tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56030082540880455092024-02-06T18:18:48.690-08:00Waterfall ChasingA collection of my thoughts, adventures, and experiments. Mostly photography (waterfalls and wildflowers), hiking, and plant related.JPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11239731249185020073noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5603008254088045509.post-10605658927458369952015-04-13T01:52:00.001-07:002015-04-13T01:52:23.317-07:00GoPro Hero 4 Black PreReviewMy intention is to post a full review of the GoPro Hero 4 Black in a few weeks once I've gotten some more shutter time with it, but I wanted to relay my experiences so far... The unit I was initially provided would lock up at any recording rate more demanding than 1080p 24fps, ruling out 720p 240fps and 4k. It took a long time to get a replacement back from GoPro but they were friendly, and the camera they sent works. Below is a cherry blossom test from DC with a Timelapse and 4k video.<br />
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<br />JPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11239731249185020073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5603008254088045509.post-48032140526979534042015-03-29T11:19:00.002-07:002015-03-29T11:19:35.726-07:00Great Falls of the Potomac - Maryland Waterfall Guide Videos Episode Three<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />JPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11239731249185020073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5603008254088045509.post-15820919341119059762015-03-28T11:47:00.001-07:002015-03-28T11:47:08.034-07:00Cascade Falls, Patapsco Valley State Park, Maryland - Video GuideSecond episode is up on YouTube, featuring Cascade Falls in Patapsco Valley State Park. <br />
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JPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11239731249185020073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5603008254088045509.post-39086760544824137082015-03-21T13:26:00.002-07:002015-03-21T13:28:06.090-07:00Falling Branch Falls Video GuideI decided to finally start of video guides for at least the waterfalls in Maryland. The first is of Falling Branch Falls. It runs just short of an hour, although I'll be including shorter clips for impatient viewers. <br />
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JPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11239731249185020073noreply@blogger.com2Rocks State Park, 3318 Rocks Chrome Hill Road, Jarrettsville, MD 21084, USA39.6312532 -76.41593840000001639.533457700000007 -76.577299900000014 39.7290487 -76.254576900000018tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5603008254088045509.post-57901624519898282342015-03-15T13:48:00.003-07:002015-03-15T13:48:21.340-07:00Time lapse UpdateI'm getting a little better with the time lapses...<br />
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<br />JPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11239731249185020073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5603008254088045509.post-15598355165074082542015-03-06T15:58:00.000-08:002015-03-06T15:59:30.346-08:00Maryland Orchid Society Annual Orchid Show 2015Today I had the joy of visiting the <strong><em>Maryland Orchid Society's</em></strong> Annual Orchid Show at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium. This year, the show was held right inside the main "Cow Palace" with the Home and Garden show that was running concurrently. I'm sure this was great for the orchid vendors, as they probably made lots of extra sales of Phals and other common orchids. I was here for somewhat more esoteric reasons. I had already placed an order with Woodstream Orchids and was really attending the show to avoid having to ship the plants during winter. I ended up buying more orchids than I expected, but that's a good thing. I had been complaining that my collection was down considerably due to move and vacation related losses, so this was a good opportunity to replenish my stock. <br />
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In the end, I walked out with...<br />
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From <em><strong>Woodstream Orchids</strong></em> (located in MD): <a href="http://www.woodstreamorchids.com/">http://www.woodstreamorchids.com/</a><br />
Phragmipedium besseae <br />
Phragmipedium schlimii<span class="text_exposed_hide">...</span><span class="text_exposed_show"><br /> Phragmipedium schlimii (flasked seedlings)<br /> Paphiopedilum tranlienianum <br /> Paphiopedilum primilinum var. purpurascens<br /> Paphiopedilum leucochilum </span><br />
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From <em><strong>Little Brook Orchids</strong></em> (located in PA): <a href="http://www.littlebrookorchids.com/">http://www.littlebrookorchids.com/</a><br />
Papiopedilum niveum</div>
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Dendrobium kingianum (wonderfully fragrant!!!)<br />
Vanilla planifolia (yup, vanilla)</div>
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From <em><strong>Fishing Creek Orchids</strong></em> (located in PA)<br />
Paphiopedilum delenatii var alba </div>
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The plants from all three outfits look great and I'm overjoyed to have three good sources of slipper orchids that are relatively local. The folks at Woodstream (Lynn and Bill Goldner, who turned out to be former federal employees like myself) even invited me to visit their greenhouse in the future, which I'm sure I'll take them up on. <br />
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A photo of the haul...<br />
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The show is still running Saturday and Sunday March 7-8th, so if you are reading this before the end of that period, and you want to see or buy some orchids...get off your butt and get out there!!! The entrance was $12 and was well worth saving the shipping. <br />
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More information at: <a href="http://marylandorchids.org/annual_show.html">http://marylandorchids.org/annual_show.html</a></div>
JPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11239731249185020073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5603008254088045509.post-26446914296887923522015-03-06T15:43:00.001-08:002015-03-06T15:43:42.931-08:00Timelapse Experiments #1I've been playing with timelapses the past few days. It is something I had been meaning to do for several years, but just never really got the impetus until I decided I wanted to bring a little spring during the dismal extra dose of winter we just got. Turns out the easiest timelapses I did were of the snowstorm on March 5th. :-P<br />
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I've been experimenting with timelapses in two fashions... With my dSLRs and with my iPhone. I'll start by noting that timelapses with the integrated timelapse feature in iOS 8 is very easy but not very controllable. You cannot control anything beyond the focus/exposure and the period the timelapse covers...you cannot control how often an image is taken or the total duration of the recording, since it the interval is progressively reduced as you record longer and longer, resulting in a faster paced timelapse of roughly the same 20-30 second length no matter what. I also noticed a tendency for the iPhone 5 to pick up pulsation in the lighting, even when under incandescent lighting. The iPhone 6 did not exhibit this issue and only seems to display it while in slo-motion mode. <br />
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Here are some examples: <br />
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I've also been experimenting with several methods of using my dSLRs for timelapses. One camera was set up on umbilical power with a Canon remote release that has an integrated intervalometer. This is the best dSLR option and was my ideal camera, but the shots with it kept running into trouble because I had it trained on some daffodils that kept moving. I'm not used to plants that move quite so much as daffodils. Another camera was running on batteries and used Magic Lantern for an intervalometer. Finally, the third camera was running on batteries and was using Canon's EOS Utility as an intervalometer. Of these options, the EOS Utility seemed to work better, but only slightly. Running on battery power was the main disadvantage both cameras had, as they kept needing fresh batteries...and one camera I only have one battery for so it meant gaps in recording. <br />
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Here is a decent dSLR example:<br />
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My experiments led me to buy a GoPro Hero 4 Black to use for timelapses, because my two primary dSLRs would take too much shutter usage if I used them for timelapses, and my other dSLR would require additional accessories and would still run into the shutter issue. I'll continue to use the dSLR for macro timelapses and things that the GoPro is not suited for recording, but I think it will be tasked with timelapse duty a lot. JPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11239731249185020073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5603008254088045509.post-1030895439781678462015-02-28T13:59:00.000-08:002015-02-28T13:59:09.468-08:00National Aquarium in Baltimore, February 28, 2015I visited the National Aquarium in Baltimore today with my friend Jeff Compton and his daughter. I haven't been to the National Aquarium in several years, so I was excited to see the changes, including the jellyfish (although I've seen a similar display in Chattanooga). The highlight actually turned out to be the birds and the Golden Lion Tamarin/Marmoset. I've been wanting to see a marmoset there for YEARS and finally I saw one today. <br />
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Birds (and a bat) first:<br />
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They've changed the dolphin setup. They no longer do scheduled shows, which is nice for the dolphins, and even nicer for the visitor, because the little amphitheater is basically deserted. </div>
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I FINALLY saw the Tamarin! <br />
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And finally, some video (sound edited out) of the jellies. <br />
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/sTLPtFG6Ows/0.jpg" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/sTLPtFG6Ows?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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I hope you enjoyed the photos. For the curious, today I was using my lightweight Canon EOS Rebel SL1, which is my "I'm definitely not a professional photographer so don't hassle me" camera along with my Canon EF 50/1.8 "plastic fantastic" lens (for the jellies) and my ancient "I'm not a professional because it isn't white please ignore the red ring" telephoto Canon EF 100-300/5.6L lens (for the birds, bat, dolphins, and tamarin). All rights are reserved on the photos and videos, please do not use them without my permission, although you're certainly welcome to link to this posting or share the link to the YouTube video. In all, a pleasant way to spent a cold day in Baltimore. And it WAS cold. The Inner Harbor was frozen. <br />
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<span id="goog_1444270855"></span><span id="goog_1444270856"></span><br />JPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11239731249185020073noreply@blogger.com0National Aquarium, 501 East Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD 21202, USA39.2846188 -76.607012513.762584299999997 -117.9156065 64.8066533 -35.2984185tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5603008254088045509.post-42189569755975928752015-02-26T16:07:00.001-08:002015-02-26T16:07:12.849-08:00Handi-Foil BBQ King Orchid Moisture Tray SolutionAs a totally random aside, as should be obvious from my Alaska trip report, I am a total orchid fanatic. I chase them in the wild, photograph them in botanical gardens, and grow them at home. Unfortunately, I'm forced to grow my orchids under lights and in less than ideal humidity, as I live in an apartment. Currently, my collection has suffered dramatic losses due to a move and several two-week vacations without adequate watering, but my Mexipediums and several other hardy varieties have survived and I wanted to encourage some new growth that I'm seeing. I had been using tin foil trays with pots in standing water for some time before my move...this worked well, but it encouraged root rot if the medium wasn't changed every year...and that was with Orchiata bark, which is usually good for several years. I had been planning on buying legitimate moisture trays eventually, and may still do so, but I found a wonderful makeshift solution in the Handi-Foil BBQ King aluminum tray. It is a ribbed, perforated tray that fits nicely into several other Handi-Foil trays (or other aluminum foil pan brand trays, really). They come in a pack of 7. <span style="color: #444444; line-height: 27px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">SKU / UPC: 052092205641.</span></span><br />
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Check the video for more details:<br />
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<br />JPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11239731249185020073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5603008254088045509.post-12020034098500590862015-02-17T08:45:00.005-08:002015-02-17T08:58:54.434-08:00Yellowstone National Park/Grand Tetons National Park - September 2013 Trip Report<strong><u>Yellowstone National Park/Grand Tetons National Park - September 2013 Trip Report</u></strong><br />
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As I mentioned in my <a href="http://waterfallchasing.blogspot.com/2015/02/yellowstone-national-parkgrand-tetons.html">May 2012 YNP/GTNP Trip Report,</a> I did not get sufficient time on the ground to satisfy my need to explore Yellowstone National Park, thanks to an untimely snowstorm that ultimately closed the south entrance of YNP and trapped me in Jackson Hole. Not a horrible place to be, but I had expected at least one more day in Yellowstone. So, I started planning my next trip to Yellowstone almost immediately. I ultimately was able to book lodging in the park this time around, a week at the historic Old Faithful Inn (<a href="http://www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com/lodging/summer-lodges/old-faithful-inn/">http://www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com/lodging/summer-lodges/old-faithful-inn/</a>) and a week at the Lake Lodge Cabins (<a href="http://www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com/lodging/summer-lodges/lake-lodge-cabins/">http://www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com/lodging/summer-lodges/lake-lodge-cabins/</a>). I had to share a bathroom for my week at the Old Faithful Inn, but that wasn't that big of a deal for somebody who lived in the dorms at the University of Maryland-College Park. What was far worse was the NASTY, mold riddled bathroom in my cabin by the lake. I DO NOT recommend the Lake Lodge Cabins. Xanterra has a lot of work to do with respect to those cabins. I understand their age, but the amount of mold I encountered was simply unacceptable. That little mold rant over, let us get started with the trip report. <br />
