On September 7, 2021, Elizabeth and I visited the Dolly Sods in West Virginia for the second time and took the opportunity to go backpacking through the wilderness. After traveling 1.3 miles from bear rocks, we came across the red creek, a water source that runs straight through the 17,371 acres of Dolly Sods Wilderness. The water was ice cold and an excellent choice to re-fill our water bottles with. 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