My pal Deborah Goglia soaks up Roaring Run. 

Roaring Run with a Long-Lost Friend

I ran into my old pal Deborah Goglia, whom I hadn't seen in a couple of years, the other day and as we discussed hiking/biking/kayaking, she suggested it might be good to do these things rather than talk about them.

Deborah is the woman on whom I based the character, Ella Sikorski, in my new novel "NEWS!" Ella is a deaf reporter and I leaned on Deborah, who is deaf, to help me create a character working professionally in the world. I think what we came up with works well. Ella almost steals the book.

Today, Deborah and I "did" Roaring Run in Botetourt County, up to the falls with a picnic. It was glorious, sunny, chilly water, bright foilage, and grand conversation. Here's some of what it looked like. 

Deborah and the old scout.

This is Deborah at the sliding rock, which we didn't try.

A pensive Deborah studies the creek. 

Pampa and all that rushing water.

Roaring Run Falls: The destination.

Deborah says she loves staircases.

Butterflies seem to dig Deborah.

A woman who is happy outdoors.

Pampa and the waterfall (with Bassett Hound T-shirt).

Pampa in the water. It was cooooold.

I never get tired of this shot.