After such a hard effort at the end of a big three-week build, it was critical to focus on recovery today. So no run, but yes to the hike up to Cascade Falls. There’s something about the sound of a rushing creek offset by the wet-mossy-woodsy smells and dappled sunlight through the hardwood canopy that I find rejuvenating. Plus, there’s a pool up near the big falls that I waded into and gave my used-up legs a good, cool soaking. The view of the falls is the best from the middle of the pool and it’s just as pretty as they describe it on the page I link to above.
On the way down, I wanted to run and hop my way down the stony path, so I did a little. It seemed easier to let gravity carry me down than walk carefully trying to keep traction and balance. The Crumpler saw how much fun I was having doing that and also gave the running downhill thing a shot. I heard his steps behind me, then hear the collective gasp of the family coming towards us in the other direction, hear a crashing noise, then turn around to see him finishing his roll and return to his feet. Quite a display. Since he was smiling, I assumed he was OK and laughed. The father of the family tells his kids, “now that’s why you don’t run on the trails.” I’d argue he was making the wrong point altogether. He should actually be saying, “Now that’s how you roll to not hurt yourself when you fall when running on the trails.” Because running on trails is awesome and should be encouraged. Of course, those were his kids, so his call. Each to his own. It was a good hike.
Then we drove the last two climbs from yesterday’s ride to relive the experience. In retrospect, that final climb doesn’t let up at all. Once it kicks up over 10% or so, it’s stays steep. From the truck, I saw some of the beautiful views that I somehow missed when staring at the pavement in lactate heck. The climb is way easier in a motorized vehicle.
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