Crabtree Falls -- on ice

We decided to see just how iced in Crabtree Falls was tonight. We made the drive, stopping in Nellysford so that boy could get some smoked critter from the Blue Ridge Pig. Once we got into the moutainous area of the roads, we saw lots of small-medium rocks in the road from the freeze-thaw cycle. I saw lots of ice in the woods from seeps and springs.

Anyhow, the path was completely iced over. This didn't stop Jericho from running and sliding, making my heart race. Fortunately, I discovered one advantage to carrying small/in my back--my center of gravity isn't drastically different from when I'm not pregnant. Since I don't have a huge belly in front, I'm comfortable on snowy ice, though the stuff with less traction wasn't very pleasant.

We didn't hike any further than the lowest cataract on the trail. It's just a short jaunt. We liked listening to the water rush under the ice--there was really just one small window.

Tom and Jerry were braver dumber than I was and walked down the steps to a lower platform. Tom did fall flat on his back before attempting this. Me? No thanks. I was quite comfy on the dry and ice-free bench.

We slid our way back to the car and I drove a harrowing trip across 60 feet of ice downhill/on a curve/above the river. Next time, I get to pick the parking spot and it won't be on the iced over upper tier.