Kanarraville Falls

7 came early this morning especially since I didn't get to be until after 2.  No matter, I slept enough and was excited to go hike Ashdown Gorge this morning.  The only challenge is that we didn't go to Ashdown Gorge.  Morgan had checked it out on a quick trip up the canyon and found that the land slide from last year had affected the area some and so we went to Kanarraville Falls instead.  This was not a big deal to me as I hadn't previously hiked Kanarra and had it on my list of hikes to do.  There were a few of us on the hike - Morgan Ellsworth, Ron Cardon, Matt Massy (was the starting center for the T-Birds for the last couple of years anyway, from Australia, fantastic guy), Jake and Chad.  I just met Matt, Jake and Chad this morning.  All nice guys. 

This was a great hike.  The start is a bit dry and goes straight up a hill but once you get in to the river bed it turns into some amazing scenery.  We were just about the first ones on the trail and had a great hike in.  We ended up going in just under 4 miles.  That took us up a couple of waterfalls and past a natural water slide, and through some amazing canyon walls.  I loved it and felt really good throughout the hike.  There were moments when my legs were feeling it a bit but all in all it was a great hike.  I think the kids would absolutely love it if I can get them up into the water.  I guess I should explain that the trail cuts back and forth through the river and then there are moments where it is straight up through the river.  There is a large log climb up the first waterfall and getting the kids up that might be a small challenge but I think they can handle it.  The bigger challenge would be the second waterfall climb with a much thinner log to climb.  I don't think they would be too upset if we didn't quite go that far in and they would still get to see the natural water slides.  I am sure they would want to do it.  Me, not so much.  That water was cold and though it wasn't a big deal after I could'nt feel my feet any longer I don't know that I want to submerge my entire self in it. 

I did enjoy getting to know Matt a bit.  We talked Australia some, we talked the game of Cricket, we talked Vegamite sandwiches.  I asked him what Australian sandwich would be good for The Little Brick House.  He didn't come up with one so I suggested the Vegamite.  He loves the stuff but neither of us were so sure it would be a good fit.  We laughed some because at 6'10" the water that got up to his knees was mid thigh for me.  All things balance out though because I didn't have to bend down near as far to get under low hanging tree branches.  After the hike Ron, Matt and I went in to the LBH for lunch.  It was the first time Matt had been and he loved it.  Even convinced him to have a Ginger Brew which he quite enjoyed as it reminded him of the Ginger Brew from Australia. 

Growing up I didn't find a lot of joy in hiking.  To me it just seemed like too much work.  I have grown to love hiking.  I love being out in nature and enjoying some of the amazing beauties of this earth.  I also quite enjoy the exercise part of it.  Running on the eliptical is only so exciting.  Getting out there on a trail, cutting through a river, climbing up a waterfall, you really can't mimic that on an eliptical.  We are looking at hitting the Narrows in Zion National Park in about three weeks.  I am excited about that one.  It has been about 15 years since I last went to the Narrows and we didn't hike back far enough for it to start getting narrow.  That is all river walking and it is quite a bit deeper then the water we were in today.  Fortunately it is also a bit warmer. 

So Kanarraville Falls - I give it two thumbs up. I am not an official hiking trail critic so take that for what it is worth. I suggest going early. There were quite a few people on the trail when we were on our way back out. Also, young kids. Where it isn't exactly kid unfriendly there may be a few spots that pose a challenge for younger kids.

Here are some pics from the hike.