A short walk through South Mountains State Park
December 1999

Ever want to walk along quiet streams? Camp in open meadows? 
Watch meteor showers unobscured by the ambient light of civilization?
We look for that and more each month and found a treasure at South Mountains State Park.

From ridge-top trails the surrounding arc of hills gives a sense of quiet grandeur with its own sense,
different from the austerity of the Blue Ridge crest.

Broad trails provide room for hikers and bikers.

Here are moments to stand above and almost outside the world.

"Oh boy, down hill!"

"Look a sign."  "Where are we?"

"I don't know, but I'm hungry. Let's eat."

A Dogwood at Sites 1-4.

Closer

Eliott Porter?

The serenity of a quiet creek belies the strength of High Shoals Falls below.

The descent presages the momentum of the falls.

Backview up the hill

Dave

High Shoals Falls speaks for itself.

Back at camp, --

"But the inside is neat."

"This is really better than it looks. Would you care to join us for supper?"

"I know what I'm doing."

Reflecting by the creek

Our neighbors, Troop 101

Taking a moment to reflect on weighty matters of leadership

The Park was kind enough to let us help them landscape a new camping area.

Four foot Scouts with five foot shovels

"What do you mean, I planted the other glove?"

"This isn't work."

Tamp it down and water it.

"How come we put a tree and all the original dirt back in the hole
and there's still more hole to back-fill?"

Water, water, water.

Almost done

Scouts and Ranger Staff.

We look forward to coming back to see the results of our labor.
Thank you South Mountains Staff for a memorable weekend.