Weekend Journal

A new titillating column offered by TY&B!  Whether or not it will be a weekly offering is yet to be determined, but for now, here is the first journal entry of TY&B's "Weekend Journal" for any of you who may be interested.

Weekend Journal Entry #1:   Oconee Station Hiking Trail & Waterfall

(for a closer look, just click the pics)

After approximately one month of monsoon-like weather, the clouds have cleared and, today, autumn was finally able to display itself at full glory.  Weekends up at the lake during the final months of the year are prime time to go exploring. The area is known for its many waterfalls.  Mr. YnB and I decided to try out a hike to a waterfall we had never been to.  Me, being a city girl, I , unfortunately, have prerequisites that don't go over very well with the Yorkshireman I married.  I love the outdoors, but if the trail has not been beaten down prior to my arrival by other trailblazers, I am not the one to take the challenge.  I also do not prefer to be totally alone in the middle of a forest during hunting season, but I try my hardest to keep my fears of being hunted at bay.

Our first hiking trail attempt began at the edge of an open field.  This I could accept, so we began our trek.

 Mr. YnB walking in clover

It only took us about 10 minutes to come upon our first obstacle. A wide creek.

 

Mr. YnB began his search up and down stream to possibly find a crossing that didn't include getting wet when crossing.  No such luck.  Back to the car and off to another trail.

The second attempt, since it was now mid-afternoon, was a trail we had already accomplished a couple of years ago. (It meets all my criteria for the perfect hike) The last time we had taken it was not in Autumn so, today, the trail would offer us a new perspective. 

The sun spreading its golden fingers through the trees. 

About 15 minutes into our walk led us into conversation.  Well, let's say it was moi who led us into this particular gem of a conversation.  Having been the only car to park in the parking lot at the beginning of the trail, I could not leave the beauty of nature alone without the depths of my imagination taking over.  The conversation went something like this.......

YnB:  Honey, do you think we could run into a bear (or visa-versa)?

Mr. YnB:  Possibly.

YnB:  What!!  (heart jumps into throat)
Mr. YnB:  If you see one, just don't panic.
YnB:  Are you kidding me?

Mr. YnB:  Don't worry, we're not going to see any bears.  Just enjoy the scenery.

YnB:  no friggin way can I enjoy the scenery now
YnB:   continues thinking

YnB:  They would post signs if bears were a problem, wouldn't they?

Mr. YnB:  Yes, Bean, don't worry yourself, relax. 

YnB:  Stays quiet a little while longer followed by another 5 minutes of banter about imminent danger lurking in the forest (mostly by Mr. YnB).
Mr. YnB:  Look at this.  ( Successful attempt at distraction) 

Mushrooms growing on a log

  Then we came upon this wonderful tree shaped like an elephant's hoof......

After about a half hour walk, this made it all worth it (bears included, well...maybe not)....  

The falls may not look it, but it's about a 60 ft. drop.

As we ended our hike, Mr. YnB motioned me to come over to read this (something he didn't bother to have me read when we arrived.  He knew better.).....

By the odd chance you are in need of your own writing material, and this column sparks inspiration, feel free to grab the "Weekend Journal" graphic to start writing your own weekend journal entries on your blog. Who knows who may be interested in some of your wild weekend adventures, but if for nothing else, it could be a great memoir for your yourself!