It's now Friday morning.  I still hear the wind howling through the white pines out our window.  It sounds cold. Are we ready for what lies ahead?  The great unknown!  Not ever explored by the Clayburn Family!  After lazily taking our time getting up and around as we thought the others were still sleeping, we finally made our debut only to find out all the others had been up and ate breakfast already! 

Breakfast was quite hardy with homemade waffles, granola, fresh cream and fruit.  We were ready to go!  First off we checked out the M's location.  They had a mile and a half trail surrounding their property.  They had planted hundreds of white pines as they do not normally grow in these parts.  It reminded me of growing up in New York state!  I loved those sappy trees!

After our warm up trek, we made the final bathroom breaks and made sure all was loaded and ready to go as we were headed to a rental cabin for the next 2 nights.  We would have only traveled about 16 miles to our next hiking destination, but due to the torrential rain and ensuing flood waters, the road was avalanched in with mudslides and busted off.  So, we had to travel over an hour of scenic road to our destiny.  Yep, it was waaaay out there!  The first trail we hiked down was not even a blazed or marked trail, so I guess I can't even call it a trail.  Sylvia and her boys led the way while we filed blindly on....

Through to woods, down, down, down the steep incline.  We heard the roar of the falls.  On we walked a bit more. I was concerned about Seth, The Puzzle Boy getting down safely.  Mark and Sylvia worked him on down without a problem.  Once we got down to where we could oversee the gorgeous falls, it was suggested that we go down an even steeper rocky incline right next to the falls.  It was a nicer, flatter place to eat our lunch.  I was a bit worried about getting Seth down there and back up again.  He was so hungry, I was hoping he would have enough energy to get there.  You know how when you are hungry, you can't focus as well and don't have as much strength.  My mommy instincts are still steel strong!  I needn't worry again.  With Mark and Sylvia's strong 6'6" boys along, no problemo!  These boys are used to hard work and hiking and working out!  They proved that to me! 

So, we all made it safely down to our resting spot.  We had a wonderful lunch sitting there watching the falls roar down their well developed pathway.  The sun was shining, it was warm, and you would never know it was windy and cool up on top!

After we ate, took numerous pictures, and rested a bit, us ladies wanted to trek on down the river to see another falls. The men went back up the mountain.  Sylvia's one son came with us three ladies for protection.  The men spent a couple hours whittling walking sticks for us and shooting the breeze while us ladies and one young man tripped over rocky outcroppings and balanced over a fallen log at least 15 feet above the swirling waters below!  It was farther than we thought, but we made it.  The falls were 150 feet across.  A couple of kayakers were there doing their stuff.  So cool to watch them fall down the falls!  Their kayaks were so short and cute.  Never seen them so small.  Much easier to handle on the rapids.

On the way back, a poisonous snake lay curled up on the narrowest part of the trail.  Excellent, we had Daniel along to push him out of the way!  Now where did that ugly snake come from????  Crossing over the tall log on the way back was scarier for me.  I panicked!  I felt like crying.  My resources were wearing down, I did not have enough water with me and all I could see was the swirling water beneath.  Sylvia saw the problem and came up behind me.  She put her hands on either side of my shoulders to give me a positive and secure attitude again. She said she was fine.  I walked on without a hitch.  Amazing what a little bit of guidance will do.  A firm grip, a secure and solid landing!

Becky followed behind and just zipped on across! Bravo, ladies!  I am glad that The Puzzle Boy was not along as my heart would wear thin!  I was already concerned about him making it all the way back up to the top!  Why????  Again, a Mother's Heart!

Climbing back up the steep slope was no easy task.  It was at least a 45 degree incline.  Up, up, up.  The sun was beating down on us.  Thirst.  My liter of water was not enough.  I thought the hike down and back was going to be quick and easy.  We went farther than I thought, and did not bring more.  The others were getting thirsty also.  Water really gives you the energy to keep going.  Kind of like gasoline in your car. You fatigue easier without it.  I have accustomed myself to plenty of water each day without hiking, so with that, I needed more!  Once at the top of this particular incline, Sylvia and Daniel remembered a creek. On and on we went.  Finally, with no trail to travel on, these 2 found the creek, filled the water bottles and put in water purification.  MMMMM, good as gold! Yes!  We finally made our way back to the men who were just about on their way for a search!

It was much farther than I thought coming back. It is so easy coming down as you talk and visit, you forget how far it is.

Now, you are wondering why in the world do we put ourselves and our Puzzle Boy through such things!

Good question.  First of all, we like adventure and exploring.  Second of all, if you quit using it, you lose it!  We have found that so true for our Autistic son.  If we allow him to sit around, or allow ourselves to sit around, we "stove up" as they call it in these parts.  You weaken, you lose your balance and now you become handicapped!  I will share more on our next adventure as to WHY! There is more to come.  This was just the beginning!

For now, it is evening.  It has been a long day, and our hour drive to the cabin turns into two hours.  It is long past dark when we arrive. The Puzzle Boy is starving and exhausted.  After he eats, he immediately falls into a deep, deep slumber.....

Until Next Time, happy dreaming!

Nancy Lynne!