My buddy and I seem to seek out find danger wherever we go. Be it skydiving, whitewater rafting, or backcountry hiking we have a real knack of putting our lives in jeopardy. Knowing this, we opted for a mild weekend excursion – car camping at Stone Mountain in Western NC with a short hike around the looped trail. Seriously, what could go wrong?
After picking up Coop’s dad, we arrived at Stone Mountain around 2PM. Coincidentally, this was the same time the thunderclouds arrived. Without haste, the three of us set up the site: tents, tarp and fire. Not much long after the rain came down and our fire went out. Suck.
As the deluge ensued we shot the breeze, snapped a few photos, and waited the 30 minutes it took for the rain to stop. When it did, we laced up our boots and hit the trail. Rain scared would be hikers, but the deer were aplenty.
COOP: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5…
POPS: 6, 7, 8…
ME: Whoa.
I ventured off the path, down the embankment, and into the field for a few close-ups. Simply amazing.
Further on down, up, and to the left we came upon a rock ledge and a fancy sign warning us of eminent danger. As my niece would say, “W-E-M-L”. We moved down and closer to the sound of rushing water.
Ahead of us, the fast-moving stream moved down the rock face and over a ledge to a pool 100 feet below. Minor problem. Someone put a fence in the way. Well, the fence magically disappeared and I went for a photo op on the other side of the waterway. Slip, fall, stand. Close one. Slip, fall…slide, holy shiitake! The rushing water swept my feet out from under me and I was now staring at the ledge not but 50 feet downstream. A split second later, I saw a log and grabbed hold. Clinging for dear life, I looked at Coop for a little help. He waved and opted to snap a few photos rather than assist me. Thanks Coop! Great photos btw. Now, how ‘bout a little help here!
Yeah, no love was thrown my way (and neither was any rope). My rescue was DIY. Careful not to ruin my cigar, I slinked my knees against the log, pushed up carefully, and returned to my feet. Phew! I’m safe. Better yet, my cigar is dry. And Coop? Well, the mills of the gods grind slowly, but they grind exceedingly fine. Yes, he will get his.
Back on the trail we walked a ways more until making our way to the top of Stone Mountain. This time I was a wee bit more careful. Coop, however, was not. First, he encountered a timber rattlesnake and was forced to climb a tree to escape. Giggle. Not long after, he got a little too close to the edge of the summit’s precipice, lost his footing and slid down the mountain before catching his foot on a branch that was growing out of a crack in the rock. Guffaw. Luckily, I was able to snap a photo of his blunder before tossing him a rope. You’re welcome Coop.
The day ended with a few more cigars, some good stories, and a long stern talk from Coop’s pops. Not bad. We lived to tell the tale, but not one worthy of I Shouldn’t Be Alive! There’s always next time.
Have any questions? Leave me a comment below or send me an e-mail at TiTy@y2kemo.com.
Related posts:
