Part 1
Slowly, the trail veers away from the river and heads south where the ascent intensifies. Uphill stretches tax our lungs, forcing frequent rests, but allows for moments to delight in lichens growing on rocks, lush fir saplings, and a distant view of mountains. Cottony clouds begin to pile up on the pale blue sky and around the next bend, the sound of running water is welcome as our water bottles are empty. At a trail switchback, we intercept a crevice, where the sound of the running water originates. We look over the ledge and recognize that filling our water bottles will require some maneuvering down into the crevice to get to the stream.
We drop down off the ledge and draw closer in where water trickles down through several caverns of smoothed granite boulders and tilted bedrock. Vigilant of the 20- to 30-foot waterfall, just a couple of missteps away, we carefully cling to the cavern walls toward a small, pristine, echoing chamber where water spills and forms a small pool. It’s a zen water garden complete with water plants and a silky-smooth water surface that reflects the granite.
We notice another cavern directly below us, closer into the waterfall. Cautiously, we make our way into that cavern. Here, the water beads down in rivulets from a mossy ledge into another pool. This small, wild place feels holy and has a humbling effect. We marvel at the beauty, lavish in it, become satiated. Though I don’t think I would ever tire of being here, the sun angle reminds that our destination is still a long way off and that its time to leave. Using our water filter, we fill our bottles, wet down our hats and return to the trail.
To be continued…
