For those of you just tuning in My name is Jessica (AKA Pinky) can you guess how I got that nickname? Anyway your in for another thrilling Adventure of the Bubble Gum Gang. Though a few of our members couldn't make this hike due to prier commitment for some and others were just plain Chicken (lol no they had good reasons) to not make this hike.
Well we planned to start the hike at 8am but we forgot about the timezone difference meaning it would be 7am central time. (I know some of you are thinking 7am are you crazy!! Well we had to wake up at about 545am to be around and ready. With the length of the hike it was better to start early and get out of the trail before dark.) We had a few Members that would be meeting us that it would take them several hours to reach us. We told them to meet us at 9am our time 8am central time.
The Sun was coming up as Ancil and I were driving to the trail head.
Ancil is one of the Zip line guides where I work and has been trying to join us on one of our hikes for awhile now. He was very excited to be off work for this trip. Wish I had the camera out to snap some picture of the sunrise along the way. Arriving at the road to the trail head It looked like a disaster area. Trees were down snapped like tooth picks after the recent Ice storm that went through the area. (Sorry didn't have my camera or phone out to snap pictures of the destruction, I'll look and see if one are members did) The road crew there did a wonderful job of clearing the derby off the road way so that hikers could have access to the area. As we pulled into the parking area of the trailhead we saw one of are members Daniel AKA the one that carries BONES waiting by his car.
We got to laughing that we were there before the others ( They are normally at the places we meet way before we get there). We were waiting for Barry the safety officer or one who Sings along the trail and his wonderful wife Vickie, We were also waiting on the Hunny Badger (Thomas)
and Hillbilly Gnome (John)
Kelli ( who organized this hiking adventure) and her wonderful Hiking companion Ella ( the dog), and John This man is a hiking machine don't let his size fool you this man can hike ( we are always telling him just think of all the pounds your losing a mile) He is a champ! Well we took the classic before hike Shot, yes the one with all the smiles and fresh faces. Photo credit Barry
We were still missing one member at his point and decided to go ahead and start walking and they could catch up with us, well we get about 100 yards or so down when we hear the rawr of a car and gravel flying. Sure enough Its are late Member DJ and her trail Dog, Since we weren't that far down we waited for her to get to us, greetings were make ( I ( and a few others) hadn't met her in person yet) and we started back down the trail.
By now we had burned a good amount of day light so our Safety Officer took the lead (And what a pace was set It seamed like we were flying down that trail) and would randomly call out are pace per mile (He said it was to get us there before dark but I really think he just wanted to see how fast he could get us to walk).
The Ice and Icicles on the trail were both beautiful and dangerous, Quite a few of us took a few spills myself included. Most of us Slid down these steps because they were a solid sheet of Ice, There were one or two that tried climbing to the left of them but that wasn't a good idea. Its steeper then it looks almost a straight drop down. As you can see I crawled back up the steps on our return trip back up the trail to get to the cars, yes I know crawled you heard me right. But I had a better grip with my clothed covered knees then I did with my boots.
The First waterfall we came to was Big Laurel Falls What a beautiful little falls. The Group of us scattered to get to the locations we wanted to get shots first. And quoting one of our Members he said The Ladies were set up and shooting before the guys could even open there packs, They are sure prepared.Crossing the small creek The whole right side had icicles hanging off, It made for some interesting shots. Quite a few of use shot the falls through the icicles but It was neat to see all the different looks we got.
While sitting under the over hang just watching the beauty of the running falls through the Icicles I happened to look over and see a few of our members engrossed in conversation, I just had to snap a picture because it showed a really neat perspective on the elevation change at this waterfall.
After each of us had a chance to snap a few pictures we ( Barry) decided that we better get a move on if we want to see the other waterfalls before dark. So It was back onto the trail we go.
We walk another 2 miles walking on rocks, Sliding on ice, seeing massive Icicles that would instantly kill you if they fell on you. Man were they awesome to look at, the power they held. Several of our members got pictures of themselves standing next to the massive Icicles. I sadly didn't stop to get a picture, I was to busy looking and the beauty of it all. Along the trail to pass the time you can usually hear more then one conversation going on. Sometimes if your lucky (or unlucky if hes off key) you get to hear Barry sing.
We came upon the Cable Crossing, It was nice that they had a cable set up to help hikers out to cross the creek. But There are spots that I couldn't reach the cable ( Im 5'0) And Our wonderful trail guide forgot to hold the cable down for use shorter members. As you can see I'm stretching to reach the cable.
About a mile or so after the cable crossing there is an Elevation change and you start walking down hill. To your left you start seeing the creek that feeds the next waterfall you arrive to. If we had just been hiking to this waterfall that day I would have spent more time above the falls photographing the many beautiful cascades. The waterfall Which is named Big Laurel Falls is located down in the Gullie. As we climb down the rocks and steep trail to get to this waterfall we get a Wonderful Surprise. Caving and adventure Legends Janice and Tim Curtis were awaiting us at the bottom. 
Now I have followed their adventures on facebook for a long time. They go to some of the Most beautiful Places. I have wanted to meet them in person for it seems like forever. Hugs and greeting were exchanged Pictures were taken. There Cute Adventure companion was excited to meet new faces. Mean while the rest of us spread out to shoot this waterfall. The crazy cool thing about this waterfall is it flows into a cave. A Cave I know Its amazing that It drops off into a cave. There is a massive cavern behind the falls that you can walk into to view the waterfall from inside. Also was one of the camp sites there was a massive fire pit in the cavern.
