Dominion Defends Controversial Decision to Bulldoze Entire Appalachian Mountain Range — The Peedmont

Have you been following the Pipeline that is going to be going through the Appalachian Mountain Range as well as Blue Ridge Mountains (I don’t know if they are one in the same, technically). The pipeline isn’t necessary and will totally ruin how the area looks. The pipeline will also run over/under/through the Appalachian Trail. If you haven’t read about it or are unaware, please make yourself aware. If you care about the area at all, it is important to call people and make your voice heard.

RICHMOND, Va. — Claiming the decision was made with the best intentions, Dominion Energy is standing by their controversial commitment to completely destroy the Appalachian Mountain range. According to Dominion spokesperson Richard Deanders, the demolition of the entire mountain range, which includes famed national parks such as the Great Smoky Mountains, the Shenandoah Valley, and […]

via Dominion Defends Controversial Decision to Bulldoze Entire Appalachian Mountain Range — The Peedmont

Tracking the Proposed Pipeline through Appalachia

Go and read this article. And then share it, please.  If you care about the beauty of Virginia, hiking on the Appalachian Trail, protecting nature resources, etc. then please inform yourself about the pipeline.

“The Atlantic Coast Pipeline puts the environment and local communities at risk.” Article written by REID DOUGHTEN and published in Sierra the 14th of April 2017. This article appeared in the May/June 2017 edition with the headline “A Pipeline Runs Through It.” I LIE ON AN OPEN STRIP OF MOUNTAINSIDE as the wind whips eastward. It’s nearing 20 degrees, […]

via An Outdoorsman Follows a Pipeline’s Path Through the Wild — Sustainable Santi

Daniel Boone National Forest & Cumberland Falls, Kentucky

One of our days during spring break was spent in Daniel Boone National Forest and at Cumberland Falls. I had read about a trail that I think is called Bark Camp Creek Trail. Because I’m always looking to photograph waterfalls I was excited to hike this trail. It didn’t seem very long and being in a National Forest is always special. My son and I found the trail and once again on our spring break hiking adventure the scenery didn’t disappoint. There were huge rock formations, green moss on everything, and a pretty creek to follow.  Our goal was to make it to the cascades I had read about online.

The start of Bark Camp Creek Trail

So green!

Who doesn’t love rock scrambling?

My son complained a little bit with the elevation but it was minimal. The hike was fun and offered us rock hoping, creek wading, and a great waterfall.  This waterfall had a huge portion of rock that had been carved out by water behind it. We had so much fun taking photos and climbing around behind the waterfall. I truly don’t think my photos do it justice.  As I was taking photos the sky started to get very dark. I knew it was supposed to rain that day and I was worried about getting caught in a storm. There was absolutely no one else on the trail (or even close to us I don’t think). And with the wind picking up, we decided to go back to the car. Of course, once we reached there the sun came back out. I was a little annoyed because I really wanted to photograph the cascades. Alas, it will be for another day.

This was more impressive in person but still beautiful

I love moss covered anything!

We still had a good amount of time in our day so we hopped over to Cumberland Falls. It was only a 15 min drive from where we were so it made sense. I can’t remember if I saw these as a kid. I don’t think I did because my parents didn’t say anything when they saw the photos.  They are impressive to say the least. And with the sun going behind the clouds I was able to get some really special photos. We took them from all angles and my son started to get interested in taking some too. The best part was because it was a Tuesday and not everyone’s spring break we had the place almost to ourselves. A few people milled around but mostly we had the opportunity to take photos anywhere. I saw people across the river on a trail that was a bit higher. I would have loved to get up there for photos but I could tell my son was tired. We did have a plan to come to the falls for the Moonbow. It is a phenomenon that happens during a full moon. I guess the light from the moon cause a rainbow to appear over the falls. With the rain moving in that wasn’t going to be possible. Plus, it turns out the falls were 2 hours from our hotel so I wasn’t too upset by that.

Cumberland Falls from the top overlook

From far away with awesome clouds

So beautiful!

I know that Daniel Boone offers a ton more for me to see. As with most things, I wish I could spend a whole week exploring and hiking. I guess I may have to take the plunge into backpacking so I can stay overnight. I’m not so sure I would have wanted to camp on the Bark Camp Creek trail only because it was so far removed and I didn’t have cell service but maybe one day with the right person.

Fighting the Good Fight

Every day the news depresses me. I find it hard to believe that there is an idiot in the office of the President and he is willing and ready to give up public lands for drilling, development, etc. all for money.

I started a post yesterday and didn’t finish it. I had a hard time writing something positive. I had seen a clip where some guy with the name of Lars Larson asked Spicer “when are we going to start cutting down the forests…” and stop paying to fight forest fires. Spicer’s answer wasn’t, “No. We don’t want to do that.” It was, (and I paraphrase), “Well when the proper people are in place we will see what makes sense.” I cried on the spot.

This is what we are up against. At least those of us who recognize that National Parks and public lands are beautiful and meant to be preserved. President Roosevelt knew what he was doing when he decided to create National Parks. How can one not look at the Rockies and be wowed by their majesty? How can you see the Grand Canyon and not want it to be there forever?

Even in my “small” Shenandoahs I stand atop Hawksbill – the highest point – and am wowed by the views. I want to always preserve it and keep it pristine. It is one of the reasons I take as many photos as I can – to share them with others so that they can appreciate their beauty.

There are many organizations fighting this fight. And they can count on me. I don’t know what the future holds but it looks bleak. I have considered other countries and started looking into what it might take to move. This is not exactly feasible for me at the moment but I want to be ready. I am scared and if I’m scared as a privileged white chick I can’t imagine what my Muslim, minority, or immigrant friends are feeling. Everyone keeps saying, “He’ll get impeached.” but if the GOP is so intent on favoring them, I’m afraid it won’t be possible and we could be stuck with him for 8 years.

Anyway… if you read this, you must love the outdoors. You must have an interest in our National Parks. If so, GET INVOLVED. Do NOT let them take our land. Stand up for nature, environment, climate change. Be an advocate and do not sit back and let it happen. There are waterfalls out there for me to photograph. My kids need to see the Grand Canyon. I need to hike Yosemite. You can be sure I’ll be doing what I can to make sure all that happens.