Recon

In an effort to introduce more people to the magic of naycha we decided to plan an easy going group hike. It started out as a beginner-level outting that everyone could get into. The trail I originally had in mind was the same one referred to in the Walk In The Park post. Quick and easy with lots of pix to take.

With the big day approaching so did the focus of the hike. Instead of a single trail it soon became a combo-trail consisting of three intersecting trails. Each required a different level of skill with the last section being the easiest and most picturesque.

Two of the three trails are the subject of previous hiking posts. The first was the starting point for all of the "muddy" hikes we did. And as stated previously, the Walk In The Park trail was the last part. It would be the middle trail that was shrouded in mystery especially since we'd never done it.

Game day was only a week away and participation suddenly peaked. There was some stress to ensure a safe, fun time for all and with good reason. This would be the last hike for me as planner so success would mean perpetuity and continued interest as the group grew bigger. On the other hand a disastrous or bad time would certainly keep the hobby limited to our small group.

That same weekend I decided to run a recon hike. Due to recent rainy weather it would be a good opportunity to check trail conditions, verify all trails were interconnected, and determine timing and difficulty level. The data would come in handy for all participants in final preparation (I thought).

I planned to run a solo recon trip through the trails. This was generally a safe system so I wasn't concerned although I should have been. It never occured to me that once I completed the first leg (trail-1 to trail-2 to trail-3) I'd have to work my way backwards most of which was uphill. Fortunately my aching feet would be spared when it became a duo hike with one of us parking at the start and the other at the end.

We met outside trail-3's exit then jumped into one car and headed up to trail-1 before starting off. The trailhead revealed nice dry conditions which helped expedite the journey. Except for a few small streams along the way there were relatively few signs of the recent rainy weather.

With little effort we reached trail-2 and were suprised to learn the trail conditions were a bit more slick, muddy, and hazardous. Caution was important as we proceeded downhill through the forest of bamboo. There were areas where parts of the path were seriously eroded and others where branches and other debris blocked the walkway.

The trail led entirely downhill just as I hoped. My contention was that the trail led eventually exited somewhere near the valley waterfall. Continuing along the winding path would either lead us within 20' of that spot or end with a long, hard walk back up the mountain.

Within 10 minutes it was obvious there were was recent erosion due to flashflooding. An uprooted tree lay across the trail. Snapped branches and several landslides marked the path as well. Even evidence of a large boulder or object crashing into a tree leaving wood splinters suggested danger. This along with slick footing and the inesecable mud and water puddles all attributed to the distinctiveness of the trail.

After about an hour or so the waterfall was finally in earshot. We could hear the rumbling of water crashing into the shallow pool below. As we approached the trail junction we knew our mission was coming to a close.

The final trail was by far the easiest and it would be a quick exit. Having made good time and with little difficulty our concern was the trail conditions. Various groups tend to maintain the trail system so we hoped they would clear out the debris by next weekend. We'd see how things went over the week and were looking forward to the return visit with everone else.