Tuesday, July 5, 2016: Crabtree falls

 

Tuesday, July 5, 2016: Crabtree Falls

The same five showed up for meditation this morning. After breakfast I worked all morning on my Happiness book. Got a little discouraged, but it’ll be OK.

After lunch Marsha organized a trip to Crabtree Falls. Just as we were about to leave (at 1:30), a severe thunderstorm rolled in. We decided to wait it out and see how things looked at 2:15. When that time came, most of the 12 people who had planned to go decided to try again another day. But by 2:30 things looked more promising, and five of us die-hards decided to go anyway. We all fit in Celisa’s car, so I didn’t bring the motorcycle, after all.

Crabtree Falls.

Standing under Crabtree Falls.

The Crabtree Falls parking area is about five miles down the parkway, and then the hike to the falls is about 1.5 miles each way. There is a significant change in elevation, making the return trip quite strenuous. Although the weather remained a little misty and damp, it was lots of fun. And Celisa and I both got into the pool at the bottom of the waterfall and ducked into the falls. It was frigid and invigorating. This was my fourth time to the waterfall, and I like it more every time.

I don't know exactly what it is about getting right into the waterfall, but I love it. It is very natural, very elemental. The first time I was there I was drawn in with such force, that I forgot that I had my cell phone in my pocket and hearing aids in my ears. Fortunately the hearing aids survived, and I was able to replace the cell phone. Now I take more precautions, but I just can't help going for that momentary exhilaration of standing under a waterfall.

After dinner, the evening readings were excellent. There are some excellent writers here.  Back at the guest house, I fell asleep while listening to Will teaching Marsha some new guitar chords downstairs.