Where North Carolina butts up against Tennessee the land lies in folds and wrinkles like a blanket kicked to the foot of the bed. And we’re glad for it. The landscape is rough and varied and in it we’ll find peaks to bag, trails to tread, and waters to fish. Look around and you’ll find more quiet coves and pockets of pristine forest than you can count, and it seems every stream becomes a waterfall as it descends from the cloudy peaks. The Cherokee, who have inhabited this still-wild region for eons, believe that the places where water changes course are heavy with power and importance. Perhaps that’s why we’re drawn to waterfalls, to spend a silent moment listening to the voice of the water plunging over rock or to put our feet in the pools and rills where a bit of magic remains.Wherever you go in Western North Carolina, you’re never far from a waterfall, and when you find yourself in need of a moment outdoors where the sounds of nature drown out all the noise of the world, look to this guide to find a few places you can go to recapture some of the spirit of the mountains.Soco FallsSoco Falls cuts a fine figure with twin falls plunging over perpendicular rock faces in a shady cove. The Cherokee found this place so powerful it was one of few where a life could be taken, which is why Spanish explorers met their fate here. It’s said that you can see the face of a Spaniard peering out from behind a veil of water at Soco, a silent witness to the power of the place. One of the easiest falls to access—it’s a five minute walk from the parking area—you’ll find the trailhead to Soco Falls off US Highway 19 at the edge of the Qualla Boundary just 5.5 miles west of Maggie Valley.
Soco Falls cuts a fine figure with twin falls plunging over perpendicular rock faces in a shady cove.Linville FallsFor a picture postcard view of Linville Falls you’re looking at a round-trip hike of 1.6 miles on an easy path that ends at Erwin’s View, perched on a rocky outcrop high above the gorge. From here you can see the three tiers of this fall and hear its dull roar as the water plunges into a pool so blue-green it’s nearly black. A great hike for families or young hikers, the trail is well maintained and it’s easy to access at Milepost 316.5 on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
For a picture postcard view of Linville Falls you’re looking at a round-trip hike of 1.6 miles on an easy path that ends at Erwin’s View.DuPont Forest Waterfall TourThe DuPont State Recreational Forest gives you the chance to see anywhere from one to five waterfalls on another relatively easy series of hikes. Start with the short jaunt down a wide gravel trail to Hooker Falls, then backtrack and hike a little further to Triple Falls, an impressive spot where many stop their waterfall tour.
Hooker Falls in Dupont State ForestPress on to High Falls where the water slides over a 150’ high rock dome. Turn back here and you’ll miss Grassy Creek Falls, the crystal-clear Lake Dense, and Bridal Veil Falls. All told, you’re looking at a big day—around 12 miles round trip.
Triple Falls in DuPont State ForestHigh Shoals FallsOne of the most popular hikes in South Mountains State Park, just south of Morganton, the 2.7-mile High Shoals Fall Loop can get crowded on prime weekends, but for a weekday or off-season hike, it’s perfect, plus, South Mountains has 20 backcountry campsites scattered around the park, so this 2.7-mile loop can grow into a strenuous trek from backcountry site to backcountry site over the course of a weekend.
The 2.7-mile High Shoals Fall Loop can get crowded on prime weekends.Yellowstone, Second and Upper FallsGraveyard Fields is a popular stop on the Blue Ridge Parkway and for good reason: an easy trail leads to Upper and Second Falls and through some lovely countryside. The hike to Yellowstone and Second Falls is an easy one and during wildflower season and autumn’s color show, a spectacular one. Reaching Upper Falls is a bit of a challenge though, and requires experience in both route finding and bushwhacking. If you find yourself following the Yellowstone Prong to Upper Falls, you won’t be disappointed though as views are excellent.
