Old Albatross

This site is dedicated to waterfalls, mountains, an old aviators memories, with lots of poetic liberties, some just plain made up, and interesting places to visit.


Last additions - Guest River Railtrail
QUEEN_ANN_AT_GUEST_RIVER_805x800.jpg
Queen Anns Lace675 viewsLate July on Guest River TrailJul 29, 2013
P1070288_1200x900~0.jpg
Gone Fishin408 viewsFound this Great Blue Heron standing in teh Guest River fishing the little area between the rocks.Sep 21, 2011
P1070223_1200x900.jpg
River Wall418 viewsNo, I didn't mean to say river walk. That really is a wall built in the edge of the river.

i would guess, due to it being located in the curve of the river, it prevents the railroad from being washed out.

Too much rain in the mountains makes great waterfalls but, is devastating to railroads that run along the banks of the river.
Sep 20, 2011
P1070254_1200x900.jpg
Overhang414 viewsThe overhang above BJ's head go another 90 ft. out of camera field.

More typical Guest River.
Sep 20, 2011
P1070229_1200x900.jpg
The Trail427 viewsThe surface of Guest River gorge Railtrail is the best we have seen, bar none.

If you live in Tri-Cities area of Tennessee or SW Virginia and want to ride long distances I would suggest I-81.

If you want a short bike ride with breath taking scenery drive up to Coeburn, Va.
Sep 20, 2011
P1070248_1200x900.jpg
Waterfall Exit417 viewsWhen one decides to build a railroad in front of a waterfall what do you do with the waterfall after the water has fallen?

Easy, build a culvert, or trestle if you like, cover it with dirt and lay the tracks over it.

The water exits to the river and the tracks don't get washed away.
Sep 20, 2011
P1070260_1200x900.jpg
Guest River357 viewsThis is typical of what you will see of the Guest River.

There are a couple of larger cascades that I could not get to due to time restrictions but, rest assured I will return in the Fall when the leaves are gone.
Sep 20, 2011
P1070209_1200x900.jpg
Mile marker 5.8 260 viewsEnd of the trail at mile marker 5.8, punctuated by an oncoming train. This is where the spur from Coeburn, Va. connected to the Clinchfield, now the CSX. railroad.Sep 20, 2011
P1070199_1200x900.jpg
Walkers!271 viewsThese dang things make great walkers, just wish they had bigger baskets on them.

Actually, BJ and oldalbatross at the end of Guest River.
Sep 20, 2011
P1070203_1200x900.jpg
The Star273 viewsThe river is the star. None of the scenery of the gorge would be here without the river.Sep 20, 2011
P1070207_1200x900.jpg
Cheat!338 viewsI zoomed in on this little cascade and used filters but, it's still pretty.

located on the last bridge before the trail ends in a train coming at you.

BJ wasn't too happy about the train deal, she has this thing about trains.

Not to worry, the railtrail is on what used to be a spur and the train missed.
Sep 20, 2011
P1070192_900x1200.jpg
One Of Four291 viewsFrom the time you get out of the car in the parking lot at the trailhead you hear Guest River roar.

On four accounts you hear the river and a falls roaring.
Sep 20, 2011
13 files on 2 page(s) 1