Before We headed out we got a Group Shot! Two takes Later we got this shot! The dogs crack me up they moved in every take.
Well It was time to get moving again so we did our head count, must make sure no one is left behind and started down or up the trail depending how you look at it. There were several down tree's laying across the trail. A few of us decided to climb down the bank to the trail below and avoid climbing through the tree. But we ran into a problem we had to climb the bank back up to get back on the trail. That was quite funny to watch several of us try to scramble back up the embankment.
After a thrilling climb back up that embankment we meet up with the rest of our crew and began the long hike to our next destination. Every so often we would hear Barry say our Mile per hour count. 
After a 15-30min hike we came to a fork in the road. Do we explore Sheep Cave or do we head on over to Virgin falls? Well myself and Members Thomas ( Badger) and Daniel decided to head up sheep cave trail. The trail leads you to another fork where you can either hike up and over the cave or follow a thin trail to the cave opening and waterfall. We decided to take the cave opening and waterfall option. 
The three of us came to the mouth of the cave and looked down at the falls, We looked down and were trying to decide if we were going to climb down the steep embankment to get shot of sheep cave falls.
Well after some discussion we decided not to climb all the way down to the rock shelf that had the best view. The Rock self looked Icy and the climb back up from it in icy looked to be a little sketchy. We decided to just shoot from about 1/4 of the way down while clinging to trees to keep from rolling all the way down. One of our Members got a really cool prospective shot ( The picture with all the arrows) of some of us at this waterfall. I can't be seen we think I maybe behind one of the trees up where Thomas is ( Orange Shirt).
We made the trek back down the trail to meet up with the others I was a little ways ahead and as I came around the bend and looked up I notice the rest of our group (minus the 2 behind me, Hillbilly gnome and Ancil who I found out were exploring Sheep Cave trail) waiting around a fallen tree. I think it was John that jokingly yelled just go off trail and walk up the hill. Now I didn't do that the tree that had fallen over had made a good slide in the side of the embankment, It did look like it would be an easy climb up the side but it was an illusion. That bank was steep.
As I got up to where they were I could see that Barry was doing some trail maintenance, Clearing parts of the tree that had landed on the trail. It sure made it easier for Badger, Daniel and myself to get through. Of course Kelli or was it Vickie and a few others had to vocalize that it wasn't fair that we had gotten an easier access to the trail while they had to climb through the tree.
After Climbing Through the tree but not as many branches as they had too ( Thank you Barry) we were on the road (trail) again as it were. We were on the home stretch of the trail we were almost to the Beautiful Virgin Falls.
We Make it to Virgin Falls!
Vickie our Base Camp operator had her hubbie Barry set up her hammock so that she could keep a watchful eye over all the shenanigans. Daniel, Kelli and Myself went toward the bottom of Virgin falls. Thomas and DJ went up to the top. We were still missing John and Ancil at this point but as one of us said "No, it's John, he'll be here." Non of us were too worried. About 15-20 min of us shooting Hillbilly Gnome and Ancil Came down the trail that led to Sheep Cave.
I Believe a few of us said You Live and We weren't worried.
Several of us scattered again and a few brave soles went up on top of the falls. I know If I ventured up there the return trip would be even worse for me. So that is my goal for a return trip. But when I do return I am going to Camp That way I can take my time and not worry about getting back to the car before dark.
The sky had been Spitting ran on us most of the trip so we knew that the return trip back to the cars were going to be a wet one. Was kinda hoping the ran would hold off but knew it was a possibility they we were going to get wet. Sure enough as we gathered the gang to head back down the trail the rain started getting harder. Barry, Vickie, Ancil, DJ, and myself took the short cut trail back now it may have been shorter but it was steeper and lots of Rocks to climb. You sure felt the burn in your calf's and the Pain in the knees. We made it up to the fork finally where the trail split. As we were walking a ways Ella Kelli's Trail dog came running past us. We all kinda looked at each other and realized that the rest of our group must be behind us. Sure enough Kelli finally catches up with us and says How'd you guys pass me? Well we told her about taking the short cut. We asked where's John and Daniel she said they are behind her some where. We knew those two would be alright and that a few of us would wait for them at the trail head.
Down the trail we went, Rain coming down snow and Ice crunching under our feet. Coming back through The Icy spots and the Elevation Climb while tired is not easy, I know the say "Go On With Out Me" was said multiple times. Also "If I fall down the steep embankment just put rocks on me and a hear Lies Sign"
Any time down the trail you could hear the elusive singing Cole, He loves to sing Bluegrass and Jimmy Buffet. Cheese Burger in Paradise was belted along with many other songs that I have forgotten and would mostly take up a tremendous about of this paragraph.
After many Miles (9 total) and Hours later we Finally made it back to the trail head. We passed a few hikers that looked to be heading down the trail to camp and we were ask if we had made it all the way down to Virgin Falls. The trail Head was in site and we actually made it before Dark. Well most of us did, poor John and Daniel got out just before Darkness set in. Hand shakes, Hugs and waves were thrown around as we said goodbye. We knew that most of use would see each other again for the next hike, But Thomas and John would have a long way to come to hike with us again so we can't wait to plan another hike with them. Hopefully in the neck of the woods.
We were all dragging and most of us rolled into our cars, We all had a feeling the next day was going to be a sore one.
Thanks Everyone for tuning in.
Disclaimer Some of the photo's of myself and the other hikers were shamelessly borrowed, Hijacked however you want to look at it.
Till The Next Great Adventure.
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