Descriptive Essay: My Trip To Fish Canyon Trail

After leaving the falls we arrive at a location that I had done considerable pre-scouting in studying the aerials and topos as well as viewing from different angles from various visits to Fish Canyon. Up we climb through difficult and steep terrain, unstable rocks, loose footing, thick brush, poison oak, and other hostile plants. Thankfully the weather is pleasant with some light clouds and temps in the 60s. Our shoes and long pants are getting wet and muddy from plants still wet from yesterday’s rain. Pushing through thick stands of coastal sagebrush and white sage releases wonderful aroma. Route finding is tricky at times as we attempt to find the best way through and around thick walls of vegetation. There is an element of crazy to what we are doing. Vigilance and safety are paramount. After 90 minutes of arduous climbing and gaining about 400 vertical feet, we achieve a turn-around point with a commanding view of the canyon and beyond. After 25 minutes of enjoying our peaceful perch, we retraced our steps down. Forty minutes of demanding down-climb delivers us safely back to Fish Canyon Trail.
Wow, that was something! What a relief to be back on a safe and comfortable path. What a gift to have a fine trail allowing casual forest visitors to penetrate deep into wild places safely without having to embark on treacherous