Chasing Waterfalls

This week some of the young adults from church invited nephew and me  on a waterfall hunt, with a return bonfire at the Compound ( otherwise known as our backyard). We were thrilled to go. I have wanted to explore this area of the state for a while, and couldn't wait until they arrived.  It was a perfect day, warm enough to brave the cool waters, and cool enough to enjoy the car ride. Armed with a few backpacks, swimsuits, and a good deal of bottled water, we started our mission.

Our first stop proved an easy enough hike from the parking area- literally a few steps! We happily donned water shoes and headed towards the babbling creek bed and moss covered rocks. We had a few slips and slides here and there, but reached the top of the falls safely. One at a time, we found our way down thanks to a knotted rope, and slid the last 10 feet into the pool below, gasping in shock as we hit the 60 degree water.

The priest's son was the first one to find the best slide on the waterfall, and then to challenge the whole group follow suite. My nephew was the second to try out the new-found thrill. Cliff jumping and more challenges followed, but never too far fetched to be ridiculous.  I enjoyed my view perched on a rock on one side of the fall, wishing my aging body was able to perform the feats I observed.

Kinlock Falls- The rope on the right of the picture was our gateway- the 'cliffs' are just out of the photo on the left

Rain started falling, and we decided to move to another spot. Most everyone was able to climb back up the waterfall, but with me not being able to move as I once had, I fell. Nothing serious, just enough to scrape my knuckles and knees.Not to worry, we found another, much easier way out.  We made it back to the van and headed on. Reading the directions repeatedly, we started  looking for the mysterious gate at the head of the next trail. Finally spotting the elusive entrance, we started down the trail. After walking 10 minutes down a not-so-slight decline, we found the waterfall, and started looking for the trail down. 2 other hikers/campers pointed us to the steep descent, and we were in for a surprise.

Breathtaking! Caney Creek Falls. Someone had drawn a cross on one of the rocks- of course one of our group "fixed" it - to a 3 bar cross.

 The next challenge I heard was " Everyone take a shower!" Just out of the picture on the right is a rock that juts perfectly into the pool, giving an ethereal view of this spectacular creation. Taking care of my scuffed knuckles and wounded pride, I decided to sit on the rock and watch everyone else swim for a while. I was greatly rewarded as I observed God's creation. How I have missed sights like this!

We knew there was another fall about a 30 minute hike downstream. We packed up and headed out. The trail hadn't been used heavily, and we had a great time finding the snaking path at times. It was so close to the creek at times we felt we might fall in.  30 minutes of hiking proved fruitless, and we continued another 10 minutes, justifying it by saying we were slow hikers... or translation... I was a slow hiker! ( I just need practice!)

Again, our patience was rewarded when we came to the top of the falls. I  lagged behind a bit, and after the hike down didn't feel I could persuade my failing body ( it wasn't that bad..) to climb down the branches leaning against the rock giving access to the pool. ( The branch is on the right side of the photo, against the rocks). This is the view I couldn't see....

Lower Caney Creek Falls

The kids had a wonderful time playing, but since there wasn't a great place to jump off, we didn't stay long, and considering the time, we decided we needed to begin the 2 hour trek back to The Compound. 

After a quick hot dog and hamburger dinner, the finishing touch was a bonfire in our backyard. I think it was a lovely day. Unfortunately, due to all his swimming this week, nephew wound up with an ear infection, poor thing! He'll heal- I think he had the most fun of us all! 

Thanks to the Big Kids who invited us along. Can't wait to do it again!