Tuesday, April 07, 2009

That's My World Tuesday #25: Watch That First Step


"Overlook at Basin Creek Cove"
Blue Ridge Parkway, NC - February 2001 (Click to embiggen)

Be a virtual tour guide on That's My World Tuesday

A few feet beyond -- and 1500 feet below -- this wall is Basin Creek Cove. Until 1916 it was home to the community of Basin Cove, a remote outpost eight miles from the next nearest settlement. Then one fateful morning heavy rains began that would last through the night and wash out enough soil that entire acres of timber simply slid off the side of the mountain, burying the community in an avalanche of downed trees.Details of the event are sketchy, but when the rain finally stopped three people were dead and nearly every home in the community was destroyed. One cabin remains standing in Basin Creek Cove, once inhabited by the Caudills, Martin and Janie and their 14 children. A view of the cabin from this overlook was one of the subjects for this Thematic Photographic post back in September.Violence Unsilenced
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26 comments:

Maude Lynn said...

Cool picture! I'm trying to imagine acres of timber just sliding off the mountain.

Louise said...

I wonder if the 14 children held it up? Just kidding. Quite a wonderful view, and a frighteningly amazing story!

Elizabeth Bradley said...

Nature will have her way with us, won't she? Just another reminder how little control humans have over the forces surrounding us. It is hard to picture.

Daryl said...

Like a moon crater

Indrani said...

How tragic!
Lucky, those who survived to tell the tale. Great shot!

Sylvia K said...

Awesome! I agree with Daryl, it looks a lot like a moon crater!

Anonymous said...

great post and i went back and read the history...very interesting stuff. reminds me of where my husband's kin lived.
have a lovely evening.

Anonymous said...

I will have to look more into the "Its My World" concept.....seems cool! Thanks for sharing :)

SandyCarlson said...

Pompeii, NC-style. That must have been quite a harrowing experience.

Anonymous said...

Interesting! That’s a great shot.
Thanks for sharing. Have a wonderful week.
Mary Elizabeth Now and Then.

kayleen said...

Interesting and informative post. Great photo too.

Nebraska Birding

Martha Z said...

Interesting photo and story. Having lived 15 years below a dam I have a special interest in such tales.

Carver said...

Great story and photograph.

Jane Hards Photography said...

The photography has such depth. Very stirring image to accompany such a mournful tale.

Tarolino said...

One cannot even imagine the plight of those people all those years ago. Seems such a desolate area, allthough it isn't that anymore these days. The photo still gives that illusion.

Guy D said...

Wow that is frightening, great photo.

Have a great week!
Guy
Regina In Pictures

ps...good luck in the playoffs!

Janie said...

Great view in your photo. I went back to look at the old cabin. Would be an interesting place to visit.

Arija said...

That is the way rock faces are exposed. Nice shots. I checked the previous post, to thik os someone fathering 22 children without TV is not extraordinary, I wonder though about his wife.

Unknown said...

Very interesting photos. I have a soft spot in my heart for interesting geologic outcrops.

Unknown said...

Interesting photo and formations too. I like it in B&W.

Shadow said...

what a sad history....

Reader Wil said...

I always envy people who live in a mountainous country, but now I've read your story about an avalanche of trees, I must say I feel sorry for those who had suffered a loss of a relative, and a house. It's terrible!

Unknown said...

That's a neat picture, love the b/w. Hard to imagine this happening, but something similar happened in Wales years ago with a slag heap.

Russ said...

Nice photo with a touch of history. Makes ya think...

Oman said...

That looks dangerous but truly amazing.

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Barb said...

Hi Mojo,
You have a mini Grand Canyon right in your own back yard! I've never heard of Basin Creek Cove. Thanks for educating me on your part of the world. Nice B & W!