Crabtree FallsCrabtree Falls - George Washington National Forest
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Crabtree Falls - George Washington National Forest - 3 Nov 2005
Table of Contents

Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 001
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 001)  Mary is standing beside the entrance sign on our way into our excursion to see Crabtree Falls and to hike along the winding trail that follows the falls up the mountain side.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 002
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 002)  Crabtree Falls is located on the eastern side of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and is operated and maintained by the Forest Service.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 005
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 005)  Crabtree Falls is located on the eastern side of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and is operated and maintained by the Forest Service.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 005a
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 005a)  Looking through the trees we can see the terraced falls rushing down the mountain side.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 006
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 006)  On the uphill side of the path were these lichen covered rocks.  There is always something of interest and beauty in God's creation, when we take the time to look.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 006a
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 006a)  This is a closer look at some of the lichen and moss.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 007
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 007)  We believe that this is a young kudzu vine.  When mature they can cover all other plants and trees and kill them by blocking the sunlight.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 008
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 008)  A little farther along the path, we saw this sphagnum moss hanging down from an overhanging rock on which it was growing.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 008a
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 008a)  This is a closer look at the sphagnum moss hanging down over the rock.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 009
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 009)  As we get nearer to the falls, we begin to hear the roar of the rushing water.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 009a
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 009a)  This is another look at a portion of the falls that can be seen through the forest.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 010
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 010)  This is another lichen covered rock that we saw on the way to the falls.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 011
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 011)  Then we reached an observation place at the base of the falls where we could see the water cascading down before us, and splashing its way down the slope passed us.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 012
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 012)  This is a closer look at a portion of the falls.  In the upper right of the photo, another section of the falls can be seen in the background.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 013
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 013)  In this photo, we're looking down at another portion of the falls as the water cascades down another step.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 014
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 014)  The water cascades down the rocks and into the pool below, which seems to boil from the impact.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 014a
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 014a)  This is a closer look at the right fork of the falls as it splashes into the pool and on the rocks.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 014b
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 014b)  To the side of the main path of the falls there are smaller falls  formed by diverted water above, which streams down over the rock and rejoins the main flow below.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 014c
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 014c)  This is a closer look at the left fork of the falls as the water splashes into the boiling pool of water at the base of falls.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 015
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 015)  This is another view of the lower falls.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 016
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 016)  Looking up through the forest, we could see the next section of Crabtree Falls.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 016a
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 016a)  This is a closer look at the next section of falls.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 017
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 017)  When looking at the falls, it looks like one stream of foamy white water cascading down over the rock, but as the camera reveals, the water breaks up, as it flows over the rocks, into many tiny rivulets that look something like coarse strands of hair.  The white is caused by the air being mixed into the water.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 018
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 018)  In the top of this close up photo, we can see how the flowing water begins to break up into multiple streams as it flows over the rocks; and down toward the bottom of the photo, as these streams begin to fall freely in the air, they break up much more, giving the cascading water a hair-like appearance.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 019
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 019)  As the water and air splash down into the pool of water at the base of the falls, the rising air bubbles cause the water to look like it's boiling.  The air bubbles quickly break up and the water returns to it darker clear color.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 020
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 020)  This is another look at the splash pool at the base of the falls.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 021
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 021)  About 100 feet back along the paved walkway is the beginning of Crabtree Trail, which works its way up the mountain through a series of switchbacks and stairs.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 022
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 022)  Crabtree Trail is a natural earth and rock path.  Based on the slipperiness of some of the wet spots.  It is probably best to consider this a fair weather pathway.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 023
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 023)  The colorful leaves on the trees and ground added to the joy of the day.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 024
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 024)  On the way up the mountain, we turned on to the first of several switchbacks.  We noted that the people who constructed and maintain the paths and railings have to carry all of their material up the trail, which is quite a feat in itself.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 025
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 025)  As we continue hiking up the trail, we begin to see another portion of the falls through the trees.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 025a
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 025a)  This is a closer look at the up coming falls.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 026
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 026)  To the left of the trail, we saw this interesting rock formation.  Part of it looks like a huge animal looking out over the hillside.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 026a
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 026a)  This is a closer look at the rock that looks something like an animal's head with the nose facing toward the left, and the eye look back at us from between some leaves.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 027
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 027)  In this photo, we're looking down through the woods at another part of the falls.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 028
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 028)  This is another look at the falls below us.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 028a
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 028a)  This is a closer look at the sloped section of the falls and splash pool below us.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 029
