the sosebee's

We took our first Spring trip to the mountains yesterday, at least it was weather that felt somewhat like Spring. We went to Rainbow Falls at Jones Gap State Park.

As today was one of the nicest, warmest days we’ve had yet, there was quite a crowd that had the same idea we did. This resulted in having to wait at the gate to the park a while until people came out to open up parking spaces.

However, the wait went by quick and we were on the trail before long. The beginning of the trail meanders along the Middle Saluda River for 3/4 of a mile before taking a sharp right across the river and heading straight up the mountain for another mile and half, climbing over 1000 feet in the process.

It was a beautiful hike. The peaceful serenity of the forest accompanied our companionship. The sights of open vistas and sounds of the wind rushing through the trees. How much good the fresh air and exercise does for one’s body and mind.

The sounds of the river running down the mountain as the trail parallels and then leaves it for a while, only to return after a long switchback up the mountain.

And with that return comes the anticipation of the magnum opus of the hike: Rainbow Falls. The power of the river getting louder and louder and you round that final bend. Then, opening up before you in all its grandeur is the falls.

Pouring over the precipice of the falls it streams down to the rocks below, some of it seeming to dissipate before it reaches bottom. And the breeze. The cool breeze coming off the falls chilling your warm body from the hike up.

What can compare? Is this but a glimpse heaven? Can you just imagine it?

More pictures on our flickr site here: Rainbow Falls