Almost 11 years ago in April of 2015, I visited Judaculla Rock, near Cullowhee, North Carolina. Since it's not too far from my current undisclosed location, I decided to return to the place. The rock is named after the "slant-eyed giant" Judaculla, who according to Cherokee folklore had seven fingers on each hand and could jump from one mountain to another. In one story, he landed on the rock but had to steady himself with one hand, resulting in his fingers digging out some petroglyphs. The rock is partially surrounded by a viewing platform, as seen in this shot looking down from the adjacent road.
Along the road is the Three Sisters Garden, the Three Sisters being corn, beans and squash, which were staple crops for many Native American tribes. During this time of year, it's no surprise that nothing is growing there.
Also along the road is this Medicine Cherokee Garden, as indicated in both English and Cherokee. I don't remember if these gardens were there during my first visit.
Here's the walkway that leads down to the rock.
This is the rock from one angle....
....and from another.
When I explored a path behind the rock almost 11 years ago, it led to a gate and a sign that said "no trespassing". This time, however, the gate and sign weren't there, so I was able to follow the path down the Caney Fork of the Tuckasegee River. You can see some plants and vines in the foreground and a house in the distance.
After taking this pic, I returned to the Bigfootmobile, drove through the town of Sylva, and eventually found U.S. route 74, which connects to the Blue Ridge Parkway. But to my disappointment, the BRP was closed. On the way back to my undisclosed location, I found this caboose next to N.C. route 107.
The left end of the caboose was cut off in this pic because a truck was parked beside it. Fortunately, the truck driver decided to leave, which gave me the chance to take a shot of the whole caboose.
For more about Judaculla Rock, go to Discover Jackson County, Romantic Asheville, Blue Ridge Heritage Trail and North Carolina History Project.
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