The hike to Yellowstone and Second Falls is an easy one and during wildflower season and autumn’s color show, a spectacular one.Skinny Dip FallsWe almost didn’t include this 0.8-mile round trip hike off the Blue Ridge Parkway, but then we thought, “How could we not include Skinny Dip Falls?” The hike begins across the Blue Ridge Parkway from Looking Glass Rock Overlook and follows an old roadbed almost to the base of the falls where a tantalizing pool awaits. If there’s no one around, you have time for a quick strip, dip and drip (dry) before you’re discovered.Crabtree FallsJust off the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 339.5 you’ll find Crabtree Meadows, a pleasant-enough campground and a 2.5-mile hike to Crabtree Falls. The trail is a mix of conditions, from a flat, meadow-roaming trace to a steep, switchbacked section or two that will leave you breathless. But Crabtree Falls is worth every step. Dropping 70’ down a near-vertical rock face and fanning out into a wide veil, Crabtree is a photographer’s dream.
Just off the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 339.5 you’ll find Crabtree Meadows, a pleasant-enough campground and a 2.5-mile hike to Crabtree Falls.Harper Creek FallsNear Morganton, Harper Creek Falls and South Harper Creek Falls are accessible via a tough 8.5-mile hike that includes a dozen stream crossings, some rough trail conditions, and a long-distance view of Grandfather Mountain. Both falls are quite lovely, but Harper Creek Falls, the first you’ll encounter if you make the loop counter-clockwise, is quite lovely as a two-tiered cascade rushes over rock faces to make upper and lower pools framed by the forest. You’ll find the trailhead for this hike 1.5 miles south of Betsy’s Ole Country Store on Brown Mountain Beach Rd.
Near Morganton, Harper Creek Falls and South Harper Creek Falls are accessible via a tough 8.5-mile hike that includes a dozen stream crossings.Panthertown Valley Waterfall TourPanthertown (pronounced “painter-town” by the old-timers) Valley is called the “Yosemite of the East” because of an impressive collection of rock outcroppings jutting out of the earth. The headwaters of the Tuckasegee River are found here, as are a number of waterfalls. On this hike of anywhere from a couple of miles to 10 miles, you can see as many as seven waterfalls on a long, but pleasurable, day. You will need some map reading skills to take on the full extent of the valley, but practice up and hit the trail.Among the waterfalls you’ll find here are Greenland Creek Falls, a beautiful double-decker cascade that’s around 60’; Wilderness Falls, where a small stream slips down a rock face to join one of the many streams here; and Schoolhouse Falls, which has a large plunge pool good for swimming or wading.
Schoolhouse Falls in Panthertown ValleyCullowhee FallsThe locals call it Cullowhee Falls but some folks call it High Falls; whatever you call it, the hike in is around 2 miles to this 150’ waterfall downstream from Glenville Dam. Water flows here year-round, so there’s always a waterfall, but on days when the dam releases water it’s mighty impressive. On the hike in you’ll follow a well-maintained trail and pass Thurston Hatcher Falls, a 30’ plunge and cascade. To reach the true base of Cullowhee Falls requires a few rock scrambles, but nothing too challenging.
