The Old Raney Homestead And Spring
Flowing Spring Water On It's Way To The River
Mid February and it was a fine day. The weather forecast was for another round of cold weather and then after that a good amount of rain. We have been very dry this past winter with virtually no snow and very little rain. Everyone was cheered up by the forecast. Since it was another shirtsleeve day, we thought we would try and find the old Raney homestead and the spring that they used for their water.
We parked and began the hike down an old road that the park service has blocked off from regular traffic. It was a pleasant walk, plenty of cloud cover but the sun broke through occasionally. Leaves crackled underneath our feet as the road led us past fields on our left, which had a couple deer feeding but they were too quick for me to grab a picture! Further on down the road we came to an old, partly washed out low water bridge. You could see a small rivulet of water flowing downstream.
The Green Moss Leads To The Spring |
After a little more walking you can see where to turn to get to the spring. There is green moss and flowing water brightening up the brown forest floor. The green moss stood out like the yellow brick road. Further along we found a very old bridge. I thought it was a foot bridge but David told me that he actually drove over that bridge when he first moved here. Made completely out of stone it really is quite amazing that this bridge still stood. Goes to show what great craftspeople lived back in the woods. Shortly thereafter we came upon the spring. It was still running, although not a large flow. You can still see some of the remains of the old holding tanks. I was once told that you can actually follow the spring into a large cave.
|
A Very Old Stone Road Bridge Still Stands |
As we examined the spring area I commented that it looked to me like the right hand opening was man made while David thought it was a natural formation. We vowed to take a much closer look at that channel next time we visit this spot. We left the spring and went back to the road and then continued our sojourn till we reached what was left of the Raney homestead. Just the old hearth and a few foundation stones were all that remained. Once the road began to climb up the mountain we turned around and returned to the truck.
After leaving the spring area we happened to drive by the caver's campground and saw a couple having lunch and getting ready to take a ride. David knew them and chatted for a few minutes while I admired the horses. It looked to me like they were hoping we had apples in my backpack. On the road home we passed the old Erbie Church which recently underwent a renovation with paint and new windows. Sadly vandals have already broken one of them.
After leaving the spring area we happened to drive by the caver's campground and saw a couple having lunch and getting ready to take a ride. David knew them and chatted for a few minutes while I admired the horses. It looked to me like they were hoping we had apples in my backpack. On the road home we passed the old Erbie Church which recently underwent a renovation with paint and new windows. Sadly vandals have already broken one of them.