I almost couldn’t believe this trail started in my neighborhood, winding through the backyards of houses. Somewhere in hidden in the high grass, crickets chirped. The dell between the mountain peaks quickly went from a far off feature on the horizon, to a towering presence that blocked the sun from view.
At the edge of the forest, a warning sign stood beside the base of a rock staircase:
Warning: Steep Rocky Trail
Section Requires Hands and Feet to Ascend
Not Suitable for Pets or Bikes
The trail snaked beneath a canopy of swaying pines, crisscrossing a shallow creek that babbled over an innumerable succession of waterfalls.
As promised, the trail pressed closer into the rock outcropping that lined the steep valley. The mossy rock was cool against my hands as I felt for sturdy handholds, making steady progress through the scramble section.
I had anticipated this obstacle after consulting the map. My plan had been to keep my camera stowed until after I had completed the climbing section. Judging by the topographical map, the trail after that became a gradual jaunt through the upper meadow, where I was expecting some dramatic views overlooking the valley.
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