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Just
beyond the head of Stairs Falls, we discovered a relatively level spot
that others had camped at before. Although it was too near the trail to
meet the official guidelines for backcountry camping, we thought it would
be better to stay there than to risk messing up a new unspoiled area.
Unfortunately,
the site was a bit messy, but we cleaned it up (and later packed out the
garbage), and then set up camp. First, I helped Erin and Holly set up
their tent, a Eureka Timberline that we borrowed from our neighbors. Then,
Toi and I set up our Jack Wolfskin Blue Moon, which is actually a winter
mountaineering tent, but was fine in the cool fall weather.
When
we were done setting up camp, we scrambled down to the brook to filter
some water for lunch.
After slipping on the rocks trying to get close to a deep pool in the
brook, Holly and I decided to use a second bottle and stand on drier
ground while filtering. While we messed around with the filter, Muffin
found her own way to get a drink.
After
lunch a short rest, we decided to take a hike upstream to Cloudland Falls.
On the way, we crossed Dry Brook again just below Swiftwater Falls, then
climbed up a steep embankment to the head of the falls.
Finally,
we reached Cloudland Falls, which at 80 ft, are the highest falls along
the trail. The falls are quite pretty, and we could feel the cool spray
before we even saw the falls. Erin and Holly continued up the trail to the
head of the falls, while I stayed down with Toi and Muffin, relaxing and
enjoying the views.
Later,
back at our campsite, we cooked macaroni and cheese for supper, cleaned
up, and listened to the relaxing sound of nearby Stairs Falls. After it
began to get dark, we built a fire in the fire ring that someone had made
in the site, and sat around singing Girl Scout campfire songs and eating
s'mores. In the distance, we could see the light at the top of the tramway
on Cannon Mtn, and a few stars filtering through the trees. Finally, we
put everything away, hung up the bear bag for the night, and went to bed.
We
had a little trouble sleeping because the site wasn't perfectly level and
we kept sliding to one end of the tent. But it wasn't too serious, and the
fresh mountain air made up for it. We woke up to a foggy fall morning, had
breakfast, took down camp, and headed back to the car. |
Setting
up camp. I'm helping Erin and Holly set up their tent, a Eureka Timberline
that we borrowed from our neighbors. |
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