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Due to the fog of time, I'm not going to be able to go into anywhere as much detail as I did in my <a href="http://waterfallchasing.blogspot.com/2015/02/june-july-2014-alaska-trip-report-im.html">Alaska Trip Report</a>, so instead I'm going to just give a general overview of how my trip went. My intention was that I would spend the week at the Old Faithful Inn mostly visiting the thermal areas of the park, and the week at the Lake Lodge Cabins mostly doing wildlife photography. I actually was able to stick to this schedule fairly well. I spent the first few days in the park exploring Geyser Hill and the Old Faithful area, getting to see Old Faithful Geyser play many times. I also saw Grand Geyser play twice, several plays of Castle Geyser, and also some smaller geysers playing. <br />
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Above you'll find some photos of Old Faithful Geyser playing. You can see that I took the time to hike up the hill to get some photos from above.<br />
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Grand Geyser</div>
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Morning Glory Pool</div>
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A little bit smaller geyser. </div>
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Castle Geyser.</div>
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Human for scale. Actually, he kept getting in our photos...</div>
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Blue Star Pool. </div>
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I also got to visit several other thermal areas, including Norris Geyser Basin, Fountain Paint Pots, etc... One particular highlight that proved nearly impossible to photograph was Grand Prismatic Spring. Since I was travelling solo and it was in bear country, I did not make the bushwhack up the hill to get a steam-free photograph. The NPS isn't too keen on folks doing it, although as far as I am aware it is not banned outright...yet. </div>
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I spent the latter portion of my trip exploring the northern and eastern parts of the park, which are more mountainous in parts and more prone to wildlife sightings in parts. I was lucky enough to see Bison, Brown Bears, and many other animals, especially in the two main valleys of the park, Lamar and Hayden. <br />
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I was also blessed with the opportunity to visit the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and spend a morning getting some nice morning photography done. <br />
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I finished up my trip with some time in Grand Tetons National Park, where I got some quality time with a black bear and some other wildlife. <br />
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It was a good trip. I've complied some video for your enjoyment. It runs around 48 minutes and covers most of the major thermal areas of Yellowstone National Park, with many geysers: <br />
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://ytimg.googleusercontent.com/vi/qSWGTmZkr5w/0.jpg" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/qSWGTmZkr5w?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">* Just a note... The photographs and videos on this website are an exception to my normal share and share alike with no commercial use license. They are Copyright Joshua Szulecki and MAY NOT be used without permission. I do NOT want to see them showing up on your website without my permission.</span> <br />
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<br />JPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11239731249185020073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5603008254088045509.post-9152671276766132022015-02-17T08:18:00.002-08:002015-02-17T08:45:55.602-08:00Yellowstone National Park/Grand Tetons National Park - May 2012 Trip Report<strong><u>Yellowstone National Park/Grand Tetons National Park - May 2012 Trip Report</u></strong><br />
<strong><u></u></strong><br />
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I know that I said in my <a href="http://waterfallchasing.blogspot.com/2015/02/june-july-2014-alaska-trip-report-im.html">2014 Alaska Trip Report</a> that I would be going in reverse chronological order, which would place my 2013 trip to Yellowstone National Park next, but I realized that the 2013 trip only really makes sense in the context of the 2012 Yellowstone National Park/Grand Tetons National Park trip. This will be a somewhat brief report because it was a somewhat brief trip, just four full days and two travel days to work with. The trip was something of an accident, making up for a trip overseas that never happened. It was scheduled on very short notice. <br />
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Although I had taken off almost two weeks for the trip, issues in finding lodging and flight availability had seriously curtailed by ability to have a full trip. All the lodging in Yellowstone National Park was booked, even though I was visiting in the early season. I was forced to stay the full trip in Jackson, Wyoming, which meant I'd be commuting up to Yellowstone NP and Grant Tetons NP everyday. <br />
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Suffice it to say, the trip did not go as planned. I only got two days on the ground in YNP before the snow started. I made it back across the pass at the south entrance of YNP less than an hour before it was closed, trapping be in Jackson, Wyoming, and restricting my last two days on the ground to GTNP. This wasn't such a bad thing, as I was lucky enough to find the very ephemeral<em> Calypso bulbosa </em>orchid in bloom at an undisclosed location in GTNP. Although I enjoyed my few days in Wyoming, I was left itching for more, which explains why there had to be a second trip to Yellowstone. Since that trip was much more comprehensive, I'll make this entry short and just link to the relevant photos and videos for your enjoyment. <br />
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Photos: <br />
<a href="http://photo.net/photodb/folder?folder_id=1041252">http://photo.net/photodb/folder?folder_id=1041252</a><br />
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Videos: <br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ez1Bmj8ZzVs">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ez1Bmj8ZzVs</a><br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KK2qcwgmhH0">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KK2qcwgmhH0</a><br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLJHKRRmz8E">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLJHKRRmz8E</a><br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fb-GVHyAA0">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fb-GVHyAA0</a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">* Just a note... The photographs on this website are an exception to my normal share and share alike with no commercial use license. They are Copyright Joshua Szulecki and MAY NOT be used without permission. I do NOT want to see them showing up on your website without my permission.</span> JPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11239731249185020073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5603008254088045509.post-7031281244054208412015-02-17T07:57:00.000-08:002015-03-29T11:21:00.367-07:00June-July 2014 Alaska Trip Report<strong><u>June-July 2014 Alaska Trip Report</u></strong><br />
<strong><u></u></strong><br />
I'm sitting here in my apartment thanks to my first snow day after moving home to Maryland, trying to find something productive to do with myself. I realized I had not done proper trip reports on my last couple of vacations, so I felt it was time that I did so. I'm going to go in reverse chronological order, starting with my trip to Alaska last summer. Hopefully, this will help me decide where I'm going to go this summer, since I'm starting to worry about my lack of a plan. <br />
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<strong>The Lead Up and the Flight Up</strong><br />
My Alaska trip started the same way my last few vacations started, with me making the 1.5 day drive up from Hendersonville, Tennessee to my parents' house in New York, so that Scipio would have somewhere to stay. I may be a little off on the timing, but I believe I set out on Friday (5/27/14) evening after leaving work a little early. I arrived in New York on Saturday, if I recall correctly, and rested the next day. <br />
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At 7:22AM on May 30th, 2014, I caught United Airlines flight UA1637 from Newark to Chicago. The flight was uneventful but crowded, a sign of sardine times to come. The 737-800 was filled to capacity. We deplaned in Chicago only to get back on the exact same 737-800, again filled to capacity, for the six-hour flight to Anchorage. Let me tell you a little something about making a transcontinental flight of six hours in a fully-loaded 737-800...it sucks. This is a flight for a 757, but unfortunately they are in scarce supply now that Boeing has discontinued them and United's fleet of them is rapidly dwindling. The plane was so heavily laden we took up much of Chicago O'Hare's ample runway space getting the little bird in the air. We then proceeded to get whacked around by turbulence for the next several hours, especially as we crossed the Canadian Rockies. The single-aisle plane with bathrooms only at the far ends became a major issue about three hours in, as the crew insisted on maintaining near hourly drink service, blocking most of coach from getting to the bathroom while simultaneously filling their bladders. I was in the back on a free ticket with a large bladder, so I watched with amusement. I caught my first glimpse of Alaska only as we made our final descent into Anchorage, as the weather was quite cloudy over the Rockies. When you approach Anchorage from the east, it seems they have you descend down Turnagain Arm and then cross the bay before banking in and landing. This gives you quite a view of the area around Anchorage, and I must say I was not displeased. We landed roughly on-time with just enough time for me to get settled for a single night in Anchorage. I stayed at the Best Western Golden Lion Hotel (<a href="http://book.bestwestern.com/bestwestern/US/AK/Anchorage-hotels/BEST-WESTERN-Golden-Lion-Hotel/Hotel-Overview.do?propertyCode=02005">http://book.bestwestern.com/bestwestern/US/AK/Anchorage-hotels/BEST-WESTERN-Golden-Lion-Hotel/Hotel-Overview.do?propertyCode=02005</a>) this night and my final night in Alaska. It was a decent but overpriced room. However, everything in Anchorage is overpriced, so I couldn't really complain. <br />
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<strong>The Drive to Denali</strong><br />
I set off on the morning of July 1st, 2014, with Denali National Park as my final destination. However, I had a stop at an undisclosed location to make on my way out of Anchorage. I had an excellent tip on where I might find my very favorite North American Cypripedium (lady slipper) orchid: <em>Cypripedium passerinum</em> (<a href="http://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/beauty/cypripedium/cypripedium_passerinum.shtml">http://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/beauty/cypripedium/cypripedium_passerinum.shtml</a>). The property is an Alaska State Park located somewhere between Anchorage and Denali National Park. That is ALL you will get me to say unless you are on my trusted orchid list. You probably aren't on my list. ;-) I parked my car and set out with some 20-year-old directions to where the orchids once had been found, along the edge of a lake in a boggy area. I got briefly twisted around in the woods and accidentally came across my first orchid, <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><em>Corallorhiza trifida.</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><em></em></span><br />
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<em style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Corallorhiza trifida" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Y5FKmJs1JH-YP6sh4J_FhGyUL4CF0laN9ClgvDtufykdQXXiGTgkNX3Z3E_0KrPrDneEm7ao0eC6Wg6OgqcHVVh1V-i7SMs7AQcTlvPEe08BXSestVabzCNuZ4otoGkV1UfPitX_8Fo/s1600/IMG_0763.JPG" height="320" title="" width="213" /></em></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><o>Any day with orchids is a good day, so rather than get upset about reading my directions wrong, I turned around and finally found the stream crossing I was supposed to find. After bushwhacking along an old, overgrown dam site for a significant distance and then further through some boggy woods, now following a moose trail, I came across an orchid extravaganza. Not only were there THOUSANDS of <em>Cypripedium passerinum</em> plants in various stages of bloom, there were also hundreds of specimens of at least two species of <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><em><u>Platanthera</u></em> orchids. Unfortunately, my Canon MR-14EX ring flash was refusing to fire, so I had to take most of these pictures the hard way, with a wide open aperture and a very steady hand (a tripod wasn't really an option in these conditions). </span></o><br />
<o><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></o><br />
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My equipment failure was ultimately due to my rechargeable batteries (which had been charged the night before) discharging on the flight to Alaska. Considering my equipment issues, I elected to head out for Denali. I had plenty of sunlight left, so I was reluctant to leave the orchids, but I also had a three-hour drive through nothing and it was sprinkling already. As I drove north along the only highway from Anchorage to Denali and on to Fairbanks, the weather continued to degrade. By the time I reached my accommodations at the Denali Mountain Morning Hostel(<a href="http://www.denalihostel.com/">http://www.denalihostel.com/</a>), where I was residing in an adorable little cabin for the next few days while I visited Denali National Park, the weather was positively dismal. However, my little "Highwater Cabin" was cozy. </div>
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<strong>Denali National Park</strong></div>
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Despite the dismal weather the day before, on July 2nd, 2014, the weather started to break and by the start of my Kantishna Experience bus tour (<a href="http://www.reservedenali.com/play/tours/kantishna-experience.aspx">http://www.reservedenali.com/play/tours/kantishna-experience.aspx</a>), an 11-12 hour ride the full length of the road through Denali to the tiny village of Kantishna, a former mining town. However, the rain had actually washed out the road, so instead of going to Kantishna, our tour would stop a few miles short and dawdle at Spirit Lake, which actually turned out to be a better deal. The bus tour started out cold, rainy, and miserable. However, with each passing mile the sky grew clearer and clearer, and the temperature finally rose from miserable to "bearable." We never did get a full glimpse of Mt. McKinley/Denali during the bus tour, but we saw the whole mountain in parts during the day. We also saw brown bears, a fox, caribou, moose, a loon, a merlin, a ground squirrel, and Dall sheep, and various other animals. We also saw some amazing scenery. I highly recommend this particular bus tour if you visit Denali, as it is the longest and most comprehensive, plus it is guided. They did a good job stopping for us to photograph wildlife. </div>
