Wildcat Mountain and Raven Cliffs Falls

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I'm not sure why my leg is like that, but I think it has something to do with the fact that I was on the verge of falling off the mountain.

Contrary to popular belief, this blog is not forgotten. I report when news happens... and news hasn't been happening. At least not to me.

Last weekend, a few of us left early to head up to Hog Pen Gap (elevation 3485 feet) to hike "up" (I use that term loosely) Wildcat "Mountain" (also used loosely). After a disappointing "climb" (you get the idea, right?), we reached the "summit" which, fortunately enough, offered a fairly decent view of the gap. It was overcast all day, which created a bad photographic experience. But, the temperature was nice and there was no rain, which created a great hiking experience.

After tackling Wildcat Mountain, we hiked a little further to the shelter, then back to the cars.

With a whole afternoon of daylight still left, Wanda and I decided to take the gang to one of our favorite spots: Raven Cliffs.

Ben's idea of relaxing

My idea of relaxing

Ben and Josh made the climb up the side of the falls. It's fun to do and it's pretty cool once you get up there, but Wanda and I chose to just rest beside the falls and take some time to just soak in the air, the scenery, and the smell of hippies emanating from the tree line. After being rudely awoken by various objects being hurled at my face, I was informed that the hippies had overtaken us. With more insect bites than a single human should be able to survive, these individuals (we'll call them "The Others" for convenience) came out of nowhere, barefoot and shabbily dressed, with expert survival skills and straw hats. We decide against following them back to their city (with its gazebo and book club) and opt instead to hike back to our submarine car.

After eating at "That Homecooking Place in Helen," whatever it's called, we headed back home. Total round trip: about 15 hours. Not a bad way to spend a free Saturday.

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