Beacon Rock: In Deep, Er, High

The climb continues...

Getting out of the picture: FAIL ;)

More sheer cliffage

Breathtaking! Can't wait to see it from the top...

We were actually early. And done climbing by 8:30. And this is a really odd place for a door.

Lookin' up

Lookin' down

The views were so rewarding

Quick couple break

The handrails were neat- but seemingly improvised and rickety!

Strange little hole in the side wall

Switchbacks galore. Seriously, what possessed them to even build this path? In the early 1900s no less! Estimating how many people died in the construction was definitely a favorite topic on the way up!

Neat scenery, steep switchback ahead

Nice little stream by the big ol' river

Zoom zoom zoom

Oh, the resilience of nature

Another great view of the gorge

My theme for the day: the resilience of nature. I just couldn't believe the things that grew where they did!

Like here

And here!

Enjoying the hike

One of the bridges- with just space below- eeks.

Another hardy plant.
Can I just say, gawd I took a lot of pictures of this GD hike!

More flowers, yada yada

Never forget where you've come from!

High up now- looking out into the sky

What a tangled web Beacon Rock weaves...

Gettin' close to the top, obvi!

Just, wow. Awesome.

Straight down

Straight up

Goin' up

The stream again

And the railroad track

I know you don't even believe me, but FINALLY, we've reached the top!!

Awe-inspiring, really

Mossy rock wall by the stairs

Man at the top, in so many ways

The view from the top

Even though the lighting and my face suck, this is one of my favorite pics

Another pic at the top- we lingered a while because we had worked so hard for this moment!

Beacon Rock- consider yourself conquered!!

Proof that I was there!