The encounter started on Tuesday. I called to confirm with the hike leader of the group that I joined - I wanted to go on the upcoming gorge riverbed hike. I sat in mute silence for a second when he actually began to interview me, I couldn't believe it.
What hiking experience have I had? Was I in shape? Could I identify poison ivy? Did I have any problems hiking in wet boots - because we we're going to get wet? Could I climb down cliffs? Scramble over wet rock? When he was satisfied, apparently, that I could cut it, he told me where and when to meet up.
I hung up - I knew the hike was going to be interesting.
Fast forward to the hike...
He wasn't kidding - it was a VERY technical hike. We free climbing down cliffs, scrambled over icy slick rocks, climbed boulders, and waded through churning streams. Not to mention tramped through poison ivy, ran face first into a number of spider webs, and cracked our shins countless times. It took us 3 hours to go TWO miles.
I can now understand why the hike leader interviewed me.
Why did I/we do it? Besides the Wandering Men answer - it was there - it was a great workout, and the scenery in the gorge was amazing. The numerous rock formations and outcroppings, waterfalls, and especially the stone arch were worth the sweat and bruises. And the expected/unexpected time spent playing in the water was a treat!
One of the members of the group brought his digital camera, and he took some amazing pictures. He deserves a lot of thanks for capturing the day so vividly.
Check out the slide show!
My pictures and video will only pale by comparison now...I took a disposable camera and a waterproof video camera - it kept on ticking after I took it under a waterfall multiple times - hopefully we can get some media posted soon.
The encounter started on Tuesday. I called to confirm with the hike leader of the group that I joined - I wanted to go on the upcoming gorge riverbed hike. I sat in mute silence for a second when he actually began to interview me, I couldn't believe it. 
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