Ranger Falls

Ranger Falls is part of the South Cumberland State Park and is found in Savage Gulf.  It can be accessed by hiking from the Stone Door Ranger Station and requires about a half day’s time allotted due to the 7+ mile round trip hike.  This is a falls I have not frequented all that often due the remoteness and the fact it is on a 1 mile spur trail from the main trail.  In the summer and early fall, it is just a trickle but in spring when the frequent rain keeps the creeks full, the falls are quite impressive.  This falls is interesting in that it goes underground at the base.  Several falls within the park due to this only to reappear later.  Sinks and caves are common due to the limestone.  Horsepound Falls (also in Savage Gulf) is similar in this respect.  The pool at the base is small and quickly flows into a cave to the side and behind the falls.  This particular trip was almost a disaster twice.  The spray from the falls had made the rim rocks ultra slick and I about lost my camera, lens and myself to a nasty fall.  Somehow I managed to keep myself upright.  The second near disaster involved the hike out and a very large, fat cotton mouth that I almost stepped on and my dog did.  Ooops!  Anyways, thought I would share a few images.  These were taken last spring.
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Service

The ability to serve others is a gift.  Many encounter this through their profession (in a service occupation).  However, nothing brings as much joy as doing for others without compensation, without expectation, just simply because you can.

This fall I had the joy of providing my wedding services to by step daughter and now son in law on their big day.  I do not shoot as many weddings as I used to (other commitments have take precedent) but am still proficient at the craft and was honored to be asked.  I wanted this to be something special so I chose a timeless medium for a good portion of the wedding: film.  I shot polaroids (impossible B&W instant film) to give all something to view during the reception.  A mixture of B&W (shot through a 63 year old leica) and color images.  Digital was also used.  I could not have been more pleased with the outcomes and wanted to share a few here.

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