Fall Waterfalls

Linville Falls on October 23, 2012.

I've been suffering from a bit of nature deficit disorder as of late, so over the past few weeks I set out to remedy the situation with some hiking around the North Carolina mountains.

I re-connected with an old hobby of mine, namely photographing waterfalls and chasing fall foliage color. All the places I went to were favorite spots of mine, but it's been a while since I've payed them a visit. It was like meeting an old friend I hadn't seen in years. 

Incidentally, I also did in fact meet an old friend I hadn't seen in years. One of my roommates from Brevard College was out fly fishing below Tripple Falls and we met up afterwards in Brevard to catch up.  

Despite going to school in the area for four years, there are still a lot of trails I haven't ridden, falls I havent photographed and rocks I haven't climbed. 

My next trip will probably be with a bike rather than a camera, but I have some plans in the works to explore some of the more remote areas that aren't as over-loved as the falls pictured here. The next waterfall photos I post may be of Windy Falls on the Horsepasture. Stay tuned.

Hooker falls in DuPont State Forest on Monday October 29, 2012. 

Lower part of High Shoals Falls in South Mountains State Park on Thursday October 25, 2012. 

The middle drop of Triple Falls in DuPont State Forest, above and below, on Monday October 29, 2012. 

Back in the Saddle Again...

Dan Hughes rides the mountain bike trails at the U.S. National Whitewater Center on Friday August 27, 2010.

It's good to be back in a place where there is singletrack. It's no secret that being close to good trails is half the reason I chose to come back home and work for The Gazette again.

They sent me out to shoot some mountain biking today at the Whitewater Center where I used to ride four or more days a week when I lived here before, and it's making me want to get back on the bike bad. 

Maybe when I get finished moving and getting my truck repaired I'll actually have time to start riding again.

C.A.S.T. for Kids

Erica Huff, 7, looks at a small bluegill fish caught by Nehemiah Davis, 6, left, during the C.A.S.T. for Kids event on May 22 at City Lake.

Below: Alfred Huff shows Orlando Price, 11, how to fish during the C.A.S.T. for Kids event. Huff organized the event sponsored by the C.A.S.T. (Catch A Special Thrill) for Kids Foundation, a charity that joins volunteers who love to fish with disabled and disadvantaged children for a day of fishing.

Eicya Kalonji , 10, holds a small bluegill fish that she caught during the C.A.S.T. for Kids event.