Clif is unloading all the firewood. We were able to pick up 50 pieces.
We were glad to have the firewood because when we got up Friday morning the temperature was below freezing, a chilling 27 degrees with about a 15-20 mph wind. BRRRR.
The morning sky sure was pretty.
And it didn't take long for the sun to rise over the mountain tops. I must admit, I was disappointed that this area wasn't in its full array of fall colors.
Clif added another wind break in our dining area. We planned a 7.2 mile hike for Friday, but I wasn't about to go out in below freezing weather. By 10:30, it had warmed up to 35 degrees so we ventured to the trailhead.
You can see how bundled up Clif is. I was surprised to see the "ice" warning on the temperature gage. The truck thermometer actually said it was 30, but we went by our outdoor one which was at 35.
We had crisp blue skies although still windy. We figured once we started hiking we'd warm up fast enough.
The Edmond trail is quite narrow, about 18 inches across. There were so many leaves on the ground, it was hard to find the trail sometimes!
In the mist of sparse trees, we found this patch of color. I was excited to see some trees were actually turning!
The scenery was tranquil and beautiful. We didn't get a vacation this summer, so this hike was surely making up for it.
The first 3 miles of the trail was relatively easy as it was mostly downhill. We just needed to remember the last part of the hike would be entirely uphill! Notice how the layers are now shedding. It is amazing how in the thick of the forest, you don't feel the wind. Shortly after this point began one of the uphill climbs. Clif wasn't feeling 100% and we were hiking slower than usual. We decided to go back to the gravel road and take that to the lake. This would cut off 2 miles.
Once down at the lake, we had to put on layers because the wind just cut across it. BRRR.
On our way back up the trail we stopped and had lunch by the waterfall. We would need the energy to get up the mountain. By the time we reached the trailhead, we had hiked 5.5 miles, cutting 2 miles off the original hike. I was glad we did because Clif's cough had progressively gotten worse.
Once finished with the hike, we ventured over to the Visitor's Center where they had this festive display. In the background you can see the landscape showing a hint of Fall.
Some guests offered to take our picture. We didn't think to have them zoom it in. When we tried to crop it, it was too blurry. Oh well. At least the scenery in the background is pretty. Back to camp we went to await Cathy and Shane's arrival.
We had another cold night, but at least the wind wasn't as strong. The cold was tolerable. The next morning we ventured off to the areas Clif and I discovered on Friday.
What little boy doesn't enjoy climbing on rocks? Aiden is letting us know he is "The King".
He and his sister Averi enjoyed running up and down the hill.
They were able to pause just long enough for me to snap a family photo.
Cathy was able to get a better photo of Clif and I than was taken the day before.
To the lake was next. I loved how the rays shown down from the sky. I felt it was God's grace being extended to us for the day. Besides, the heat from the sun felt SO good!
We skipped stones. Clif and Shane are the experts. Cathy and my stones just went plunk into the lake!
Aiden then just takes off running, and Shane runs after him. He didn't catch up to him until the bridge on the other side. Boy is Aiden fast!
Knowing that Aiden was safe with Dad, we were able to enjoy a leisurely walk. The gravel road leading to the lake. That hill would have been the other 2 miles we didn't hike Friday.
This is the mountain Clif and I climbed the day before. We sure were huffing and puffing by the time we reached the summit.
Averi enjoying the peacefulness before Aiden joins her.
He enjoys his Ninja poses. Averi is a great big sister to him.
We took one last hike to Ada Hi Falls. It was a short .25 mile hike which we did in 20 minutes. But I must admit it is quite steep. At a 58% grade in many areas, we were forced to climb many stairs. The views were pretty, and we were surprised to see water trickling even though it was so dry.
Sunday's sunrise at 7:15.
We said "good-bye" to our temporary home of Black Rock Mountain. The building and rock area is the Visitor Center and rocks the kids so enjoyed romping around.
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