Hawk's Bill in front of Table Rock
It is referred to as simply the Gorge around here. I’ve seen it from all angles in every imaginable weather with any number of people, though mostly my children. It is a miniture of some of the greater canyons of the world but it is a compact bit of beauty and extremity. Some of the best rockclimbing in this part of the country or anywhere is on the sides of this “draw”. Well, the day was unparalleled for temperature and better than average for clearness of sky, with no evidence of insects after a frosty night up high. I had the afternoon off and went with my fourth born to take a short hike, search out some climbing routes, take in the view and hang out with my youngin’. Here is but a little of what we saw.
Linville Gorge
The sun angle was not conducive to landscape shots from our vantage point, but it did remind me of how awesome are the cameras we carry in our heads. We had no problem discerning buildings and towers and people on adjacent ridges. The camera was also quite good on zoom.
See the 5 people on Hawk's Bill Mtn?
The last bit of Fall colors at elevation
Autumn colors were not so extremely gorgeous this year as the past two years, but they were just as beautiful in individual trees and clumps of trees. I certainly enjoyed these trees that I presume from this distance to be hickory trees.
The Sitting Bear
And I did find some new climbing along with seeing the starts on the Sitting Bear, a rock on top of the ridge that does indeed appear to be its name sake when far off at certain angles. I guess I have numerous excuses to come back. The stress of living is enough reason for me to keep coming, but there are challenges to rise to and beauty to see, and quiet to absorb, exercise to have, and long talks to be involved in. There is much here to gorge the mind and spirit and body upon. And I am privileged to know the Creator and Owner of it all Whom I can worship and thank for such blessings.
CreatorWorship 
It is interesting that you saw an off-course American coot out of its normal environment. On a hike last fall to Ramsey Cascades, Jonathan and I tried to rescue a large blue-footed, floundering duck-looking bird which we later identified as a cormorant, a water bird from the coastal areas. Fortunately, we couldn’t rescue it, but on the way back to the car, we spotted a pair of the birds, reunited on a log spanning the stream. I like to think they were able to get back on course and return to their natural environment. God certainly has a wonderful imagination!
Nice pix of a gorgeous [pun intended] area! Have you ever been to the Red River Gorge Geological Area and Natural Bridge State Resort Park in Kentucky? Incredible features, especially the canyons, bluffs, and natural arches.
We did have rather crazy and windy weather last week and my wife suggested that perhaps it was migrating and blown off course. A fellow teacher suggested the coot was worn out and resting along the way. Mountain ridges are frequently flyways for migrating birds, but it was still odd. Have not been privileged to go to the Red River Gorge. I want to see it for the beauty and famed rock climbing. Cormorants are indeed interesting birds- not ever seen one close. I did see two Barred Owls at dusk on the Cumberland Plateau at not more than 20 yards, but they weren’t out of place.
Linda stole my thunder, but we did enjoy the Red River Gorge Area – it is reported that there are more than 200 natural arches in the area. We only saw three up-close and personal, but the canyon and its rock formations are unbelievable! Well worth the trip. Also, in the past three weeks, we have made two trips to Max Patch – you talk about gorgeous views! Also well worth the effort. :o)}
Max Patch is one of the more beautiful places I’ve been on the Appalachian Trail. I know you can drive to within a few hundred yards of the top but the two times I’ve ever been there I backpacked in and it seemed out in the middle of know where. Popping out of the woods onto that round knoll really raises your spirits. I’m going to have to check out this Red River Gorge though I must confess I want to do some climbing there from all I’ve heard.