July Recap....Sliding Rock

For years we've been talking about going up to a place my husband frequented during his teen years. For a while the area was closed off, but now there is a gate that allows hikers through. It's an easy hike. Apparently, the land below it was being readied to be subdivided, so there are asphalt roads all the way up. There are even fire hydrants, water and sewer lines ready and everything, but the plans to sell lots are no longer happening.....too bad, I kept telling Ron it would be such a beautiful place to live.....oh well, we wouldn't be able to afford the lot, so it's okay!

We hiked up the roads to the end of a culdesac, and then followed the little footpath about 200 yards to the prettiest waterfall and pool. There was no one else there, so we had it all to ourselves. Ron was the first to take the plunge, then Riley and I followed. We finally talked Nicole into it, but Jared was a no-go. Ellie was too little to begin with. The rock climbing involved in getting to the top is a bit hairy, but Nicole was able to handle it barefoot, so it is doable. It was so odd sliding down the falls. The rock wasn't as slippery as you'd think, until you got going down it. It took Riley a while to find her "line" so she wasn't bouncing all over. The pool at the bottom was waist deep, but that water was so shockingly cold I couldn't catch my breath once I came up.....brrr! Thankfully it was a warm day, so once I finally recovered and got my heart beating again the drying time was short. A fun way to spend a morning! We'll definitely go back.

Ellie was a happy hiker as long as she had her kitty and bottle of water.

Sliding Rock

Ron was first to go, and first to recover from the cold water!

I hiked up there, so dang it if I was going to miss out on the fun....check out the zoom on the right. Yeah, that would be sheer terror! (You should hear me on roller coasters!) But I did do it twice!

Riley bouncing around, and Nicole did it too...with Dad's help! (click on the picture if you want a closer view)

As we hiked down, we were glad we went up early and had it to ourselves. We passed two other families and two groups of teens on their way up to play. I guess it's a popular spot in the afternoon, evening and weekends. Our choice of Friday morning was perfect!