10/13/03

So far I still haven't gotten over the gratitude for letterboxing
getting me out into the beautiful Columbia Gorge. I set out today
for the Wahkeena Falls and Fairy Falls letterboxes. I never found
Fairy Falls. At least I couldn't tell where to look from the trail.
I'm wondering just how subjective this rule of (paraphrasing
here) "no trample" is.
I'm sorry I missed the stamp if it is anywhere near as pretty as
these falls. The silver water fans out over thousands of layers and
levels; substance to shimmer. Gleaming droplets cling coyly to the
saturated green moss.
Chewy, my 11 year old Rottweiler, is a little tuckered and he cares
nothing for the falls. He guards the trail. He's pissed I didn't
share my bagel.
I'm so thankful for the blessing of this lovely day. Almost
completely at peace. Chewy looks so intently down the trail, my only
worry is someone will surprise me-- and they did! But no worries. A
couple guys from SF, one taking the other's picture while he grins
cheesily in front of the falls sign: "Fairy".:)
It seems to me the whole of Wahkeena falls begins from Fairy and just
keeps going till the parking lot. We rush down the trail, inspired
by the river and a spunky Irish Setter in front of us. We soon catch
up to them and learn they are on a treasure hunt of their own, of
sorts. Apparently, when the retaining walls for the trail were
built, the workers drilled holes into the large stones and cemented
coins into them. The Irish Setter's friends had found 3 out of a
possible 7, I think.
So, there are many reasons to hike the Wahkeena Falls trail. I hope
to get to Angel's Rest next time. Thanks to a box being at the top,
it will probably be sooner, than later. :) And next time, I
remember to bring that stamp I carved. My first one turned out
pretty good, if I do say so myself. Course I am tempted to put that
one in a box of my own, at the bottom of the damnation creek trail
outside Cresent City. Heh heh heh.
Elaine
Portland OR
P=0 F=6 X=0