Gold Coast or Mosquito Coast?- You make the choice.
Frank's version of day 3-
We decided to press on to Taquahmenon Falls as the rain would not abate. Once at the park we ate a quick peanut butter sandwich hoping better weather would prevail. But alas the rain continued and as no one had rain gear and each person had to make the decision on what to wear. Alex and Nick went with no protection. I took an umbrella and Denise choose to honor her Bag Lady roots and cut wholes in a plastic bag and use it as a way too tight poncho. An amusing site.
We walked our way down to find the beautiful brown and copper water surge of the 100 foot drop Upper Falls. Powerful. After a short stay for pictures the rain diminished and it was determined that we all wanted to attempt the 4 mile (each way) river trail walk. You know us, the sign said it would take 4 to 5 hours as the trail was slow and difficult- but phew...we know better, 4 miles would be a short and easy walk...we do it around Reeds Lake all the time. So after putting on bug spray, for the second time, off we went, happily unaware of the trek ahead.
The grey skies lightened, the clouds began to break apart and the first glimmer of blue helped us with start the hike to the Lower Falls a mere 4 miles along the river.
The hike started fairly well but soon the ease of the path turned more difficult. Tree roots everywhere you stepped slowing our progress. Up and down, over tree trunks, It was getting steamier as the days rains had left it humid and now the sun was heating up as well. And then the mosquitoes and flies decided to join our party. We reached a point as we descended to the river where the trail was covered in water. Alex and Denise questioned if we should go back...Nick and I said lets forge ahead. We walked on a bit. I swear we had walked what must be three miles...but that glee was turned back as we reached the first trail marking indicating that we had only traveled 1 mile and three more lay ahead. With Alex and Denise falling further behind and the flies and bugs taking their toll ...the party decided to break up. Denise and Alex returning for the car as they could no long tolerate the constant bombardment of the bugs. Nick and I decided to take the challenge ahead and pushed on.
For Nick and I the trail for the next 2 miles was very soggy as the trail leveled down near the rivers edge. Tall grasses and god knows what type of poisonous plants covered the water soaked trail. But we moved ahead. It continued slow and hot with my feet being soaked in water and mud.
But it was quiet and peaceful. While I could have done with out the mosquitoes and flies they did not overwhelm me. It took much energy climbing up and down the difficult trail and doing all I could to avoid the poisonous plants. It would be a miracle if our legs were not covered in itch that is poison oak, sumac and ivy.
We made our way to mile maker 3 indicating just one more mile. Our goal was to beat Denise and Alex to the Lower Falls. But the path had been slow. Then the trail eased a bit and Nick and I were able to move faster as we could see the rapids starting to develop in the river that lined our path. We knew we were getting close when we started to see a few more people venturing down the path up from the Lower Falls. We laughed as we thought they have no idea what lay ahead of them.
To our surprise we beat Denise and Alex to the Lower Falls and while the hike was difficult, it was a rewarding experience shared by Nick and myself, having overcome the bugs, heat, water and difficult terrain. I wonder how others felt about the day and will let them share their story.
Alex's Day 3-
Woke up to rain. Looked like it would make for a really nice run for Nick and myself. As we walked outside we learned that it was in fact a terrential downpour. We came back in and regrouped. Waiting out the hardest of the rain we headed to Taquahmenon Falls. We headed down and got a good look at the Upper Falls. After a brief viewing we headed out towards the trail to the Lower Falls.
It started as most hikes do. Some tougher spots to get through and a lot of mud. What I was not prepared for was the onslaught of mosquitos and flies. Now they say July is black fly season in the U.P. and I would say that does not paint the full picture of what these flies did. They were literally dive bombing into my hair. I would hit at them they would fly off then attack again. Along with the flies were the mosquitos constantly attacking my legs and neck. Mom and I stopped multiple times to spray bugspray, enough that we left the forest in a fog of deet. We came up on one spot and finally I had had enough. Lucky for me, mom was in the same boat, we took the keys to the car and hiked back out the mere mile and a half we had gone. It was sweet relief to get out of the forest and back to the car and a cool drink. The forest had won. All we could do was regain our composure and drive to the lower falls to pick up Dad and Nick.
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