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.


Most viewed - North Carolina
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Monster In The Mist2512 viewsWhitewater Falls NC just after heavy rains. The fog cleared like magic for about ten minutes allowing an old friend to get his first peak at the 400 ft. monster.

Just downstream is a duplicate but, a little harder to hike to.
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Upper part of hiddeen falls2511 viewsCareful examination of the top of the main falls reveals a small falls coming from right to left and turning sharply left for the plunge of the main falls.
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Steel Creek Cascades2509 viewsUnable to reach the main falls due to water levell that prevented crossing creek. I will come back, prepared to cross the creek. Al alternate route, up the right side of the creek is not really an alternative unless you have a fondness for Laurel bushes, steep slopes, and leaf covered rock.
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Fall Colors2505 viewsFall colors can be seen up on top of the falls. With a little assist from the Roaming Knob the laurels parted for this photo.
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Plunge Pooll2501 viewsThe plunge pool on an overcast day. Easy access with less than a mile hike.
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Lower Dismal Falls2501 viewsI should not go here but, I did.
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Wilson Creek area2500 viewsOne of many falls located between Linville and Wilson Creek.

A no excuses cloudy, cool May day with BJ. A half mile moderate trail hike, except pretty steep off the main trail.
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Big Falls2498 viewsMount Hardy Falls is measured at over 100 ft and even though it was a dry spell still had pretty good water.

This is a MST trail falls and is not hard to get to but, has some laurels and of course slick rocks.
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Upper Linville2497 viewsA heavily visited, family friendly falls along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
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Better Than Expected2497 viewsI expected to see a 60 ft falls but, measure this beauty at more than 100 ft.

Lasers don't really like the brush seen at the top of the falls here but, I got consistent marks at over 100 ft and a solid mark at 91 ft.
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Lower Panthertown Creek Falls2493 viewsThe hike to the lower falls is pretty easy until the turn off below The Great Wall, then there is nothing that can be called a trail, just a few faded ribbons and a few clips.

This 0.2 mile bushwhack through a recent controlled burn I would rate difficult for those not accustomed to Bushwhacking.
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Cool Mountain 2492 viewsWhen looking at my camera download for Dugger I discovered little sprays and jets from beneath the rocks that were not that visible with the eye.

It was 72^ F when I left the parking lot but, 101^F when I arrived in Charlotte.
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