Hey, thanks! There’s always a balance between having a plan and going with what you’re presented. Being flexible does lead to some magical discoveries sometimes!
Erik, I enjoyed this read and your photos. When I saw the word Leatherwood in your title, and wondered if it's named after one of my favorite plants, and it is! I first learned of it many years ago hiking at Leatherwood Ford in the Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area in Tennessee. Over the years I have planted numerous Leatherwood in my native plant garden in middle Tennessee and they have produced many offspring. Leatherwood (Dirca palustris)
Well dang. I’m sure I can find some online. I’m surprised I haven’t heard of this one, though, because I’ve studied medicinal and useful plants of the Cherokee. Pretty cool to learn something new!
The effort you make for your art is appreciated, Erik! The pains of such an undertaking are not the same as suffering because of all the rewards in the doing.
That’s the truth! I really do enjoy the overcoming of hardships, even on a short day trip like this. It seems to make it so much more meaningful. Thanks Baird!
I too, have been daydreaming of snowy icicles. I have a top secret favorite spot and I am biting at the bit wondering when the roads will clear to get there.
We got about 5-6 inches of snow here this weekend. How about you?
I miss my forest hikes. Its been an entire month since I've hiked in the woods.
I have a small lake nearby where I can walk but I just can't count it as my nature hikes. I dont know why. It has nature, but it also has neighborhoods and street noise which is exactly what I try to get away from.
My whole body yearns to smell the humus, see only trees, and hear only my footfall, breath, and heartbeat.
Until then, reading your article will give my mind something to look forward to.
I know exactly how you feel! We have some nice parks close by, but they bump up to neighborhoods or noisy roads. I need to get back to the mountains soon.
We got probably 2-3” of snow here! I was tempted to go to one of those parks, but didn’t risk it. Got some really interesting photos just walking around my neighborhood, though!
I've there too many times, imagining some wonderful scene only to feel let down. You're advice is spot on - appreciate what is being offered rather than what might have been. But a warning - I feel waterfall chasing could become an obsession Erik - who can stop at one?
Hey, thanks! There’s always a balance between having a plan and going with what you’re presented. Being flexible does lead to some magical discoveries sometimes!
Erik, I enjoyed this read and your photos. When I saw the word Leatherwood in your title, and wondered if it's named after one of my favorite plants, and it is! I first learned of it many years ago hiking at Leatherwood Ford in the Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area in Tennessee. Over the years I have planted numerous Leatherwood in my native plant garden in middle Tennessee and they have produced many offspring. Leatherwood (Dirca palustris)
Wow, I haven’t heard of a plant named Leatherwood. I’m going to look it up! Thanks!
Here is a photo. Native Americans would make cordage from its fibrous bark to make sandals and bowstrings
I am not able to send photos 😩
Well dang. I’m sure I can find some online. I’m surprised I haven’t heard of this one, though, because I’ve studied medicinal and useful plants of the Cherokee. Pretty cool to learn something new!
I especially loved your step-in at Leatherwood, and your step-out at Quarry to include the ripples at the bottom of the 2nd photo there!
I was hoping, along with you, that you would find ice!
Yeah, just a few lonely icicles. I really need to figure out a way to drive to places when it’s snowy or icy without getting stuck. Thank you Sheryl!
The effort you make for your art is appreciated, Erik! The pains of such an undertaking are not the same as suffering because of all the rewards in the doing.
That’s the truth! I really do enjoy the overcoming of hardships, even on a short day trip like this. It seems to make it so much more meaningful. Thanks Baird!
I too, have been daydreaming of snowy icicles. I have a top secret favorite spot and I am biting at the bit wondering when the roads will clear to get there.
We got about 5-6 inches of snow here this weekend. How about you?
I miss my forest hikes. Its been an entire month since I've hiked in the woods.
I have a small lake nearby where I can walk but I just can't count it as my nature hikes. I dont know why. It has nature, but it also has neighborhoods and street noise which is exactly what I try to get away from.
My whole body yearns to smell the humus, see only trees, and hear only my footfall, breath, and heartbeat.
Until then, reading your article will give my mind something to look forward to.
I know exactly how you feel! We have some nice parks close by, but they bump up to neighborhoods or noisy roads. I need to get back to the mountains soon.
We got probably 2-3” of snow here! I was tempted to go to one of those parks, but didn’t risk it. Got some really interesting photos just walking around my neighborhood, though!
Wild and beautiful to see the transformation of your work over time. Keep growing my friend
Its a never ending evolution, am I right? Thank you brother!
I've there too many times, imagining some wonderful scene only to feel let down. You're advice is spot on - appreciate what is being offered rather than what might have been. But a warning - I feel waterfall chasing could become an obsession Erik - who can stop at one?
Such a good obsession, though!!