible be around for miles & miles! It's beautiful back there!
GOD BLESS you & George, everyone, & THE USA!
When I'm out in nature like that I too feel God's presence all around. That's a great feeling.
You certainly go to some fairly remote places to find your waterfalls. Good thing your Prius is a reliable vehicle!
That is interesting about that priest. I'm glad they named the falls after him. I guess a long life goes with hiking.
Have a great weekend,
♥
Joy
Your pictures make me long to take a trip back to the mountains. We have always enjoyed hiking back to lakes and waterfalls....I wish we lived a little closer to some.
Beautiful waterfall. I like the two parts. Looks like a wonderful, remote hike. You and George find a lot of cool places while seeking the next waterfall.
Can't believe it's been 8 years since 9-11. My husband and I were vacationing in Maine when we heard the bad news.
Your waterfall looks absolutely stunning! Nice pics of you and George, you both look so happy.
God bless and thanks for sharing your hike.
Another beautiful, breathtaking waterfall! You've got me in the spirit, now to find the time! God Bless everyone on this 9-11 and always. Love and Light, Nina P.
Thanks for taking us along on this wonderful hike Betsy. Brilliant photos!
and also a very moving tribute to everyone who lost loved ones on 9/ll.
9-11----We willNEVER forget!
Beautiful waterfall and it must have been a lovely hike. What fun you two have.
Love the old red head---no that was Red Skelton---Good pics of the Woodpeckers. MB
Boy. I would love to come on those hikes with you. The scenery is beautiful and wild.
We all remember 9/11 although we write 11/9.
It's nice to see the pictures that you really enjoyed hiking and back to nature. I remember 9-11, I was on the phone with a friend from new york who asked me to switch on cnn and started calling my sister. Was hoping it was just a movie.
Such a beautiful place for you and George to visit. Lovely photos, Betsy. :)
A beautiful waterfall. I grew up in Franklin, NC and our small youth group from St. Agnes Episcopal Church went hiking with our priest, Dr. Albert Rufus Morgan, many times. I always thought of him as a Saint because he was a very spiritual man. He knew about all the plants we encountered on the trails and that impressed all of us. He kept fifty miles of the Appalachian Trail open and we enjoyed helping him clear the trails in the spring. He was truly an amazing man and I know his guidance made me a better person. I think of him often as I get older. Peace, David Lee Reber, Milwaukee, WI
HI David, Thanks for stopping by... I have read alot about Rufus Morgan---especially after seeing 'his' waterfall. You are so fortunate to have known him... What an inspiration.
Thanks again.
Betsy
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