Sound the Trumpets!

There is one place I have always wanted to visit......The Walls of Jericho.  So, when Meme T, Papa G and Big A decided last week that the perfect day had arrived to pack up the gear, drive to the starting point, and hike down the mountain to see the "walls", I could not wait to include myself in this little hike.  Wrong!  JR had a bad attack of "something" and we wound up driving to the big city to seek out emergency treatment.  Fortunately, Meme T took lots of pictures because she knew I was sobbing uncontrollably over not being able to hike down the mountain for 2 hours and then hike back UP the mountain another 2 1/2 hours!!  (No four-wheelers allowed on the trails - just humans, snakes, and wild animals!  There is a separate trail for horseback riders but unfortunately we don't have a horse....just an old mule!)  After putting on old clothing and comfortable walking shoes, the adventure began.....


 



First you drive many miles to a remote mountain top where you arrive at the starting point.  It's a good idea to carry water, a knife, snacks, first aide supplies, toothbrushes,  jackets, rain gear etc. just in case.....

 

 

As you can see, Big A and Papa T are totally empty handed.  So much for being prepared!  What if they sprained an ankle, or got snake bit, or attacked by bees, or met a bear, or got lost and had to spend the night on the trail????  Horrors!!  And there is no cell phone service way out in the wilderness!! What were they thinking???

 

 

 

 

It's a good thing Big A was a Boy Scout in his younger days.  He demonstrated how to safely cross a swollen creek walking along a log.  Yikes!  

Meme T and Papa G seem to have gotten stuck!  Just close your eyes, hold on and keep inching along.  You can do it!

Big A carving his initials in the "old oak tree".  Look closely and you can see that many others have done the same thing.  

The scenery was beyond spectacular......

The sunlight lent a golden shimmer to the rippling water.  Nature is one fantastic lady!  (Why do we call "nature" a she as in Mother Nature?  How do we know that "nature" is a lady??) 

Another hiker enjoying the view.  See his backpack?  He was prepared!!

Waterfalls abound near The "Walls of Jericho". 

For hundreds of years the "Walls of Jericho" were home to native Indians.  Fresh water, lots of game, protection from the elements....

 

 

 



Taking a break before starting back up the mountain...

Big A sitting at the foot of the "walls".

 

 

 

 

 

 

Starting home......look closely.......see the hiker in front?  He is loaded down with emergency gear.  Maybe he would have been willing to share....or maybe not.  Take notice.....be prepared!  Isn't that the Boy Scout motto?  Or is that the Marines' motto?  Well, it's a good motto regardless!  Fortunately, Papa G, Meme T, and Big A made it back to the starting point safely after hours and hours of hiking.  Meme T can't wait to do it again!!!!  LOL  Next time I will just have to go because someone has to keep these "younguns"safe!