Calf Creek Waterfall & Hike

Calf Creek waterfall was on my "to do" list.  Unfortunately,  I didn't gauge how long my river hike was and the drive time to the falls.  Ended up taking a lot longer than I thought, and the campground was full.   Luckily I ran into the campground host and he said I could sleep in the parking lot for a fee.  Since I knew the next closest campground was over 30 miles away.  I told him I was tempted to stay.
He advised me that I could make the 3 mile hike up to the falls and likely make it back before sundown at 8:30. 

I will admit I was pretty nervous starting a 6 mile round trip hike at 5pm.  It meant I had to keep on the move and get distance covered.   So, I put my head down and pushed myself up to the falls in about an hour! Way faster than I anticipated.  So, I took a longer break and relaxed and drank a bunch of water, then started my stroll back down.

A lovely falls, and a lovely hike.  But, I was pooped when I got back to the car and decided to sleep in the parking lot.  There were several others doing the same thing.  I met two really wonderful German women who were on their own adventure.  They were sleeping in the back of a minivan on an air mattress.  I struck up a conversation with them and found out they were sisters and had been traveling like this whenever they could manage it.  The older sister was 78, and the younger was 72!  I hope I still have the drive to be spontaneous and sleep under the stars when I reach their age.  Inspired!

PS.  Don't worry, the mating snakes were not poisonous

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Olympic NP - Hoh Rainforest

Image
The second most popular stop in Olympic in the Hoh rainforest.  Not much for trails, only about 2.5 total unless you were leaving for the back country.  Lots of people.  Personally,  I thought Sol Duc was nicer and showed better examples of rainforest life. Ended up being a relaxation day.  Catching up on blogs and reading by the river.  Was so nice to have sun and warm weather after Mora, I slept with the canopy off.  Crazy bright moon that was amazing and lots of stars.  Woke up a little damp, but nothing like Mora. 
Read more

Corpus Christi, TX

Image
It has been an amazing week here with Cindy.  I am thankful that even tho we grew apart for several years we were able to reconnect and keep our friendship going.  She has really spoiled me with wonderful home cooked meals, and even let me take over the kitchen one night for me to make home made coconut shrimp. Yum! My first day here, I went out to Mustang Island park too see if the campground was open. No luck, they are still recovering from hurricane damage that happened last August.  I also went down to the National Seashore on Padre. Got lots of good informatioon on beach camping, but was warned that by next week there would be a lot of people around for spring break. It was a nice day on my own exploring the beach and enjoying a little down time.  Such a difference from Big Bend.   Cindy worked out to have a little extra time off work, so we hit the road.  One day went to the aquarium and explored down there and the next she took me out to an isl...
Read more

Joshua Tree NP

Image
The north part of the park is so amazing with all the rock formations and climbing routes. Took the rangers advice and summited Ryan Mountain.  Great views of the entire area.  Felt like standing in top of the world! Another nice warm night in the desert.  I am sleeping so much better with out the cold making me bundle up.  Cold feet keep me up at night! I am starting to realize that I am feeling a little burned out.   I am not appreciating this park the way I should be.  I think it is time to head home and take a rest.  Will sit down and plan out a route and see what is between here and home.
Read more