Birthday Falls

 

It was my birthday week. Even though the fact is that I am now officially old and creaky, I had a most glorious couple of days.

We started out by going to Pickett CCC Memorial State Park which is just down the road from Kathy's place. Besides having lovely hiking trails, Pickett has been designated as a Silver-tier International Dark Sky Park. I don't think there are very many Dark Sky parks out east – way too many people and lights. If there is even a little street light on, it diminishes the stars. But...we were not there during the night, we were there to hike. We brought all the dogs and we allowed them to run off-leash. They had a blast. It was such a nice day and I was very happy to be out walking in the woods.

Almost to the Pickett Cave

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Amazing what Flora does to survive and grow. 
This was on the edge of a rock overhang.

On my actual birthday, Kathy took me to the big metropolis of Cookeville to Mauricio's Restaurant. Great Italian food served in a renovated residence that was built in 1910. The atmosphere was atmospheric – they played some of my favorite music from the 40's and 50's. That set me off later on a Louis Armstrong/Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin listening binge.

You can't have a fancy meal without dessert

We had such a leisurely lunch that we almost didn't make it to the next adventure on the list. Burgess Falls State Park...Why you ask? Waterfalls – four of them! First waterfalls of this year's road trip! What a spectacular way to spend a birthday. We arrived at the park about 3:15, the park closes at four. Not only do they close at four, but there were several signs about how they were going to immediately tow your car at four. The trail along the falls is 1.5 miles but is listed as moderately strenuous. Kathy and I are up for the challenge. In hindsight, I would not classify the trail as all that hard, but it was a fun trail. It felt so good to again be in the woods, with the added bonus of the falls. Just as we were climbing the last hill to the parking lots, two rangers show up and tell us, in no uncertain terms, that the park is closed.  I think we were one of the last cars in the parking lot.  We made it without getting towed. 

The first falls - a 20' cascade

30' Upper Falls

80' Middle Falls

The Grand Finale
130' Lower Falls

 Thanks Kathy for a great birthday.