Seven Falls is an 8 mile r.t. hike with a 650' elevation gain. My day starts early, as I want to make it to Phoenix this evening, for a dance lesson.
There is an option of cutting off 1.5 miles by taking a shuttle bus to a closer trail head, but why would I want to hurry and pass this up?
In addition to pepper spray, which now rests in my palm, I arm myself with the following protocol, should an encounter occur:
Make myself appear as large as possible.
Make noise.
Make eye contact.
Never run, bend or crouch down.
Slowly create distance.
Fight back, protect the neck and throat.
Something as simple as removing your sunglasses can make a difference, as a hiker discovered in 2013. http://tucson.com/news/science/environment/hiker-mountain-lion-survive-close-encounter-on-tucson-trail/article_cf0ab911-8fb6-574a-ab3a-2edf4d22112e.html
Although I never completely forget about the cats, I become more at ease, stowing the pepper spray in my pocket.
It's warming up as the day wears on, having me shed layers as I go.
I'm well into the canyon now having made 5 or so river crossings. I know I'm getting close.
And then I arrive. I've seen some beautiful sites on this trip, and this rates among the top. I stand in awe, marveling at the chiseled pulchritude before me.
It is simply jaw dropping.
Yes, there are 7 falls. |
Great scenery and photos. Mountain lions, huh? It is a wonder there is enough game to support many. judy
ReplyDeleteHey, these aren't the Grand Tetons! >;(
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