Scenic Sunday #2 “Not as Planned”
When-
Sunday Afternoon Feb. 13th.
Place-
Sewanee, TN
Driving Distance from Our House-
37 Miles
The Adventure-
The plan was simple, 2 waterfalls and a picnic. The falls was only a short hike from the parking areas, with the parking areas less than 10 minutes from each other. After a few moments of studying the G.P.S. and Google earth, we were confident about our destination.
Once again we packed up our gear and went to worship the Lord. As Believers we realize that the nature we enjoy so much is created by the One True God. Notice I said is created instead of was. God is constantly proving His existence with creation of every season.
On this trip the “Heard Wagon” was stocked with a cooler of sandwiches, drinks and bags of chips. A meal fit for a small budget. Remember these trips are meant to be fun and affordable family adventures.
The G.P.S. led us to the first parking area where we had intended on taking the short hike with our lunch in tow. Unfortunately, when Marge (our Magellan) boasted “You have arrived,” we were in the middle of the road in a brand new residential neighborhood with only private driveways available to park. The water fall was no longer on public land and accessible to the community. Needless to say, we were disappointed and still hungry.
We remembered that a few miles down the road was the office of the South Cumberland State Park. This park covers a huge part of southern- middle Tennessee. The park office is well equipped with all the current information needed to enjoy this beautiful park. The park is the home of Savage Gulf, Stone Door and the Fiery Gizzard Trail.
We went to the Park Office and ate our lunch on one of the many picnic areas. Once our stomachs were filled and our frustration calmed down, we went in and asked for the information and watched a great little film about the area. The second falls we were looking for was on the area of the map that was available to the public. Also, on the same trail was a natural bridge. When we had a hand full of maps and brochures we hit the road again. This time we were much more successful, well sort of.
We had no trouble finding the well marked parking lot for the trails and the natural bridge. There were two trails at this location, one to the falls and the other to the bridge. The bridge was a short hike and did not leave a fat man like me out of breath. The trail to the bridge was less than a 100 yards slightly down hill.
Walking down the wide, even and well maintained trail brought you to the top of the bridge. According to the information we picked up at the park office a natural bridge is formed when layers of hard rock are separated by soft sandy rocks. The water slowly pushes and washes the sand out between the two hard layers, leaving a void. Above that void is the bridge. Are you still awake?
Whether one is interested in how it was formed, there is no doubt in how cool it looks standing on top of the bridge or under it. The bluffs that surrounded us were beautifully, naturally decorated with wonderful layers of colors and steps.
At the base was what I would call a cove deep enough for a couple of adult’s comfortable shelter from rain. It even had a place to start a fire. Other hikers and campers had made their marks on the cave walls with the charcoal from their fire pit.
There is so much more to experience, however we wanted to get that last trail in. I was tired and so were the kids, but we were wanting to see a water fall. Once again however, we hit a snag. The trail to the other falls was not as easily found. After a total nearly four hours of frustration, hiking and making circles, we were ready to throw in the towel.
In the end I wish I could have photographed some falling water that day, but things did not go as planned. We still had a great time at the bridge and we learned a lot at the state park office. Most importantly we did it together as a family. We can’t fuss about that.
So get out there and have your own Adventure!
Robert G. Heard
The Travel Log-
Family Fun Rating: *** out of 5
Explanation-
I cannot really blame anyone for this “OK” rating. We used a program on Google that is updated by other users like me. The software marks different locations of natural areas. Unfortunately, for us we visited a place that has not been updated, it happens. We ended up being too tired to put any more effort into finding that other trail. If it was marked better, I would have given it a 4 *.
Website @ http://state.tn.us/environment/parks/SouthCumberland/
Sewanee Natural Bridge
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Scenic Sunday "Falls Mill, Belvidere TN"
Our First “Scenic Sunday”
When-
Sunday Afternoon Feb. 6th.
Place-
Falls Mill, Belvidere TN
Driving Distance from Our House-
43 Miles
The Adventure-
The family started the day packing for our first Scenic Sunday. We had our Bibles, Sunday school projects, blue jeans and our hiking boots. Miraculously we were even on time that morning. We had a great start of the day by praising God and fellowshipping with our brothers and sisters in Christ.
We splurged with our lunch and chose to eat out so that we would be home early for game night with my brother and his family. We spent $30 with tip.