Cullowhee Falls requires a few rock scrambles, but nothing too challenging.[divider]about the author[/divider]
Jason Frye is a travel writer and author of Moon North Carolina, Moon North Carolina Coast, Moon Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trips, and is hard at work on a guidebook to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. His stories and photos have appeared in Our State, Salt, and Thrillist, and is forthcoming in Southern Living Follow him on Instagram: @beardedwriter. Related Articles:
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17th JNC taking judicial applications 17th JNC taking judicial applications The 17th Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission is now accepting applications to fill a position on the circuit bench created by the resignation of Judge George Brescher, effective March 31.Applicants must have been members of The Florida Bar for at least five years, registered voters, and residents of the 17th Circuit prior to taking office.Applications and instructions are available on The Florida Bar Web site at www.floridabar.org or by contacting Timothy L. Bailey, JNC Chair, Bailey and Bailey Law Offices, 2335 E. Atlantic Boulevard, Suite 300, Pompano Beach 33062, phone (954) 941-4920; fax (954) 941-4927.Those candidates who applied for judicial vacancies in 2005, and want to apply for this vacancy, will need to resubmit new applications.An original and nine copies of the completed applications— with photographs — must be received by Bailey no later than 5 p.m. February 2. February 1, 2006 Regular News
Sign up for our COVID-19 newsletter to stay up-to-date on the latest coronavirus news throughout New York A shoplifter knocked over a display case and caused a shooting scare at Roosevelt Field Mall on Christmas Eve. (Timothy Bolger/Long Island Press)A shoplifter resisting arrest and knocking over a display case inside Roosevelt Field Mall on Tuesday sparked a shooting scare during one of the busiest shopping days of the year, Nassau County police said.Authorities confirm that at about 1:15 p.m. Christmas Eve, a shoplifter scuffling with security guards knocked over a perfume display case inside Macy’s, which caused a loud noise that scared last-minute Christmas shoppers into believing a gunman was opening fire.“Some people mistakenly believed that sound was shots fired,” says Nassau Police Inspector Kenneth Lack, the department’s chief spokesman. “The report of shots fired was unfounded.”Nassau County Police Acting Commissioner Victor Politi, who was on scene at the mall, says there were minor injuries among several shoppers and that the suspect is in custody. He added that investigators checked security tapes to confirm that there was no gunman.Marie Seale, a 27-year-old Macy’s employee, tells the Press she was working on the third floor when a customer told her there was a shooting. She and other employees quickly gathered customers and moved them to a third-floor bathroom and stock room, where they stayed for about 20 minutes before an announcement over the mall’s loudspeaker system reported that the mall was safe. Seale says there were more than 20 people huddled into the bathroom for safety.“At first, we didn’t know what was going on and people were in panic mode,” she says. “For me, it was very nerve-wracking because my husband was killed last year [in a shooting in Baltimore].”Seale “was still shaking” about an hour after the incident as she smoked a cigarette outside, adding that employees’ reactions were “just natural.”Other employees described a chaotic scene, with customers pushing and shoving as they ran toward the exits. One noted multiple empty baby strollers inside Macy’s as terrified parents snatched their children into their arms and carried them away.“Some guy came downstairs saying there was a shooting,” said Rob, who was doing his last-minute Christmas shopping in the basement at Macy’s. “Nobody believed him, everyone kept shopping.”But, when more people began screaming and a store employee also told him that shots had been fired, Rob left with his girlfriend, Jeanine.Social media sites such as Twitter exploded Tuesday afternoon with reports that shots had been fired in the mall amid the Christmas Eve crunch of shoppers. Social media similarly exploded with people mistakenly believing there was a gunman at the same mall four months ago when a gunman shot two people at a store nearby.There was a large police presence in the wake of the latest incident, with Nassau County Emergency Services and Bureau of Special Operations units on the scene.Police responded within less than a minute, said authorities, blocking off roads and snarling traffic around the mall as helicopters buzzed overhead. The mall was locked down for about 20 minutes.Lack, the police spokesman, said: “The mall is safe.”
