At the start of our hike, the Park requires that we complete a "who-to-notify-if-you-don't-make-it-back-form." I got a bit nervous about that, despite having hiked numerous times before. We filled out the form, and the Park attendant said thanks and enjoy!
There is the map!
At the trail's entrance. We were psyched and ready for the challange!
Of course, when you start the hike you take a ton of pictures. Here are some pictures early on!
There is the map!At the trail's entrance. We were psyched and ready for the challange!Of course, when you start the hike you take a ton of pictures. Here are some pictures early on!This is the river at the beginning of the hike. Soon you will see how far up we went!
Still early on in the hike. To the right you can see that we are starting to ascend! Steph's ready to go!
Part of the trail takes you through some shady forested areas. It was a nice relief from the intense sun, but overall, the weather was perfect!
We were getting closer to those clouds!
River runs through it....
After this point, it was all uphill. Man, was it tough.
More wonderful views ...
The protea flower very common in this region, and we passed through a valley filled with protea flowers.
This appears to be a golden dandelion, and it really has a gold sheen to it. Simply amazing.
We had to traverse around those two lower mountains to make our way up!
Steph was a trooper! She was amazing on the hike and kept me going.
Still early on in the hike. To the right you can see that we are starting to ascend! Steph's ready to go!Part of the trail takes you through some shady forested areas. It was a nice relief from the intense sun, but overall, the weather was perfect!
We were getting closer to those clouds!River runs through it....After this point, it was all uphill. Man, was it tough.
More wonderful views ...
The protea flower very common in this region, and we passed through a valley filled with protea flowers.
This appears to be a golden dandelion, and it really has a gold sheen to it. Simply amazing.We had to traverse around those two lower mountains to make our way up!
Steph was a trooper! She was amazing on the hike and kept me going.The path continues!
There is the river below us...we are getting higher!
This point of the trail is called the "boulder-hop." The gorge is just beyond this quarter mile of boulders. Can you say, "Oh, that's why they make you sign a waiver?"
Walking along the river was extraordinary.
We finally arrived...
Here is where you separate the men from the women....
So Steph went up the 20 meter chain ladder! I stayed behind because I didn't think I would be able to grip the ladder. In my defense, I had a swollen finger from trying to replace a lightbulb at our house the day before (don't laugh).
Just evidence to show I had made it :)
This is a picture from the top taken by Steph. You can ascend this rock wall by climbing a seriously tight squeeze fissure. Behind it is a natural pool.
Here is the view Steph had from up there. That's me down there rubbing my swollen finger :-)
On the leftside of this picture, you can just barely make out a small wooden ladder which we climbed to see the waterfall.
We soaked up the scenery for a bit, had some snacks, and went over to the waterfall.
There is the river below us...we are getting higher!This point of the trail is called the "boulder-hop." The gorge is just beyond this quarter mile of boulders. Can you say, "Oh, that's why they make you sign a waiver?"
Walking along the river was extraordinary.We finally arrived...
Here is where you separate the men from the women....
So Steph went up the 20 meter chain ladder! I stayed behind because I didn't think I would be able to grip the ladder. In my defense, I had a swollen finger from trying to replace a lightbulb at our house the day before (don't laugh). Just evidence to show I had made it :)This is a picture from the top taken by Steph. You can ascend this rock wall by climbing a seriously tight squeeze fissure. Behind it is a natural pool.
Here is the view Steph had from up there. That's me down there rubbing my swollen finger :-)
On the leftside of this picture, you can just barely make out a small wooden ladder which we climbed to see the waterfall.We soaked up the scenery for a bit, had some snacks, and went over to the waterfall.
If you go through the cave, you can also swim under the waterfall.
Here is a view of the waterfall...
After taking in the wonderful scenery up at the top, we knew it was still going to be a hike back down. So, we got started...
We enjoyed the hike, and afterwards, I was sore as heck...Steph was fine :)
Here is a view of the waterfall...
After taking in the wonderful scenery up at the top, we knew it was still going to be a hike back down. So, we got started...
We enjoyed the hike, and afterwards, I was sore as heck...Steph was fine :)
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