Monday, May 30, 2011
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Evening Hike
We climbed the switchbacks until we were up to the Bonneville shoreline trail, then dropped down into the canyon where the small creek swelled with snowmelt. After 20 days of almost nonstop rain, it was good to be out. We were on a quick evening hike to see the lower falls in Adam's Canyon. As we neared the creek, we could hear the water as it plunged over the fifteen foot falls. It's not a spectacular site, but with the runoff it is a little more dramatic than normal. The water was just a bit off-color, similar to the look of packaged hot chocolate with too much water added to it. The sound of the crashing water was constant applause.
This hike is not a long hike but the switchbacks are nice for a quick workout. The cold spring weather and the coolness of the evening air made the mist coming off the falls feel chill. Getting totally wet was not an option on this hike. On a hot summer day, standing under the falls, or at least close enough to get the cool mist would be a welcome relief.
Last year we hiked up Adam's Canyon to the upper falls. I wondered what the upper falls would be like this year with a much higher volume of water pouring out of the mountains. It's probably worth the effort. I also heard a story about some type of cabin above the upper falls. From what I've heard, it's an older structure. I'm not sure who built it or why it would be in such a remote and rugged area. The cabin whereabouts and history would make a good research project.
We hiked down before the sun was fully set. Clouds on the western horizon hid the sun from view. Gaps in the cloud cover provided streaks of blue, gray and silver illumination down on the Great Salt Lake, Fremont Island, and the Promontory mountains. I always get giddy satisfaction when I see beauty and when I feel a sense of accomplishment, even when that accomplishment is something as simple as a hike. I've always been satisfied to live in the Great Basin and along the Wasatch Front. Everything I've come to love is near. I am humbled and honored to call this place home.
This hike is not a long hike but the switchbacks are nice for a quick workout. The cold spring weather and the coolness of the evening air made the mist coming off the falls feel chill. Getting totally wet was not an option on this hike. On a hot summer day, standing under the falls, or at least close enough to get the cool mist would be a welcome relief.
Last year we hiked up Adam's Canyon to the upper falls. I wondered what the upper falls would be like this year with a much higher volume of water pouring out of the mountains. It's probably worth the effort. I also heard a story about some type of cabin above the upper falls. From what I've heard, it's an older structure. I'm not sure who built it or why it would be in such a remote and rugged area. The cabin whereabouts and history would make a good research project.
We hiked down before the sun was fully set. Clouds on the western horizon hid the sun from view. Gaps in the cloud cover provided streaks of blue, gray and silver illumination down on the Great Salt Lake, Fremont Island, and the Promontory mountains. I always get giddy satisfaction when I see beauty and when I feel a sense of accomplishment, even when that accomplishment is something as simple as a hike. I've always been satisfied to live in the Great Basin and along the Wasatch Front. Everything I've come to love is near. I am humbled and honored to call this place home.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)