but this weather isn’t supposed to last. Next week we’re due for some real November weather. Rodney Falls were going pretty good, probably helped along by all the snow that melted recently.
I’ve seen these cliffs many times, but still find them fascinating, particularly when lit by the early morning sun.
Below, in the Gorge, Falls colors were in full swing.
I had an absolutely clear view of Table and Adams from the top of Hamilton – not a trace of snow left. Except for a small cloud just to the right of Adams, the sky was unblemished blue.
It was sunny and unusually warm, but also very windy. When I crossed the rocky saddle N of Hamilton, I had to brace with my walking stick. After that, it was down Don’s Way, across the equestrian bridge over Hardy Creek, up the (almost finished) trail connecting the bridge to the road, then along the road to the East Hardy Ridge Trail, which took me to the top of the ridge, with its great view of Hood.
I made a try for Phlox Point but the wind was howling across the ridge and it was a fight to stand while also moving forward. After several hundred yards of being knocked around like my cat’s mousey toy, I turned back and found a sheltered spot for lunch. After that, I headed down the trail on the west side of the ridge - no wind but a little overgrown in spots – to the road leading either back to Rodney Falls or the equestrian TH. Rather than retrace my route, I decided to make a full loop by walking back to my car at Beacon Rock via the equestrian TH and the road back to Hwy 14 (the gate to the upper lot is closed M-Th, so I was parked along Hwy 14). The road wasn’t very aesthetic, but it did allow for a true loop of about 11 mi and 3300’. Another great day (mostly) in the woods!
