Upper Cascades - Hanging Rock Park, NC

Upper Cascades - Hanging Rock Park, NC

Wow - it has been forever and a day since I got out and just took pictures for the fun of it. Most of what has been delaying my blog content for the past few months has been somewhat tied to work. I'm not complaining - photographing for a magazine has been fun, but getting out to shoot without any strings attached is just plain relaxing. Shanti and I decided to get out and enjoy the early spring weather on this Sunday. We visited one of our favorite local parks just outside of Winston Salem.

I have mentioned Hanging Rock probably two other times in previous posts. Each visit is unique and always enjoyable. Today's weather was quite deceptive since we measured how things would feel based on how it felt on the doorstep. We probably experienced temperatures somewhere in the mid 60s. However, upon arriving at the park in higher altitudes we both realized that it was more like low 40s. The hike kept us warm and Marley sure enjoyed being out of the house.

Every visit to Hanging Rock means that we will hike a different trail. We have probably only hit 3 of more than a dozen trails scattered throughout the park and around the small mountains. This particular trail led us down 1/3 of a mile to a very peaceful cascade where we spent a good 45 minutes or longer just enjoying the sound. As you can see by the above black and white image, some of the icicles were still holding on for dear life. I found several detached pieces on the floor beneath the small ledge where I was setting up to photograph. Those icicles quickly reminded us that it was cold and that staying out for a sunset was not going to happen unless a hot chocolate vendor happened to be wandering through the woods.

To those that are coming by to check on this blog, I assure you it will soon have more content. The weather is getting warmer and let's just say that I "skipped" winter entirely. Thanks for stopping by.


Shanti and Marley find a comfortable spot to sit and enjoy the sounds of the falls.