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 029)  All along the trail are rock outcroppings, like these below us.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 029a
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 029a)  This is a closer look at the sheer face of the limestone rock below us.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 030
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 030)  As we got closer to the observation point, we could see through the trees to the falls above us.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 031
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 031)  From a partial clearing, we could look up the mountain to see more of the falls, most of which were hidden by the rocks.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 031a
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 031a)  In this photo we can see some of the stairs that were constructed to help hikers safely climb over the rocks.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 032
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 032)  This is another section of Crabtree Falls as it cascades down the stepped rocky slope of the mountain.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 032a
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 032a)  This is a closer look at part of the falls.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 033
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 033)  It is interesting to watch the water fall down the rock steps below us.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 034
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 034)  In this photo, we can clearly see that the water does not fall in a smooth or uniform manner; it sort of bounces and splashes its way down the mountain.  To the right of the photo, we can see the splashes extending out from the upper falling water, and on the step, we can see the wave action caused by this irregular flow.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 034a
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 034a)  In this photo, we have a closer look at the waves flowing across the step below us, before they in turn fall down the next section of the falls.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 035
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 035)  This is another of the interesting rock outcroppings along the trail.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 035a
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 035a)  As with the rocks we photographed previously along the trail, this limestone cliff is also covered with moss and lichen.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 036
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 036)  In this photo, we're looking up the face of the cliff.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 037
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 037)  All along the falls, there is an ever changing vista to attract our interest.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 037a
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 037a)  One of the interesting things about watching the falls and rough-flowing water is the way some of the water flies into the air like wind-blown hair.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 038
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 038)  We can only imagine how the water must thunder down over these rocks during the spring runoff, and the drama of the event.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 038a
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 038a)  Even when the water is flowing at a moderate rate, as it was this day, it still has a fascination about it, as it flows and falls over the rocks on the mountain.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 038b
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 038b)  Every section of the falls has a special beauty: in the way the water flows over the rocks in split streams, and in the ways some of water splashes outward from the main flow.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 039
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 039)  From moment to moment, the beauty of God's creation continually changes.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 040
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 040)  In this little section of the falls, the water flows around a rock in mid stream before roaring down over the rocks below.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 040a
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 040a)  We also enjoy the contrast between the still silent beauty of the lichen covered rocks, and the roaring beauty of the water that cascades down beside them.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 041
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 041)  On the rocks away from the high flow line of the falls, there is even more lichen and fungus to attract our attention.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 041a
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 041a)  God's creation has so many intricate details and fascinating things to look at, that we could spend hours photographing and identifying every aspect.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 042
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 042)  We were very interested in the amount of plant growth growing upon this rock.  Lichen is a symbiotic relationship between algae, which supplies the food; and fungus, which absorbs and holds the moisture that both need to survive. However, this rock seems to be supporting more complex forms of fungus, which must be drawing their food supply from the other plants growing upon the rock.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 042a
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 042a)  This is closer look at some of the abundant growth upon this small rock.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 042b
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 042b)  And this is still another look at the plant life growing upon the rock.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 043
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 043)  This is another look at the plants growing upon this rock.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 043a
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 043a)  In this photo we have a closer look at some of the moss that is growing upon the rock.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 043b
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 043b)  This is another close up look at some of the plant growth upon the rock.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 044
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 044)  A fern gracefully spreads out over the top of the rock amidst dead and newly falling autumn leaves.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 044a
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 044a)  This is a closer look at a small clump of moss growing in the middle of some of the lichen on the rock.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 044b
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 044b)  The expression, "take time to smell the roses", means to take time out from your hectic schedule to enjoy the beauty of God's creation.  Our look at the plant life upon this one rock is such a time of relaxation and a renewing of the soul and spirit.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 045
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 045)  From our vantage point, we could observe this portion of Crabtree falls flowing away from us to the next lower section where the water once again falls down over the stepped rocks of the mountain.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 046
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 046)  This is another section of the falls.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 047
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 047)  This is a slightly closer look at this portion of the falls with its cascading water splashing down over the rocks.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 047a
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 047a)  There is something very soothing about watching the water flow down over the rocks.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 048
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 048)  This is another look at the falls.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 049
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 049)  We continued our hike up the mountain along the trail as it switch-backed to the next section of the falls. On the way we spotted this lichen covered rock.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 050
