If you travel west 1.1 miles on the Sundew trail starting on the eastern side of the preserve near Bear Rocks, you’ll come across this scene: The red creek, a water source that runs straight through the 17,371 acres of Dolly Sods Wilderness. The water is ice cold and an excellent choice to filter and re-fill any water bottle.

Though we stopped at many more spots throughout the week to record ambiance, this particular recording was the only one I considered good enough to warrant posting.

This week of travel was my first time trying my hand at recording nature, and it does show in work; I’m not entirely satisfied with it, but as I’ve been so earnestly reminded by Elizabeth, just because you’ve learned more since then doesn’t mean you should be afraid to show the progression in your work, waiting for perfection will surely mean a lifetime spent waiting.

A side note: For those traveling this route, the steep incline up after this point is an intimidating one for first-time hikers, but I promise the view is worth it when you get out of the forest.

Coordinates: 39°03'50.4"N 79°19'22.9"W