Shatley Springs and the rain...

It has been a long time since the wife and I went up to Shatley Springs, located near the Virginia border with North Carolina in Ashe County and today we decided to head up there and eat supper.

It seems that the latest rage in the early 1900's was to drink spring water. There are many locations around North Carolina and the country where the water is believed to hold beneficial properties to those that consume it. Shatley Springs like many other healing springs, had camps spring up (pun intended) around the water. Eventually the site housed a restaurant and rental cabins which both are very nice!

I have drank from the supposed Fountain of Youth in Florida (didn't work... bummer) and many other magical and just plain old water from the ground springs in many different places. However, Shatley Springs in my opinion is one of the best tasting water of all.

I took along my camera gear hoping to capture some sweeping vistas, long exposures on a overlook or maybe a pretty sunset but as we climbed our way up the mountains it began a slow and steady rain. In these mountains, when it rains fog is soon to follow and it did.

After a family style meal, my Daughter and I walked out to the pond to look at the water. When we got back we found that my Wife and Son had found a room that had all these wonderful old antiques. I probably spent half an hour there just snapping pics and marveling at all the old items on display. This was the highlight of the trip for me. 

My Daughter who is taking piano lessons hopped up on one of the old pianos and started playing a tune. Converting this to Sepia really fit with the theme of this room. Of course my son who does not take piano lessons had to try and prove he could play as well as his big Sis!

The Wife and I reflected on the way back home of how much we enjoyed just jumping into the car and going on a small road trip. It is something that we will have to do again soon!

Mark