step falls | River's world…..

We kept climbing higher, getting closer to the falls.

But did you see it? In the bottom right hand corner…

I didn’t when I was filming, but then I took a picture.

Yeah.

While I usually pick up litter we find along the way while hiking? This I left alone.

I don’t even want to know….

Up a thoughtfully constructed rock staircase.

Deeper into the woods.

I kept thinking, geesh. Are we ever going to reach the top?

One required sun drenched selfie later…

Past the well marked trail tree…

We finally saw the top.

The view was going to be killer… I knew it.

Anxiously preparing for the money shot, I found this –

Huh…?

You mean I hauled my (considerable) butt up this hill/ gorge/ mini mountain for bupkus?

WTF!

They even had the flags running across the falls themselves.

Damned right it is! Why would you open a waterfall up to the public, create a trail, install a bench, mark that trail very carefully so people could find the top….and then not let them access the top? It’s criminal, I tell you.

Criminal.

And it made me wonder if the discarded unmentionables I saw down below were in way of protest.

I felt the same outrage! But not quite enough outrage to leave my own behind. There are limits… even for me.

Making our way back down to the parking lot I was so ticked off I didn’t take any pictures, until I saw this…

And thought…

Trees and rocks… rocks and trees ahead.

You’ve been warned.

Oh, come on.

Early morning day 4, we woke with the sun and headed out for a hike to Step Falls.

I wish I could convey the sense of peace that envelops me when I walk into a forest. The fresh air of natural places, the gentle breeze swaying the leaves. The sweet songs of the birds, the whisper of the trees. It’s pure magic.

I don’t know who’s responsible for finding these wild and beautiful places and opening them to the public… but I’ll be forever grateful.

Step Falls in Bethel, Maine. In October when we visited… gently cascading streams. In spring during snow melt season? Torrents of angry water rushing down the mountain not caring what lies in it’s path.

Many of the places we visit are free to the public, but are maintained by local volunteers who ask that you donate to help with costs. Most people never do, so we make a point of it each and every time.