Owned!

Who'd have thought a simple word like that could create such bad vibes. Today, gamers typically use it to imply a thrashing was laid upon one or more player's backsides. But when not used in gaming terms, it's both funny and uncool.

On this hike, we had a fairly large group of nine. A few were familiar with the trail but it was a new adventure for most. We had a few kids with us who wanted to share the experience.

Luckily, weather wasn't a problem. We double checked our gear, took the "before" pix, then started the trail. The pace was even and allowed for much picture taking along the way.

There wasn't much fanfare and the march continued through the mud past the first junction. We continued for about an hour with an occassional slip, here and there. More slipping would occur when we entered the trail junction leading to the lookout.

The entire area is filled with raised tree roots which seem to form a diabolical web of mud and water pockets. Helping to retain the moisture in the goo is a thick canopy that helps block the sun from drying it out. Not much help for the first timers.

It wouldn't be so bad if the roots were low. But damn, they are high and low and wide and narrow. It's all random and all slippery. For most, it was step and slip. You were lucky if you stepped into the puddle but if you didn't, then that means you slipped and ate it.

We finally reached the lookout and took a well deserved break. More pix were taken before another group of hikers (college kids) appeared on the trail. They looked to be in worse shape then us, muddied, tired, and beaten by the slippery environment. After a time they left.

About then, we too decided on our next course of action. We pre-planned a lunch picnic after the hike and time was running short. A sensible decision needed to be made so with all in agreement, we pushed on to the waterfall.

To be fair, the trail isn't quite a walk in the park. It's a bit taxing with many hazards and obstacles along the way. There are holes and rocks and trees and ledges that require careful attention and patience. After an hour or so, our goal was reached - not the actual waterfall but the spine where it becomes clearly visible and audible.

After everyone caught up and more pix were taken, we headed back down for a quick and dirty exit. More slipping, more falling, more mud. It was fun (I thought) and I suppose everyone else did, eventually.

Can't really say the same for the college kids we met earlier. As we left the trail and headed for a good lunch, we noticed a large group of muddy, sad looking individuals strewn about the side of the road. It had just started to drizzle and as we passed slowly by a broken voice could be heard saying, "take us with you".

A quick moment of silence followed. Then, like a monster rearing its head for a vicious attack, a child turns and says, "Owned!" Ah, I tell ya these kids nowadays say the darndest things!!