One day while walking in the woods, I discovered a small, almost dry, steam bed.  On further examination, I noticed a trickle of water.   Looking north up the streambed, I noticed plump tuffs of moss perched on sparkling rocks.  I saw large wood ferns blanketing the deeply carved ravine walls.  Curious by nature,  I started to maneuver up the streambed, noticing a more prominent trickle of water. Bloodwort and ginger presented themselves along the way, encouraging me to continue. I discovered a shelf of mushrooms -- half moon shaped  they scaled the ravine walls.  “Fairy stairs, I’ve discovered fairy stairs.”

I carefully touched one, only to be startled by dragonfly as she hovered like a helicopter in front of my face.  Green, everywhere I looked.  From the deep dark emerald color of wispy pines above to the kelly green leaves of May apples to the chartreuse hues of wild columbine.  I felt mesmerized.  Dragonfly encouraged me to follow her further.  With each delicate step across damp rocks, traversing pools of water,  squatting to fit under fallen oaks, I discovered a small waterfall.  Faint whispers hung in the air like butterflies.  Damp earth permeated my nostrils as I tasted the flavor of magic that swirled beneath the waterfall.  Fairies were dancing.

This was my first experience of being close to fairies, although I have believed in fairies all my life. This place truly exists, at Valley Ridge. And if you are lucky enough to discover it yourself, you too may experience the magic that lies within.