Clifton Gorge is a National Natural Landmark, and, according to the state website, it is "one of the finest examples of post-glacial canyon cutting." I can't really attest to this, as I don't remember a thing I learned in high school geology, but I can say that the Gorge is a beautiful place for a hike.
I think this is a case where pictures speak louder than words, so I just wanted to share a few of the pics I took at the Gorge as we hiked along the Rim Trail. The trail is not an easy one and, as usual, I had to be very careful so I didn't slip and end up falling down to the water below. But the walk was worth it, as the Gorge is definitely one of the most beautiful places I've visited so far. The sound of rushing water that accompanied the hike merely added to that natural beauty.
At one point along the trail, we came to this "slump-block cave." (I only know the type of cave because of a nearby sign.)
You couldn't have paid me to go in this cave anyway, but I still had to chuckle at the sign. It warned hikers to stay out of the cave, as it is home to bats and amphibians. They definitely didn't need to tell me twice. I am scared to death of bats and, as I freaked out a few years back when a bat decided to fly around inside my home, I would not want to invade their space. Fair is fair.
After a great hike, my friend and I headed to nearby Young's Jersey Dairy for lunch. Young's is a small, family-run dairy farm, and has some of the best ice cream I've ever tasted, as it is made right on the premises.
The ice cream is definitely tasty, but my favorite thing about Young's is the goats who call the farm home. The Young's folks provide feeding stations for the goats, and these guys are always ready for some food. While it is primarily intended for children, I couldn't resist joining in myself. What can I say, I love goats.
All in all, it was a great day filled with wonderful scenery, yummy food, and cute animals. It's hard to ask for much more than that.
Thank you for sharing your day with us! I felt like I was there, and no way would I have gone into that cave either!
ReplyDeleteGoats are fun. I'm a little claustrophobic. Don't like caves.
ReplyDeleteGlacial canyon = U shape valley. River canyon = V shape valley. But post glacial is where once all the heavy weight of glacial ice is gone, the land springs back up creating new landforms -- it's called isostatic rebound -- at least that's what I think they are talking about here. (sorry, geology geek) :D
ReplyDeleteAnd you've inspired me with your weekend getaways. I spent the morning exploring a great State Park practically in my own backyard. It was gorgeous. So mad I haven't spent more time there.
This area looks very similar to the Hocking Hills park we visited in June. It's amazing how huge the cliffs are!
ReplyDeleteThe gorge is beautiful. Nice.
ReplyDeleteGoats are cute, but very ornery. Very, very ornery.
What a lovely day you had.
How fun! And the pics are gorgeous!!
ReplyDeleteI love goats, btw. I had one as a pet when I was really, really young. My grandparents had a farm. I got to witness the birth of a baby goat. It was awesome!
Thanks for sharing! I'm glad you had a great time. ;)
I bet the dog was mad when you told him what you did! Sure hope you got him a gift! Looks like fun.
ReplyDeleteHow fun! I LOVE stuff like this. The pictures are beautiful. If I ever make it over that way I will have to visit this place. I am always down for some good ice cream too. How fun!
ReplyDeleteHi Julie .. great pictures - and what a wonderful place .. glad L G Smith could enlighten us more .. interesting.
ReplyDeleteGoats - aren't they good value .. and the ice-cream ... now that does sound a good idea ..
A wonderful day out .. Hilary
A wonderful trip and thanks for taking us along, When I saw the title I thought of the Avon Gorge Clifton here in the UK.
ReplyDeleteloved the pics they were awesome.
Yvonne.
That gorge looks fabulously fun! I love hiking and sorry to say I would have at least peeked in the cave.
ReplyDeleteThe goat farm... I so want a goat.
Jules @ Trying To Get Over The Rainbow
@Karen, thanks, I'm so glad you liked the post. LOL, I couldn't agree more about the cave.
ReplyDelete@Carol, I'm claustrophobic as well, I would never make it in a cave like that, ugh.
@LG, thanks for the geology lesson! LOL, it's interesting, I keep seeing all these signs about glacial formations at the various parks, and I have no clue what they are talking about. I just know I like to look at the scenery LOL. Oh, I'd love to see more about the park you are exploring, how cool!
@Janel, I think it is similar to Hocking Hills from what I've heard. I hope to make it there too!
@Mary, LOL, I've heard that about goats. I probably wouldn't be so in love with them if I had to deal with them on a regular basis. But they sure are cute. :D
@cherie, oh wow, what a great experience you had! And how cute you had a pet goat, adorable. Thanks so much!
@LynnMarie, Clancy was really mad when I came home and smelled like goats. He was smelling all over me like he couldn't imagine what I had been doing. LOL I guess he thought I had a heck of a nerve. :D
@Abby, it is a great place to visit if you make it. And the ice cream is some of the best I've ever had, really yummy!
@Hilary, thanks! It really was a fantastic day, thanks so much.
@Yvonne, thank you! I bet the Avon Gorge is awesome, I'd love to go hiking/walking in the UK sometime.
@Jules, LOL, I couldn't even peek in the cave, no chance. Even though it was daylight and I knew they'd be sleeping, I couldn't walk anywhere near it for fear a bat would fly out at me. I'm so scared of bats it's actually embarrassing LOL.
and goats will eat your shirt...as my 5 year old daughter found out at a school farm visit.
ReplyDelete:)
Sandi
http://www.ahhsome.wordpress.com
Lake Forest, CA
**Down 10lbs in 2 weeks and still going!
@ahhsome, LOL, I've heard others say that too but I was lucky with these goats ha. I've heard they will eat anything in sight!
ReplyDelete