Don't Go Chasing Waterfalls.....

Dark Hollow Falls gives us our first hiking challenge on our adventure and we are reminded of past walks in North and South Carolina, there is nothing quite like these journeys. Gurgling brooks that follow the path, steep descends, foreshadowing those hearty climbs back, and the views at different points of upper and lower falls all make for the ultimate outdoor activity. It really can't be beat!

Today we find fellow adventurers engaged at various stopping areas along the path, as there are numerous vantage points. The day has warmed significantly and it is the perfect day for such an outing, hence the popularity of our route. We take our time, especially at the rocky trek at the final descent, and gaze upward a good while, enjoying the spectacular scene above. Our journey back to the top is taken with several breaks, as it is a bit of a workout, but worth every single step!

As we wind our way down from the Skyline, we agree on one little detour before getting back to Woodstock. While we were at our little Real Food find in Orange, the owners had given us a tip on a little place called Orkney Springs, the location of their wedding. The description warranted a visit. Surely, a little waterfall would be found here, as well. Our Garmin was set and we veered once again near the West Virginia line, this time a little further west.

Getting to Orkney Springs is not easy. A lesson learned this outing - always have a map in our hands as back-up. After miles of loops and turns, we find ourselves nowhere. Just as we are giving up and marking our return to home, we do come upon what possibly could be the spot we're looking for. There is, in fact, a sign for the "cathedral" we were told of, although we don't really see a "cathedral". There are buildings set up for what looks like a retreat of some sort, although there are no people. There is a spring, we think, but we can't really get to it. Yes, we have arrived at....the twilight zone!

Touring the tiny secluded area, we find a few interesting highlights. An "Ashley" car wash brings a chuckle, then an old stone ruin overlooking a lonely horse, our only live creature encounter, followed by the "Happiness House" which we guess is for happiness, all satisfy our query of this unique spot. Season may bring life and an entire other subsidy but, for us, we're ready to find our way home. Directions for our exit prove just as challenging, and when we finally see the Highway 42 sign for Woodstock, we applaud with zeal. Sometimes searching for the other side of the rainbow doesn't exactly pan out....and this is definitely one of those times!