The Hike Continues (3 IMAGES) Part II

Faith Part I

Happily I kept hiking this trail, taking leisurely shots along the way, and sending some of them to my sister who I was texting while I was hiking.  I felt as though I had stepped into Paradise.  No wind, not too cold, and the quiet and the wonder all around me was just what I so needed.

Little did I know what lay ahead.

In turning a corner I saw a steep embankment which ended at the creek.  Totally wrapped up in getting down that embankment safely, my eyes had yet to see what lay ahead.  Standing at the bank of that creek, I was ready to cross it but was halted in my tracks.  But where did the trail go, I asked?  There were no footprints on the opposite bank, and I just knew the trail did not end here!! It just couldn’t!

Looking around for an explanation, my jaw dropped and an expletive flew out of my mouth!  For before my astonished eyes, the trail now became the creek, and the only way to get to the other side I had to walk IN the creek to get there.  So I did.

Carefully look at the left bank between the tree with the orange tag on it designating that yes this IS the trail and the branch bowed gracefully over the creek.  Between those two points is a waterfalls not easily seen in this picture and the only way I could move forward was to walk on the bank.  The only problem was only slippery shale existed with no ledge for me to put my feet on.  You will see bare spots on the bank where hands were put to keep balance.  I did the exact same thing as I kept saying to myself, I can get to that bowed branch and when I do I will hang on for dear life.

I cannot tell you how I walked the 15 or so feet between the waterfalls and that bowed branch, with nothing but wet slippery shale to place my feet on nor anything to hang on to. Sis, you do not want to know what was coming out of my mouth.  I was really scared but SO determined not to fall into that creek!

Very slippery going, this is the part of the trail I have yet to figure out how to safely bring my Canon.  Yes I did get to that branch and yes I did duck under it to get through because it was past the waterfalls.  I continued walking IN that creek, so thankful I did not fall or slip.  I turned another corner and saw this … a slippery almost vertical wall of mud, snow, and ice where the trail once again took the form of land.  I took this shot as I stood IN the creek questioning my sanity.  Or could it be I was very courageous?

Climbing up, I thought the worse was behind me! Whew!  I did it and boy was I proud of myself for doing what I just did!! I felt elated!  That lasted not long for the climb I was on was so steep, up and up and up I went, by the time I managed to get to the top, I texted my sister saying, Whoa!! My Heart is pounding out of my chest and I cannot breathe!  As I looked down into a ravine that came into view with beauty that stole my breath (a wee pun), my breathing that was ragged gradually slowed down.  As did my Heart rate!  I’d say I climbed, wouldn’t you??  That’s the very same creek I had been walking in a few moments earlier!

Careful!  Don’t get dizzy!!! I worked really hard in the editing room to get the sensation I felt as I stood at the edge of this cliff with my camera.  Yowza!!  And yes I was careful, leaving a good 2-3 feet between my feet and the actual drop off point.

Taking some shots, I stood on that spot for a long time, both to drink in the beauty and in getting my breath back.  Ever aware of time, I knew I had to continue hiking this trail in order to get back home to feed my cats.  And that is exactly what I did.

To be continued …..  Part III will be published on Thursday. (smile)

Photography/ “The Hike Continues” 2016©AmyRose
@www.herladypinkrose.wordpress.com

[Comments will be open.  My curiosity wants to know your reaction to this post.  I probably won’t be answering your comments or blogging today … just giving you the heads up.  It snowed here last night and I must get some macro shots of the artistry Mother has given me to share with you. I also must prepare today my documentation for when we take two more of our precious cats in to see our Veterinarian tomorrow.  My third and final post of this series I will have comments open and I will be blogging that day as well as answering your comments.]

So, what is your opinion so far?  Have I lost my sanity or am I courageous?  Tee hee ….