The Places We Wandered...

The first place we visited was called Ash Cave. Brian and I had been there before and I have also posted photos from there after our trip. (Sorry, you may be bored now) Ash Cave. The horseshoe-shaped cave is massive; measuring 700 feet from end to end, 100 feet deep from the rear cave wall to its front edge with the rim rising 90 feet high. A small tributary of A Creek cascades over the rim into a small plunge pool below. The pool was not as full as we've seen it before, but there was still a steady stream of water. It's reminds me of when one of the little kids leaves the water running a bit after washing their hands. Not enough water to really talk about, but too much water if you want to keep dry! The weather was just right, not too hot, just warm enough. Of course, after the kids climbed all around on some boulders they were soooo hot and soooo thirsty!
After we left here we headed back to the cabin, which was only short drive. Along the way as we were driving I caught sight of something that I HAD to see again. I asked Brian if we could please turn around so I could look at something again and take a picture of it. He is so sweet, and of course, he obliged. Even though it meant that we got some "Those must be tourists" looks from some utility workmen that we had to pass twice. What a guy, no trade, I'm keepin' him!
Anywho, here's what I saw...
See those red leaves?? Me too! They were the only ones on the tree like that. At first, I thought they must be some kind of vine that is attached to the tree, but I couldn't see that they were separate as I got out and looked. It's NOT Fall here, why are those leaves red? and why not the whole tree?? I still don't know, I'm still trying to sleuth this one out. It was the only one that we saw like it. In case you're wondering, they're red, healthy looking leaves, not like dead red as if maybe a branch was broken and they just died hanging there.
If anybody knows about this phenomena of leaves, let me know because its one of those nagging questions that I just can't seem to get over. I need answers!
The second place we visited was my favorite, with one exception. I forgot to charge the battery in my camera! arrgh! I did take pictures with my video camera (it also takes still photos), but I haven't taken the time to put them on the hard drive yet.

The name of this area is called the Cantwell Cliffs, which is why you see this warning sign.

Thankfully, Emily was snugly housed in the backpack or else we would probably have one less child. We are always careful to point out these signs to the children. It gives them a life size warning because they usually place these near a point where you can look down and see that a fall would be quite painful or deadly. That's not to say that they walked around afraid of falling off of cliffs....okay, maybe Titus did, but he's our resident "Scaredy Cat", so he's always the one who is extra cautious.

Here is the view just beyond the sign. (To the left, actually)
Pretty far down, eh? Well, it also happens to not just be the view but also the top of a staircase that is carved into the rock!!







The Cantwell Cliffs area was created by erosion caused by Buck Run. This accounts for the deep valley, steep cliffs and rock shelter under the cliff. Approaching the rock shelter, the trail winds its way through narrow passageways caused by large slump blocks that have fallen away from the main cliff. The most narrow passage has been sarcastically named Fat Woman’s Squeeze.






Here is what that looks like...
pretty accurate I must say.
Brian did not go through since he had Emily on his back. I went through, much to the satisfaction of my children. Although, Caleb was hoping that I wouldn't so that he could tease me about being to large to fit through. Just some healthy bantering, nothing more.
We trudged around for several hours. It was great fun. I think the kids and I all got our rear's dirty from sliding down different rocks that we were trying to climb over. Sorry, there are no pics of that! Ha! After all, this is a family blog, let me not drag down the topic into the filthy mire of dirty clothes!!
So, this was day two of the vacate, do you feel rested?! I didn't either, but it was the good kind of tired. Tired out from havin' fun.
Next up...Wandering around, but not getting lost....