Mary A. Murphy Feller, of Lawrenceburg, IN, passed away Friday, January 8, 2016.She was born Friday, March 6, 1936 in Cincinnati, Ohio, daughter of the late Charles Atkins and the late Ethel Clair Saunders Atkins.She enjoyed antiques and clothes shopping. Mary enjoyed fixing up her house and working in her yard. She also loved road trips. Her greatest joy was time with her family, especially her children and grandchildren.Surviving are her husband, Harold Feller; children, Kim (Tom) Kernan of Aurora, IN, William “Buck” Murphy of Greendale, IN, and Colleen Lee of Greendale, IN; sisters, Margaret Abendroth, MD, Nancy (Jack) Strauss of Cincinnati, OH, Opal Atkins of Cincinati, OH, and Dottie Weise of Rising Sun, IN; grandchildren, Dennis, Scott and Nicholas Kernan, Ian, Chloe and Ben Murphy; and great-grandchildren, Troy, Liam & Haven Kernan.She was preceded in death by her first husband, Timothy Murphy; son, Dennis Michael Murphy and a grandaughter, Nicole Murphy.Services will be held at the convenience of the family.Contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Please call the funeral home office at (812) 926-1450 and we will notify the family of your donation with a card.Visit: www.rullmans.com
February 1, 2018 Police Blotter020118 Decatur County Fire Report020118 Decatur County EMS Report020118 Decatur County Law Report020118 Deactur County Jail Report020118 Batesville police Blotter
Jefferson County, In. — The Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge calls upon volunteer birders and nature enthusiasts in Indiana to participate in Audubon’s longest-running wintertime tradition, the annual Christmas Bird Count (CBC). Volunteer birders of all skill levels are needed to count birds. The Big Oaks NWR count will be held on Saturday, December 15, 2018. Volunteers may sign up to count birds for a half day (until noon, or noon to sunset) or all day. We will meet at 8:00 am at the Big Oaks NWR office. The Big Oaks Conservation Society, a not-for-profit refuge support group, will provide lunch for volunteers at the refuge office. If you are interested in participating in the Big Oaks NWR count, contact the refuge at 812-273-0783. Weather for the Christmas bird count can be variable, but warm and/or waterproof clothing is recommended.The Christmas Bird Count began over a century ago when 27 conservationists in 25 localities, led by scientist and writer Frank Chapman, changed the course of ornithological history. On Christmas Day of 1900, the small group posed an alternative to the “side hunt,” a Christmas day activity in which teams competed to see who could shoot the most birds and small mammals. Instead of shooting birds, Chapman proposed to identify, count, and record all the birds they saw, founding what is now considered to be the world’s most significant citizen-based conservation effort and a more than century-old institution.Apart from its attraction as a social and competitive event, the CBC reveals valuable scientific data. Each count group completes a census of the birds found during one 24-hour period between December 14 and January 5 in a designated circle 15 miles in diameter—about 177 square miles. Now in its 118th year, the CBC is larger than ever with more than 2000 individual counts scheduled, expanding its geographical range and accumulating information about the winter distributions of various birds, and it is vital in monitoring the status of resident and migratory birds across the Western Hemisphere. The data, 100% volunteer generated, have become a crucial part of the U. S. Government’s natural history monitoring database. Count results from 1900 to the present are available through Audubon’s website.Big Oaks NWR consists of 50,000 acres on the former Jefferson Proving Ground (JPG) located in Jennings, Ripley, and Jefferson Counties in southeastern Indiana. The local refuge is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and provides public use opportunities, such as hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, photography, interpretation and environmental education. The refuge has one of the largest contiguous forest blocks in the southeastern part of the state as well as one of the largest grassland complexes; both provide wonderful wildlife viewing opportunities for refuge visitors. Information about the refuge is available online here.
David Moyes felt it was crucial Manchester United showed the pain they suffered in Sunday’s derby defeat to Manchester City in their performance against Liverpool on Wednesday night. “I have not had that many good ones. But that is one of the better ones. “It is not frustrating. I will sort it. I will fix it. “I will turn it round. I have no doubt about that.” Moyes did confirm England midfielder Tom Cleverley was ruled out with an injury which watching Three Lions boss Roy Hodgson must hope is not too serious. But, after making eight changes – and naming Wayne Rooney captain – the United boss saw his team perform with more attacking conviction than they have done in most of their more important matches this season. “It certainly was,” said Moyes, when asked if his reaction at the final whistle was one of relief. “It was a big game for us. We had lost at Anfield a few weeks ago and at the Etihad on Sunday and we wanted to put that right. “Every game, everybody is either a first for something or it is a monkey off my back. “It is going to be the way, isn’t it?” “It was important the whole club showed we were hurt by Sunday,” said the United boss. “We didn’t perform to our levels. “Now the players have gone out to get us a big result. I am really pleased with them.” Moyes’ sceptics had a field day following Sunday’s hammering at Manchester City, which led to claims the Scot is incapable of securing victories in the biggest matches. For the moment, they have been silenced, as Luis Suarez’s return from a 10-match suspension ended in disappointment. And, after being told he had now made the best start of any new United manager since Matt Busby in 1946, Moyes claimed he will eventually do it for good. “Everybody seems to be picking a stat out – I have not won here or I have not done that,” said Moyes. “That is one of the good stats. The Red Devils bounced back from their 4-1 mauling at the Etihad Stadium in the perfect manner, with Javier Hernandez grabbing the only goal in a Capital One Cup third-round victory over another of their fierce rivals. And Moyes could not have been more delighted with the response. Press Association
