Trip to Smith Creek

Well, not much water to report. I started way downstream from the bridge and went upstream about a mile. This is near where I started. Hard to make this work without water. No water until I got above the cave.

I did see two different bear signs and I saw a big bobcat. He was too fast for the camera (operator) but I got a good shot of his track in the mud up on the road. It's how many miles back up hill to the gate? I'd say about 10. (About 2 miles from where I stopped.)

I also saw 3 trumpeter swans all bedded down for the night.

Here is a shot.

I like the way you have composed the photo with the green plants in the foreground. The creek bed creates a nice line to the rock and the 3 tree trunks, nice work. I would have thought with all the rain we've had lately that there should be water in the creeks, guess this area didn't get much rain.

Hey Glenn, I agree with David. Nice comp and a very good shot for no water. I think it is about 10 miles uphill to the gate when it isn't raining. 14 when it is raining.....

Sure looks different than the couple of times I've had the pleasure of seeing it. Too bad you weren't rewarded for your efforts with a little water but I'm sure you enjoyed the outing nonetheless.

Glenn, sounds like you had a nice exploration. It takes a lot of rain to get the river flowing below the sinkhole, even in the winter and spring. My experience has been that you need to have at least a reading of 4 feet on the Buffalo River gauge at Boxley for a good flow below the sinkhole.

Here is a link to the gauge: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv/?site_no=07055646

Hi Glenn. I've got to echo David's comments too. Your shot makes me want to be there, even without any water. Thanks for sharing.

Beautiful scene, Glenn - even without water. Very crisp and sharp, and the light coming down the valley is gorgeous. Nice work.

Thanks for the generous comments.
Glenn