After stuffing our faces we hit the road for a short drive though the beautiful Tennessee country side. Halfway there we began to regret over eating and the sky was threatening rain with clouds gathering over our heads. However, we were not discouraged and we stayed on task. In no time we were turning onto Falls Mill Road where we were greeted by a canopy of trees. Within a block we found ourselves in front of the old water powered mill and country store.
The building was a beautiful late 1800’s building with our state and U.S. flags on each side of the front door. Across the road was a comfortable log cabin with picnic tables in the front lawn. To say that Falls Mill was charming would be an understatement. We were immediately drawn into a historic industrial era.
After a soothing and relaxing tour of the grounds and the building, I wanted to take my boots off and prop my feet up. I could have sat there and listen to more on the history of this wonderfully restored factory for the rest of the day. The whole family felt the same way and loved this little jewel in Belvidere as well.
The motion of the wheel motorized by the water was calming and enjoyable. Watching the machines being powered by the wheel gave you a sense of going back in time. We are defiantly planning on going back, but this time to stock up on the freshly ground grits and flower. Also, the player piano is a must do. It was tons of fun.
The Travel Log-
The admission price of $10 covered the 5 of us and was well worth the money and the time. On this trip we ate out for lunch and burned about $5 in gas, with a total- $35.
Family Fun Rating: **** out of 5
Explanation- On the day that we visited the mill, the printing press and the dog-powered butter churn were not being operated. The hikes that we found on our own were not challenging. However, this place was great. Get off the couch and find an adventure.
See more on Falls Mill below and on their website @ http://www.fallsmill.com.
FALLS MILL
Operating Water- Powered
Grain Mill and Museum
Belvidere, Tennessee
Nestled in a lush green cove along the banks of beautiful Factory Creek stands historic Falls Mill. Built in 1873 as a cotton and woolen factory, the mill was later converted for use as a cotton gin, then as a woodworking shop. Today the water wheel powers millstones that grind cornmeal, flour, and grits.
Falls Mill is open to the public for tours each day except Wednesday. Visitors begin with an introductory history of the mill, then take a self-guided tour of the building and scenic grounds. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Antique machinery related to the mill's history is exhibited on two floors of the building. The millstones, printing press, and the ever-popular dog-powered butter churn are on the first floor. The country store and weaving room are on the second floor. Hand looms, spinning wheels, and a rare collection of 19th century power looms and wool carding machines are on display.
When-
Sunday Afternoon Feb. 6th.
Place-
Falls Mill, Belvidere TN
Driving Distance from Our House-
43 Miles
The Adventure-
The family started the day packing for our first Scenic Sunday. We had our Bibles, Sunday school projects, blue jeans and our hiking boots. Miraculously we were even on time that morning. We had a great start of the day by praising God and fellowshipping with our brothers and sisters in Christ.
We splurged with our lunch and chose to eat out so that we would be home early for game night with my brother and his family. We spent $30 with tip.
After stuffing our faces we hit the road for a short drive though the beautiful Tennessee country side. Halfway there we began to regret over eating and the sky was threatening rain with clouds gathering over our heads. However, we were not discouraged and we stayed on task. In no time we were turning onto Falls Mill Road where we were greeted by a canopy of trees. Within a block we found ourselves in front of the old water powered mill and country store.
The building was a beautiful late 1800’s building with our state and U.S. flags on each side of the front door. Across the road was a comfortable log cabin with picnic tables in the front lawn. To say that Falls Mill was charming would be an understatement. We were immediately drawn into a historic industrial era.
After a soothing and relaxing tour of the grounds and the building, I wanted to take my boots off and prop my feet up. I could have sat there and listen to more on the history of this wonderfully restored factory for the rest of the day. The whole family felt the same way and loved this little jewel in Belvidere as well.
The motion of the wheel motorized by the water was calming and enjoyable. Watching the machines being powered by the wheel gave you a sense of going back in time. We are defiantly planning on going back, but this time to stock up on the freshly ground grits and flower. Also, the player piano is a must do. It was tons of fun.
The Travel Log-
The admission price of $10 covered the 5 of us and was well worth the money and the time. On this trip we ate out for lunch and burned about $5 in gas, with a total- $35.
Family Fun Rating: **** out of 5
Explanation- On the day that we visited the mill, the printing press and the dog-powered butter churn were not being operated. The hikes that we found on our own were not challenging. However, this place was great. Get off the couch and find an adventure.
See more on Falls Mill below and on their website @ http://www.fallsmill.com.
