A Soggy Day of Photography at Stiles Falls

Susan shot this spider web on the way to Stiles Falls.

The day was gray--great for photographers--and wet and it was to be the first real hike of the season for my pal Susan and me. I was armed with one of my Nikons and she had her new cell phone. 

We both got decent shots, but Susan had her best day in my memory with some jaw-droppers, which will begin this photo essay. 

We walked up to Stiles Falls at Camp Alta Mons, one of our favorite hikes in Western Virginia. It is relatively short (about a mile and a half each way), steep, and wet. 

The payoff is beautiful and hikers are presented with choices: climb the boulders to the pond at the bottom of the falls or climb a steep, slippery bank and come in from the side. Susan went one way, I went the other, and here are our shots, mine marked (D), hers marked (S). 

Enjoy them, but go take the hike yourself. It is a spiritual trip.

This is one of my very favorite Susan photos ever. Love the panorama of the forest. Click on it for the full effect.

(S)

(S)

(S)

(S)

(S)

(S)

The old man and the forest. (S)

Susan shooting the stacked rocks on top of the boulder.  (D)

Susan's pure exuberance. (D)

Uh, oh, here comes a yoga pose ... (D)

... Yoga pose 2. (D)

Stiles Falls is not always calm and private. Susan is at the top, center. (D)

This is the view from halfway up the falls on the side. (D)

Susan took a moment to photograph this dad and his three kids at the falls. (D)

Susan negotiating a creek crossing (there are four). (D)

Selfie at the falls. (D)

Kids don't want to wait for an old man. (S)

(S)

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And finally, Stiles Falls in its splendor. (S)