I repeated it with a buddy on July 4, 2003, but again, I had a rough time due to my weight, and being out of shape. That particular time, I was also dealing with just being diagnosed with diabetes, and not being sure about things like sugar crashes. I had one on the way back from the falls that day, and didn't realize that by eating even a small amount of sugar, I would have been fine.
Why am I mentioning this? Well, on Saturday, after just shy of 3 years, I went back to Feather Falls, and this time it was a much more pleasant experience.
Interestingly, it snowed the night before, so the white stuff was everywhere at the trailhead. I almost didn't even drive in because of all the snow. Once I saw a small car come out though, I knew I wouldn't have a problem, and in I went.
The trailhead temp was 46 degrees. I went in and noticed the difference right away. I weigh less, I'm in much better shape, and the time went by much faster. I had the same amount of camera gear as my trek in 2003, but didn't have a problem at all. When I got to the footbridge at Frey Creek, I took some pictures.
This is from underneath the footbridge.
As I was shooting, two women came across the bridge. I think the temp at this point was 42, but I really didn't feel cold. Good thing I didn't wear my jacket, like I almost did!
After about 45 minutes of shooting I went on down the trail. When I got to the 2-mile marker (which indicates 2 miles from the trailhead, not 2 miles from the falls), my thoughts were completely different than before. On the other trip, all I could think of was nursing my poor blistery feet. This time, all I could think of was my prior trip and how different this was.
At the lookout for Bald Rock Dome (see my entry for that hike here, I met up with a couple in their mid-40s. We had a chat for a bit, they told me they had just started hiking to get in shape and were having difficulties. I told them about my previous trip, and about how perserverence can get them to where they want to be. They're probably a bit farther along than I was, actually.
When I reached the fork a half-mile before the falls, I rested and drank a little water. It's also interesting to note that I hadn't drank much at this point. The couple I met earlier came up the trail and I joined them.
At the view of the rivers, I shot some pictures for my church, named oddly enough, The Rivers (funny how that works).
Once at the falls, I sat down, relaxed, and ate lunch. I chatted with the people at the top as usual, and watched the idiots at the top of the falls. In this picture, you can actually see the memorial plaque that mentions a boy scout in the early 70s who fell over the falls.
Here's a view of the falls themselves. I didn't take the trip to the top this time, since I was running short on time as it was. I think this was 2:30pm.
Finally, here's a slightly different view, showing snow on the peak behind. I had hoped for some snow at the falls level, but this late in the day it had probably melted.
I made it back to the van around 5pm. I didn't have to walk in the dark, but even if I had, I had a flashlight this time. It helps to be prepared, doesn't it? Anyway, thanks for reading, the hike was fun. I'll be doing it again very soon. For the rest of the pictures, go to http://www.thechances.com/gallery/FeatherFalls030406/.
