Return to Shortoff and Celestial Point
Tuesday, October 23, 2012 at 8:43PM
Houser in Linville Gorge, Linville Gorge WIlderness Area, Mark Houser, Shortoff Mountain, callofthewildphotography.com, houserphotography.net

It has been almost 5 months since I have been in Linville Gorge. With the cooler temps in the hills, I figured it would be a great time for a hike.

 

 

Shortoff and Celestial Point Saturday 10-20-2012 2

 

 

Shortoff and Celestial Point Saturday 10-20-2012 24

 

 

Shortoff and Celestial Point Saturday 10-20-2012 80

 

I invited along Tony and Cliff. It was my first time hiking with Tony and Cliff was a veteran of several hikes with me.

 

 

Shortoff and Celestial Point Saturday 10-20-2012 37

 

The Fall colors were approaching peak, and this Maple was spectacular.

 

 

Shortoff and Celestial Point Saturday 10-20-2012 38

 

The pond that is on top of Shortoff had some great colors and I always enjoy seeing it.

 

 

Shortoff and Celestial Point Saturday 10-20-2012 71

 

The watertree or springtree is located a few hundred feet from the pond and provides a source of water for thristy hikers. It gives you the option to go light on carrying water up the hill and then fill your containers when on top. Of course it should be purified before drinking.

 

 

Shortoff and Celestial Point Saturday 10-20-2012 47

 

As with every outing we go on, the cameras get pulled out and photographs are made. Here Cliff looks at Table Rock.

 

 

Shortoff and Celestial Point Saturday 10-20-2012 15

 

Tony is shooting some video over the cliffs with a homebrew setup.

 

 

Shortoff and Celestial Point Saturday 10-20-2012 52

 

Table Rock as seen from the cliffs of Shortoff across Chimney Gap.

 

 

Shortoff and Celestial Point Saturday 10-20-2012 84

 

The photographer's favorite snag to shoot on Shortoff. One day it will be gone, but I will enjoy it while it lasts.

 

 

Shortoff and Celestial Point Saturday 10-20-2012 64

 

Time for a group shot and then down Shortoff and back to Wolfpit to driver around to the North side of the Gorge to meet Danny to shoot Celestial Point.

 

 

Shortoff and Celestial Point Saturday 10-20-2012 68

 

Living on the Edge!

 

 

Shortoff and Celestial Point Saturday 10-20-2012 91

 

On the way back I really loved this scene of Lake James and the Fall color... WOW!

 

 

Shortoff and Celestial Point Saturday 10-20-2012 124

 

After a quick hike Cliff and I met Danny on Celestial Point. We enjoyed watching the light change as the Sun went down.

 

 

Shortoff and Celestial Point Saturday 10-20-2012 107

 

One of the best views in the Linville Gorge!

 

 

Shortoff and Celestial Point Saturday 10-20-2012 135

 

I had Cliff take a photo of me, he does a great job! Thanks Cliff!

Article originally appeared on Mark Steven Houser Photography (http://www.markstevenhouser.com/).
See website for complete article licensing information.