Helton Creek Falls
Just north of Walasi-Yi at the bottom of Blood Mountain, flows Helton Creek. Following a gravel road filled with ruts and rivulets leads to Helton Creek Falls. I’ve been to the falls on a handful of occasions, but only in mid summer. During the warm season, the creek is well behaved and though great to visit, the falls themselves are not awe inspiring. However, during my visit in December, the rain was relentless for several days before the sun came out.
With the sun cooperating, Josh and I drove over the blood to see the the water and hike a little on the Appalachian Trail. As you can see, the upper falls were spectacular. The water flew over the top and thundered into the pool at the bottom. Josh pointed out the sun caught in the mist and we both started shooting.
Just as wonderful were the lower falls. While the upper falls are vertical, the lower falls have a shallower slope. However, they were just as amazing as they roared by. We had better access to the lower falls and I could feel the strength of the water as it flowed by.
I’m glad we had the day together.Getting out with our cameras is always something that we both enjoy. Downtown, in the mountains, or in the forest, we always manage to have a great time.
What I am Thankful for this Year
the wee one
What we have here is the newest and possibly the most smiling McMurdo family baby. He is the first of his generation and the son of my niece, Katie.
This is the first trip to Atlanta during which I had the chance to spend quite a bit of time with him. Did I say that he smiles? Maybe smile is not the right word. His entire face lights up. When the edges of his mouth begin to move upwards, his eyes grow wide, his head tilts back, and suddenly you are presented with a full facial, whole body, grin.
But, not in this picture. All of the grinning wore him out and he decided that his MiMi’s chest was the perfect place to lay his head and look at what his Uncle Tim is up to.
seeing the boy
Today is one of those wonderful days that have you giddy the entire week. I’ve been wearing a grin that would put the Cheshire Cat to shame.
And what has had me gleeful with anticipation? Two days with the boy of course. I’ve missed him and this morning he starts his two days off and we are planning a whole bunch of fun. So, if it puts a smile on your face, think of me floating along like a balloon fully of happiness.
Woe unto him that tries to pop me.
Have a great day folks.
open
Somewhere between Athens and Winder, GA is a cross roads full of antique stores. There is also this one shop that my father can’t resist. In an old industrial building is a store that is stocked with the kind of junk that Odd Lots turned down. Next to a pallet sized box full of men’s tightie whities you’ll find a shelf full of odd bits of rope and a bin full of rainbow colored canvas tarps.
On this particular trip, dad walked away with some sanding belts and a box of steel wool. Because, no man goes without steel wool and sanding belts. It’s written in the Man Book. Go look it up.
Have a great day.
tim mcmurdo 