End of 2007 - Part 2 (Photo Essay)

We closed out 2007 on Monday by traveling about twenty miles to Grayson Lake State Park to hike for the first time on their trails. We did a three mile loop near the golf course. If you would like to check it out further, here is a link: http://parks.ky.gov/findparks/recparks/gl/  We should have taken the map that was provided on the website with us.

We are fortunate to live close to this state park as well as Carter Caves State Park. Several years ago I used to hike Carter Caves daily; but decided to start making trails on our own property.    Occasionally we hike other trails which give me inspiration for improving ours

Although much of the terrain is similar, plants start changing somewhat, as evidenced by the first picture. 

This is looking more like the woods around our house (me walking in the picture).

This is the first waterfall (picture below just another view).  The path actually went across the rock above.  We have waterproof hiking shoes, but I was tip toeing to keep water from leaking in through the lace loops.

We traveled up another path on the opposite side to see this waterfall.  Actually, we traveled up that path wrongly, not clear at first which direction the path went in.  If we hadn't though we would have not been able to see this waterfall.  I actually only saw if from the finished picture, since I wasn't willing to get close enough to the edge to see it.  It's hidden from view unless you do. 

We trek back again to the other side at the top of the other waterfall and see that we have to cross over the rock to get to the other side.

Rhododendron along this point was abundant around the trail. (above and below)

Part of the lake captured just before sunset. 

Another beautiful view of the lake.

At this point we didn't know how much more trail we had.  We wondered if we would make it out before dark. 

You will notice we don't have much day light left.  However, when we came to this bridge, we thought we must be nearing the end of the loop.  Have you ever noticed how bridges are so much better near trail entrances?

The last waterfals before reaching the end.

May you all have a New Year filled with the beauties of nature!

 Chris and Jerri