Saturday, May 31, 2008

Lovers' Leap - Patrick County, Virginia


This photo was taken 3 days after I arrived here in Virginia. This is one of the most photographed areas of Southwest Virginia. Out of curiosity, I asked my husband how this place got its name, Lovers' Leap. He explained that Lovers' Leap is a toponym given to a number of locations of great height, usually isolated, with the risk of a fall and the possibility of a deliberate jump and there are many local stories on how this place got its name. It is a legend of romantic tragedy. ( hhhmmm... )

When we got home, I did research about that place, I went to Patrick County VA Tourism website and this is what I've learned about Lovers' Leap:

"In the 1600's, the Indians inhabited the Blue Ridge Mountains. White settlers started arriving and began clearing land to farm. Conflict arose between the Indians and the settlers. Legend has it that the son of a settler saw the twinkle in the eyes of the Chief's daughter, Morning Flower, and was immediately love-struck. The couple began to meet secretly and their love continued to grow. The young man and Indian maiden were threatened and shunned. With the beautiful rock and wildflowers as their backdrop, they jumped into the wild blue yonder ensuring they would be together forever. As you gaze out at Lover’s Leap, you can still see the evidence of their love in the beautiful view and hear them whisper in the cool evening breezes. "

Wow! it is so sad but still wow! Too much love will kill you!