“He likes a little bit of attention, but that’s fine. All the guys love him. “He’s not only a great character, but he’s doing well for the team and credit to him. “The two years he has had here have been good, but there is the potential to have a better year this year if he keeps continuing to play as well as he is.” Another player Hughes does not want to lose is Phil Bardsley. The right-back is unlikely to feature against his old club Sunderland on Saturday as he has lost his place to Glen Johnson following his arrival from Liverpool. The former Manchester United defender has played just one league match so far this season and was sent off on his last appearance in the Capital One Cup against Chelsea. Hughes has been impressed by Bardsley’s attitude in training, however, and is not looking to let the 30-year-old leave the Britannia Stadium in January. “I am not really looking to get Phil out,” the Stoke manager said. “It’s important that we have that defensive cover, so a loan deal for Phil is not something I am really looking to do.” Arnautovic has scored three goals – including the winner against Chelsea – and laid on two assists in his 11 appearances so far this term. The Austrian winger, who joined from Werder Bremen two-and-a-half years ago, has 18 months to run on his contract and Hughes hopes the player will agree an extension soon. “I’m thinking about it (Arnautovic’s contract) and I’m sure Marko is,” the Stoke manager said. “We want him to stay.” Arnautovic arrived in England with a bad-boy reputation. While at Inter Milan then-boss Jose Mourinho described Arnautovic as “a fantastic person”, but added that “he has the attitude of a child”. And Bremen suspended him after he was pulled over in his sports car by police for speeding in the early hours of the morning before a match. Hughes has nothing but kind words to say about the 26-year-old, however. “I think his manner and his personality takes people aback initially, but once you get to know him he is very gregarious, he likes people and he likes being around them,” the Welshman said. Mark Hughes wants Marko Arnautovic to commit his future to Stoke by signing a new contract at the Britannia Stadium. Press Association Arnautovic’s form has been key to the recent upturn in Stoke’s form. The Potters endured their worst start to a season since their promotion seven years ago, but have now lost just one of their last 10 matches. 
By Greg StutchburyNAPIER, New Zealand (Reuters) – New Zealand Cricket (NZC) and local authorities have agreed to an urgent inquiry to determine why the second one-day international between the hosts and Australia was abandoned yesterday without a ball being bowled.Morning rain delayed the scheduled start time, but the conditions improved enough for the ground staff to prepare McLean Park in Napier for a shortened match.Practice facilities across the road from the ground were “bone dry” shortly after the rain stopped, according to New Zealand coach Mike Hesson, but the outfield at McLean Park failed to drain properly.“There were parts of the ground where you’d hit the ball and water would just go everywhere,” Australia captain Aaron Finch told reporters. “It wasn’t ideal; I don’t think it would have been safe for players to play on.”The decision left thousands of fans frustrated and the players visibly annoyed.NZC chief operating officer Anthony Crummy said they had agreed with the ground owners, the Napier City Council, to begin an independent inquiry as soon as possible as to why the field did not drain effectively.“It’s too early to say what happened,” Crummy said. “We did have some rain today but not enough to have the game being abandoned. So we really need to have a look at what has happened.“We have spoken to council and they have reassured us there will be a full independent review.”Council chief executive Wayne Jack said he considered the review to be an “urgent” matter and would meet with NZC to start proceedings today.The ground is due to host another ODI against South Africa on March 1. Crummy said it was too early to say whether that fixture was in doubt.“Our number one priority is making sure that that game can go ahead without interruption,” Crummy added. “Again, we just have to find out what has happened and what steps need to take place that it doesn’t happen again.”Napier mayor Bill Dalton, while disappointed with the outcome, said he believed there was no issue with the drainage and stood by long-term groundsman Phil Stoyanoff.Dalton added that several persons who had access to the playing area had been surprised the match was abandoned.“It was only one small area of the park that was deemed not to be dry enough,” Dalton said. “I know people who walked over that particular area and couldn’t see what the issue was.“The general feeling amongst the public is that they couldn’t understand why play didn’t commence. But I’m not an umpire or a cricketer and can’t make those calls.”Crummy said all general admission ticket-holders would receive a full refund. He said “about six-seven thousand” tickets had been sold but did not discuss how much money NZC would need to pay out, or their insurance arrangements.
