Friends took us to Old Stone Fort State Park this summer, and we liked it so much we returned this past weekend. We arrived just before noon, and were lucky to find a parking space. It was packed. Conveniently located off Interstate 24, and about an hour's drive from Nashville, Old Stone Fort is very popular. The 400 acre Native American site has lots of history, complete with a museum, at least a dozen picnic tables, a pavilion, a small playground, and hiking trails to some amazing waterfalls.
Blue Hole Falls
Big Falls
Entrance to museum
one of the exhibits inside the museum
After a picnic lunch, we hiked the entire loop, a 1.4 miles around the ancient enclosure. The trails are easy. Getting up close and personal with the falls requires a little work, but nothing too strenuous. Our jaws dropped when we came upon the breathtaking Step Falls. Just thinking about dipping in the water on a hot summer day was invigorating!
We love hiking! It's even better in the fall. The South Cumberland State Park offers numerous trails of various skill levels, and we have hiked several of them. Our favorite trails are Fiery Gizzard and Foster Falls. Both are moderately easy. We love the bubbling sound of the rushing creeks and waterfalls while walking under the shady trees. It is so peaceful and soothing we find ourselves returning time and time again.
The heat wave we've had the past month reduced Foster Falls to a trickle. Then came Hurricane Ida which last week dumped so much rain that the streams/creeks/waterfalls at Fiery Gizzard are running full again, much to our surprise and delight. We saw a few families frolicking in the water; from the shrieks and laughter, these people were having a ball. Making great memories!
A new steel bridge was recently completed at Mile 1.25. Wouldn't it be nicer if it was painted brown to blend in with the woods? We walked over to capture the view from this side of the stream.
Yesterday's hike could be dubbed a mushroom tour. We found so many along the way! No idea if they're edible or poisonous, so we won't be foraging for them anytime soon, but they do make good pictures, don't they?
The longest yard sale is back on this year! Always fun to look, even happier to find treasures at a steal! Don't you agree?
On the hiking front, we were shocked to see the falls at Foster Falls almost dry. The heat wave last week must have done it. We had hiked Foster Falls over the July 4 weekend, and not only were the waterfalls quite full, the place was packed!
Now you see it
Now you don't
This amazing sunflower captivated our attention the last several days. We're thrilled to see it transform from a mere seed to a plant over 5 feet tall.
That means summer is in full swing. Prime time for alfresco dining, barbecues and fresh produce.
We have been the lucky recipients of farm fresh vegetables from our neighbors' gardens. We've gotten zucchini, yellow squash, cucumbers, banana peppers, radishes, green beans, tomatoes, beets and potatoes. First time tasting radish, and I liked it! This pretty pink little tuber with light green leaves is reminiscent of summer (think Lily Pulitzer colors!) It is crunchy and has a pungent peppery flavor, like horseradish. If you like crunchy salads, try this combo - radish, carrots and red cabbage topped with a light vinaigrette. Refreshing and great for summertime picnics!
green beans, radish, green tomatoes
Radish carrot red cabbage salad
beets!
zucchini and yellow squash
Also, this time of year, wild blackberries by the riverbank are starting to ripen. I kayaked over to pick some early this morning. Great in a smoothie or blackberry jam (there's a great recipe in my post Small is beautiful).
.JPG "Small is beautiful")