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On July 3rd, 2014, I did a little self-guided hiking in Denali National Park as far as my car was allowed to take me. I was mostly looking for <em>Cypripedium guttatum </em>(<a href="http://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/beauty/cypripedium/cypripedium_guttatum.shtml">http://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/beauty/cypripedium/cypripedium_guttatum.shtml</a>), which I found in Denali National Park, but unfortunately it was not in bloom. After some frantic emails with some orchid sources, I drove far north of the park, only to discover a site that had previously been accessible was now somebody's driveway. I turned back and spent a little more time in the park, never seeing any further signs of guttatum. <br />
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On July 4th, 2014, the clouds finally broke completely over Mt. McKinley/Denali just long enough for my drive back south to the Palmer/Mat-Su Valley area, where I would be staying for the next few days. It was a wonderful sight and a perfect way to spent Independence Day, which is incidentally a very wild and crazy holiday in Alaska, since it is pretty much their only summer holiday. <br />
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Since I was on my way back to the area, I went a little out of my way and hit the same undisclosed orchid site on my way to Palmer. I was not disappointed, and now I had working equipment to get some better pictures of the <em>Cypripedium passerinum</em>. <br />
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I then retired for the evening at my accommodations for the next few days, the Alaska Garden Gate B&B and Cottages (<a href="http://gardengatebnb.com/">http://gardengatebnb.com/</a>). Very nice little cottage. <br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<strong>The Mat-Su Valley</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
I spent my next few days exploring the Mat-Su Valley (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matanuska-Susitna_Valley">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matanuska-Susitna_Valley</a>). I visited an old gold mine, the Matanuska glacier, and plenty of good wildlife spots. I was lucky enough to see a black bear, many more moose, and plenty of wildflowers. <br />
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You can see a few videos I took in the Mat-Su Valley at on Youtube:<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FK2nBcSzBZ4">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FK2nBcSzBZ4</a><br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2zfWEWkpSE">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2zfWEWkpSE</a><br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vr5PkbYbh7s">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vr5PkbYbh7s</a><br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9WZPyo4jLW4">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9WZPyo4jLW4</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Seward</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
On July 7th, 2014, I left the Mat-Su Valley for the final and most exciting leg of my journey, the small port town of Seward. My accommodations were with the Dairy Hill Lodging facility associated with Alaska Saltwater Lodge (<a href="http://www.alaskasaltwaterlodge.com/sewardlodging.htm">http://www.alaskasaltwaterlodge.com/sewardlodging.htm</a>), with whom I had a small boat tour scheduled the following day. I got to Seward a little early, so I visited the Alaska Sealife Center (<a href="http://www.alaskasealife.org/">http://www.alaskasealife.org/</a>) before settling in for the day. <br />
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Some videos are also on Youtube: <br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMffQWUOFzk">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMffQWUOFzk</a><br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdXPx4VURQQ">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdXPx4VURQQ</a><br />
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On July 8th, 2014, I had the best day of my trip...my small boat tour with Alaska Saltwater Lodge (<a href="http://www.alaskasaltwaterlodge.com/alaska_whale_watching.htm">http://www.alaskasaltwaterlodge.com/alaska_whale_watching.htm</a>). We were out all day and explored many parts of Kenai Fjords National Park. We saw pretty much all the wildlife for the season except Orcas, including Humpback Whales, Steller Sea Lions, Harbor Seals, Puffins, Dall Porpoises, and many, many others. <br />
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Some good video from the tour on YouTube:<br />
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I spent the rest of my time in Seward exploring, driving to a nearby glacier, watching the Bald Eagles right outside my lodging, and just generally exploring. I got to drive through the dual-use Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, which alternates between being the rail link and road link to the little port town of Whittier using a complicated traffic sorting system (video at: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuk_08MU17o">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuk_08MU17o</a>). <br />
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I finally drove north on July 10th, 2014, departing Seward for the long drive up to Anchorage. The weather was lousy so I did not get much photography in along the long drive back up Turnagain Arm. However, as I was waiting for my flight on July 11th, 2014, I did get a little wildlife photography in before turning in my car. <br />
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I had a bumpy flight back to Chicago and then Newark, desperate for sleep...but as we left Alaska we got a treat as we passed over the GIANT Wrangell St. Elias National Park. Goodbye Alaska!!!<br />
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Thanks for reading. I hope you enjoyed. :-) A full gallery of photos can be found at: <a href="http://photo.net/photodb/folder?folder_id=1072522">http://photo.net/photodb/folder?folder_id=1072522</a><br />
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- Josh<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">* Just a note... The photographs and videos on this website are an exception to my normal share and share alike with no commercial use license. They are Copyright Joshua Szulecki and MAY NOT be used without permission. I do NOT want to see them showing up on your website without my permission. </span><br />
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<o><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></o><br />JPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11239731249185020073noreply@blogger.com3Alaska, USA64.2008413 -149.493673330.38196529999999 127.88913919999999 90 -66.876485800000012tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5603008254088045509.post-21212868739307060302015-02-14T17:02:00.000-08:002015-02-14T17:14:14.334-08:00Maryland Waterfall Report - 2015<strong><u>Maryland Waterfall Report - 2015</u></strong><br />
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I figured it was about time that I updated the information I have regarding waterfalls in Maryland. I did a lengthy report for Alabama back in 2009, but never got around to completing one for Maryland. I suppose this is somewhat excusable, as I've been several hundred miles away in Tennessee, so Maryland was not exactly accessible, and Maryland also has many fewer waterfalls than Alabama. <br />
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<strong>When we last left off, I had the following 14 waterfalls listed for Maryland at: </strong><a href="http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/md/stateindex.html">http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/md/stateindex.html</a><br />
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<em><strong>Amos Falls</strong></em>: <a href="http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/md/amos.html">http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/md/amos.html</a><br />
A USGS listed waterfall that does not appear to exist anymore. According to the coordinates USGS gives, it should be located right on the far side of the Conowingo Dam. I have been there more than once and I do not see a waterfall. My assumption is that it was destroyed as part of the dam's construction, or that it was a rapid rather than a true waterfall. <em>Further research required.</em> <br />
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<strong><em>Baden Falls</em></strong>: <a href="http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/md/baden.html">http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/md/baden.html</a><br />
A waterfall that the Maryland Geological Survey and photographic evidence place on private property in Prince George's County. I do not know more than that and I have not received any photographs that have permission to post. <em>Further research required.</em> <br />
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<strong><em>Cascade Falls</em></strong>: <a href="http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/md/cascade.html">http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/md/cascade.html</a><br />
A peaceful waterfall located just outside of Baltimore in the Orange Grove section of Patapsco Valley State Park. Perhaps 8-10 feet tall at the tallest portion. A nice performer if there is some rain, although the stream is prone to getting a bit muddy, so you want to go a little bit after a rainstorm, not immediately after. <br />
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<strong><em>Cunningham Falls</em></strong>: <a href="http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/md/cunningham.html">http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/md/cunningham.html</a><br />
The tallest waterfall in Maryland (by a whopping TWO feet), this 78 foot cascade type waterfall is in a fee area of Cunningham Falls State Park. It is heavily visited and getting decent photographs is challenging due to crowds on and in the waterfall itself (not recommended and against park policy) and due to the relatively long slope of the waterfall. It falls in several stages over a length that really makes this almost a 45-degree angle waterfall, just in a stair-step fashion. <br />
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<strong><em>The Falls on Dulaney Branch</em></strong>: <a href="http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/md/dulaney.html">http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/md/dulaney.html</a><br />
A waterfall is confirmed to exist on private property in Baltimore County on Dulaney Branch via the Maryland Geologic Survey and photographic evidence. I do not have a photograph that I had permission to post. <em>Further research required</em>. <br />
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<strong><em>Gilpin's Falls</em></strong>: <a href="http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/md/gilpins.html">http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/md/gilpins.html</a><br />
A listed National Natural Landmark on private property in Cecil County near the Gilpin's Falls Covered Bridge. No photograph. <em>Further research required</em>. <br />
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<strong><em>The Great Falls of the Potomac</em></strong>: <a href="http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/md/greatfalls.html">http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/md/greatfalls.html</a><br />
Probably the best known waterfall for hundreds of miles, this falls located just outside of Washington D.C. is located on the Potomac river. Access is via NPS land on either the Maryland or Virginia sides of the river, although the Virginia side offers better views for people with dogs, as dogs are not allowed in some areas on the Maryland side. A very popular site due to its proximity to Washington, expect heavy crowds on weekends, speaking many, many tongues, which is interesting in itself, and a reason for people photographers to consider the falls. It is also a pay area. There are a number of falls and cascades listed by USGS in the area, most of which seem to be submerged most of the year. <br />
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<strong><em>Kilgore's Rock/Falling Branch Falls</em></strong>: <a href="http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/md/kilgore.html">http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/md/kilgore.html</a><br />
A once hidden treasure that has been recently added to Rocks State Park and opened for public use after many years of private ownership. **NEW** At last check it was closed in the winter, but a check now shows that the park is OPEN year-round now, just at reduced hours from November-February. <a href="http://dnr2.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/central/rocks.aspx">http://dnr2.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/central/rocks.aspx</a><br />
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<strong><em>Muddy Creek Falls</em></strong>: <a href="http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/md/muddy.html">http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/md/muddy.html</a><br />
The largest of the four waterfalls found in Swallow Falls State Park at 54ft. Powerful after a good rain, the area is surrounded by some of the most interesting forest in Maryland. <br />
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<strong><em>Paw Paw Falls</em></strong>: <a href="http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/md/pawpaw.html">http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/md/pawpaw.html</a><br />
My sources suggest there is a (likely artificial) waterfall on the far portal of the Paw Paw Tunnel in Allegany County. I didn't have the guts to walk through the tunnel when I visited. Further research is not required as this is a likely *artificial* waterfall. <br />
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<strong><em>Raven Rock Falls</em></strong>: <a href="http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/md/ravenrock.html">http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/md/ravenrock.html</a><br />
A new waterfall for me (Thanks Brock!) located in Gunpowder Falls State Park in the Hereford Area outside of Monkton, on the Gunpowder South Trail in Baltimore County. It is a sliding cascase of perhaps 15-25 feet. I need to visit in person. <em>Further research required</em>.<br />
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<strong><em>Upper and Lower Swallow Creek Falls</em></strong>: <a href="http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/md/swallow.html">http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/md/swallow.html</a><br />
The names say it all...these comprise the "Swallow Falls" of Swallow Falls State Park. The lower falls can be hard to discern at high water. <br />