ALL-rounder Matthew Forde, skipper Sachin Singh and fast bowler Jayden Seales have been among the stand-out performers for the Windies Under-15 Invitational squad, who have so far won two of their three matches on their tour of England.Forde has hit a couple of half-centuries and recorded tidy bowling performances while Singh has hit a half-century. Seales has been consistent with the ball, as the Windies U-15 Invitational logged wins in a Twenty20 match against London Under-15s and a 50 overs-a-side contest against Hertfordshire Emerging Players Performance before losing a 50-overs match against Hampshire Development Squad.In the opening match last Wednesday, an unbeaten half-century from Singh and his unbroken, century second-wicket stand with Seth Agard carried the Windies U-15 Invitational to a commanding victory over London U-15s.Singh, the Windies U-15 Invitational captain, hit seven fours and one six in the top score of 55 not out and Agard supported with 47 not out, as the visitors successfully chased 116 for victory at Walkers.After opener Tariq Mohammed was run-out early in the chase, Agard came to the crease and shared 104 for the second wicket with Singh to take the Caribbean side over the finish line with four balls remaining.Earlier, Mohammed, bowling off-spin, as well as Seales and leg-spinner Sameer Ali each collected two wickets, as Sunbury were restricted to 115 for eight from their allocation of 20 overs.In the second match on Sunday, Seales and Antonio Fernandes combined for six wickets to bowl the Windies Under-15 Invitational to an 11-run victory after openers George Langston and Joe Burselm gave Hertfordshire EPP a confident start.Seales grabbed 3-21 from 9.4 overs, Fernandes took 3-40 from eight overs and Ali 2-34 from his allotted 10 overs, as the Windies U-15 Invitational dismissed Herts EPP for 203 in 49.4 overs at Wormsley.The Caribbean side snared all 10 Herts wickets for 99, practically in the second half of the home team’s innings, after Langston struck half-dozen boundaries in the top score of 92 from 137 balls and Burslem made 46 in an opening stand of 104.After Ali trapped Burslem lbw with the last ball of the 25th over, the rest of the Herts batting failed to click, as the visitors scythed through the batting.Earlier, Forde, batting at seven, struck seven fours in 58 from 66 balls to lead a lower-order revival before the Windies U-15 Invitational were dismissed for 214 in 49.1 overs.Between Forde, Mohammed, batting at eight, and Seales, batting at nine, they added 90 between the 34th and 48th overs to add beef to the Caribbean side’s total, after they slipped to 114 for six.In the third match yesterday, Forde followed up with an unbeaten 72, but the rest of the batting failed to ignite and the Windies U-15 Invitational stumbled to a 43-run loss against Hampshire Development squad.Forde, batting at eight, hit nine fours and one six from 54 balls, Agard made 42, opener Lee Solomon added 32 and Antonio Morris scored 22, as the Windies side failed to successfully chase 262 for victory in the contest at Totton & Eling.Apart from a second-wicket stand of 65 between Solomon and Agard, there was little stability from the rest of the visitors’ batting, as Tom Prest undermined them with 4-38 from his allotted 10 overs.Taeim Tonge had led the Windies bowling with 4-46 from 8.4 overs, Forde supported with 3-56 from 10 overs and Agard snared 2-24 from three overs, as Cole Campbell anchored the Hants batting with four fours and two sixes in an even 100 from 121 balls before they were bowled out for 261 in 49.4 overs.