Tuesday, November 17, 2009

The Wayback Machine

My last couple of entries for Watery Wednesday were photos of Blackwater Falls here in West Virginia. I posted those on my photoblog here and here. I don't think I've mentioned the amber color running through the water that is fairly evident in this image. It is a result of high amounts of tannin in the water. The tannic acid is from fallen hemlock and red spruce needles.
Some of my readers will remember I told of going down and back up 214 steps. This first photo shows the railings of the last set of steps going down to the falls. What I'd like you to focus your attention on is that huge rock at the bottom of the falls and then take a look at my next photo.
This is from the wayback machine when my brother and I visited Blackwater Falls in our youth. I so remember this outfit. That shirt was a canvas cloth of red, white, and blue. I usually wore it with a blue wraparound skirt. I'm sure some of you ladies remember those. Kinda reminds me of wearing a hospital gown. You had to be careful how you sat on it or the back folded and you and your underwear were exposed for all to see. What's with that hairdo you might be asking. Truthfully it was a grown out 'pixie' haircut and not a Beatles do! I loved it and can only wish that my hair was just as thick today.
Do you see where we are standing? Yep, right down at the bottom of the falls. This picture was taken about the last year before the steps were installed. Until then you found your way down a damp boulder strewn path. I talked to my Mom last week and we discussed it probably wasn't the safest place to be. When we visited we always went clear to the bottom. There are signs these days to tell you to stay on the path, that deaths have occured.
As Hubs and I stood above the river a couple of weeks ago I marveled how powerful the falls hit bottom after their five story drop. At one time I could get up close and personal with this waterfall. Today 214 daunting steps down and back up somehow seems like the right way to enjoy the view.
For more Watery Wednesday click here.

30 comments:

quilly said...

Thanks for the fantastic visit in your "Way Back" machine. Somethings the "good old days" have been improved up on. Others, not so much.

Anonymous said...

There is something very powerful about a waterfall.

Nessa said...

I love the old picture. It's so much fun to take a trip back.

Tuesday's Tales in Two Hundred - Going In Circles

kayerj said...

I love your perspective on the first shot and seeing you and your brother in front of the same falls was just a treat.

George said...

You certainly were an adventurous young lady! I thoroughly enjoyed your 'Wayback Machine' and I would still like to visit those falls in person.

judi/Gmj said...

Amazing how the "Wayback Machine" works, it lets us see how it was, and highlights the fun. However, it also shows the somber realities of aging, loss of agility being a major one for me too. You are so sweet looking standing next to your brother. :)

Anonymous said...

Truly amazing my friend. I love that wayback machine.Thank you for sharing this. I so think Waterfalls are so powerful :) Love it :)

rapunzel said...

Very cool! Love the Wayback Machine. :)

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Carletta: What a fun post with the present and past photos of the falls.

AL said...

Nice mono of the falls! I like looking at waterfalls! I wonder where Mr. Lynkys is now LOL.

eileeninmd said...

Wonderful visits to the waterfalls, the wayback machine is wonderful memories. Great photos old and new.

Gunilla said...

Great shot and thanks for showing the photo of the past too.
Thanks for visiting me too
Have a nice day
Gunilla

diane b said...

I like your phrase "Way back machine" and it makes for a terrific before and after post.

Megan, Life Revamped said...

great to walk down memory lane!

have a great day!
come and visit my Wednesday contribution if you have the time!
xoxo

JunieRose2005 said...

I loved looking back with you, Carletta!


Junie

Pat said...

Your pictures convey the thunderous roar of the waterfalls. They are gorgeous. I enjoyed the picture of when you were young. Sometimes I think back to things we did when we were young and wonder how we survived! LOL!

Jane said...

I see the yellow water, thanks for sharing Carletta:)

Anonymous said...

They're beautiful falls - although I'd rather be allowed to get up close and personal with them!!

Marie said...

Wow there´s a lot of water at your place ;-) Lovely shot!

Icy BC said...

These photos are awesome! The water fall is beautiful!

Will said...

Great photos. I enjoyed seeing the one from the "Wayback Machine." The coloration from the tannin is quite evident. When we were on the Upper Peninsula, we observed this also.

Janie B said...

How neat that you had pictures from the same place years apart. Life goes by very fast, doesn't it? Thanks for the look back.

Dimple said...

Love the pictures, especially the one from the way back machine. I did things as a kid I wouldn't do now, also.

Ebie said...

Yes I remember that post of the 214 steps you were only half way taking the photo!

That's a sweet "way back" photograph of you and your brother! Nice shots of the waterfall!

Anonymous said...

That's one heck of a view & what a great memory photo of you & lil brother! The waterfall is beautiful.

I remember a similar photo shot of my brothers & I at Big Springs near where I live. They won't let anyone climb on the rock there anymore, either - nor should my parents have let us do it back then! hehehe!

Unknown said...

214 steps--i would be gasping for breath!:p wonderful sepia "way back" photo...it's wonderful to remember the good times.

Raven said...

I love it when past and present meet. Wayback Machine tells me you must be a Bullwinkle fan. Oh, how I loved Bullwinkle and especially Fractured Fairy Tales. 214 steps is impressive! Alas, 2 are about my limit and that's iffy. Sigh. I miss walking.

Rose said...

I enjoyed this, Carletta!

Stephany said...

There's that gorgeous waterfall again. In my case, "daunting" is now "next to impossible". But I'd sure give it a try!

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