Calf Creek Falls

While the kids were out of school for fall break we decided to take a trip to Calf Creek Falls.  I have love, love, loved that it has been so warm and nice this fall, and hope that it will continue.  We got kind of a late start but we were determined.  We thought it was a 3 mile round trip hike.  As we started out there were alot of people hiking back to the trail head and kept giving us weird looks and telling us was had a long way to go, but we didn't care we kept going.

There are 12 markers along that way that tell the history of Calf Creek and the different ways it has been used throughout history.  Did you know they used to grow watermelons there? Anyway we stopped at each marker and would talk about different things and learn more facts about Calf Creek.  As we walked with C.J. as our leader the markers kept getting further and further apart, but we kept hiking.

 We met some friends along the way, this lizard was one of the favorites.  We also was squirrels, birds, and lots of fish.  We passed through the bamboo forest (aka snake grass) and waded through rivers (tiny streams).  We still weren't at the falls.  We came to the conclusion that the trail must be 3 miles each way and that we better kick it in gear if we were going to make it there and back while the sun was shining.

I love that Madion is holding Tom's hand in this picture.  She doesn't do that very often anymore, but I love it when she does. She is growing up way to fast!

 C.J. was still in the lead with our constant reminder to take big steps as he walked so we could make it there quickly.  As we got closer to the falls the temperature dropped and you could hear the water crashing down.  It was so beautiful once we finally made it.  It was late in the day, but we were the only ones there and we got to enjoy the falls just us.

 It was time to head back.  Emma and C.J. each found a walking stick and ate a 'magic' apple, it gave them lots of energy for the hike back, and we were off.  Emma was our leader on the way back down the trail.  The further we walked the closer the sun was to setting.  Good thing I have a husband who is a thinker and stuck a flashlight in the backpack.  It made us all feel better to have a little light shining.  Madison became especially nervous, maybe it was because our pamphlet told us that cougars and coyotes roam the area at night, we made it back the car hungry and tired, but everyone want to go back next summer, so I call that a success.

Just remember if you are going to go that is is a 6 mile hike and if you go in the Fall leave before 4:30 our you will be hiking in the dark.