The Rest Of The Story

When I say I'm going to do something, I try very hard to do it. Only sometimes it takes me a while! Last month I posted about our family trip at Thanksgiving. At the end I said, "There's just so much I want to share about our week. I'll be back with a few more nature details as soon as I'm able."  Well, it seems it took me a long time to be able! I was honestly going to post a couple of days later, but it's been over 40 days! I'll just blame that on Christmas!

Each morning I would head out on the deck. taking in the beauty of the mountains and valleys. The sunrises were gorgeous, but so was the foggy, rainy morning. The weather didn't stop us, we headed out no matter what.

We had planned several hikes for the week. I was excited because a couple of the trails had waterfalls. There are several waterfalls in Arkansas, but many of them are difficult to reach or on private land. In this area of the Ozark Mountains there are a few that the inexperienced hiker can reach. The first waterfall we saw was "The Glory Hole." This waterfall is one of most famous waterfalls in Arkansas. Dismal Creek runs through the area and over time the water has worn a hole right through the top of a huge cave cascading to the cave floor.

You can walk into the cave behind the waterfall, sit on the rocks, and enjoy the beauty and sounds of nature.

The second waterfall we hiked to was on the Lost Valley Trail. The trail leads to Eden Falls, a 53-foot tall waterfall. Pictures don't do it justice. It's a long way down to the pool below.

The Buffalo River which runs through the area is a favorite spot for canoeing. It's a breathtaking area with massive towering bluffs that are so colorful.

The upper river valley is home to the Arkansas elk herd. The Arkansas Game & Fish Commission made an agreement with the Colorado Department of Natural Resources in 1980 to trade Arkansas large mouth bass for Rocky Mountain Elk. Now there is an estimated 650+ elk in this area.

They are massive animals, standing up to five feet high at the shoulder and weighing from 600 to 1000 pounds. We were fortunate to hear the bugle calls from a couple of big bucks. It's such a lonely, haunting sound. The bugle starts low and throaty, rising to a high whistle, then dropping to a grunt. It's not an easy sound to imitate. My grandsons and I tried. We weren't very good and our bugling was interrupted with giggles! If you'd like to hear an elk Yellowstone has a website where you can listen to their calls. It will really surprise you what they sound like! 

I'll move on quickly because this is getting rather long. There were some very old homesteads in the area that we were able to wander around. This homestead had a cabin, a root cellar,  a barn, and even an outhouse.

There's a sign by the outhouse which reads

Uncle Sam's Gift

The Depression-era Works Progress Administration (WPA) came out to the Ozarks to improved daily living. Farmers asked for a new federally designed, pre-cast-concrete-floored privy." The advertisement read "Your home is not complete without a sanitary unit. Recommended by the State Department of Public Health."

I don't know how many of you have ever used an outhouse. I'm telling my age, but I have and I don't care if they have wood floors or concrete floors there's nothing sanitary about them!

We had such a great time wandering through the Ozarks and along the Buffalo River. I was reminded again just how beautiful Arkansas is.

Again forgive the delay in posting the rest of the story. I'll try to either not promise or be more prompt next time!

What Does The Word Mean - Part III

Another group of words from the challenge to photography "the solace, nourishment and underlying meaning of everyday words" from David Wythe's book, Consolations.

* * * * *

DESPAIR

In the depths of despair when we feel frozen and do not want to be found or to feel, there is still hope. Hope, that will thaw our despair and allow us to return to joy.

* * * * *

DESTINY

The roads I choose for my life are just that; my choices. I believe spiritual guidance is involved in my choices, but not a force the predestines my life.

* * * * *

DISAPPOINTMENT

"What do you do when disappointment comes

When it weighs on you like a rock.

You can either let it press you down

until you become discouraged, 

even devastated, 

or you can use it as a

stepping-stone to better things."

~ Joyce Meyer

* * * * *

FORGIVENESS

Forgiveness is a choice. Choosing to forgive brings reconciliation and a fresh start. Forgiveness will help prevent further deterioration of relationships.

* * * * *

FRIENDSHIP

"A friend

knows our difficulties

and shadows

and remains in sight."

~ David Whyte

I'm still enjoying this study of words. I find myself going past the obvious meaning and searching for a more in depth definition. If you'd like to see how I've photographed others words look here and here. Pick a word today, let it mull around in your mind, and even if your not a photographer think about how you could illustrate it. Words are magic! 

"In words are seen the state of mind

and character and disposition

of the speaker."

~ Plutarch

Morning Walk

I learned a new word this week:

estivate

1. to spend the summer, at a specific place or in a certain activity

2. to spend a hot, dry season in an inactive, dormant state, as certain reptiles, snails, insects and small mammals

That's exactly how I've spent the last few weeks of this dry, hot summer . . . estivating! I slowed down and stayed indoors longing for cooler weather.

Finally the temperatures are starting to drop a little. The arrival of cooler mornings has me returning to my morning walks which are the most peaceful part of my day. That's the time I tune out the worries of life and simple enjoy the quiet.

I breathe deep, relax, hum a little, sing a little, and smile a lot. I even stop and do a little jig now and then.

As I walk down the country road I hear the cadence of my footsteps, the squirrels scampering through the trees, the birds singing their morning songs, and the leaves dancing across the pavement.

I watch the weeds sway in the wind.

I feel the sun on my shoulders . . .

and see it bring light to the dark forest.

What, may I ask, could be any better than this?

There's only one other place I find such peace and that's near water, but since on most mornings that's not an option, I treasure my peaceful morning walks along a country road.

Sunday Sundries ~ Edition 5

My Sunday Sundries post is a little late.

I've been away playing with grandsons!

 

My photography focused on two things this week.

 

sepia

 

searching for light

 

"You'll miss the best if you keep your eyes shut."

~ Dr. Suess

(in honor of his birthday this month)

I Sing

I sing the almighty power of God,

That made the mountains rise,

That spread the flowing seas abroad,

And built the lofty skies.

I sing the wisdom

That ordained the sun to rule the day,

The moon shines full at his command,

And all the stars obey.

 

 

I sing the goodness of the Lord,

That filled the earth with food;

He formed the creatures with his Word,

And then pronounced them good.

Lord, how thy wonders are displayed,

Wherever I turn my eye,

If I survey the ground I tread,

Or gaze upon the sky!

 

There's not a plant or flower below,

But makes thy glories known;

And clouds arise, and tempests blow,

by order from they throne;

While all that borrows life from thee

Is ever in they care,

And every where that man can be,

Thou, God, art present there.

We sang this hymn in church this morning and it touched me. God is powerful. God's love is powerful. I give thanks to him. The hymn I sing the Almighty Power of God was written in 1715 by Isaac Watts.

 

I haven't been anywhere special this week for photography, but, I did wander around close to home and several pictures I took go with the words of this song. I'm linking this to Helen's Weekend Walk at A Flash Of Inspiration.