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<strong><em>The Cascade</em></strong>: <a href="http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/md/the.html">http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/md/the.html</a><br />
Sources confirm that there is a waterfall in Frederick County by this name. It is on private property that was listed for sale in the past few years, which is how (thanks for the tip, Brock!) it was confirmed. See: <a href="http://www.loopnet.com/Listing/14237515/Wistman-Lane-and-Crow-Rock-Road-Myersville-MD/">http://www.loopnet.com/Listing/14237515/Wistman-Lane-and-Crow-Rock-Road-Myersville-MD/</a><em> Further research required</em>. <br />
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<strong><em>Tolliver Falls</em></strong>: <a href="http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/md/tolliver.html">http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/md/tolliver.html</a><br />
The fourth and smallest waterfall in Swallow Falls State Park, a double-ledged drop of only about 3-5 feet, but surrounded in hemlock and rhododendron, with nice water coloring. It appeared at last visit that the park was trying to discourage visitation to this waterfall. <em>Further research required. </em><br />
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<strong>New Information and Areas of Interest:</strong><br />
<strong><em>Round Falls</em></strong>: A popular swimming spot reported to be by one of my sources (thanks again, Brock!) to be located near Baltimore City. Semi-inundated by a dam, this 9ft waterfall <em>needs further research</em>. <br />
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That's all I have for right now. Maryland is a small state and the topography is not ideal for waterfalls. I suspect one or two are probably hiding out there on private property that are of note, probably either in northern Baltimore County in the area of Rocks State Park, or somewhere in western Maryland. I also suspect there are more artificial or seasonal falls out there, probably in areas of rock cuts for highways, as well as seasonal falls along the fall line running throughout the state of Maryland. <br />
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As always, please be safe around waterfalls. Don't climb them. Don't swim around them. Don't cross upstream. And REPORT new waterfalls!!!<br />
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<br />JPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11239731249185020073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5603008254088045509.post-54749839759691252932015-02-08T14:46:00.001-08:002015-02-08T14:46:47.267-08:00Yellowstone National Park: Dynamic Fluids<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qSWGTmZkr5w" width="480"></iframe><br /><br />
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It has been several years since I posted to my blog. It is fitting that the first scenes in this video are a waterfall.JPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11239731249185020073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5603008254088045509.post-83029903205279560332009-03-15T11:49:00.000-07:002009-03-17T17:49:12.175-07:00Alabama Waterfalls Report - Part V - North of Birmingham (excluding Bankhead NF & DeSoto SP/LRC Area)<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Alabama Waterfalls Report - Part V - North of Birmingham (excluding Bankhead NF & DeSoto SP/LRC Area)</span><br /><br />Noccalula Falls: Beautiful and easy to access, Noccalula Falls is another must see if you find youself along I-59. Less than ten minutes from the highway and requiring no hiking, this falls comes complete with a park containing a police memorial and a covered bridges. See the official <a href="http://www.noccalulafalls.org/v1/">website</a> for more information. Photos at: <a href="http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/al/noccalula.html">http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/al/noccalula.html</a><br /><br /><strong>Nectar Falls:</strong> This cascade can be found right off of Alabama Rt. 160. Private Property? Photos and directions at: <a href="http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/al/nectar.html">http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/al/nectar.html</a><br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Ragsdale Falls:</span> The USGS lists a waterfall outside of Arab. Private property?<br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Gulf Creek Falls:</span> This waterfall is located on Nature Conservancy property on Chandler Mountain, and is closed to the public unless prior arrangements are made with the Nature Conservancy. Photo at: <a href="http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/al/north.html">http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/al/north.html</a><br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Thompson Falls: </span>The USGS lists a waterfall near Arab on private property. A user from Alatrails sent me a link to some photos: <a href="http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/569905086vZpHHm">http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/569905086vZpHHm</a><br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Ghost Creek Falls:</span> Scenic North Alabama (Robert Schuffert) covers this private waterfall that exists in concert with a natural bridge outside of Grant. I was contacted by family of the owners, and the owners sent me photos later on.<br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">The 227:</span> Made famous by BamaWester of the Alabama Waterfalls Flickr group, this small roadside falls can be found off of AL-227 outside of Guntersville. Photos at: http://www.flickr.com/groups/alabamawaterfalls/discuss/72157603757410286/<br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">The 68:</span> I think I saw a seasonal waterfall off AL-68 near Guntersville.<br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">High Falls (DeKalb):</span> This massive waterfall also flows through a natural bridge. It is a park, and where an old covered bridge once crossed above the falls there is now a nice pedestrian bridge. Directions and photos at: <a href="http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/al/dekalbhigh.html">http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/al/dekalbhigh.html</a><br /><br /><strong>Waterfall Upstream of High Falls:</strong> I noticed a shallow but wide cascade upstream of High Falls where the highway crosses the river. There was a guy fishing from the edge on a crutch.<br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Escarpment Falls:</span> A tip from a user of my website told me of a falls call Escarpment Falls on private property in Hartselle, around Harris and Elrond streets. I've lost the e-mail.<br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Cinderella Falls:</span> A series of short cascades, rather scenic, located on property that is part of The Village at Blount Springs, a private gated community. Their website is <a href="http://www.thevillageatblountsprings.com/">http://www.thevillageatblountsprings.com/</a>, and maybe if you are really nice they might let you in. Consider stopping in at their sales office to ask, if you are in the area. Professional photographer Jeff Rease (<a href="http://www.jeffrease.com/falls.html">http://www.jeffrease.com/falls.html</a>) tipped me off to it and has some pictures of it on his website.<br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Piney Branch Falls:</span> The USGS lists and hiker accounts confirm that there is a waterfall on private property on Piney Branch outside of Columbus City. The owners have a website including photos. See: <a href="http://pineybranchfalls.us/">http://pineybranchfalls.us/</a><br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Creek House Falls:</span> I have a source somewhere that indicates there is a waterfall by this name. I think it was on Honeycomb Creek, but I honestly don't know.<br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Mardis Mill Falls:</span> Moderately wide, 15 foot drop on a creek feeding the Mulberry Fork. Very popular with photographers in the Huntsville area. Directions at: http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/al/north.html Photos at: http://www.flickr.com/groups/alabamawaterfalls/discuss/72157603974995339/<br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Butler Falls:</span> The USGS reports a waterfall on Butler Falls Branch in Franklin County.<br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Ditto Falls: </span>A user submission confirmed the existence of this USGS listed waterfall outside of Morgan City. The owner sent me pictures, and it is lovely, but on private property.<br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">The Fall Off:</span> The USGS lists a waterfall near Ne Smith off of AL-157. No confirmation, private property?<br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Griffin Falls:</span> The USGS lists a waterfall southwest of Nicolson Gap (where AL-68 crosses Sand Mountain). Private property.<br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Swindell Falls:</span> The USGS lists a waterfall futher southwest of Griffin Falls along Sand Mountain. Private property.<br /><br /><strong>Foggy Bottom Falls:</strong> There is a a waterfall on the Foggy Bottom Farms property on Estill Fork. See: <a href="http://www.foggybottomfarms.com/">http://www.foggybottomfarms.com/</a><br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Quarter Creek Falls:</span> The USGS lists a waterfall on Quarter Creek near the Haleyville Country Club. Private property.<br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Seven Falls:</span> The USGS lists a waterfall on Seven Falls Creek between Battleground and Lacon in Morgan County. Private property? Photos at: <a href="http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/569899056NtAynV">http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/569899056NtAynV</a><br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Short Creek Falls:</span> The USGS lists a waterfall on Short Creek north of Albertville and the Albertville Golf and Country Club. Private property.<br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">The Falls:</span> I have a record of a waterfall by this name, but cannot find it.<br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Welcome Falls:</span> Vaguely similar to South Caney Creek Falls in appearance, this Morgan County waterfall is now closed to the public. Photos at: <a href="http://www.jeffperryphotography.com/images/Waterfalls/Welcome%20Falls/pages/Welcome-Falls-115_34.html">http://www.jeffperryphotography.com/images/Waterfalls/Welcome%20Falls/pages/Welcome-Falls-115_34.html</a><br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Waterfall Creek Falls:</span> One of several waterfalls at the <a href="http://schuffertstudios.com/catalog/Misc/CaneCreekPreserve.pdf">Cane Creek Preserve</a> outside of Tuscumbia.<br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Malone Branch Falls:</span> One of several waterfalls at the <a href="http://schuffertstudios.com/catalog/Misc/CaneCreekPreserve.pdf">Cane Creek Preserve</a> outside of Tuscumbia.<br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Yellowwood Falls:</span> One of several waterfalls at the <a href="http://schuffertstudios.com/catalog/Misc/CaneCreekPreserve.pdf">Cane Creek Preserve</a> outside of Tuscumbia.<br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Johnson Falls:</span> One of several waterfalls at the <a href="http://schuffertstudios.com/catalog/Misc/CaneCreekPreserve.pdf">Cane Creek Preserve</a> outside of Tuscumbia.<br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Karen's Falls:</span> One of several waterfalls at the <a href="http://schuffertstudios.com/catalog/Misc/CaneCreekPreserve.pdf">Cane Creek Preserve</a> outside of Tuscumbia.<br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Upper Pisgah Falls:</span> One of two waterfalls at Civitan Park in Pisgah. Photos at: <a href="http://www.weathermansam.com/photos/2008p/021008pisgah/index.html">http://www.weathermansam.com/photos/2008p/021008pisgah/index.html</a><br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Lower Pisgah Falls:</span> One of two waterfalls at Civitan Park in Pisgah. Photos at: <a href="http://www.weathermansam.com/photos/2008p/021008pisgah/index.html">http://www.weathermansam.com/photos/2008p/021008pisgah/index.html</a><br /><a href="http://www.weathermansam.com/photos/2008p/051108montesano/neverseenfalls.html"></a><br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Monte Sano Waterfalls:</span> I've never been able to sort out the falls at Monte Sano, because they go by different names, and many appear to be seasonal. There are several. See: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/alabamawaterfalls/discuss/72157603857272965/">http://www.flickr.com/groups/alabamawaterfalls/discuss/72157603857272965/</a> and <a href="http://www.weathermansam.com/photos/2008p/051108montesano/neverseenfalls.html">http://www.weathermansam.com/photos/2008p/051108montesano/neverseenfalls.html</a><br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Neversink Falls:</span> Waterfall that falls into the opening of Neversink Cave on the SCCI preserve property. Closed to the public. Photos at: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/undergroundearth/3302409898/in/pool-alabamawaterfalls">http://www.flickr.com/photos/undergroundearth/3302409898/in/pool-alabamawaterfalls</a><br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Rainbow Falls:</span> The larger of the two waterfalls at <a href="http://www.dismalscanyon.com/">Dismals Canyon</a>, this falls is the first attraction as you enter the canyon. Photos at: <a href="http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/al/dismals.html">http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/al/dismals.html</a><br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Lost Falls: </span>The smaller of two waterfalls at at <a href="http://www.dismalscanyon.com/">Dismals Canyon</a>, this falls has collected a lot of debris. Photos at: <a href="http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/al/dismals.html">http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/al/dismals.html</a><br /><br /><strong>Longwood Falls:</strong> An artificial falls in Gardendale. Photos and directions: <a href="http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/al/longwood.html">http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/al/longwood.html</a><br /><br /><strong>280 Falls:</strong> There is a fake waterfall in the corporate park at the intersection of Grandview Parkway and US-280.