Which side are you on?

After stormy weather the night before, the day proved to be breathtaking today.  Cumberland Gap was the backdrop for the “War Between The States” and they held the annual reenactment there this weekend.  Many thanks to the people who travel and put on the show to keep alive the history of the area.  Here are a few pics to show not only the history embed deep in the Cumberland Mountains, but also the beauty.

Kentucky, Tennessee, or Virginia?

Here’s a tidbit of information for those who didn’t know.

The Post Office located in Cumberland Gap, TN is the only post office to change states three times! It was Cumberland Gap, Virginia, Cumberland Gap, Ky and now as you know Cumberland Gap, TN.

Redbud Winter

Redbud Winter. Yep it’s true.  It does exist.

It’s in the Cumberland Mountains already. Thursday and Friday were cold enough to turn the heat back on, but today has warmed up even more than yesterday.  As I load the pictures I’ve taken, I remember how much I loved the older folks talk about the different ‘winters’ each spring.  Always cold, but always beautiful in the colors it awakened.  So here is a quick pic for the color of Redbuds.

Spring and splashes.

So spring arrives and what’s the first thing I do? Fall in a creek.

Through word of mouth my other-half found out about a place not at all far from us called Elrod Falls. This tucked away little (ha not so little!) waterfall(s) is located in Sneedville, Tennessee. While there we encountered beautiful scenery. I don’t know much about the place, historical or otherwise, except there are three falls. The first one you can see from the parking area (gravel) and the second is a bit of a climb up.  The third I’ll have to make a second trip to see. I must say- the water in March isn’t nearly as cold as it looked! On the way back, shepherding children proved to be more slippery (pun intended) than I anticipated.  While directing them on which rocks for them to hop on and hope not to soak their tennis shoes- I failed to follow my own advice and Plunk! took a splash! Unfortunately the camera went with me. I’m still hoping after drying out it will once again please me with pictures.

So rule of thumb if you’re out traipsing about the mountainside- take not only a change of clothes, but waterproof your camera for those unexpected and not so unexpected water sources!

Other than Youtube I’ve not found much online information on Elrod Falls other than Overhome Cabins. I must say for such an unknown place, it sure was hopping with visitors!