Waterfalls of Shenandoah National Park
Doyles River Upper Falls - Summer Drought
After a long severe summer's drought, I asked a ranger at Shenandoah National Park whether water was flowing at Doyles River. Assured that it was, I began the 3.2-mile round trip hike. I reached the waterfall and found a trickle. Disappointed and frustrated, I sat down, ate a sandwich and dreaded the uphill hike back to the car. But the more I looked, the more I realized that the drought had lifted a veil from the rock and revealed the sculptural detail that the water had left behind. This "trickle" is one of my favorite images. This experience is why I tell my students to stay open, to stay receptive to what's beautiful and compelling and don't let your expectations, agenda or life's trivia get in the way. (SH1332)
