Crabtree falls

Last weekend I took a road trip, probably my last in the US (for a while at least). I picked the car up Friday night and did some shopping. It was only when I was driving it home (and the rental place was shut) I noticed the "maintenance required" light on the dash. Apparently it is to do with requiring an oil change (which they admitted it needed when I took it back after the trip). But I was very proud of myself by checking the oil. And happy when it seemed ok (using my extensive mechanical expertise and phoning dad). 

I set out very early (for me) Saturday morning and drove up to CrabTree falls, just over 2 hours away in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest. 

Lots of green.

I was looking forward to seeing the falls, but decided against climbing around them after seeing this sign.

Some others were not as well warned. And it did not look safe!

The trail is 3.4 miles round trip with falls all the way along. And after the latest rain, in good flow.

Lowest falls

Unfortunately this also meant it was all up hill on the way up.

And the stairs begin

As I was on my own, I could take my time. And did. A lot was playing with my camera. It was all so pretty.

It was so hot! And after raining the night before, really humid. So I also took a lot of breaks. And random photos of the trail.

trail

 The trail was quiet for the most part and I had a lot of it to myself. Other than the butterflies.

I stopped 3/4th of the way up for my apple and iced vanilla cappuccino . Well, it used to be iced, but was still very good and bets my normal coffee view..

View with coffee

And there was lots of flowers out. I have no idea what they were but the pink ones were every where.

Blossoms

Flowers over the fall

flower strewn waterfalls  

up close

more

Flower strewn path to the last fall.

And there were a lot of good vistas. (I took a ton of photos - often as an excuse to pause.)

Looking back on a viewing platform

view from inside a path side cave.

I was originally only going to go to the 1.4 mile mark, where the last waterfall is. But decided, as I was there, I might as well go to the top. Very near the top, there was a stone platform with lots of these stacked stones. They seem to appear all over the place these days.

Stacked Stones  

Top falls

 And the view from the top was worth the effort.

Over the forest

bridge of the top of the creek

Start of the falls

I have some amazing new hiking shoes which were amazing. And for the most part had great grip. I only slipped on muddy rocks once. But I avoided injury as I landed with my butt in a very large and soft pile of mud! Luckily I had packed 5 outfits for the 2 day trip for exactly that reason. I am also surprised considering my usual grace and style that this was my only slip!

Last view of the falls on the way down

I ended up finishing the hike quicker than expected, so after changing the back of the car (go to love tinted windows) I took the long way around avoiding the interstate to Strasburg. It was a lovely drive though my SatNav/GPS had some interesting routes. And I left just in time. The rain started shortly after. 

The original purpose for the trip was to do my balloon flight but there weather was just too windy. :-( 

But I knew this could be the case, so had booked a nice old B&B a few miles away, the Hotel Strasburg.

Hotel

The rooms were old fashion and very cute, and the staff were great. Also the hotel had a restaurant (with great reviews) and a bar which was a lot like an English pub and made me a bit homesick. So after a much needed shower, I had a nice meals and spent a few hours in the bar, sipping red wine, reading my book and chatting to some of the locals - always an interesting experience. :-)