June 23, 2008

• Ashdown Gorge

  Ashdown Gorge

  
  

  The local forestry service sponsors community hikes once a month.  We didn't know Saturday's destination but I buckeled up the oldest four kids in the van and off we went to the rendevous point.  We drove up Cedar Canyon 15-20 minutes and were led to the trailhead which I had passed many times before but never seen.  What was touted as "a fun hike for kids" turned out to be a tad too adventurous for anyone under the age of 7 - involving no trail and a lot of river fording, etc.  A few tears not withstanding we had a great time.  We were told that there are significant waterfalls and a 100 ft.arch about 90-120 minutes up the river.  We didn't make it nearly that far, but I hope to return with the oldest kids in the near future and conquer the gorge.  Here are some pictures from our trip:

  
  

  

  
  

  Here are the intrepid hikers.

  
  

  

  
  

  Tree made it a point to climb out to the edge of every fallen tree over the river.  I've included but a sampling for your enjoyment.

  
  

  

  
  

  Ashdown Gorge is just that - a river bottom carved out of stone.  Very beautiful!

  
  

  

  
  

  The kids were great sports.  We didn't have appropriate footware for river hiking but they jumped in, literally, anyways.  Only Joseph and his monkey skills managed to escape with dry shoes.

  
  

  

  
  

  Here you can see Joseph and Jacob climbing a rock face seeking a way to keep shoes dry.  They ended up climbing back down and Joseph climbed along the orange strip center right.

  
  

  

  
  

  Joseph here is pictured making the final leap after edging his way across the 30 foot long face (the beginning of which is pictured above).

  
  

  

  
  

  Here's the wall Joseph edged along.  It had to be at least a 120 degree angle.

  
  

  

  
  

  Brave G in one of her, well, braver moments.  She sure was a good sport.  The water was fast and cold and her dad sometimes forgot that what to him was knee high was waist deep to her.  Bad dad...

  
  

  

  
  

  Here's Joseph and Katrina trying to make their way along another rock wall to keep their shoes dry.  Joseph ended up climbing up to directly above where he's standing now and edging his way along.  I didn't think he would make this one, but he did...

  
  

  

  
  

  Joseph begins his climb...

  
  

  

  
  

  Joseph made his way along a skinny ledge to the drop off point you see him at.  I ended up spotting him as he made his way down.

  
  

  

  
  

  Here are G and Tree making their way along a cool water-carved ledge at the river's side.

  
  

  

  
  

  

  
  

  The ledge was just the right height for G.  Joseph had to crouch a tad.  I walked the ledge on the way back and felt quite awkward and bulky.

  
  

  

  
  

  A six foot drop to the river below awaited anyone who slipped on the narrow ledge.

  
  

  

  
  

  Taking a breather (ok, a photo op) on yet another log protruding over the river.

  
  

  

  
  

  Katrina thought it would be fun to walk a log that dangled over a bug infested, stagnant, trapped-water section of the river. Yum!

  
  

  

  
  

  A very fun hike!

  
  

  I met Liesl in town around 1pm.  She took the kids home and I headed into the office for a little Saturday catch up.  We started the day with an 8am chapel cleaning which the kids did great at and we ended the day with a wonderful visit with Grandpa and Grandma Arnell, and David and Melissa who were all returning from a trip to California for Nick and Jordon Olsen's wedding (in 118 F weather, whew!).

  
  

  A great weekend!

  • 12:22 am
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