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| Hiking | 7.40 Miles |
180 AEG |
| | Hiking | 7.40 Miles | | | |
| 180 ft AEG | | | | |
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| no partners | | This was a bit more than I expected this morning. The trail meanders easily along the creek for the first few miles, but then becomes increasingly difficult to manage, which of course adds to the adventure. It appears there has been recent flooding, as there are great sections of deadfall climbing, and places where those huge rock cairns seem haphazardly placed. I'm sure they were intended to mark stream crossings, however the creekbed appears to have diverted itself, thus the crossings are difficult to find. I did a lot of creekbed romping, looking for the trail.
Crystal clear pools in the beginning turn muddy brown near the 'jump off' ledges- rock shelves some 10 to 15 feet above the water. There is also a large and recently used campsite just beyond- have I gone past the established "no camp" zone? I continued much further as the trail climbed high over the creek, winding beneath the caves and rock formations, very much like WCC #17. As a matter of fact, this trail felt very much like #17 in many ways.
After the pools subsided into green sludge and the bushwacking become too much, I backtracked. Got turned around at one point until I came upon a guy standing waist deep in the water, holding a young boy. After re-orienting myself, I ran into another group of kids; one who asked "Dude! Are we almost there?" He then proceeded to proclaim the day like no other- even to the point of asking if he could give me a hug! Sweat and all! Awww..dern kids anyway.
Past many groups of teens out for a romp on my way back, and arrived at my vehicle pretty beat and scratched up. It was a great hike, but I'd rack up the difficulty rating a bit- despite the cool pools, I doubt I'll do this in the summer again.
Mike |
| _____________________
A true outdoorsman, when treed by a bear, sits back and enjoys the view.
Lost? Hell, I ain't never been lost. But I have been a mite confused for a week or two.
-The Mountain Men |
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