Backpacking Plan B

We met Theresa and hit the road up to Bull of the Woods. The drive went really well until we hit a road block about 15 miles from the trailhead. And I mean a literal road block. The road was closed! While Theresa was willing to hike into the trailhead (she’s such a diehard) the rest of us voted to head back to the ranger station in Estacada and find out our options.

We made the long drive back into town only to discover the rangers were all on lunch break. So we had our lunch break, too while we waited for them to open. When we got inside we discovered a trail with camping right along the river and much closer than the 1 1/2 hour detour on gravel roads to our previous destination.

Unfortunately during our waiting time, Andy started to feel sick. Not wanting to hike in with the stomach flu, we headed over to Mike’s second hand store to give Andy some time to see how he felt. We found all kinds of treasures and even bought Chris and new computer bag and a Christmas gift for my dad. In the meantime, Andy’s Pepto kicked in and we headed to the trailhead.

After a bit of packing and adjusting, we hit the trail to camp…

Betsy is ready to go

 

last minute packing

Will’s ready

so are Zack and Andy but they don’t look as excited

lots of trees fell this past winter

  

the half-cave (there wasn’t much water in the falls anymore and it was kind of pathetic)

  

crossing the creek

Chris and I were on our own since the young’ns went speeding on ahead

check out how big that tree behind our tent is!

this really cool tree was right next to the river by camp

 

the river by camp

our first campfire

We were all bushed when we flopped into our bags that night!

Day Hike to Pup Creek Falls

The map talked of Pup Creek Falls not far from where we camped. We decided to make a day hike to check it out after lunch.

warming water for breakfast on the fire

Betsy hung out behind the tent because she hated the fire

we spent the morning reading…

watching rafters go by…

and playing War

With the water so low, we weren’t expecting too much of the falls. But we were NOT disappointed… They were gorgeous and the highlight of the trip!

crossing Pup Creek

exploring around Pup Creek

   

heading up the trail to the falls

  

the upside down tree

the falls

waiting for Chris and I to arrive

we just had to explore and bit and get closer

and climb up to check out the pools

 

 the view from the pool

family pics

leaving the falls

one of the power line clearings

bridge over the bog

through the woods

through the grass

we filtered LOTS of water from the river

hanging out at camp

Theresa tried to start a fire with her shoelace like Survivor Man

it didn’t work as well for her :o)