What a difference a year makes

I like to go a revisit places I have been to before to caputre the scenery during different times of year and different conditions.

Saturday's visit to Wright Creek Falls is the perfect example of seeing the same waterfall during entirely different conditions. 

While my two visits here have been the same time of year (August 28th, 2009 and August 9th, 2010), there was about a 15-feet difference in the lake level.

Last year, we were going through a period of extreme drought and Lake Jocassee was at near record low levels (at least since the lake was created). 

Check out this link to see how the lake level has changed since last summer:
http://www.duke-energy.com/lakes/levels/lake-jocassee.asp?lake=lake-jocassee&range=13monthhistorical

Here are a few shots that really show the difference:

This year Johhny can be seen Kayaking under the waterfall.

Last year, we were walking under it

 August 7th, 2010   vs.   August 28th, 2009

The same Rhododentdrum seen in the lower left of this years photo,

is on the upper left of last years shot.

              August 7th, 2010  vs August 28th, 2009

This final shot is from last year.  Johhny can be seen taking a photograph.

This year, he would be fully underwater by several feet

Where he is standing, is now a great swimming hole.

The top of the large rock in the center of the photo is now approximately 2-feet underwater

August 28th, 2009