I have always believed that moving water was Nature’s Original Music (hmmm, should I copyright that phrase?). Before there were plants or animals on Earth, there were rivers, with the sound of rushing water competing with the sound of erupting volcanoes. If the original multi-celled organisms in the primordial seas had auditory organs, what they could hear must have been the sound of the water surrounding them. The sounds that water makes; the waves lapping a seashore, or rushing in a river; the dripping of water from a gutter or spout; or the splashing of a fountain, are all music to me.

Once when Hubby and I were down at Tumwater Falls Park, in Olympia, Washington, by the side of the trail I came upon a moss-covered rock wall, with water dripping down. I stood and looked, and listened to it. It was so enchanting, I actually named it, Fairy Falls.

Can you imagine the fairies, cavorting under the little waterfalls? I actually have video, but since the little falls is located under a bridge, all you hear is the roar of the traffic!

In the same place, however, we find the Deschutes River, cascading through Tumwater Falls Canyon.

This is the top of the falls.

And this is a side-canyon at the bottom of the falls. I just love how the moving water hollows out round holes in the rock. Running water is very powerful, and given enough time, will wear mountains down to hills.

When I got my first smartphone, I took a trip to the Olympic Peninsula, to Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge. On the beach, I took some video, and called it my Dungeness Minute. Just the sound of the waves lapping the shoreline, and the seagulls.

Our trips to Leavenworth always involve the drive along the Wenatchee River, and even when the water is low, it still makes a satisfying roar.

Of course, a post on moving water would not be complete without some shots of Snoqualmie Falls.

In the Spring Flood.

And in the Fall.

I will leave you with a nice little no-bank waterfall in South Dakota, called Roughlock Falls. It was so relaxing, just sitting by the water, listening to it.

And listening.