Story

Watch Your Step.  The sounds of crashing waterfalls floated across the trail, bouncing off the trees, slowly fading away in the lush underbrush.  Zigzagging up long, gradual switchbacks the anticipation began to rise as the moisture hang heavy in the air.  At each bend in the path Rogue sprinted to the moss covered cliffs to stare down the steep slopes, hoping to catch a glimpse of the hidden whitewater.  Echoes rang off the distant mountainside, rising up from the churning river that surged through the deep, shrouded ravine below.  Excitement quietly transformed into despair, “Had we been tricked? No way did we miss it!”  I thought.  Before I could finish mumbling my confusion underneath my breath, Rogue pulled her leash taught, urging me forward.  Peering over the edge I watched the whitewater pour over the jagged rocks, and disappear into the cold, black river below.  Vibrant greenish-gold moss ran rampant on the banks, covering every damp inch of rock in soft, slippery muck. Walking to the shoreline I dipped my hand into the frigid water, sending goosebumps up my arm as I gently splashed a cooling wave in Rogue’s direction.  We had finally found paradise amongst the trees.