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 050)  This is a closer look at some of the lichen.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 051
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 051)  This is another look at the plant growth covering the rock's surface.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 052
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 052)  Further along the trail, we spotted these interesting patches of moss.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 052a
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 052a)  To the left and top of this photo we get a closer look at the hairy-cup moss, and to the right and bottom we can see the sphagnum moss.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 054
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 054)  This is a partial side view of the hairy-cup moss, which looks something like newly sprouting pine trees.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 055
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 055)  Along the steep slope of the mountain were several patches of mountain laurel.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 056
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 056)  We soon arrived at the next observation point where we could get a good look at the falls.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 056a
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 056a)  To the side of the main falls, there are several smaller streams of water falling down over the rocks.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 057
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 057)  At the base of this section of the falls, the rock somewhat flattens into a sluice where the waters rush along.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 057a
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 057a)  To the side of the rapidly flowing water, moss clings to the rock.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 058
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 058)  As we looked down the slope at the falls below us, we spotted another section of the falls, behind some trees, flowing parallel to the water near us.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 059
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 059)  This is another look at the split section of the falls.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 059a
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 059a)  In this photo, we have a closer look at the farther section of the falls.  Just below this point, the two sections of the falls join back together.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 059b
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 059b)  This is another look at the water cascading away from us down the mountain.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 060
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 060)  This is another look down the slope of the mountain at the water flowing over the rocks.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 060a
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 060a)  We usually think of water flowing in a steady stream, but in reality it usually flows in a series of waves, as we can observe on the near side of the flowing water, almost as if it has a pulse.  While looking at the this characteristic of the falls, we wondered if perhaps Frances of Assisi thought of the same things when he wrote "O sister water, flowing clear, make music for the Lord to hear.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 061
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 061)  This is another section of Crabtree Falls.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 061a
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 061a)  The moss growing on the rocks beside the falls adds to the beauty and interest of our excursion.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 061b
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 061b)  The contrast between the torrents of water splashing down the main portion of the falls and the more gently flowing side streams also adds to the interest and beauty.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 062
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 062)  The water rapidly flows by us, and splashes down the rocks below.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 062a
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 062a)  This is a closer look at the water splashing down over the rocks.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 063
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 063)  This is another look at the water cascading down the rocks below us.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 064
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 064)  This is another area of the falls where the water splits and flows in different directions around the rocks.  During the high flow of a spring runoff, we doubt that these details could be observed.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 064a
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 064a)  This is a closer look at a side stream where the water meanders its way around and over the rocks.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 065
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 065)  This is another look at one of the side streams of the falls.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 065a
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 065a)  Watching the water flowing around the rocks is something that is very soothing to the soul and spirit.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 066
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 066)  Along the side of the trail, we spotted these low growing plants with red berries growing up through a patch of moss.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 066a
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 066a)  In this photo we have a closer look at the red berries on the plants growing up through the hairy cup moss.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 067
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 067)  This is another look at these interesting little plants.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 068
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 068)  In this photo, we're looking another place where we can see the water falling down over the rocks below us.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 068a
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 068a)  This is a closer look at some of the water splashing down over the rocks.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 069
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 069)  Mountain Laurel overhangs a portion of the falls.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 069a
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 069a)  This is a closer look at the many streams of water that make up the falls.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 070
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 070)  This is another look at this section of the falls.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 071
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 071)  This is a view of another side stream of the falls.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 072
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 072)  In this photo, we're looking up the "chimney" in a rock grotto that was off the side of the trail.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 073
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 073)  A beam of daylight shines down through the chimney of the dark rock grotto.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 074
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 074)  This section of the falls was like a steep sluice.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 074a
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 074a)  The sun shining through the forest above the falls added to the beauty.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 075
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 075)  This is another view of this portion of the falls.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 076
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 076)  In this photo, we have a slightly closer look at this sluice section of the falls.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 076a
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 076a)  One of the interesting features of this portion of the falls was the finger of rock that divided the water into two rapidly flowing streams.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 077
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 077)  This is another perspective of this portion of the falls.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 078
