Take a hike ...

A much anticipated hike was the highlight of my past Saturday.   Our destination -- Wolfden Loop Trail which is 6.7 miles long and very scenic.  When we arrived at the starting point of the hike, there was a group of 20 somethings hanging out, apparently waiting for others to join them.  Judging by their shoes, backpacks and hiking sticks which resembled ski poles, I assumed they were either well seasoned hikers or gung ho beginners.  They were still waiting on friends when we began the trail.  About a mile in, they passed us, at what I considered break neck speed.  There were at least eight of them.  I don't think hiking should be a sprint, but hey whatever. 

At some point, we came upon and passed one of them, a young man of Indian (the country) descent, who said he was suffering from heart burn or something.  He eventually caught up with us again, and we eventually caught up with him again.  He was clearly uncomfortable but not in fear of death, so we spoke and kept going.  At some point, he caught back up with us, and at about the same time, his hiking companions came trooping down from a hill above us, seemingly out of nowhere, and from slightly different directions.  I was somewhat taken aback by them all rushing out of the woods towards us, with their Indian friend coming up behind us. For a minute there, it felt like we were back in the wild wild west ... and that we were being ambushed by a gang of outlaws.  But, of course they weren't bad guys, they were simply temporary off track.  Yep, that's right, those speedy and "seasoned" hikers had apparently taken a wrong turn on the trail and had to find their way back.  Judging how far they should have been ahead of us (we had stopped along the way to admire flowers, bugs, waterfalls, etc.), they were off the path longer than I would have been comfortable with.  

Allowing us to live, they quickly left us in the dust, with their Indian friend lagging behind them, but again ahead of us.  We would soon pass him again.  At about mile 5, as we were taking a rest water break ... he came back upon us, diverted slightly from the path so as not to intrude on us, and smacked himself into a small tree.  I missed his tree smack, as my back was turned to him.  My friends smiled at him, as he looked back and laughed at himself.  It just wasn't his day.  Eventually we caught up with him again.  He was seated by a tree ... studying a trail map.  Seemed to me like he was looking for an alternative route.  A route that would get him the hell out of there.  It was rather warm, and he wasn't feeling any better, although no worse than before.  He said he would be okay, so we left him by the tree, and never saw him again. 

This is my third time hiking this particular trail, and it was just as lovely and tiring as I remember it. During the first part of the trail, there are mini water falls and several streams to cross and we are always engaged by the sights and sounds of the water. We eventually come to a lovely pool of water with the largest waterfall on the trail.  This pool of water is bordered on one side by a large natural rock wall that creates a ledge perfect for a wolf's den.  Thereby the name of the trail.  It's a great spot to cool off, dip into the water if you wanna hike along in water logged clothes or stop long enough for them to dry out.  We stopped long enough to admire the falls, take a few pics and then pressed on.

Somewhere around mile three and a half, we exit the more watered portion of the hike, and I start wondering how many miles we have hiked. About the same time, I hear the back side of my legs chiding me. I tell them they may as well pipe it, cuz we are nowhere near the finish line.  At about mile five, my feet joined the back side of my knee and demanded that I recognize the true troopers on this trip .... I swear I could hear them whining .... "hey lady you have conditioned us to a desk job, what the hell do you think you are doing dragging us out here in the woods?"

Ignoring them, I pressed on, the little engine that knew she could.  No sweat, heat, ache or minor pain will ever stop me from digging in when I have a goal in sight.  After about three and a half hours, we finished the loop.  I expected to see the 20 somethings at the parking lot, but we never saw them again.  Their absence struck me as odd since their friend was still on the trail, but hey maybe they took another wrong turn, or decided to add another short trail to their hike.  There were plenty of cars around, so I figured there were plenty of people on the trail behind us to check on the Indian guy if need be.  With this comforting thought, I went on about my business, because all I could really concentrate on was sitting down after having walked 6.7 miles.  I had to remind myself not to get too comfortable, because I knew we were about to hit the Paradise Grill in Warm Springs for a well deserved and much anticipated hamburger and coke. 

What?  Do you think that we should be eating sprouts and cabbage salad after doing all that work?  Ummmm, no way jose.  Bring on the beef!  And, what a scrumptious selection of beef it always is.  If you ever get by that way, take my advice, and get the hamburger.  They are known for them, and I can testify that they have good reason to be known for them.  That burger is cooked to perfection, and will melt in your mouth.  Yep, we definitely deserved more than fatigue, trophy sized mosquito bites and the tick that my friend carried home for the effort.  And, we relished every single bite.

Some kid was sitting out by the Grill's patio, giving away free kittens.  My friend kept eyeing those kittens, the way I was eyeing our table neighbor's meal.  I had to convince my friend not to pack one of those kitties into our backpack.  I wasn't eager to ride home with a puff of fur that would likely aggravate another allergy.

Oh, did I mention that I am allergic to HEAT!  Yes, heat of all things.  Lucky me.  A native deep southerner and lover of being warm, I have unfortunately recently developed a physical aversion to heat.  What's the likelihood of that?  I am not allergic to sun, just being overly hot.  So, whenever I hike in the summertime down here, the next day my face totally breaks out, and I look like a junior high school student with a bad case of acne across my forehead.  Luckily, this reaction waits until the next day to occur, and only lasts one day.  But, for one whole day, I think I will never be able to show my face again.  I have to dig out a hat to hide my forehead or simply stay indoors.

So, for all that trouble, is hiking in the summertime worth it?  I think so, but it would be so much better if I could do more of my hiking in the spring, fall and winter months.  If there was an ON DEMAND hiking companion service, I could have more control over when I hike, but I have to go when I have someone to go with, and that usually happens in the summertime.  I will just have to live with an ugly forehead one day after and hope that my forehead doesn't get stuck in an adolescent state of confusion.

Anyways, I know I have not interjected much wit into this writing.  For some reason, it's just not coming to me in a witty way, so it is what it is, another hike recorded for my future failing memory.

Since I shorted you people on the wit, I will attach a few photos that I (or my friend) previously took on this same trail.  My friend brought a camera on this hike, but I forgot mine.  I took plenty of pics on my first trip, one or two of which have achieved the rank of favorite.  I hope you enjoy them too ;)

This is much prettier in person.

Ahhh ... a cool place to ward off the summer heat.

This is the wolf den.  I never see any wolves in there, and I hope I never do.

  This ladies and gentlemen, is one of my most favorite pictures that I took on that trail. 

Here is the other MACRO favorite shot that I promised to post today. 

I have no idea what these little fuzzie flowers are, but I thought they were beautiful.

And here is yours truly, circa last year, before the latest haircut.

That's all folks!