Faith, Folklore, and Friends

Wai'ale'ale is a dormant shield volcano and the second highest point on the island of Kaua'i, Hawaii. It averages from 450 to 500 inches a rain per year. Before we got to Kaua'i, the ship's naturalist told us to go there early, because it was usually shrouded in clouds by noon. After getting our rental car, we headed that way. By late morning, we were standing at the peak, with clouds gathering around us.  It was damp, cool, and breathtakingly beautiful. Because of the excessive rainfall and the rugged topography, there are waterfalls everywhere.  Huge waterfalls. The movie, "Jurassic Park", and many others were filmed here.  Kaua'i is known as Hawaii's most beautiful island, and I agree.  More tomorrow.

I didn't crop the buildings out of the picture to try to show just how huge this place is.  Due to lack of rainfall this year, the falls were not too impressive. However, Noccalula's story was quite compelling.  That's her, about to leap into the chasm because of love. You can read more about the legend here . Noccalula Falls is located in Gadsden,  Alabama.  The beautifully landscaped park has hiking, a playground, and camping.

We had left Lake Guntersville State Park and were on our  way to Buck's Pocket State Park when we saw a small sign  that said, "High Falls". It was at the junction of County Road  394 and 149, off AL Highway 227 (between Grove Oak and  Geraldine).  We decided to check it out. This is how Town Creek looks before it reaches the falls.  Very peaceful with lots of families with little ones cooling off on a hot day . Here the water is going over the falls.  It has been very dry here this year, and the falls were not exactly roaring.  Obviously, this isn't me.  Even if I had the nerve to jump off, don't think I would be able to climb the rope back to the top.  It was great fun watching, though. You can read about the history of High Falls  here.  Sure glad we were paying attention and noticed the sign.  We had to travel on some little roads, some of them gravel,...

You can find Jackson Falls on the Natchez Trace Parkway at Mile Marker 404.1, within walking distance to the Baker Bluff Overlook. There are bathrooms and a picnic area by the Parkway, but the falls cannot be seen without a hike to the bottom of the hill.  It is a little steep, but there is a good walkway with rails for most of the way.  It is worth the walk. This cave is along the path.  We wondered about the creatures that might make their home there, but we did not attempt to check it out.  There are limits to what we will do for adventure. It was too cold to stick our feet in the water, but I'm definitely going back next July or August and give it a try. To stand here among all this beauty makes a body feel a little small.  

We have passed this sign on the Natchez Trace Parkway a thousand times and never stopped.  Last Friday, we decided to find out what was there.  From the road, there is not much to see, but if you take the trail into the woods, it will take your breath away. There are several waterfalls, and all of them are gorgeous. T These shots do not show all the falls; getting to the bottom required a steep climb over wet rocks and it was way too early in the morning for me to be that adventurous. Hopefully, you can see enough to make you want to pull over the next time you are driving the Parkway.  It is located near Mile Marker 392.