<br /><br /><strong>Walls of Jericho Falls #1:</strong> There is a sliding cascade in Walls of Jericho. See: <a href="http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/1539489197067845837YjHCAj">http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/1539489197067845837YjHCAj</a><br /><br /><strong>Walls of Jericho Falls #2:</strong> There is a waterfall nestled into a carved nook in Walls of Jericho. See: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/outsideshot/3315417858/in/pool-alabamawaterfalls">http://www.flickr.com/photos/outsideshot/3315417858/in/pool-alabamawaterfalls</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://waterfallchasing.blogspot.com/2009/03/alabama-waterfalls-report-part-iv-south.html">Back: Alabama Waterfalls Report - Part IV - South of Birmingham</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="TEXT-DECORATION: underline"></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/" rel="license"><img style="BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px" alt="Creative Commons License" src="http://i.creativecommons.org/l/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/88x31.png" /></a><br />This <span dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" href="http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text" rel="dc:type">work</span> is licensed under a <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/" rel="license">Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License</a>.JPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11239731249185020073noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5603008254088045509.post-53517056248342687422009-03-14T18:28:00.000-07:002009-03-15T12:55:26.822-07:00Alabama Waterfalls Report - Part IV - South of BirminghamAlabama Waterfalls Report - Part IV - South of Birmingham<br /><br /><strong>Davis Falls: </strong>This USGS listed waterfall near Aldrich was once open to the public as a maintained picnic area. The current status is unknown, however local Henry Emfinger (owner Aldrich Coal Mine Museum) has been working on convincing Shelby County to aquire this property and turn it into a county park, due to the falls, the unique plantlife, and the local history. It is believed to be on logging company property, and is closed to visitation. More about the effort at: <a href="http://www.shelbycountyreporter.com/articles/2006/09/16/opinion/opin03.txt">http://www.shelbycountyreporter.com/articles/2006/09/16/opinion/opin03.txt</a> Photo at: <a href="http://www.cityofmontevallo.com/Default.asp?ID=280">http://www.cityofmontevallo.com/Default.asp?ID=280</a><br /><br /><strong>Upper Davis Falls:</strong> Henry Emfinger reported another waterfall above Davis Falls.<br /><br /><strong>Upper Upper Davis Falls:</strong> Henry Emfinger reported another waterfall above the waterfall above Davis Falls.<br /><br /><strong>Weaver Falls:</strong> There is a USGS listed waterfall on what is believed to be private property not far from Davis Falls, on the opposite side of CR-10.<br /><br /><strong>Falling Rock Falls:</strong> This gorgeous waterfall is located in the Cahaba WMA. Certainly the highest known falls in Shelby County. Photos and directions at: <a href="http://www.cahabariver.net/fallrock.htm">http://www.cahabariver.net/fallrock.htm</a><br /><br /><strong>Falls on Corn Creek:</strong> Photographic evidence indicates there is a waterfall on Corn Creek near Wetumpka. Photos at: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wolfmanfrombama/2253108691/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/wolfmanfrombama/2253108691/</a><br /><br /><strong>Wetumpka Falls:</strong> Historical evidence indicates there may have been a falls at 32.54639, -86.19917 near Wetumpka. Demolished?<br /><br /><strong>Satan's Garden/Great Falls:</strong> There is a waterfall at around 32.508, -85.184, in Little Ulchee. Photographic evidence at: <a href="http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Photo_detail_photoid_11610_size_big">http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Photo_detail_photoid_11610_size_big</a>_<br /><br /><strong>Hidden Falls:</strong> This well visited waterfall near Haleburg is on preserved property, but at last check with the organization it is closed to the public due to access issues. Photos at: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/alabamawaterfalls/discuss/72157613832510017/">http://www.flickr.com/groups/alabamawaterfalls/discuss/72157613832510017/</a><br /><br /><strong>River Falls:</strong> This waterfall is located outside of River Falls and Andalusia, near or on the Conecuh River. Photos at: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/alabamawaterfalls/discuss/72157613832510017/">http://www.flickr.com/groups/alabamawaterfalls/discuss/72157613832510017/</a><br /><br /><strong>Chewlacca Falls:</strong> This is an artificial falls at the dam on the Chewlacca State Park property. Photos at: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/alabamawaterfalls/discuss/72157613832510017/">http://www.flickr.com/groups/alabamawaterfalls/discuss/72157613832510017/</a><br /><br /><strong>Peavine Falls:</strong> The popular waterfall at Oak Mountain State Park. Photo and direction at: <a href="http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/al/peavine.html">http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/al/peavine.html</a><br /><br /><strong>Cedar Creek Falls:</strong> The USGS reports a waterfall at 31.056, -88.074 outside of Movico. I can find no evidence.<br /><br /><strong>High Shoals Falls:</strong> The USGS reports a waterfall at 33.237, -85.332 near Taylors Crossroads. Aerial photos confirm, but it is clearly on private property.<br /><br /><strong>Rock Falls:</strong> The USGS reports a falls at 31.23417, -85.10083, but since this location is under water, I'm assuming it is historical.<br /><br /><strong>University Falls:</strong> There was a falls in Tuscaloosa County at 33.219, -87.551.<br /><br /><strong>Village Falls:</strong> USGS reports a falls at 33.556, -86.970, but I can find no evidence.<br /><br /><strong>Mill Falls:</strong> According to the Shelby County Reporter, there is a waterfall on Savage Creek in the Cahaba WMA.<br /><br /><strong>Goggins Falls:</strong> According to the Shelby County Report, there is a waterfall on Jessee Creek in the Cahaba WMA.<br /><br /><strong>Catoma Creek Falls:</strong> There is a waterfall outside of Montgomery on Catoma Creek.<br /><br /><strong>Gullet's Bluff Waterfall #1:</strong> The local Army Corps of Engineers office sent me photos of a waterfall at Gullets Bluff off of Lake Claiborne.<br /><br /><strong>Gullet's Bluff Waterfall #2:</strong> The local Army Corps of Egineers office sent ment photos of a second waterfall at Gullets Bluff off of Lake Claiborne.<br /><br /><strong>Silver Creek Falls:</strong> There is a waterfall on private property on Silver Creek near Lake Claiborne. It is closed to the public due to garbage issues.<br /><br /><strong>Moon Falls:</strong> There is a waterfall near Fairfax, Alabama on the Moon property. Private.<br /><br /><strong>Harmon Falls:</strong> There are falls near Five Points on Harmon's Trucking Property. Private.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://waterfallchasing.blogspot.com/2009/03/alabama-waterfalls-report-part-v-north.html">Next: Alabama Waterfalls Report - Part V - North of Birmingham</a><br /><a href="http://waterfallchasing.blogspot.com/2009/03/alabama-waterfalls-report-part-iii.html">Back: Alabama Waterfalls Report - Part III - DeSoto State Park and Little River Canyon </a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/" rel="license"><img style="border-width: 0px;" alt="Creative Commons License" src="http://i.creativecommons.org/l/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/88x31.png" /></a><br />This <span dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" href="http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text" rel="dc:type">work</span> is licensed under a <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/" rel="license">Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License</a>.JPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11239731249185020073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5603008254088045509.post-41279332684261997862009-03-12T10:30:00.000-07:002009-03-12T11:08:06.284-07:00Alabama Waterfalls Report - Part III - DeSoto State Park and Little River Canyon<strong>Alabama Waterfalls Report - Part III - DeSoto State Park and Little River Canyon</strong><br /><br /><strong>DeSoto State Park</strong><br /><br /><strong>DeSoto Falls:</strong> Dramatic and swift at 104ft, DeSoto falls is located right off of Interstate 59, and is worth a stop anytime you are travelling through Alabama and have a few extra minutes. It is no more than a 1000ft walk from the parking lot. The area comes complete with a lake, a historically significant dam (early hydroelectric use), and the falls itself. Just a few miles upstream of Little River Falls and Canyon. Google Map Link: <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=34.54889+-85.59056">map</a>. Photos at: <a href="http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/al/desoto.html">http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/al/desoto.html</a> and <a href="http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=7250578">http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=7250578</a>. See my <a href="http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/al/desotodt.html">website</a> for directions.<br /><br /><strong>Azalea Cascades:</strong> Possibly the most anti-climactic waterfall in Alabama. It is at the end of the boardwalk in DeSoto State Park. Great wildflower destination. See my <a href="http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/al/desotodt.html">website</a> for directions. Photo at: <a href="http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/al/azalea.html">http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/al/azalea.html</a><br /><br /><strong>Laurel Falls:</strong> A small double falls surrounded by lush vegation and green moss. It is located upstream from Azalea cascades. See my <a href="http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/al/desotodt.html">website</a> for directions. Photos at: <a href="http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/al/laurel.html">http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/al/laurel.html</a><br /><br /><strong>Lost Falls:</strong> A 6-10ft waterfall upstream from Laurel Falls. The rock color around and upstream from the falls is interesting. See my <a href="http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/al/desotodt.html">website</a> for directions. Photos at: <a href="http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/al/lost.html">http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/al/lost.html</a><br /><br /><strong>Indian Falls:</strong> A nice, tall, 20-25ft waterfall downstream from Azalea Cascades. Interesting colors are all around the falls. Unfortunately, there is a sewage treatment plant for the park upstream. Ick. See my <a href="http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/al/desotodt.html">website</a> for directions. Photos at: <a href="http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/al/indian.html">http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/al/indian.html</a><br /><br /><strong>Lodge Falls:</strong> The name is fairly obvious on this one, as it is located behind the lodge at DeSoto State Park. The flow isn't usually spectacular, but the pits in the rock under the overhang are interesting. See my <a href="http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/al/desotodt.html">website</a> for directions. Photos at: <a href="http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/al/lodge.html">http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/al/lodge.html</a><br /><br /><strong>Little River Canyon</strong><br /><br /><strong>Little River Falls:</strong> At the head of Little River Canyon, this falls has pretty fantastic flow on a good day. The canyon is widely considered the deepest east of the Mississippi, and combined with the falls is a must see when in Alabama. A free area with good parking, it can be crowded in the summer or on weekends, as the area above and below the falls is a popular swimming hole, contrary to common sense. The porta-potties are of the composting type, and stink. It is located directly downstream from the AL-35 bridge. <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=34.3955,-85.6275&sll=34.396783,-85.627484&sspn=0.017635,0.038452&ie=UTF8&ll=34.395791,-85.627484&spn=0.017635,0.038452&t=p&z=15&iwloc=addr">Map.</a> Photos: <a href="http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/al/littleriver.html">http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/al/littleriver.html</a><br /><br /><strong>Grace's High Falls:</strong> Probably the highest falls in Alabama at 133ft, Grace's High Falls plumments into Little River Canyon after a heavy rain. It is a seasonal falls, but is worth seeing when it is flowing. Driving south from Little River Falls along the Little River Canyon Parkway (just prior to the bridge accross Little River when coming from Fort Payne) the falls overlook is located about 7 miles down the canyon rim road from Little River Falls. Photos at: <a href="http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/al/grace.html">http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/al/grace.html</a><br /><br /><strong>Johnnies Creek Falls:</strong> Johnnies Creek Falls is located on private property where AL-275 crosses Johnnies Creek. Photos: <a href="http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/al/johnnies.html">http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/al/johnnies.html</a><br /><br /><strong>Gregg's Two Falls:</strong> There is a trace that runs to this double drop falls, but it is hard to follow even in the fall. The character of this gorgeous falls changes heavily with the water levels, running the gamut from a gentle falls that disappears into the gravel beheath it, to a ranging torrent. It is located near where Wolf Creek, AL 176, and CR 255 meet on the fringes of Little River Canyon. Photo at: <a href="http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/al/greggs.html">http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/al/greggs.html</a><br /><br /><strong>In the area...</strong><br /><br /><strong>Yellow Creek Falls:</strong> This fairly impressive waterfall is on private property and is only legally visible from across Lake Weiss, or via boat. Photo at: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/furiousgeorge81/3143703527/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/furiousgeorge81/3143703527/</a><br /><br /><strong>Little Falls:</strong> I know next to nothing about <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=34.51917+-85.61056&ie=UTF8&ll=34.519994,-85.610576&spn=0.016513,0.038452&t=p&z=15&iwloc=addr">this</a> USGS listed waterfall, beyond that it is at the end of the DeSoto Scout Trail near Camp Corner Lake on Seymour Creek. Private property?