Honeycomb Natural Bridge and Ghost Creek Falls

Imagine a great chasm in the yard, not far from the front door, as though a long-ago earthquake had split the earth. Imagine the land full of sinkholes, fissures, limestone cliffs and underground streams, and all this the fantastic backdrop to a 25-foot-long natural bridge and a waterfall.

What would one do with such a setting?

James and Carol Meekins, in Marshall County near Grant, Alabama, have taken their special property and created spectacular rock gardens, as well as wandering paths through the woods, edged with rhododendrons, azaleas and other woodland plants. The Honeycomb Natural Bridge and Ghost Creek Falls are on the Meekins' private property, but the couple graciously allow the public to visit. Ghost Creek flows down the mountainside to the right of the bridge. It gets its name from the way it disappears and reappears as it runs down the hill. Eventually it spills beneath the bridge and then vanishes into the earth.

Recently I was in North Alabama and stopped by with my camera. I wished I had been younger and had surer footing, for I would have explored further. Nevertheless, I managed a few good photos even from safe, easily accessible perches.

I will never complain about my rocky soil again!

Goose On Water x 7 + 1

I recently was at nearby Aldridge Gardens to get some some photos of roses blooming with the lake in the background, but I was frustrated by lighting that was too bright. At last I gave up and walked down to the boathouse, forgetting about photography but wanting to enjoy a lovely view of the lake. The lighting from this angle was much better, and I soon had my camera back out as I observed a goose swimming across the lake. I was taken as much by the beauty of the water as I was by the goose. I call this series of photos "Goose on Water x 7 + 1." (or simple algebra for lake lovers!) Do you have a favorite?

#1:#2:#3:#4:#5:#6:#7:

Finally, here is one more photo I took near the boathouse. No goose, but I love the water colors!