Sun, Sep 18 2016 - Cloudland Canyon (View Original Event Details)
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What a whirlwind adventure we had at Cloudland Canyon. After enjoying the view from the main overlook, we headed down into the canyon to explore Cherokee Falls. To our amazement, the falls were completely dry. Same with Hemlock Falls. We nevertheless had a great time along Sitton's Gulch Trail, tracing the creek through a landscape filled with beautiful old hardwood trees and a few lingering wildflowers. Veering off to a little-used side trail, we went ahead and cleared out all the spiderwebs before making our way back to the 600 steps that ascended out of the canyon.
After conquering the steps, we hiked along the West Rim Loop Trail to a great lunch spot with spectacular vistas. We marveled at the wispy clouds rolling in and appreciated the soft breeze before continuing along the rim. The clouds heralded a misty rain and a much-appreciated cooling off after the long sweaty climb out of the canyon. However, the gentle mist soon increased to a torrential pounding storm. Hats pulled low, we soldiered ahead as the sky opened up and lashed us. The trail became a fast-flowing creek but there was no choice but to forge ahead. It poured cats and dogs for a good thirty minutes before finally slowing to a steady drip. Conversation halted as we focused on keeping our footing in the muddy, frothy channel that used to be a trail.
We switched to the safety of the yurt road to complete our climb up to the parking lot. We were treated to the sight of a tough turtle and a family of deer as we made our way back. Most of us refueled at Mellow Mushroom and were rewarded with a lovely rainbow.
Aaron's two cents:
Fun. Moist. Wet. Foamy.
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