Very early on a June morning, I returned to this favorite spot not far from my home. Boone Fork is much better known as the stream that flows into and out of Price Lake, a popular picnic, fishing and canoeing spot on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Blowing Rock. I have always found the rocky, rushing headwaters of the stream, high on the shoulder of Grandfather Mountain, much more inspiring. This particular morning was clear and sunny, with a full complement of spring foliage cloaking the trees around the stream. Shafts of sunlight found their way through and around some of the vegetation to warm the scene and highlight the footbridge--part of the Tanawha Trail--that crosses the stream at this point, only a short walk from the Parkway.