Good for the Soul

If you’re looking for a place to go out into our great outdoors to refresh, unwind, or just be, I found it!

A day trip to Jones Gap State Park was just what the Dr. ordered.  With a PB&J, my trusty Nikon, and some water stowed in my backpack I was off on a solo hike to Rainbow Falls.

Though the hike is only about 4 miles round trip, it will get you sweating and your heart pumping with a total accent of 1,171 feet.  Your treat is waiting for you at the end of your climb with a gorgeous 100 foot free-falling waterfall, spraying mist and roaring onto the rocks below.  Apparently, when the sun is out and hits the falls just right, the mist creates a beautiful rainbow effect, hence the name.

The falls, however, are not the only treat on the trail.  Most of the hike is along the Saluda river or other streams leading to it, so the lovely sound of flowing water is never far away.  There are also many rock formations, moss, ferns, flowers, and an endless canopy of green to enjoy as you traverse the trail.  When you’re ready for a break, the rocks in the Saluda River are a great place to rest your bones, eat a PB&J, and take it all in.

This is definitely what I call soul food!

Rainy day drive

With raindrops on the windshield and a countryside ahead, the better half and I decided to head out for the day to his old stomping grounds and explore the fields he romped in and the rivers he swam in as a child.  There was something about the dull light and damp surroundings that screamed nostalgia.  And you know me…nostalgia gets me everytime!  My better half was also gracious enough to narrate our journey as I snapped pictures of his beloved spots!  I was in Heaven!  I think he was too!