UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Waking up fine for another day, I determined that a good breakfast helped my day’s energy levels. I went for a breakfast burrito, and going back home, figured on doing another short hike for the afternoon. On my map for Hidden Falls Regional Park, I saw that one spot showed as a vista point or overlook. I had passed that by on my last hike there, so had to go back to investigate.
Setting an account for a new Net venue for hiking and climbing, I was beginning to get some members. Only with two, it may pick up as hiking season approaches. I call it the Thousand Peaks Club, at http://www.meetup.com/Thousand-Peaks-Club/ by MeetUp. I made an offer for a free meal should anyone sign up and attend. Scheduling the trip with hardly two hours to spare, I’d see if there was any quick reply. In the old hiking club, we’d phone each other up, and I stated to be ready for a trip in 15 minutes. I had my gear organized, and was used to packing up fast. With my old peak buddy, I’d phone him in the morning, and suggest a hike. He could be ready to go in an hour.
Leaving home at 1 p.m., I took Interstate 80 eastbound. No messages in the hour. I beelined it for the park, and got there right at the meeting time, 2 p.m. People were about, but no one came up to me to identify themselves. There was only one bar at the trailhead, but I just assumed that no one was interested.
Starting my hike at 2:10 p.m., I used the restroom, and started down the dirt road to encourage hikers coming back up the hill. This is a spot for beginners, and it shows. I sauntered down to the first footbridge, and took the North Legacy Trail westward, which comes to the main footbridge at Canyon View Falls. Lots of small people.
Crossing the bridge, I came to the unsigned junction with the Deer Trail by the River Otter Trail. It climbs up a slight ways, and I then presumed to come to the highest hill where they state a view. Not much to see at all, with cut logs and branches, trees all about. I did a 360, and continued on the Deer Trail, should there be some map error or inaccuracy. There is another point on the side of a hill, so I climbed up a few yards to see more of a view, but nothing much besides the hills about. Disappointing.
Continuing on the Deer Trail, it descends back to the North Legacy Trail, which I took back eastward. A ranger guy came by in his truck, and we chatted about the hiking here. He said that he had to rescue a mother and child a day or few ago, as they had no flashlights and were lost or something. There are supposedly a mountain lion and two cubs that visit the area, with wild pigs. “They don’t bother anyone,” he said. He agreed with having pepper spray, and motored on.
There were more hikers on this part of the trails, but I hiked then to the Hidden Falls platform, and a large group of hikers was leaving. I did some video, and marveled that with such dry conditions, the falls was going strong. Some other hikers came about, so I left on the trail back to the first footbridge. Still plenty of people coming down the trail.
Making it back to my car at 4:30 p.m., I tried to send off a message, but got, “No Service.” Motoring over to the library, it was closing, but I read through the papers fast. A bit hungry, I went over to Old Town Auburn, and got free parking. In an historic cafe, I ordered a panini sandwich, and got soup, with coffee, too. Getting a can of diet soda as I left, I zoomed down Interstate 80 back home, gone for about 5.5 hours.
Hiking 3 miles with 500 feet of gain and loss, I drove 84 miles. Capturing 127 images and movie clips (14.6 MB, 720p HD, 0:49), I spent $16 for the dinner meal. Used about two gallons of fuel, and enjoyed music on my drive both ways. I didn't see any ticks, bugs of note, lizards, or many birds or animals, besides peoples' dogs.
It remains to be seen if anyone joins my adventures, with incentives ignored to date. I spoke with another peak bagger to arrange for an urban hike for Monday, easy to do, and I will go by bus. He might be slowing down, and therefore be more amenable to hiking and climbing together. Nice to have some good, like-minded company for my road trips, and even with my connections, if I should incur some accident, like being bleeding and unconscious, only another nearby hiker could help.
Grizzlies are less likely to attack when there are three hikers, and so it may go with mountain lions and wolves. I hope to go back to the Northern Rockies, and there is wild county with attainable peaks. A rope partner might enable me for harder peaks, and would this be a boon to my peak travels to get some good, capable company.
I never had any partner hardly that knew the way for sure, and to be worth something on steep rock. Most or all of the old hiking club counted on me to find the way. While I am good at that, it would be nice to have some local who knows distant, local trails and routes, and wouldn’t charge like a guide, or now, the hiking clubs!
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