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 078)  In this photo, we're looking at the sluice portion of the falls as it cascades down the rocks beside us.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 079
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 079)  Susan and Mary beside the falls.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 080
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 080)  This is another photo of Susan, Mary, and the falls.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 081
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 081)  We're back on the trail hiking up to the next observation point where we can observe the falls.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 082
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 082)  Frank, posing for a photo along the trail.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 083
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 083)  Mary and Frank on the trail up the mountain.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 084
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 084)  Susan and Frank on the trail.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 085
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 085)  Soon we reached a point on the trail where we could see more of the falls, as it cascaded down the rocky steps of the mountain.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 085a
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 085a)  This is a telephoto look at a portion of the upcoming falls.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 085b
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 085b)  This is another telephoto look at the upcoming falls.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 086
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 086)  Looking up the mountain, through the trees, we can see the upper portion of the falls (top of photo), which, due to the time, we were unable to hike up to.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 086a
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 086a)  This is another telephoto look through the trees at the upper falls (top of photo).  Hopefully on our next trip, we'll have enough time to hike up to the top.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 086b
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 086b)  It's interesting to observe the way the water splits and flows around rocks and then joins back together, as it falls down the rocky steps of the mountain.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 087
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 087)  This is another area of the falls where the water splits and flows around a large rock and then joins back together in dramatic fashion.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 088
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 088)  This is another look at this area of the falls.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 089
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 089)  Hidden away under some fallen tree branches was this little section of the falls.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 089a
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 089a)  Zooming in on this little section of the falls makes it look even more dramatic.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 090
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 090)  The water splashes along through the rocks and flows under this fallen tree.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 091
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 091)  This is another of the small split sections of the falls, which still looks quite dramatic.  The actual size can be compared to the fallen leaves.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 091a
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 091a)  In this photo, we have a closer look at part of this small section of the falls.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 091b
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 091b)  This close up photo captures even more of the drama of the small split section of the falls. We can even see the spray and mist rising above the turbulent water.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 092
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 092)  This small side section of the falls then splits into two smaller falls.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 093
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 093)  In this photo we capture the drama of another one of these small split sections of the falls.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 094
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 094)  No matter how small these split sections of the falls are, they still hold a miniature version of the drama of the main falls.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 094a
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 094a)  The impressive little section of the falls in the upper left of this photo doesn't have much more water in it than we would expect to flow from a garden hose, but it still hold the beauty, if not the full dramatic impact of the larger falls.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 094b
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 094b)  This is a closer look at some of the other small split section of the falls.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 095
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 095)  This is another look at one of the small side section of the falls.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 095a
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 095a)  These photos of the small split section of the falls shows us the intricate detail that God put into His creation, from the impressive cascading of the water to the subtle beauty of the moss and lichen covered rocks sprinkled with fallen autumn leaves.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 096
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 096)  Sue and Mary relaxing before heading back down the trail.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 097
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 097)  Sue and Mary are still relaxing.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 098
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 098)  We're looking up the mountain through the canopy of autumn leaves.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 099
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 099)  This is another look up through the trees.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 100
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 100)  On the way down the trail, we stopped again at the rock grotto and looked up through the chimney to the sky and trees above.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 101
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 101)  This is one of the few quiet section of stream between the steps of the falls.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 102
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 102)  This is another downward look at the stream before it tumbles over the next rock cliff.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 102a
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 102a)  This is a closer look through the trees where the stream turns into rapids before dropping down the next falls.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 102b
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 102b)  This is another look at the stream below a section of the falls.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 103
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 103)  On the way down the mountain, we looked northward to the next mountain ridge.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 104
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 104)  This is another look northward across the valley to the next ridges.
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 105
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 105)  Just incase any of you were wondering why we didn't climb out on the rocks for a better view of the falls...
Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 106
(Crabtree Falls - 3 Nov 2005 - 106)  At the bottom of the mountain, Mary looked at a resting place.

We thoroughly enjoyed our hike and look forward to coming back again with enough time to hike up to the top and see the upper falls.

Lamb Right Lamb Left Presented here are just a few of the countless components of God's creation.  Just as we cannot have human and animal life without water and plants, neither can we have lasting peace without love and compassion.  It is our hope and prayer that this series will motivate people to live and act in a cruelty-free manner; that we would no longer hurt or destroy each other, the animals or our environment.

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