<br /><a href="http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/al/greggs.html">http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/al/greggs.html</a><br /><br /><a href="http://waterfallchasing.blogspot.com/2009/03/alabama-waterfalls-report-part-ii.html">Back to Alabama Waterfall Report - Part II - Talladega National Forest and Environs</a><br /><br /><a rel="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/"><img alt="Creative Commons License" style="border-width:0" src="http://i.creativecommons.org/l/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/88x31.png" /></a><br />This <span xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" href="http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text" rel="dc:type">work</span> is licensed under a <a rel="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/">Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License</a>.JPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11239731249185020073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5603008254088045509.post-73048058048096268102009-03-12T07:29:00.000-07:002009-03-12T12:26:27.620-07:00Alabama Waterfalls Report - Part II - Talladega National Forest and Environs<strong>Alabama Waterfalls Report - Part II -</strong><strong>Talladega National Forest and Environs</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Devil's Den Falls</strong>: This series of waterfalls, consisting of a total of about 100' elevation drop, is located on Cheaha Creek upstream from Chinnabee Lake on Cheaha Creek, and is accessed via the popular Chinnabee Silent Trail. It is a popular destination, and heavy coverage is not required. Although often mislabeled as being in Cheaha State Park, it is actually in Talladega National Forest. Directions at: <a href="http://www.swimmingholes.org/al.html">http://www.swimmingholes.org/al.html</a> Photos at: <a href="http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/al/devilsden.html">http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/al/devilsden.html</a><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Cheaha Falls</strong>: This waterfall is located on Cheaha Creek along the popular Chinnabee Silent Trail. It is upstream of Devil's Den Falls. It is somewhere in the vacinity of 30' tall. Directions at: <a href="http://www.swimmingholes.org/al.html">http://www.swimmingholes.org/al.html</a> Photos at: <a href="http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/al/cheaha.html">http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/al/cheaha.html</a><br /><br /><strong>High Falls (Talladega):</strong> A lovely little series of falls located in Talladega National Forest. The top segment consists of a 10-15ft straight drop topped by a small cascade. The middle segment is a 10-15ft cascade, and the bottom is a long, narrow cascading stream. The top segment is accessed via a narrow rickity metal staircase. Get directions from <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=waldo,+al&ll=33.374943,-85.862832&spn=0.025015,0.053902">this Google map</a>, for follow these: From Talladega, proceed south on Alabama Rt. 77 towards Ashland. After passing the shooting range and the Porter's Gap trailhead, you will come to a an intersection with a sign for the falls, but you will probably speed right past it, as the speed limit is 55 and it is hard to see. The road name might be Horns Lake, but if you miss the sign, you will meet a few dozen miles of nothing, so you'll know you missed it. A few miles down the marked road or AL-77 you will encounter Clairmont Springs Road, which is also labelled for the falls. Follow the road for a long while, passed over railroad tracks and a an intersection to nowhere, and when you have just passed Blue Ridge Road, pay attention for a dirt road to your left. The sign for the trailhead is on the left side of the road, unfortunately it is parallel to the road and difficult to see. If you pass it, you'll again be nowhere, so you'll know. Drive down the small dirt road (frequently with wet potholes) until you reach a wide parking area. If you stand with your back to the road you just drove down, the trail to the falls will be at your 2 O'clock, and you will know you are in the right stop if after a few hundred feet you encounter an informational Kiosk with names on it. Follow the stream uphill, and you'll find the falls. (Copied from my website, <a href="http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/">http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/</a>). Photos at: <a href="http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/al/talladegahigh.html">http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/al/talladegahigh.html</a><br /><br /><strong>Salt Creek Falls:</strong> Salt Creek Falls is probably the best cascade type waterfall in Alabama, and for that, it gets to be one of the most dangerous. Located in Talladega National Forest, it is a popular swimming area for local youths despite its deadly reputation. The cliffs on either side of the falls are very high. The falls themselves are at an angle that makes sliding down them enticing, but deadly. This falls is not for those who are afraid of high places, or who are very out of shape should it be a hot day. The trail is short, but leaving the falls is very uphill, almost as bad as the ascent out of the ampitheatre of <a href="http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/al/uppercaney.html">Upper Caney Creek Falls</a>, almost. Speaking of the ampitheatre, Salt Creek Falls has managed to create one heck of one. This is a very dangerous area, fast moving water and high rocks, be very careful.<a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=Talladega,+AL+to+33.50139+-85.90472&ll=33.486793,-85.931368&spn=0.049966,0.079823">Directions (From Talladega) via Google Maps</a>** Note, the place you want to park is by the power lines, NOT the closed Forest Service road a few hundred feet up the hill. That gated road is long and leads to a really unpleasantly steep series of trails. You are looking for a gravel parking area, unmarked, with a jeep stopping mound that has been pierced by a trail. Take that trail over the hill, and you'll be set. Photo at: <a href="http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/al/saltcreek.html">http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/al/saltcreek.html</a><br /><br /><strong>"Shinbone Falls":</strong> This waterfall was "discovered" by Jay Hudson and myself last year. It is in the vacinity of Old Oxford Road, and is believed to be on Talladega National Forest property, but do your homework before visiting. Acting on a hunch based on the name of the creek, we put together an expedition and visited the area. After dealing with the tangled mess of old logging roads, we found a 20-30ft cascading waterfall, which is absolutely gorgeous. The name is derived from the local valley. Plant life in the area included Galax and Trailing Arbutus. Photos and GPS track at <a href="http://jahudson.wiki.hoover.k12.al.us/ShinboneFalls">http://jahudson.wiki.hoover.k12.al.us/ShinboneFalls</a>, more photos at: <a href="http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=7250739">http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=7250739</a>, and <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/alabamawaterfalls/discuss/72157604208545519/">http://www.flickr.com/groups/alabamawaterfalls/discuss/72157604208545519/</a><br /><br /><strong>"Hopeful Falls" (aka "Camp Mac Falls"): </strong>This waterfall was shown to me by Jay Hudson. The waterfall is located on a feeder to upper Camp Mac lake. It can be accessed by parking at the 9-ton bridge on Bass Lane, and hiking the well-worn but unmarked trail up the stream to the waterfall. Three stream crossings are required. The waterfall is located at: 33.48276666666667, -85.90585 I believe the waterfall is located on National Forest Service property, but I cannot be absolutely sure, as it is right near the boundary. According to my reading of the map, and the property boundary marker near the bridge, it is federal property, but again, always exercise your own judgement unless it is absolutely certain. I am calling it Hopeful Falls because I don't know the local name for the falls, and there does not appear to be an official name for the waterfall. Hopeful is the closest "town" on the map.It is 25-35ft tall. There are some small rapids and micro-cascades below the falls. Photos at: <a href="http://jahudson.wiki.hoover.k12.al.us/PinhotiWaterfall">http://jahudson.wiki.hoover.k12.al.us/PinhotiWaterfall</a> and <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/alabamawaterfalls/discuss/72157604075384113/">http://www.flickr.com/groups/alabamawaterfalls/discuss/72157604075384113/</a><br /><br /><strong>"Nimblewill's Twin Falls" (aka "Little Hillabee Falls"):</strong> This waterfall is located off the Pinhoti. Directions and a photo at: <a href="http://www.alabamatrail.org/hikingAL/Pinhoti/Pinhoti6.htm">http://www.alabamatrail.org/hikingAL/Pinhoti/Pinhoti6.htm</a><br /><br /><strong>Rendalia Water Falls: </strong>According to the USGS there is a waterfall near the Talladega National Forest property boundary at 33.301389 N, 86.171389 W, on the Winterboro quad. I can find no evidence it actually exists. I've asked around, I've looking from all legal viewpoints, I've looked at aerial photos, and all I see is fields and woods. No waterfall.<br /><br /><strong>Great Falls: </strong>The USGS also lists a waterfall at 33.250556 N, 86.018333 W. I cannot confirm the existance of this waterfall, which is apparently "mis-coordinated" and on private property.<br /><br /><a href="http://waterfallchasing.blogspot.com/2009/03/alabama-waterfall-report-part-i.html">Back: Alabama Waterfalls Report - Part I - The Undiscovered County</a><br /><br /><br />* Note: Unofficial names in quotes.<br /><br /><a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/" rel="license"><img style="BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px" alt="Creative Commons License" src="http://i.creativecommons.org/l/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/88x31.png" /></a><br />This <span rel="dc:type" href="http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text" dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/">work</span> is licensed under a <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/" rel="license">Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License</a>.JPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11239731249185020073noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5603008254088045509.post-76469185632138064492009-03-11T17:07:00.000-07:002009-03-11T17:27:48.882-07:00DeLorme Topo USA 7.0 Review Part II<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy75YyS68HCyiIq6zuXJHpvNGWmlhdqhxL_ZwSBTVIiC31xWkf6bxqT0WhmLwKBc-6fNa4HEZg9BSL_RZqKcVbLThfpAkh_H4xsmWJh9_tJ45XC6FrvSVheAzhWPhavHUJm65h8BB-tdM/s1600-h/Screenshot1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312090862249758450" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 160px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy75YyS68HCyiIq6zuXJHpvNGWmlhdqhxL_ZwSBTVIiC31xWkf6bxqT0WhmLwKBc-6fNa4HEZg9BSL_RZqKcVbLThfpAkh_H4xsmWJh9_tJ45XC6FrvSVheAzhWPhavHUJm65h8BB-tdM/s200/Screenshot1.JPG" border="0" /></a> <strong>Netlink</strong><br /><br />Screenshots: <a href="http://gallery.photo.net/photo/8711479-lg.jpg">Here</a>, <a href="http://gallery.photo.net/photo/8711480-lg.jpg">here</a>, <a href="http://gallery.photo.net/photo/8711481-lg.jpg">here</a>, <a href="http://gallery.photo.net/photo/8711482-md.jpg">here</a>, <a href="http://gallery.photo.net/photo/8711497-md.jpg">here</a>, <a href="http://gallery.photo.net/photo/8711498-lg.jpg">here</a>, <a href="http://gallery.photo.net/photo/8711499-lg.jpg">here</a>, and <a href="http://gallery.photo.net/photo/8711500-lg.jpg">here</a>.<br /><br />Netlink is the name of DeLorme's map data delivery system. It is used to get map data from DeLorme. DeLorme currently offers an annual map data subscription that is a much better deal than the former pay-per-download system which was fairly expensive. Netlink is on half of what makes Topo USA 7.0 such a powerful tool for the bushwhacker. Netlink's operation is fairly simple. After clicking on the Netlink Tab, a connecting message will display during a short delay, and then you will be connected to the system. There is a central icon system, which I ignore. On the far left there are four buttons, Home, Map Library, Downloads,and Support. Concern yourself with Map Library and Support.<br /><br />Clicking the Map Library button brings you to DeLorme's Map Library. Simple enough, right? You select the type of map data you would like to download via a drop-down menu. The options are currently USGS 24k topo quads, color and black and white DOQQ aerial images, Sat-10 low-res color aerial images, USGS Hi-Res 133 City aerial images, and NOAA nautical charts. At zoom level 11 or greater you can press the select button, and then select map squares to add to an order. Your selection will be pink. There are limits to how large your selections can be. The software will alert you when you've made to large a selection. This is somewhat tedious. Once you've made a selection, you add it to an order list via the "add to list" button. You will be asked to name your selection. Pick a unique name, as they cannot repeat. Number multiple sections so they don't repeat but have similar names. Then click view list to checkout. There is a checkout button, which when pressed brings up an "are you sure" type dialog. You say yes, then your order is submitted, and you get a confirmation. You order will be processed, and generally within a few minutes your order will be ready to download. Depending on server conditions and the type of data downloaded, there are sometimes delays. This whole process is fairly simple, and easy to carry out. My only complaint is that some of the extra checks on accidental ordering aren't really needed with the annual subscription, since you aren't spending money on each order.<br /><br />To download your map data, you click on the downloads button we discussed earlier. You map data is under the tab "Your Data", and the number of ready downloads is shown on the tab. You click the arrow device, and the tab expands, and lists your pending downloads. If they are not grayed out, you can select them and download them.<br /><br />Downloading maps is really easy, but selecting them and waiting for the downloads can be time-consuming. I'd like to see a little quicker method of selecting large areas, the ability to do other things while data is downloaded, and automatic downloads.<br /><br />Once your maps have downloaded they become accessible in Topo USA 7.0. This makes Topo a powerful planning tool, because you have all the different map types right there, no juggling around. More on this later.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Handheld Export</strong><br /><br />The Handheld Export Tab allows you to export map data to your PN-series handheld GPS.<br />You select an area where you own specific map data, and it turns pink. This process is basically identical to what you do to select data for download, and there are size limits here, too. Once you have an area selected, the options tab lets you select what type of data you want, and at what zoom levels you want it to be visible on your PN-series device. You then name your selection (and again, unique names please), and click save. The file will be converted, or "cut", for use on your PN-series handheld.<br /><br /><strong>The Real Benefits to Bushwhackers and Some Talk of Criticism</strong><br /><br />You occasionally hear people complain about the complexity of DeLorme's Topo USA software. While the software is nowhere near as complicated as say Photoshop, it is more complicated that a lot of software people use everyday. I would rate it as about as complicated as most word processing software, maybe a little less complicated. Pretty much anyone can use it, but you need to be willing to invest at least a half-hour to learning how it works, or you will be frustrated. Part of this frustration comes from the fact that the interface is different from what people are used to. The general rule with software is that as it becomes more powerful it becomes more complex and less intuitive to use. Topo USA is no exception, but it really isn't that hard to use. It is slightly harder to use than most other mapping software, but it does a little more, so it balances out.