Sat, Jul 11 2015 - Hippie Hole (View Original Event Details) Trip Leader(s): Michael Johnson Participants: Michael Johnson, Debbie H, Laila, Charlie Cottingham, Barry Moore, Karen R, Rachel L, Irina P, Ben, Sharmily

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A group of 10 members dropped down into the Little River Gorge early in the morning and had it all to ourselves. The sun was just starting to shed light over the canyon walls on to the west side of the river as we made our river crossing. It was already in the 80's, but at this time the sun still felt nice and there was a gentle breeze blowing through the gorge. You could tell it was going to be a hot one though.

After swimming, snorkeling, cliff jumping, exploring behind water falls, enjoying the rush of the water, the crowds began trickling into the swimming hole. That's around the time we decided to explore further down river. There are no trails here, but that wasn't a problem. Because we slipped back into the river and began our journey further down into the gorge, enjoying the feel of the water. Sometimes swimming in the deep pools, or sliding over rocks or wading when it got shallow, and sometimes boulder hopping where the rush of the river was a bit too strong. But sometimes just floating on our backs looking up at the walls of the gorge, rising high above us, as the ocassional vulture glided past, reminding us what happens to people who forget what happens to those who don't watch their step.

We found some really nice private swimming holes down there, and once again, thought I'd like to explore even further. I would also love to just get down there with all my gear and spend the day down there, with less time spent at hippie hole, just because of the crowds that gather and the garbage left behind by all the litterers. It's a shame those people have so little respect for the area, and will leave such garbage behind. I never could understand that frame of mind.

After we returned back to the cars, it was nice to be a tourist guide and just show everyone the sites over the gorge, because by then, the southern heat was scortching, and we no longer had the river to cool off in. We snapped off some pictures, and drove all the way around the gorge, wrapping around the canyon, completing a loop.

I wouldn't suggest the southern portion of the drive again, unless you planned on doing some hiking down into the gorge there. The best views as a tourist, without the need for much walking is on the northern side. But by then the ladies in my car fell fast asleep anyway. I had Charlie beside me to keep me company...who has the ability to recall every detail of every adventure he's ever led or joined...which is vast.

Thanks again to everyone for joining me. It would not have been as much fun without you.

Michael