Gillespie Creek Hike

This hike began at the top of the ridge above Gillespie Creek.  We hiked down a draw on the right and ended up above these pictured falls.  We had to go back up, cross the creek and found a slide down into the canyon.  From there we hiked to the falls, then followed the bluffs.  When they started veering away from the creek, we hiked down to the creek and followed it to the road that leads to Indian Tombs Hollow.  Two weeks later I led a group back.  We hiked from Indian Tomb Hollow to the falls and back. That day was a perfect example of why there are so few takers in the summer hikes.  My picture shows two good reasons - Poison Ivy!  Snakes!  Ticks! The Heat!   Oh, that's four...

This beautiful timber rattler was relaxing at the base of a beech tree.  I was walking up to examine the carvings on the trunk, when I caught the flicker of his tongue.  Had I not seen it, I would have stepped on him.  He wasn't threatened, and never acted defensive.  Everyone got their cameras out and we kept a respectable distance.  Those who wanted, got pictures and shared this one with me.  We kept our eyes peeled after that, but the ground is hard to see for the underbrush, and they really do blend in with their environment.  But the snakes really don't want to be seen, and aren't agressive.  Just be aware...  If stepped on, I'm sure we would have seen a different reaction.  Another fun hike would be starting at Beulah Church, hiking down that draw, spring, and coming down that side of the canyon. 

The flowers were great the first hike, but by the end of April, the shade had won out, and the ephemerals were gone.  We did check out the cemetery, marker tree and refilled our water at some springs at the base of a mountain.  Good water!!