Clinging On

This lichen was another thing that caught my attention on our hike.  That's a really skinny branch, yet the lichen is clinging on and trying to survive.  It will probably do fine as long as conditions remain favorable.  I think the light on the branch and the dark background made for a pretty good photo.  Sometimes you're just lucky.

The Progression of Nature

There are many natural elements to see as one hikes 8.47 miles and this little pine tree caught my eye.  It's growing in the stump of what looked to have been a very old tree, now gone.  And there was a little pine cone there, too, which was perhaps emptying more seeds into the stump.  It was a reminder that life goes on and what is gone still supports the new.  I think it's true not only in the plant kingdom but in the animal kingdom as well.

Another View

After viewing Tumalo Falls, I turned and saw this rustic fence with the little pine trees beside it and tall pines in the background and thought it made a nice composition.  I think I was right and now you get to see it, too.  Another little bonus of our hike.

Tumalo Falls

Tumalo Falls cascades 97' and is pretty awesome.  We were so pleased to reach the viewpoint and see it.  It certainly was a nice reward for sticking with it.  Then we had to be concerned about getting back to the start of the trail.  Again, one foot in front of the other and keep going.  As is always the case, the way back always seems a little shorter and that was the case with this hike.  Different joints ached at different times but nothing too unpleasant, just a reminder that we aren't as young and nimble as we once were.  We made it--all 8.47 miles of it!  We might not do that long a hike ever again but it was good to know that we still could, given the right circumstances and motivation.  But next time -- we hope to drive to the viewpoint.

Perfect Weather Calls For A Hike

On June 6 my husband and I went on an outing as part of his birthday celebration (which was actually the following day but it was supposed to be warmer on the "real" day).  It should have been a simple drive to view Tumalo Falls and then an optional hike to see a few other falls.  First of all we went to the small town of Tumalo and then to Tumalo State Park, neither of which are even close to the falls.  But we muddled along and actually found the right place--but the road was closed.  "Oh, look.  There's a trail to the viewpoint for Tumalo Falls.  Oh, wait--it's 3.5 miles one way.  Let's just start and see how far we get."  It was a pretty hike, no really steep areas, mostly among tall pine trees with a good amount of shade.  There were sounds from and views of Tumalo River and lots of other friendly hikers and bikers were on the trail.  We kept putting one foot in front of the other, stopping to take an occasional photo (or rest!) and it got to the point where we had put in so much time and energy it seemed foolish not to get to the end.  And we did.  I'm going to make you wait for the view of Tumalo Falls so come back tomorrow.  Be sure to wear sunscreen and bring water.