If you read my previous column on Bridal Veil Falls, you know that I consider that place to be almost sacred, as God has made it so fantastic. I have been to many places, in many countries, and few compare to this for raw beauty. Since returning from England, and after a heavy rain, I returned to that lovely place.
UGGH! How could they? My beautiful place of natural loveliness had been totally trashed! I am indignant, disgusted, and absolutely angry. It is beyond my ability to understand how anyone could have the slightest desire to view such a natural wonder and then not have enough respect for it to take their own trash out when they leave. Do these disrespectful people live in a garbage dump? Do they throw empty beer cans and plastic water bottles on the floor in their own homes?
I know that it is the norm to blame all our problems concerning trashing of the roadsides and the lake and even the river on the tourists. And that may be partly true, but this was not done by tourists. I seriously doubt that any tourist could find Bridal Veil Falls. Even some locals have problems locating it. So obviously some people are fouling our own nest. I resent it.
When I wrote my previous column about the Falls and the vandalism that had been done to the picnic area, I stated that this did not extend to the scenic paths to and around the Falls. No longer true. Litter was everywhere, on the paths, in the bushes, in the streams, on the banks. It was an ugly sight.
I returned two days later with concerned friends and large garbage bags. We cleaned the entire area. It took several hours and filled two big bags. After returning home I did an inventory of this trash. Here is what we collected:
When we completed this labor of love the afternoon of March 29, the area was once again in pristine condition. Let me tell you what it is really like now. The gigantic outcroppings, some several stories high, are festooned with white, yellow and lavender wildflowers. Everywhere there is a crack in the face, delicate flowers have taken root and appear like the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. Along the paths are petite pastel flowers showcased against the brown fallen leaves. Mosses in every shade of green have clothed the boulders and tree trunks. Descending to the bottom of the falls, one becomes aware of the absence of sound. Only the splashing of the falls is heard.
Each time I go there, I feel the urge to burst into song in praise of God�s creative glory. The beauty surpasses man�s ability to design. "How Great Thou Art" seems appropo.
To walk in or along the stream bed until it joins with another to flow away to its final destiny, is to experience sensory overload. The enormous rocks which have fallen into the water course have designs that delight the eyes. Some seem to be printed with a pattern of overlapping flower blossoms. Splash water on one of these, and it will turn green with ivory flowers. Tiny fern fronds along the bank are curled like dragon heads, waiting to become magnificent swords. Some rocks are streaked with rust, some charcoal.
However it is the songs of the water that intrigue me the most. As it races downhill over the stones, there are scores of tiny waterfalls, each with its own voice. Standing still to better listen, I could hear the melody change from one location to another. At times the sopranos solo on the high notes. In another place the altos join them. If the water falls into a deeper pool, the basses take over. In a few places the entire choir join into a magnificent anthem of praise. Along the way, a flute had an interlude and there was a bass and tenor duet. By moving a stick that was caught at the top of a rivulet, I could change the pitch of the music. My heart was singing along with the water.
Now tell me, how can anyone be so inconsiderate or uncaring or even careless as to trash a place like that? If anyone has the strength to take a full can in, wouldn�t they have the strength to bring it out empty? Don�t these trashing people know about free plastic grocery bags that can be carried in a pocket until needed and tied on a belt loop when containing litter? This property is owned by the young Business Men�s Association and was created by God. So anyone who goes there is a visitor of each. Please learn to act like a guest who would be welcome to return.