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.

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A Bench In The Forest

I found this bench along the path to the overlook for the waterfall that I posted on my photoblog yesterday. (You can see the waterfall here.) I visited the waterfall many times with my family when I was a young girl and hadn't seen it in many years. The sepia tone helps suggest an earlier time and seems fitting for my memories.

I wanted to post the original image as well because I thought it was such a peaceful looking spot with the sunlight coming through the forest behind it and the soft light dappled on the fallen leaves. I might add that since it was only about 50 feet from the precipice of the gorge I could hear the roar of the waterfall enticing me to continue rather than to sit.
Besides Sepia Scenes I'm also posting this for RunE at his Visual Norway blog. He posts a bench shot on Friday. It's all very informal at his place. Just post your photo and leave him a comment.

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