<br /><br />Topo USA 7.0, if used properly, can be a boon to the bushwhack or photo-hiker like me.<br />First of all, the ability to download, manage, and view all sorts of different map data is basically unparalleled. If you want vecter topo data, you've got it. If you want USGS 24k topos for their greater level of terrain detail and for the notes and objects drawn on them that often make them so useful, if you download them, there they are. If you've downloaded them, you can switch to black and white aerial images to see land usage, or color images to see foliage type. If you are planning a boat trip, you've got nautical charts. Second, you can load those maps easily onto your handheld GPS!<br /><br />We bushwhackers love our paper topos, so here's the kicker... You can get the lay of the land through all these data types combined with 2-D and 3-D views. You can study the area in greater detail than paper topo maps, Google Earth, or other online mapping systems, because you have so many options for data. You can mark all over your map without destroying it, unlike a paper topo. Unlike a paper topo, you have the quad next door seemlessly attached if you've downloaded it. Unlike a paper topo, you've got the ability to get fairly precise elevation data, without math in your head, for a specific spot, not just back calculating from a marked line. Listen, they'll never pry my paper maps from me, but Topo comes the closest to replacing them for me. Oh, and did I mention you can print maps yourself? Maps that you've drawn things on? Need a paper map for a hike, got one. Need a paper map to share with a friend, got one. Most mapping software does some gyration of this, but DeLorme's Topo USA 7.0 does it all in one package with multiple map types.<br /><br />Highly recommended.<br /><br /><a href="http://waterfallchasing.blogspot.com/2009/03/delorme-topo-usa-70-review-part-i.html">Back to DeLorme Topo USA 7.0 Review Part I</a>JPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11239731249185020073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5603008254088045509.post-58512699530599311652009-03-11T17:04:00.000-07:002009-03-11T17:27:12.422-07:00DeLorme Topo USA 7.0 Review Part I<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXP_X-RDkHz5TGt0yGzQ3khu3UIIyrofJA8COCmhk4GCJH8asgI2UByewrN8p73ti8JyNoRvNYf7FZ8_-NSsTMgaeA6SRn1EHCewCs2ELkqse1ofjN5NZgxUKQ703ZL8z88eklSl7QPHc/s1600-h/Screenshot1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312091051327419138" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 160px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXP_X-RDkHz5TGt0yGzQ3khu3UIIyrofJA8COCmhk4GCJH8asgI2UByewrN8p73ti8JyNoRvNYf7FZ8_-NSsTMgaeA6SRn1EHCewCs2ELkqse1ofjN5NZgxUKQ703ZL8z88eklSl7QPHc/s200/Screenshot1.JPG" border="0" /></a> <strong>Introduction</strong><br /><br />Screenshots: <a href="http://gallery.photo.net/photo/8711479-lg.jpg">Here</a>, <a href="http://gallery.photo.net/photo/8711480-lg.jpg">here</a>, <a href="http://gallery.photo.net/photo/8711481-lg.jpg">here</a>, <a href="http://gallery.photo.net/photo/8711482-md.jpg">here</a>, <a href="http://gallery.photo.net/photo/8711497-md.jpg">here</a>, <a href="http://gallery.photo.net/photo/8711498-lg.jpg">here</a>, <a href="http://gallery.photo.net/photo/8711499-lg.jpg">here</a>, and <a href="http://gallery.photo.net/photo/8711500-lg.jpg">here</a>.<br /><br />DeLorme's Topo USA software has been around for a while. It predates the PN-series handheld GPS units, and is somewhat similar to Garmin's Mapsource, Google Earth, and other mapping software. The current version, DeLorme Topo USA 7.0, was released in 2007. I am certain that it was reviewed at that time, however I feel a review from the bushwhacker's perspective post PN-40 is a good idea, so here we are. Some parts of the review drifted more into a how-to, but I think that describing the process shows how simple most tasks really are.<br /><br />The software is available separately, but it comes included with the DeLorme PN-series handheld GPS units. Separately it can be purchased as either an East or West regional version, or as a national version. The national version is included with the PN-40 handheld GPS unit.<br />This review will focus solely on the national version, as it is the version included with the PN-40. The national version comes on a single DVD. The DVD contains the 100k vector topographical maps, which are derived from USGS mapping data, and DeLorme's extensive POI database.<br /><br /><strong>Basic Use</strong><br /><br />Installation is quick and simple.<br /><br />The interface is a little different from what you are used to, as it lacks the traditional Windows/Mac menu system. Instead, there is a row of icons for various functions at the top where the menu would be, a series of directional and zoom controls on the right, and various function tabs on the bottom of the screen. Another oddity is that by default the software has a split map screen. This allows you to do thinks like look at the map at two different zoom levels, or to view vector topo data on one side, and aerial photography on the other side. I personally find it a little distracting, and stick to a single map pane, but others love this functionality.<br />Directional movement is accomplished either via the directional arrows on the top left corner, by using the directional arrows on your keyboard, or by moving the mouse cursor near the edge of the map pane, and clicking and dragging when the white hand appears. The map will center on a location that you click.<br /><br />Zooming is accomplished either by clicking the pane's zoom buttons, by using the zoom tabs directly above the directional arrows, or by clicking on the map and moving the mouse diagonally to manipulated the zoom device that appears.<br />You can rotate the map using a control in the center of the directional arrow pad on the upper left.<br /><br />You select the type of map data via a drop-down box in the upper right corner. Nearby controls also allow you to select a 2-dimensional or 3-dimensional view, and whether you want the 100k vecter topographical data overlaid on your raster map data (called a hybrid map by DeLorme).<br /><br />All of this is covered in greater detail in the included help system.<br /><br /><strong>The Tabs</strong><br /><br />The Map Files Tab allows you to manage the maps and data you own, and chose which ones you make availible for display. It is very straightfoward.<br /><br />The Find Tab allows you to find a location. Easy enough, right?<br /><br />The Print Tab facilitates the printing of maps. Easy, quick, and darned useful. One of my favorite features.<br /><br />The Draw Tab is of particular usefulness for the bushwhacker. Using this tab you can draw all sorts of things onto your map, and then either print it, or upload it onto your PN-40. You can add a routable road, a waypoint, some sort of polygon (useful for property boundaries), a line, or a symbol. You'd expect most of this from mapping software, and none of it is really revolutionary. It is all simple to use.<br /><br />The GPS Tab allows you to get GPS data from a GPS unit. Via the small exchange box on the left you can download tracks you create on your handheld GPS unit. Pretty standard stuff.<br />The Route Tab allows you to create a route. Some trails are routable via this tab, but most trails aren't even on the map, so your mileage may vary, literally.<br /><br />The Profile Tab shows elevation profile for a recorded track or object. Very useful for planning a bushwhack, because you can draw a line or object via the Draw Tab and then view the elevation profile for the line you created, so you know what you are facing. You can also get the elevation profile for any road, rail, trail, or object that is visible on the vector topo data. Can also be used for reviewing your trip's elevation profile.<br /><br />The 3-D Tab controls the 3-dimensional view, if enabled. The 3-dimensional view is useful in planning a trip, because it helps you visualize the terrain. Since the data it uses is only 100k, it isn't all that accurate, but it is still useful if the elevation changes are signficant.<br />The Info Tab gives you information about a selection. Pretty self-explanatory.<br /><br />The Netlink and Handheld Export Tabs are discussed in greater detail next.<br /><br /><a href="http://waterfallchasing.blogspot.com/2009/03/delorme-topo-usa-70-review-part-ii.html">Next: DeLorme Topo USA 7.0 Review Part II</a>JPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11239731249185020073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5603008254088045509.post-41559480251385877212009-03-11T14:01:00.000-07:002009-03-12T08:22:08.317-07:00Josh's Rules for Waterfalls<strong>Josh's Rules for Waterfalls</strong><br /><br />1) Use Common Sense.<br />2) Remember that rocks are hard, and water is strong. Waterfalls are made of water, and rock. They are made my water out of rock. You are soft, and carried easily by water. You squish on rock.<br />3) Never cross upstream of a waterfall. If you have no choice, cross as far upstream as possible, and never cross a stream that is deep or fast. Getting washed over the falls, or slipping over the edge due to wet rocks, could be fatal.<br />4) Never stand, play, photograph, or otherwise be around the top of a waterfall. At least once a year I hear about somebody dying from a waterfall-related fall, and many people are seriously hurt. This is most important around tall waterfalls, but I've landed in a stickerbush as punishment for breaking this rule at a small waterfall, so it should always be followed. ;)<br />5) Never swim in or around the plunge pool of a waterfall. Never jump or dive off of or around a waterfall. Rocks are hard. Don't think that because you are standing under the falls, you are safe. Ever notice how rocks are distributed by streamflow? Well, want one distributed onto your head?<br />6) Never consume alcohol around a waterfall. You tend to break the other rules.<br />7) Never trespass.<br />8) Follow Leave No Trace guidelines. Never litter, deface, vandalize, grafitti, or otherwise destroy the waterfall area for everyone else.<br />9) Never use the waterfall as a toilet. Especially upstream. Ick.<br />10) Never throw/push anything over the falls. Rocks are hard.<br />11) Don't camp around the waterfall. Never make a fire ring there.<br />12) Watch your footing. Waterfalls are slippery. Rocks are hard.<br />13) Watch your children. Rocks are hard, you are soft, your children very much so.<br />14) No bare feet. Glass is everywhere.<br />15) Take pictures.<br /><br /><a rel="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/"><img alt="Creative Commons License" style="border-width:0" src="http://i.creativecommons.org/l/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/88x31.png" /></a><br />This <span xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" href="http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text" rel="dc:type">work</span> is licensed under a <a rel="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/">Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License</a>.JPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11239731249185020073noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5603008254088045509.post-85514518475964184922009-03-10T17:14:00.000-07:002009-03-12T11:54:55.056-07:00Alabama Waterfall Report - Part I - The Undiscovered Country<strong>Introduction</strong><br /><br />If you've followed my waterfall website (<a href="http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/">http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/</a>) for the past few years, you have probably noticed I haven't posted an update in a really, really long time. Let's face it, whenever you turn fun into a project, you destroy the fun. I got tired of the website, because getting material for it was ruining the fun of waterfall chasing. I worked on a redesign, and got all the design work done, but quit before I got any of the content put up. Since I originally put up the current website, I've amassed a huge amout of information about Alabama's waterfalls. Unfortunately, a lot of that is in my head, so I need to get it out before I lose it. Keep in mind that also means some of it is probably inaccurate. Over the next few posts, I'll be providing what I know about Alabama's waterfalls. Today's post will cover the areas where I do not have good information. As in, the areas where I think a waterfall hunter could have some fun. I'm not promosing there is a waterfall at any of these locations, nor am I suggesting that if there is one, it is on public property. I've made educated guesses on the probability in some cases, but keep in mind I'm just relying on instict, and I may be WAYYY off, or totally wrong. Research carefully to determine how difficult a search would be, who owns the property, and if visitation is allowed. You are responsible for your own safety and for ensuring that you are not trespassing.<br /><br />A note on my terminology... I consider a waterfall to be any cascade, drop, or fall of water more than a few feet tall to be a waterfall. This is highly subjective. I consider a waterfall which is not published in on any internet source, or in any book, to be "undiscovered" for my purposes. The truth is, locals have been visiting these falls for generations, so chances are good you won't actually be discovering anything new. ;)<br /><br />I will not be covering Bankhead National Forest, Sipsey Wilderness in this post. I've already discussed areas which I feel merit a good search on Alatrail.com <a href="http://www.alatrails.com/articles/sipsey-wilderness-and-bankhead-national-forest-areas-ignorance">here</a>.<br /><br />This is a work in progress.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Talladega National Forest </strong>(copied from one of my Alatrails posts)<br /><br />Talladega National Forest has surprised me a few times, with Shinbone Falls and Hopeful Falls, and I'm sure it will bring more surprises.<br /><br />The source of Salt Creek. (~ 33.502934,-85.798888) The stream has good flow most of the year, and the elevation drop is pretty good. However, not knowing the exact topography/geology, I wouldn't give this more than a 25% chance of harboring a waterfall more than 3'.<br /><br />These creeks near Lanie Gap in the very far northern part of the forest (33.942933,-85.490327; 33.945638,-85.503674; 33.950231, -85.496593; 33.955215,-85.516334) all look suspicious. However, not knowing the detailed topography and the geology of the area, I wouldn't give more than a 25% chance that one waterfall is in this area of the forest.<br /><br />These three creeks on Hurricane Mountain (33.869453,-85.667524; 33.863467, -85.675807; 33.863467, -85.675807) which are similar to some areas in the forest with waterfalls. I'd say 25% chance.<br /><br /><br />The two creeks on either side of this rise by Choccolocco Mtn. (33.816950, -85.714431). 10% chance?