A Walk In The Woods - part 1

Photo by: Tim Bindner Photography

 

I completed a five-day journey with my dear friend Mark.  It was full of unbelievable sites, checked off a bucket list item, and we got to experience all kinds of weather.  It will stay etched in my memory as long as I have one.  The title is a reference to a great book upon which we cover the same subject (or at least part of it for me).

This post will be split up into many parts due to its length.  There was so much joy, excitement and emotion to recap, I know I cannot do it in one post.  I also know I cannot do it justice but will give it a shot.

Day 1; Mark arrived promptly at noon on Wednesday.  We quickly loaded my gear in his Jeep, I said goodbye to my wife and dog (son was at school), and off we headed.  Our destination for the evening was Newport Tennessee, about 300 or so miles away and a 4.5-hour drive.  The drive was quick as my anticipation grew, as I only had mere thoughts and ideas of what we might experience in the next few days.  Mark and I chatted about things we were going to see and he filled the time go over the agenda and telling geocaching stories.

As we reached Newport our stomachs directed us to a local place called the Giggling Pig.  It was our first of many BBQ meals we would have on the trip and it didn’t disappoint.  This is not a restaurant review, so I will move on to what happens next.  We left, made our way to the hotel, checked in, unloaded our luggage and headed out to our first site.

As we headed down a two-lane highway Mark said “it’s just up here a bit”, which was repeated a few times, but eventually we made a turnoff and pulled into a gravel parking lot.  The creek in front of us was flowing at a furious pace, and as I imagined Greenbrier Creek not only had large and small rocks but some gorgeous blueish, green water.  We crossed the road down an embankment and found ourselves at the edge of the creek.  I am sure I was taking photos with my mouth open like my wife does when putting on eyeliner.  The roar of the water was not loud, but soothing.  I started snapping shots and for me, time stood still.  The only thoughts I had were the wish that my wife could be here with me.  Mark positioned his tripod and began snapping away.  As I moved up and down the creek, I felt compelled to touch the water.  The icy water was almost electrifying but also felt so good.  I took about five shots, then borrowed Mark’s tripod and took a few more.  Anyone who knows me, knows I shoot selectively and pick my shots.  I did here as well.

The rest of the time I stared in amazement at the beauty before me.  After what seemed like only a few minutes (was maybe an hour), we returned to the Jeep and headed back to the hotel.  I was already on a natural buzz from our first activity.

This post will be split into separate parts.

Until next time,

Tim