A Very WIDE Waterfall

When we went to West Virginia in April (see other posts from that trip by clicking HERE) we saw an incredibly WIDE waterfall. It is so wide that we had to take three different pictures in order to capture it all. The waterfall is named SANDSTONE FALLS and is near the quaint little town of Hinton, WV.

Sandstone Falls is on the New River ---and this area is now known as the New River Gorge National River. People come here to hike, camp, fish and go whitewater rafting. We were there on a rainy day in April --but even with the rains, we enjoyed seeing this unique and fabulous place. They have built a large boardwalk --so that we could walk out quite far in order to see the entire waterfall and more of the wild and raging river. The New River is about 1500 feet across---and the waterfall encompassed the entire width. It's not a tall waterfall (only about 25 feet in height) --but just seeing the entire river was worth the entire trip to that mountainous area.

Here are some pictures we took of that waterfall and area. Above is me standing near the beginning of the waterfall --as we started walking out on the boardwalk. Below are more.

Part I of SANDSTONE FALLS

Part II of SANDSTONE FALLS; This is near the middle of the river... We enjoyed walking out on the boardwalk to see this river and the falls.

George is on the boardwalk. Hope you all get to visit this neat area if you are ever in West Virginia. It's awesome!!!

We are standing at the end of the boardwalk in order to see Part III of SANDSTONE FALLS. This is the prettiest end of the falls ---and I love seeing the mountains surrounding this beautiful river.

Using the zoom lens, here is a close-up of part of Part III of SANDSTONE FALLS. Isn't it gorgeous?

On the other side of New River, there are high bluffs. We had read that there was a look-out from up on the top where you can see the entire waterfall from above. WELL---we drove back to Hinton, crossed the river and took the road up that mountain. We did find the lookout ---but were disappointed in the overall look of the river and falls. Be that as it may, here is the best view we could find of SANDSTONE FALLS ---all 1500 feet across. My advice is to take the boardwalk and enjoy the waterfall in its 3 parts.

Besides seeing Sandstone Falls and the New River Gorge area, I was impressed with the small town of Hinton, WV. Hinton was a booming railroad town many years ago. Once the railroads began to disappear, Hinton almost disappeared also.. BUT--the people have kept the town alive --due to tourism, and history. When you visit Sandstone Falls, be sure and check out Hinton also!!!

Hugs,

Total Relaxation

How many times have I talked about loving my Backyard Birds???? They are just so entertaining in so many ways!!!! One thing that birds enjoy doing in the hot spring/summer is relaxing their tummies on the deck and deck railing. I have read several possibilities as to what they are doing ---so I guess nobody knows for sure. But--whatever their reasons, they do enjoy feeling the heat of the deck on their tummies!!!

Here are some pictures showing the birds totally RELAXING in our backyard.. Above is one photo that I absolutely love, even though it is a 'tad' blurry. I have featured this one before--but it's so good, so I decided to share it again. The Mourning Dove is sitting on the edge of the birdbath --just relaxing, and sticking his footsies in the water. Isn't that just hilarious???? Below are more pictures.

See how they spread out???? They only do this on a hot, sunny day! I think (correct me if I'm wrong) this is a Carolina Wren.

Here's a little Tufted Titmouse 'sunning' himself!!! Isn't he precious?

Here's another Tufted Titmouse facing the other direction... When I first saw a bird do this, I thought something was terribly wrong with the bird. Then, I saw several birds do it... Guess they like it!!!!

I took this picture this past Sunday (which was a HOT day here). Those two Mourning Doves enjoyed the feeling of that sun on their bellies!!!!

Even Mr. Pileated Woodpecker sat on the rail for quite a long time this past Sunday--and 'sunned' his tummy... That look on his face makes me think that he is saying: "Ooh-Ahhh"... SO--it's not just the little birds that do this!!!! The big ones do it also... Amazing, huh????? I'm just glad that all of our birds feel safe enough to relax here with me!!!!

I visited the Orthopedic Surgeon yesterday about my left knee problem --and the doctor 'thinks' I have a torn Medial Miniscus. BUT--until they do the MRI (which will be tomorrow), we won't know for sure. Fun-Fun-Fun!!!!! Can I tell you that this is NO FUN??? Special thanks to blog friend GINNY who has had this surgery before --and is giving me lots of great advice and ideas. Thank God for all of my wonderful Blog Friends!!!!

Hugs,