FALLS MILL
Operating Water- Powered
Grain Mill and Museum
Belvidere, Tennessee
Nestled in a lush green cove along the banks of beautiful Factory Creek stands historic Falls Mill. Built in 1873 as a cotton and woolen factory, the mill was later converted for use as a cotton gin, then as a woodworking shop. Today the water wheel powers millstones that grind cornmeal, flour, and grits.
Falls Mill is open to the public for tours each day except Wednesday. Visitors begin with an introductory history of the mill, then take a self-guided tour of the building and scenic grounds. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Antique machinery related to the mill's history is exhibited on two floors of the building. The millstones, printing press, and the ever-popular dog-powered butter churn are on the first floor. The country store and weaving room are on the second floor. Hand looms, spinning wheels, and a rare collection of 19th century power looms and wool carding machines are on display.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Scenic Sunday- Intro
There is a good reason that many call Tennessee "Land of Falling Water." There are other states that may boast spectacular waterfalls, but I am partial to the ones near my new hillbilly home. Within a 50 mile radius of my house there are well over 100 waterfalls. There are very, very few of the other states that can make such a claim. With so much beauty around us, it would be a shame not to trek out with the family to experience God’s creation.
As a photographer I have the pleasure of working from home. We home school our kids, so I get to spend more time with them. Other advantages are traveling across the country and getting paid to photograph landscapes, people, animals, real estate and much more.
However, like everyone else we know, our business has felt the unpleasant effects of the unstable economy. Dollars are harder to earn and even harder to keep. Gasoline prices have risen and fell like the oceans tides all over this great country. Lately fast food is no longer cheap or even very fast for that matter. To feed a family of five at McDonalds, we are lucky to spend $20 or less.
On top of that, for the most part fast food is not even good for us. I can almost feel my arteries clogging up just thinking about it. Personally, I have developed a weight problem that fuels bad cholesterol, tiredness and high blood pressure.
Therefore, as a family we have decided to take advantage of the days with warmer weather and hit some cheap if not free adventurous locations. With this in mind we asked friends who have been here most of their lives for ideas. Their responses were surprising. Some had suggestions but have not been there themselves. A few had a place or two that have gone and enjoyed some our beautiful state. Yet others had no idea where we could go.
We decided to go at least one day a week to someplace new. We wanted to experience and document where we have gone. We wanted to hike as a family and photograph our life’s adventures. We also wanted to do all of this on a small budget.
In conclusion, on the behalf of our studio “Creative Images “and the Heard family, we would be honored to share with you what we have learned on our trips through this blog- “SeeScapes”. Hopefully, you will be inspired to go out (with your family) and find new adventures. Book mark this site, read our stories, share them with others and support Missionaries around the world by shopping for the things you normal by anyways at MissionsMall.org (go to the directory). If you have any photography needs, please give us a call @ Creative Images by Robert G. Heard- 931.570.4152
God Bless,
Robert G. Heard
As a photographer I have the pleasure of working from home. We home school our kids, so I get to spend more time with them. Other advantages are traveling across the country and getting paid to photograph landscapes, people, animals, real estate and much more.
However, like everyone else we know, our business has felt the unpleasant effects of the unstable economy. Dollars are harder to earn and even harder to keep. Gasoline prices have risen and fell like the oceans tides all over this great country. Lately fast food is no longer cheap or even very fast for that matter. To feed a family of five at McDonalds, we are lucky to spend $20 or less.
On top of that, for the most part fast food is not even good for us. I can almost feel my arteries clogging up just thinking about it. Personally, I have developed a weight problem that fuels bad cholesterol, tiredness and high blood pressure.
Therefore, as a family we have decided to take advantage of the days with warmer weather and hit some cheap if not free adventurous locations. With this in mind we asked friends who have been here most of their lives for ideas. Their responses were surprising. Some had suggestions but have not been there themselves. A few had a place or two that have gone and enjoyed some our beautiful state. Yet others had no idea where we could go.
We decided to go at least one day a week to someplace new. We wanted to experience and document where we have gone. We wanted to hike as a family and photograph our life’s adventures. We also wanted to do all of this on a small budget.
In conclusion, on the behalf of our studio “Creative Images “and the Heard family, we would be honored to share with you what we have learned on our trips through this blog- “SeeScapes”. Hopefully, you will be inspired to go out (with your family) and find new adventures. Book mark this site, read our stories, share them with others and support Missionaries around the world by shopping for the things you normal by anyways at MissionsMall.org (go to the directory). If you have any photography needs, please give us a call @ Creative Images by Robert G. Heard- 931.570.4152
God Bless,
Robert G. Heard
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