Day 31 - Smith Rock

The Team assembles at the trailhead. Today, it's Rope de Dope. Yes, that is really a trail.

The environment here is harsh.

Up on the rim, we observe yet another US Navy upside-down rainbow. We have seen these a few times in Sedona, but never here. It is a side effect of testing their Charged-Particle Point Defence System. It is always accompanied by a low thrumming sound and Black Helicopters. Why are they testing it here?

Down in the canyon, the wall climbers are oblivious to the danger. Of upside-down rainbows.

The descent to the river pauses at a bench with crazy views.

The navy rainbow watches over the Smith Rock parade of craggy characters.

And more crazy views.

Tiny purple flowers - the only example of this variety we noted today.

Grass in support of rock.

Moss laden snags.

A trail divides it.

And yet more crazy views.

It's only fun if I get to charge down this staircase you know.

We are surprised by the sudden arrival of the latest in Black Helicopters, the ominous BH-22S. Now, they have the attention of the wall climbers. We take cover under a bush.

The local rescue shed, containing all the tools you might need for a high-angle wall-climber rescue.

Spot the climber.

A nice stroll along the canyon floor before the long climb out.

The Team on the climb out.

More crazy views.

Spot the climber.

Back up at the parking lot level. The view is still stunning.

What concerns the locals here in the tiny town of Tumalo.

Once again we hit the Tumalo gas bar. Where Tumaloans have a comment about our current weather conundrum too. Thank goodness they didn't say Canadians.

 

 

 

 

 

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