<br /><br />I'm whinging it on these, as usual. I have a pretty good success rate, but I have trouble reading Talladega National Forest. For instance, I never would have guessed that there was a waterfall where Hopefull Falls is, near Camp Mac Lake. I was shocked by that one until I saw the location. The topos don't seem as useful for TNF for some reason. I think it is because there are large changes in altitude without a change in geology. I'd do serious research before considering any of these locations. I don't even know the property ownership, they may not be accessible.<br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>The Fertile Triangle/Former Carter Properties (Walls of Jericho)</strong><br /><br />There is an area running roughly from Guntersville in the south, to New Market in the north-west, to Bridgeport in the north-east (depicted <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Huntsville,+AL&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=34.671324,78.75&ie=UTF8&ll=34.724684,-86.00647&spn=0.562094,1.230469&t=h&z=10">here</a>), that remains heavily forested. There are numerous waterfalls on the fringes of this area, and I strongly suspect that there are a decent number still hiding here. It doesn't hurt that this is Cumberland Plateau associated geology, which is always good for waterfalls in Alabama and Tennesee. A good chunk of this land has been preserved as part of the Walls of Jericho preserve (12,510 acres in Alabama, 8,943 acres in Tennesee), but little information exists online to confirm the outline of the preserve, and how much of this land is open to the public. As the lands were closed for so many years, information is somewhat sketchy about the less visited areas, so waterfalls are likely to remain "undiscovered" for the waterfall chaser. Some will undoubtedly be found on public property, but some are also most certainly on private property, so careful research will be required.<br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>Shelby County Waterfall Zone</strong><br /><br />There is an area with several waterfalls in close association to each other near and in the <a href="http://www.cahabariver.net/">Cahaba WMA</a>. This is not to be confused with the <a href="http://www.fws.gov/Refuges/profiles/index.cfm?id=43665">Cahaba River NWA</a>, home of the Cahaba Lilies. There is a cluster of waterfalls that includes Davis Falls, several falls upstream from Davis Falls, Weaver Falls, all outside the WMA on private propety, plus Falling Rock Falls, Mills Falls on Savage Creek and Goggins Falls on Jessee Creek, in the WMA itself. And you thought Peavine was the only waterfall in Shelby County! Since those waterfalls in the WMA (besides Falling Rock Falls) came as a total surprise to me, I investigated further, and I strongly suspect that there may be at least one or two waterfalls in the area. I haven't done careful research on the geology of the area, so looking at the topographical maps, I only feel confortable saying that the likely search area should be in a chunk running from Aldrich in the east, down diagonally to the confluence of the Little Cahaba and Cahaba Rivers, west to West Blocton, north to Sand Mountain just south of Tannehill State Park, back east to Marlene, and back south to Aldrich. I know this is a huge area, but without better data, that is the best I can do. The area is interesting geologically, with coal and oil deposits. The Aldrich Coal Mine Museum is in the area, the proprietor of which is a big expert on Davis Falls.<br /><br /><br /><br /><p><strong>Other Areas of Interest in North Alabama</strong></p><p>Beyond what I've already mentioned above, there are several areas that I consider fertile terrain for new waterfall "discoveries" in North Alabama. </p><p>Having visiting Cane Creek Preserve (<a href="http://schuffertstudios.com/catalog/Misc/CaneCreekPreserve.pdf">PDF flier</a>), which has several waterfalls, I am interested in the area surrounding that Colbert County Preserve. The <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Huntsville,+AL&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=34.671324,78.75&ie=UTF8&ll=34.604389,-87.784882&spn=0.535787,1.230469&t=p&z=10">area</a> of interest forms a rectangle from Newburg north to Tuscumbia, west to the Mississippi border. Unfortunately, I don't know of any areas in this rectangle that the public can visit other than Cane Creek Preserve. I'd say there is a 75% probability that there is a waterfall in this area that I don't know about. Hey, Big Bob Gibson's BBQ is close enough to make it worth the trip if you can get permission, or find some public property in the area. ;)</p><p>Looking at topographical data, a suspect there are one or two waterfalls in the <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Huntsville,+AL&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=34.671324,78.75&ie=UTF8&ll=34.911836,-87.017212&spn=0.266896,0.615234&t=p&z=11">Good Springs-Salem-Elkmont</a> area near the Elk River. Some feature names, along with the topography, suggest it is possible. I'd say there is a 50% chance for finding a waterfall in this region. I'm pretty sure this is all private property, so it will probably remain unknown. </p><p>I'd say there is about 10% chance of finding a waterfall <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Huntsville,+AL&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=34.671324,78.75&ie=UTF8&ll=34.290339,-85.560665&spn=0.13445,0.307617&t=p&z=12">here</a> in this ridge. </p><p></p><p></p><p><strong>South Alabama</strong></p><p>South Alabama is the real undiscovered country. Other than the two waterfalls at Gullett's Bluff, and Hidden Falls, the waterfalls south of Shelby County are very underpublicized, or totally unpublished. I hear rumors of more than half a dozen other waterfalls in the Lake Claiborne area, and property ownership permitting, it might be a good idea to search within about 25mi of the lake. Most of the property here is very private, some Scotch Oil land, but a lot is just residential. If you can find public property (Army Corps of Engineers owns some land there, consider contacting them, the local office is very friendly), it certainly might be productive. Plus, I'm told there are some famous quilt-makers in the area, the Gees Bend Quilters. </p><p>There is a USGS record near Mobile, but I've never seen proof of any waterfall there. </p><p>There are known waterfalls in the Selma area and in the Mongomery area. I know little about this area. </p><p><strong>General Advice</strong></p><p>My biggest recommendation for the waterfall chaser is to devote some time to just driving around and looking at the terrain. Talk to people in local stores, at local museums, and other venues, and you'll find things no map could ever show you. Also, look at the names on topo maps. Anywhere the word falls is used in a place name, like falls hollow, chances are good there is a waterfall. The most important things are to be safe in what you do, don't trespass, and have fun!</p><p><a href="http://waterfallchasing.blogspot.com/2009/03/alabama-waterfalls-report-part-ii.html">Next: Alabama Waterfall Report - Part II - Talladega National Forest and Environs</a></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><br /></p><br /><a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/" rel="license"><img style="BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px" alt="Creative Commons License" src="http://i.creativecommons.org/l/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/88x31.png" /></a><br />This <span rel="dc:type" href="http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text" dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/">work</span> is licensed under a <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/" rel="license">Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License</a>.JPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11239731249185020073noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5603008254088045509.post-58663490608376667982009-03-10T12:16:00.000-07:002009-03-10T12:30:22.910-07:00Alabama Waterfalls Temporary ChecklistMost people who know me know that I did a stupid amount of research tracking down waterfalls in Alabama. At some point, I put out a list, and now I've been asked to make that list into checklist.<br /><br />I'm putting up a crude temporary checklist up on my website at:<br /><a href="http://www.szulecki.com/tempchecklist.pdf">http://www.szulecki.com/tempchecklist.pdf</a><br /><br />The list contains all the waterfalls I am currently aware of (minus anything I forgot), but please keep in mind that I don't expect to see any checks on waterfalls that are on private property. I haven't checked which are and which are not carefully, so it is your responsibility to do so. The list was compiled from my own personal discoveries, from topographical maps, from word-of-mouth, from thoughtful submissions from my website (<a href="http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/">http://waterfalls.szulecki.com/</a>), and from thoughtful submissions from users on the Alatrails.com forums.<br /><br />Do with it as you will, so long as the use is non-commercial.<br /><br />I'm still debating putting out a report on the waterfalls of Alabama, which would have all the information I have on each falls contained in it. If I were to do such a report, it would have GPS coordinates where available, and more information regarding what the individual waterfall looks like, how to hike to it, etc... Even if that doesn't happen, I hope to at least put out a neater checklist.JPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11239731249185020073noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5603008254088045509.post-580542208086349382009-03-08T11:58:00.000-07:002009-03-08T15:24:32.590-07:00DeLorme PN-40 - ConclusionsI apologize if this review rambles, and I'll be editing it where I feel necessary. However, I hope that I have conveyed the ultimate message I was trying to convey, which is that for the bushwhacker like me, I don't think there is a better handheld GPS unit on the market today. The accuracy is more than sufficient, the operation is simple and logical, the design is almost perfect for our needs, and the map support and TOPO7 software appear almost designed with the bushwhacker in mind. I highly recommend it.<br /><br />Detailed specifications and more information about the DeLorme PN-40 are availible at: <a href="http://www.delorme.com/">http://www.delorme.com/</a><br /><br />But the specs that you absolutely need to know are:<br />Chipset: STM Cartesio 32-Channel, WAAS enabled.<br />Antenna: Internal, Patch-Type.<br />Storage: 1GB internal (8gb optional, 500mb taken up by basemap), up to 32GB SDHC card.<br />Screen: 2.2" color TFT, 220 x 176 pixels.<br />Battery: 2 x AA (Alkaline, NiMH, Lithium) or option Li-Ion rechargable pack. Battery life numbers at: <a href="http://forums.delorme.com/viewtopic.php?t=16728">http://forums.delorme.com/viewtopic.php?t=16728</a><br />Compass/Altimeter: Internal 3-axis electronic compass and barometric altimeter.<br /><br /><a href="http://thumbs.photo.net/photo/8682339-sm.jpg"></a><br /><a href="http://waterfallchasing.blogspot.com/2009/03/delorme-pn-40-review-topo7.html">Back: DeLorme PN-40 Review - TOPO7</a><br /><br /><br /><br />Screenshots:<br /><a href="http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=8682340">http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=8682340</a><br /><a href="http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=8682339">http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=8682339</a><br /><a href="http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=8682338">http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=8682338</a><br /><a href="http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=8682337">http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=8682337</a><br /><a href="http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=8682332">http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=8682332</a><br /><a href="http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=8682331">http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=8682331</a><br /><a href="http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=8682329">http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=8682329</a><br /><a href="http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=8682328">http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=8682328</a><br /><a href="http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=8682327">http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=8682327</a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">* I am in no way affiliated with DeLorme, Garmin, Magellan or any other GPS manufacturer. </span>JPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11239731249185020073noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5603008254088045509.post-55752351654903150162009-03-08T11:57:00.000-07:002009-03-11T17:28:44.619-07:00DeLorme PN-40 Review - TOPO7You may have read that TOPO7 has a steep learning curve. While this is somewhat true, it is important to keep two things in mind: first, that TOPO7 is not required to load vector map data onto the PN-40, as the included pre-cut map DVD's can be loaded onto the PN-40 with nothing more than the included USB cable and the DVD; second, TOPO7 is extremely powerful, and all powerful software tends to be more complicated than less powerful software.<br /><br />TOPO7 is certainly not as complicated as say, Photoshop or Matlab, but it is no MS-Paint or Calculator, for that matter. There is a learning curve, and it is steeper than many less computer-savy users would probably prefer. But... If you can figure out Word, you can figure out TOPO7.<br /><br />While some people complain about the complexity of the TOPO7 software. I don't, and here is why... I often spend 4 to 5 times as much time planning a trip as I do actually taking the trip, and TOPO7 is the ideal method to research an area. Right from the TOPO7 DVD you have access to 100k vector topo coverage the entire United States. You also have access to all of the map files you have downloaded from Netlink, like USGS topo quads and aerial photography. Having all of this information in one place, plus the powerful tools that TOPO7 has, makes TOPO7 ideal for trip planning.<br /><br />TOPO7 is integrated with DeLorme's map download system, Netlink. Via the Netlink tab in TOPO7, you can download, cut the maps for the PN-40 (select areas and convert them for use on the PN-40), and transfer them to the PN-40. Copying the files directly to the SDHC card via a card reader greatly speeds up the copying process, and I highly recommend transferring maps this way. The Netlink software is pretty easy to figure out, and I'll spare you the details of exactly how it works. The strengths and weaknesses of Netlink have been heavily discussed on the DeLorme Forums, and I won't bore you with them.<br /><br />For the bushwhacker, I think the TOPO7 package is the icing that makes the PN-40 totally worth it.<br /><br />I've also done a review of DeLorme's Topo 7. <a href="http://waterfallchasing.blogspot.com/2009/03/delorme-topo-usa-70-review-part-i.html">Click here to read it. </a><br /><br /><a href="http://waterfallchasing.blogspot.com/2009/03/delorme-pn-40-conclusions.html">Next: DeLorme PN-40 Review - Conclusions</a><br /><a href="http://waterfallchasing.blogspot.com/2009/03/pn-40-review-maps.html">Back: DeLorme PN-40 Review - Maps</a>JPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11239731249185020073noreply@blogger.com0