The story of my first hike to see some WV caves, and how I came to see my own private light show
Friday, 17 April, 2009 at 9:32 PM ;)
In all the years I visited my grandparents here in West Virginia, I never once saw the caves people around here talk about so casually. These caves are on some neighboring property and I don't know what I expected, but when I finally arrived at my destination, I was pretty blown away. Probably, for the most part, because this part of the wooded area where I hiked is so very different from the trails where we hiked when I was a kid. In spite of the fact that we couldn't have been more than a mile or two from those remembered trails.
Nature sure does have a lot of variety to offer.
Maybe it's best if I go ahead and get the shameful part out of the way and tell you that I let ADD Girl take over in the morning, and that it affected my adventure detrimentally, though not as badly as it could have. The short version is that I rolled out of bed, brushed my teeth, threw on some clothes, guzzled about a half a cup of coffee, put a Zone Bar in my pocket, and hit the trail.
;)
Yes, I know food is more than a fun thing we use to stuff our bodies with, it's fuel and we should treat it as such. Sometimes, though, it's easy to forget. Frankly in spite of my sometimes love for food, I also find it an annoyannce at other times. Apparently yesterday was one of those times.
It was when we were starting to really get into the good, hefty climbing part of our hike that the low blood sugar barrelled toward me with a vengance, and I don't think I'd be exaggerating if I told you it was the worst blood sugar dip I've ever experienced. It was almost immediately clear that I had to sit down - or else - and so I did. While my ears rang, the world spun, and everything around me became illuminated in the way I've only ever seen via Hollywood lighting effects. I dug the Zone Bar out of my pocket and wolfed it down with great relief. Eventually I was better, although not 100% myself, and got up and went on about my business. I had to sit down again in a while, as the bar hadn't done its job yet, and that time I wasn't as dizzy and the ringing in my ears wasn't nearly as severe, but the lights? OH how I kept wishing that camera I held in my hands could capture for you what I was seeing. It was the coolest thing ever. Well, except for the part about how I couldn't stand upright for a while.
;)
The other thing that will illustrate for you what an absolute flake I can sometimes be is that I left "the good camera" turned on the night before, and after about 10 photos or so, the battery died. This was not at all in the plan, and I was seriously bummed until I realized I'd given my friend's son my little point and shoot to use if he wanted, and he happily gave it back for my photographing pleasure. Although I didn't get the results with this one that I would have had I remembered to check my battery's charge, I still at least have a nice set of shots to commemmorate my first hike in WV.
Probably the thing I'll most remember from this hike - besides the funky, cool, private light show I had for myself - was how spectacular the sights are...and how frikkin close to my back door all of this is. I'm not kidding you when I say these photos were taken within 5 miles of where I'm currently living. Much closer than that, probably. Unbelievable!
;)
The jagged rocks that look as if they've been split in two by some mighty force from long ago, remind me of scenes I've only ever seen in state parks. The biggest cave I decided I'd better skip for now, and so my friend and her son called down descriptions from above. But the one I did see, along with all the other cool sights along the trail, was eerie and excellent. And just like everybody kept pointing out? Way cold.
There's a lot of talk about how there are, in fact, bears and coyotes in the woods around here, and how most people feel pretty safe because they're said to be nocturnal. I'm counting on it because I plan to go back. But never at night.
Of course the other cool thing I'll always remember about this hike was the happy grin on Mia's face when she slid down the hill to me on her belly. I have unquestioningly fallen in love with that dog.
;)
Now. Before I get one more lecture, (My favorite: "It boggles my mind how a woman as intelligent as you could forget to eat breakfast before going for a hike in the mountains!") I'll tell you that Yes I've Learned My Lesson. Apparently "my people" need to be reminded of things that most others take for granted. Had to reassure myself of this, since I'm not largely surrounded by ADD Types, and called Cindi to get a pep talk and a "I hear ya sister." She's WAY more active than I am (runs, swims, plays tennis - often at competitive levels,) and totally gets it - this inexplicable distraction that leads our minds away from often the most obvious course of action. I'm just sayin'.
;)
But yes, in spite of that, I've had the reminder I needed and from here on out, the only thing you need to concern yourselves with when I go hiking in these woods is the wildlife and slippery rocks. But mostly you don't need to worry at all, because people hike every day and have no trouble whatsoever.
Maybe I'll see that old graveyard next time. Decided to skip the trek up that side, for another day. That would have been a lot to take in at once, anyway. And I don't think I'm just making excuses to make myself feel better, either.
Reader Comments (6)
My favorite of your pictures is the tree with the moss. They are all beautiful.
I wish you could have seen the valley above the barn before it grew up. Mom had a cow that kept it cleaned off--it was like someone mowed it with a lawn mower. There are large rocks that have at one time fallen down the hill. Rocks I used to climb on. They have tiny little rocks in them--makes me think of the flood in Noah's day. The kind of rocks that you might see where water once covered them. I hope that makes sense--we studied about them in school--can't remember what they are called. It was beautiful. There are places where once a farmer many years ago piled little rocks to clear the land. Dad found Indian flints (the end of arrows). I did have two--I don't know what happened to them. He said that there had once upon a time been a wagon trail on top of the mountain. Sometimes I wish I could just see what places might have looked like many, many years ago. I don't want to live in the past just see it. I loved to play up there--wasn't afraid of creatures in the woods--it was clearer then. There was a white horse that went with the land when we moved there. The past animals who lived there kept it somwhat clear. A little way up the hill above the house is a large flat area--your Dad said that it would be a nice place for a house. Who knows?
Didn't mean to write so much--just remembering times in the past when I was a little girl.
Love,
Mom
So you've discovered the joy of mountain hiking!
A couple of things this brings to mind about your brother.
First, I think he'd like that dog, too. Although he always loved a cat more than any boy I ever knew, he's gained a love for dogs, too--especially dogs that smile at their own tricks. That the dog likes to slide down the mountain would probably intrigue him. But you have made a canine friend.
The other thing is that I remember him going up the hill with the Fitsko (or is it Fitzko?) boys, hunting at night. They had a coupe of "redbone" dogs with them, dogs strong enough, that when one held their leash, the dog helped pull them up the mountain. They offered to take him snipe hunting, but I think he resisted that. The woods may not have been as thick then--it's been twenty years or longer since that night trek. Anyway, I wouldn't advise going up there at night. I like to see where I am going.
As for me, I am looking forward to being able to take the Table Rock Mountain hike again. Don't know just when I'll be able to do it; my foot still isn't up to it yet, but I have started to walk on the treadmill for short periods of time. I bought some new hiking shoes yesterday which are a little larger than my old ones. They feel good, so I might be able to do some "training" soon.
Have fun on the mountain! you need some breaks from your work, for your health's sake. And please don't forget to eat. Watsons just aren't known for forgetting to eat! (just look at us!).
Love,
Dad
You have a lot of talent for photography and I never got to see the caves, until I saw them through your lens. I really enjoy the scenery through your eyes.
Thank you,
Deborah
Take back every bad comment, joking or not, I've ever said or thought about West Viriginia. Wish I was there right now. Those photos are stunning. Such natural beauty. Earth is good.
Amazing pictures ,as I said many months ago you have a great talent .When I take pictures they never turn out like this. Still I can look at yours
Mom and Dad, thanks for sharing your memories. I never know what I'll learn when I show up at my blog.
And re the photos, thanks everyone; I really do like this set so much. Can't help but wonder how they would have been different if the other camera had been charged up...
(Dena, you should come up here sometime and see for yourself.)