I decided to combine two of my favorite things to do. ?Rockhounding and photography are natural companions. ?I headed down to Hemlock Creek to get a shot of the waterfalls, and see if I could locate some nice carnelian.
Hemlock Creek Falls
The weather was almost perfect. ?High clouds and a temperature in the low 60s made for a perfect bike riding and photo opportunity. ? I didn’t get started till late afternoon, but the falls are only 2 miles from the parking area. ?After loading up with equipment and ?heading up the road I came across my first photo opportunity. A porcupine was sunning himself in the middle of the road.
They don’ move to fast, but are not something to mess around with.
After I took a few photos this guy waddled off into the brush and I started on my way again.
My next stop was a gravel pit that looked like it hadn’t been worked in quite a long time.
This pit was a big bust.
I finally made it to the banks of Hemlock Creek and spent a few minutes figuring out how to get down where I could get a decent picture of the falls. ?The water was probably 30 to 40 feet almost straight down. ?So I shed my pack, grabbed my camera and tripod, and put on my waders before scrambling down the steep bank.
I think it was worth it though. ?What do you think?
My first clear view of the Hemlock Creek Waterfalls.
After spending a while trying to get the one shot I wanted, I climbed back up the bank and headed to a spot above the falls where I could get a good look at some nice gravel and check it out for carnelian.
This small white agate had a red center.
I only found one small agate in this gravel, but I was content. ?I really like these small creeks. ?They are peaceful, and seem to melt the stress of life away.
Hemlock Creek.
I decided that I had better head back to the truck before it got to late, so I packed up my gear and hiked back to the bike. ?It didn’t take me long to reach the truck since it was all down hill. ?I met my old friend porcupine in the same place on the road out, and had to stop once more to get a picture. ?He had other things on his mind and prepared his defense before he headed to the brush once more.
The main line of defense for porcupines is it’s quills.
I finished up and made it back to the truck in plenty of time.
Thanks for joining me.
chasfire
This was v ery cool, thanks for sharing
Thanks Gene. I really enjoyed the trip. My only wish would be for it to have lasted longer.
chasfire
Great pictures and thanks for sharing – the top two are my favorites. I made it down to the area a couple of times this winter, before and after the rain started. You are so right about the small streams erasing stress. The bike ride, scenery and sense of peace are the best parts – any stones are a bonus and the excuse to get out. I’d rather wade than dig as a rule. Too bad I can’t share a picture or two.
Bill: I also like the top two photos. I hope to be able to continue making more trips to this area in the future.
chasfire