Waterfalls at Rockbrook

Many a camper has been to Rockbrook Falls, or at least to the bridge at the bottom of it. There is, however, a larger portion of the falls that can be seen if you are one for adventure. To get there, you have to scramble, climb over rocks, and maybe even get a little wet, but the 60+ foot falls is worth it! Many years ago, water was diverted from its creek through camp, providing a stream to play in and also water for the lake.

There is also a smaller waterfall, Stick Biscuit Falls, located above the upper camp fire circle. You can even climb behind it! This stream runs underneath the dining hall, and through camp.

Rockbrook has many special places that campers have continually rediscovered every summer. Even campers that have been here for a long time still can find a new spot that leaves them awed. There’s no picture here – you’ll just have to discover them for yourself!

To Bonsai a Hemlock

This weekend I was purusing the shops in Asheville and had a discussion with a flower shop worker who is “bonsaiing” (is that a word?) a hemlock tree. Actually, you can bonsai just about any plant by occasionally trimming its roots, making sure it is in well-draining soil and continually trimming back the new growth. It made me think about Rockbrook and all the tall, rugged hemlocks we have there that are currently being challenged by the tiny, yet fierce woolly adelgid. This spring we released 1,000′s of beetles that love to feast on the woollies, however, if they fail to complete their mission, perhaps bonsaiing one could be a way of preserving it’s genetic heritage until the woollies have had their fill. It turns out the the NC Arboretum has a bonsai project already in place. You can check it out here – pretty cool!